The Wizard in Wonderland

Oz-Wonderland #1

by Ron Glick

Dorothy Gale has been to some strange lands, but none as unexpected as 19th century Oxford, England. Yet this is exactly where Dorothy meets Alice Liddell, a young woman with her own fanciful stories of a place called Wonderland. Alice finds herself pulled into Oz to face a new Wicked Witch, while Dorothy must follow the Wizard into a Wonderland civil war. Unknown to either girl though, plots have arisen against both faery lands, and they must uncover the hidden history shared between these lands if they are ever to set things right again.

Written with a faithful eye to the original Baum and Carrol classics, The Wizard In Wonderland reveals the secrets of Oz and Wonderland in a story that brings together both classic heroines in a new epic adventure.

Genres: Fantasy, Retellings

190 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2012

About the author

Ron Glick (born January 20, 1969) is a community activist, and presently operates a nonprofit adult sobriety program, GameHearts (http://GameHearts.org). He was born in Plainville, KS. After living in various states, he currently lives in Kalispell, MT. His poetry has been published in several publications through the years, and he is presently working on the second novel of the Chaos Rising series, A Stranger's Silence, and working on periodic releases in his Ron El's Comic Book Trivia series.

Reviews

[Julie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reviewer as well as an author, I don't always know what to expect when given a book to read - I was not disappointed in this story.

Using established characters, the author sets the scene for a fresh adventure, with Dorothy and Alice - it's very well done.

I particularly liked how Glick manages to use the voices of these characters exactly as if by their original creators.

Yes, cleverly done, where the imagination wanders where it may and gives the reader pleasure in following.

An unusual and recommended read.

[L. S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crossovers are tough. Doing a crossover well, especially with popular media, is even tougher. So many extra expectations surface that authors buckle under the pressure, I think.

I’m pleased to announce that was not the case with the Wizard in Wonderland. Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz leave so much magic in their worlds that a crossover only makes sense. The reader starts in Oz, where Dorothy makes her glorious reappearance. Things aren’t quite right, however, and a new witch is making herself known and threatening to destroy everything the Wizard helped create. The absence of the Wizard isn’t making things easier. A deeper mystery comes to light as two worlds collide and grave misdeeds surface.

The combining of Alice and Dorothy was flawless, in my opinion. I felt like the author took great care to write the characters as close to their original form as possible. Everything from the bantering dialogue, to the tone of the narrator, to the hair-pulling debate of semantics and logic that were so prevalent in Wonderland were there. The storyline made sure to feature both worlds equally, and presented problems unique to the both of them. Story progression happened in a logical and timely manner that didn’t leave the reader behind or confuse them. Transistioning between worlds and perspectives was smooth.

I think my overall satisfaction came with how well the characters were written and how well they interacted with each other and their environment; not just Dorothy and Alice, but all of them. They blended together nicely.

Honestly, I can’t wait to read more. This has serious potential to become one of my favorite crossover series.

[Vanessa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the very first fantasy book that I, in this case, read as an adult (excluding those children books ofcourse, haha). I’m not really a fan of it, but I just wanted to try. Who knows, I might love it like how I love suspense/mystery books aight?

So when the author, Ron Glick approached me in twitter asking if I would be interested in reviewing his books, I got curious, so I went directly to his website and browse all his books. I am a great fan of greek and roman mythology or anything that has to do with gods and goddesses and I noticed that he also has that kind of books. But I haven’t read such kind of books yet, but instead, indulged to movies. In any case, I could have picked such book eh? But damn, I got curious on the fantasy books instead.

The 2 popular girls, Dorothy and Alice, in one story! Exciting right? So tell me, who wouldn’t get that curious eh? So right then and there, I messaged the author and told him the book that I’ve picked. Sadly, it’s in series, and I’m not really that patient to read such a long story. But my curiosity failed me. Haha, which ofcourse, I’m thankful for.

From the very beginning, I can’t help but salute the author for he uses very easy to grasp words. So those bookish out there whom just like me, where English is not their native language, I assure you guys that you could read this story without any concern of being lost or in need for a dictionary.

I also like how he explained and introduced each character, which is really good in my case since I’m not really that familiar with the two stories, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Having said that, I’m not really sure if the book is related or the same on the two stories I mentioned.

I really love the story. Love the idea of merging Oz with Wonderland, a two different settings in one story. But to tell you honestly, there’s ofcourse a little “thing” in this story that I didn’t like. I don’t know, but in its few chapters, I found myself confused. Well, that didn’t last long ofcourse, for when I approached the last few chapters, all we’re at pace. But dang! I was pushed in a cliff, this is the reason why I don’t like reading series. Now, goodluck to me, for it will sure make me feel like a dog who can’t pee. I need to have a copy on the second book! (as in now!)

And hey there guys! I just had a visit to the author’s Facebook page and was delighted to know that he’s (author) currently writing a movie script for this book. Oh my! So excited.

I think I don’t need to elaborate why I only gave this story a 4-star rating eh? But even if that’s the case, I am still highly recommending this to everyone. But before that, please hear this little advice of mine, “secure first all the books in this series before reading it” or else, you’ll suffer the same fate that I currently am, haha!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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[Ankita · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know the feeling when you fall head over heels for two books, and then realize that an author has launched a book that has your favorite characters from both these plots? Well, the fans of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz have an opportunity to take a dip into this feeling. Ron Glick has written The Wizard in Wonderland by introducing our favorite characters from these books. I hope you remember that Dorothy helped in shattering the wall of illusion that Oz had created in the hearts and minds of people of the Emerald City, and then they became friends. However, Glinda, the good witch, and Ozma, the princess of Ozmaland, reveal the truth of Oz being a prisoner in their city to Dorothy. Obviously, she is taken back by shock and surprise. She does not believe any of it to be true. Nonetheless, when Ozma explains the various truths involving her and Oz, Dorothy has no choice, but to believe Glinda and Ozma. On gaining the knowledge that Oz has escaped the Emerald City, Dorothy insists that she will go to lead him back. By using the magic of a belt, Ozma sends her in his search; however, this magic takes Dorothy to Alice -- yes, our Alice from Alice in Wonderland . After a certain turn of events, Alice ends up in front of Glinda and Ozma; whereas, Dorothy is stuck in Wonderland. Ozma receives a peculiar message from the wicked witch of the east. This message sends Glinda and Alice to pay a visit to this wicked witch. In Wonderland, Dorothy is lost in the confusing and hysterical world of Wonderland.

If you know me even a bit, then you must know that I love Alice in Wonderland. The humorous plot of Lewis Carroll in that book was out of the world. That's why my bar of expectations was set very high from The Wizard in Wonderland; I was scared of disappointed, as well. However, Ron's interesting plot and the strong story made reading his book worthwhile. I read the whole book in one go. There are various twists in the plot that kept me engaged and curious throughout the read. Seeing Wonderland from the eyes of Dorothy was fascinating. We all know how Alice behaved in Wonderland; therefore, it would have been quite repetitive to follow the same path with the same character. I was excited to see how Dorothy will interact with the weird characters of Wonderland, and how Alice will act in the Emerald City.

The characters of Wonderland continue to express themselves by being rude, and Ron has used the clever wordplay of Lewis' characters. The conversation of Hatter and Hare was the most hysterical one in the book. I could not help but laugh at the funny remarks Hatter made on Alice. In the Emerald City, the stories of wicked witches and good witches were amusing. However, I wish Ron could spend more time towards improving the character of Alice. There are many shades of the original character of Alice and that's what makes her adorable. Lewis Carroll had given her a perfect combination of wit and innocence. I was looking forward to seeing the same level of depth to her character in this book, as well.

Having said that, this book has great potential, and it would draw the fans of both the well-known and highly admired book like a moth to a flame. The story is well-written and the characters of Wonderland will not disappoint the readers.

[Penny Minding Mom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read. I’m always amazed by the creativity of authors and wish that I had the skills to write my own book. On nights when I can’t sleep and my mind starts to race about all the things I need to do the next day, I play the “What If Game” in my head. I take a favourite story and imagine all the things that would be different if a single event occurred differently. It’s fun and it keeps my mind from worrying about tomorrow, and most importantly, I get to pretend I can be an amazing author too…even if it’s just for a little bit.

“The Wizard in Wonderland” by Ron Glick is the first in the Oz-Wonderland series. The Wizard is missing from Oz and Dorothy has taken it upon herself to find out exactly where he is. She has made some unexpected adventures in the past, but when a “magical glitch” sends her to 19th century Oxford, England she sets out on her most unexpected adventure yet!

In Oxford she meets another girl by the name of Alice Liddel. Alice has had her own adventures to a land called Wonderland, but the same “magical glitch” that sent Dorothy to Oxford has pulled Alice to the land of Oz!

The girls must set out on their own journeys to uncover the plots against both faery lands before it’s too late. For Alice there is a new Wicked Witch in town while Dorothy must follow the Wizard into a Wonderland civil war.

Uncover the secrets of Oz and Wonderland in a story that combines two classic heroines into a new epic adventure!

“The Wizard in Wonderland” is the perfect twist to two familiar stories. We all grew up hearing the stories of Alice in Wonderland and of Dorothy in Oz. While the stories are wonderful in their own right it was fun to go on an all new adventure with two favourite classics.

I found some of the dialogue a little difficult to follow. I found “Bill the Lizard” especially difficult to understand, but this difficulty only added to his unique character. The rest of the characters were like I remembered them. The conversation between Dorothy and the Hatter was hilarious.

The author uses vivid description in his story, he transports you to the greenest Emerald city. Just through his words you can picture it’s greens and the unique characters that inhabit the city. Through his descriptions you immediately know if you are in Oz or Wonderland. He captures the whimsy of Wonderland and the more regal heirs of Oz.

“The Wizard in Wonderland” is a fantastic adventure to lands that we know and love. The unique twist on the story lets you enjoy your favourite characters from your childhood classics. The ending of the story was a bit to abrupt for me, I was glad I had the second book in the series already downloaded and ready to read. Book 2 fits seamlessly into the series and I am able to continue on my adventure without pause!

*Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of “The Wizard in Wonderland” in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.

[Sabrina Ricci · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is now my third review of a Ron Glick book, and I have to say, I am a fan of him and his work. The one downside is he’s started three really addicting series, but so far there is only one book in each series (though I hear the second novel in The Godslayer Cycle will be out soon).

His latest novel, which came out earlier this year, is The Wizard in Wonderland, which nicely mashes up the characters from The Wizard of Oz with Alice in Wonderland. It’s definitely my favorite so far—probably because I love books that further develop classic characters, and I’m also in love with the characters from Wizard of Oz, ever since Gregory Maguire’s Wicked.

The story goes and forth from Dorothy and Alice’s perspective, and it’s interesting to see how each character copes with the other’s “magic world.” I think Ron has done a great job capturing the strangeness of Wonderland—the dialogue between the Mad Hatter and the Hare was hilarious, and spot on with how I remembered them from the Disney version. And he has fun with plays on words, to make clever but confusing conversations between Dorothy, who is not used to Wonderland-speak, and the rest of the characters in Wonderland.

Similarly, he captures the more somber, but also magical tone of Oz. There is danger, and twists on the original tale, that make the land as intriguing as Maguire’s version. Ron also shows multiple sides to all the characters. In this book, no one is exactly as they seem, and there are compelling motivations for all their actions.

As for the main characters, Dorothy is clearly grown up. She’s still sweet and a little naïve, but she can fend for herself and she’s used to being in strange circumstances. Alice, on the other hand, is a little more childlike. She accepts everything at face value, and seems to believe that the things that happen to her in Oz and Wonderland are not real, and therefore she cannot be harmed. It’s a cool dynamic, and I’m interested in seeing how it plays out in future books.

The story felt like it had an abrupt ending, but that may be partly because I’m used to reading epic length novels from Ron. I like that the characters are all being brought together, but it seemed more like a chapter cliffhanger than the end of a book.

On the other hand, Ron has deftly created the beginnings of an epic quest, one that will end with a climactic struggle for power. The players have been introduced, but it’s not quite clear yet who are the true villains. I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next installment to see what happens next.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

What starts as a simple mash-up of the classics Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz quickly takes a tangential leap and mixes the heroines from each story into a new adventure, with one primary motivation: find the Wizard.

I will admit to being familiar with and a fan of Carroll’s Alice, and familiar with although less fan-girl of the Oz stories: that is a simple bad association with the flying monkeys in the movie and well, I’ve never quite recovered. But, as characters, both Dorothy and Alice are familiar and comforting, bringing memories of first encounters with fantastical dream-like tales.

Ron Glick does not fail to maintain that otherworldly aura and feel in this story: giving the characters a whole new perspective as they hit that “here I go again” moment. In fact, the incorporation of the feel originally crafted by authors long gone is apparent, even as Glick is managing to create new adventures and larger roles for characters previously relegated to minor places or cameos, at least in the first books in the original series.

With twists and turns, as they chase the wizard and struggle with the new challenges they face, the pages fly by, as the two stories parallel and synchronize, informing each other as they maintain their singular progress. Strangely enough, were I to hear the genesis of the idea, and that it would be told in concurrent parallel stories it sounds confusing: in the reality it was clearly flowing from chapter to chapter, each new twist informing the end and providing fans of either or both books with a new perspective on the old tale.

This was a clever, well-written and even courageously conceived idea that did not fail to achieve the lofty goals set at page one. With a nod to the original styles that is apparent in the author’s handling of the stories, this is more than a simple rework of classics, but a reinvention of the stories that are so familiar. Sure to be a hit with fans of either, this just may be the key to encouraging you to read the classics again, if only to see how clever Glick was in his reinvented tale. My one sticking point: an abrupt ending that does feel unsatisfying. Knowing this is the first in the series does mitigate that somewhat – but more resolution is called for.

I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Ishita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the most interesting fantasy-themed series that I started. The plot is a mixture of Dorothy in Oz and Alice in Wonderland, with a modern twist. While Wizard of Oz is a fair tale which has captivated my imagination as a child, Alice in Wonderland is a literary classic that has always been the source of intrigue for many generations and has been translated into movies.

The author has started the serious with a brilliant idea in his head and was able to successfully translate it into this first installment of the series. The narration of this book has been done in the voice of Dorothy who decided to continue her life in Oz-land, and Alice who still believes that her adventures are nothing but dreams and her new adventure will Dorothy will also end up in her waking up in the comforts of her bed.

While the length of the story is kept short, each chapter has been filled with intrigue and mystery which keeps the reader the hooked to the end and definitely keeps them waiting for more. The simplicity of the language helps with the flow of the story and adds richness to characters that the readers are well acquainted with. There is a steadiness in the story and the characters that makes reading an engaging experience.

After all the positive remarks, you must be wondering what can I possibly complain about. Well, the bone of contention for me would be the Cover image. There are far more attractive professional illustrations that could have been used to represent a captivating book with an interesting title. The current image definitely hurts the eye and is a detracting factor for the readers.

My opinion: Loved the book, and looking forward to finishing this series, which the author was kind enough to provide. However, looks like cover image is going to be a problem for me for the whole series.

My rating: 4 out of 5

[Melanie Adkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what happened after Dorothy and Toto went home? They are now living in Oz with Aunty Em and the rest of the family. Oz is different now too. It's still the beautiful place you remember but the wicked witches are no longer active. Everyone lives in peace.. or so it would seem. News travels to Oz of a wicked witch searching for Dorothy. Dorothy, however, is searching for the wizard. He seems to have just disappeared. While looking for him, Dorothy and Alice, from wonderland, meet. Things get quite mixed up from there. Alice ends up in Oz and Dorothy in Wonderland. Each girl must try to adapt and figure out how to get home from where they are.

A mix of Alice in Wonderland and The Wizard of Oz, this book will keep you on your toes. Well written and the lovely twist of two classics melding into one book, make this a fun read. Interestingly enough, this twist works. It gives the reader a chance to imagine what it would be like to be in Dorothy or Alice's shoes. Mr. Glick does a fantastic job of staying true to both stories while adding a few of his own characters. I enjoyed this one. It felt like I'd been dropped, with Dorothy, into Wonderland and with Alice, into Oz. I was once again twelve years old and reading two of my favorite books.

I did find it a bit confusing at times because there is so much going on. I felt it worked out in the end though.

I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it's an enjoyable read for all ages. ~Copy of book provided by author in exchange for a fair review~

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard In Wonderland (Book 1 in Oz-Wonderland Series)Ron Glick

Dorothy Gale has been living in Oz for some time now. When Glinda The Good witch asks her for help, she is quick to come to her aide. It seems the Wizard is missing and she needs help finding him, Dorothy agrees to help.

Soon she meets up with Alice Liddell who tells Dorothy of stories from an unusual and magical place called Wonderland. Alice teams up with Dorothy and they find themselves in 19th century Oxford, England.

A cross between Alice In Wonderland and The Wizard of oz, filled with some characters from each classic. On their venture they find the Wizard may not be the great man he claims to be, and they reveal some of his secrets.

Fast paced fun read. I feel Y/A as well as adult readers will enjoy this original and unique fantasy/fairy-tale. I look forward to more work by Ron Glick, next on my TBR from Glick will be One & Tarinel's Song

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars – If you are a fan of The Wizard Of Oz, then you might like this book. I’m glad I read numerous books after the original because so many of the characters show up here again in Oz, and their adventures are referred to although you don’t need to know them to follow this book. Dorothy has continued living in Oz and been on many great adventures and seen a number of wonderful things, and so it should come as no surprise to her when she ends up in Wonderland searching for the Wizard and meets Alice. Through a strange turn of events, they trade places, and Dorothy continues to search for the wizard to find answers while Alice is off with Glinda to see if the Wicked Witch of the East was really killed when Dorothy’s house fell on her. Both girls find that nothing is as it seems, not to mention totally different from their previous journeys, but they have both learned and are always up for an adventure. (And to be continued…)

[C.p. Bialois · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit as soon as I read the blurb my curiosity was uncontrollable. I hadn’t read either classic since second grade and it brought back so many of the memories I’d forgotten. Sure, I love the movies, but they’re never quite as entertaining as some of the first stories you ever read.

The author does a marvelous job in staying true to both series as he brings them together in an unexpected way. Each point of view for the two main characters is written in a style similar to the originals, which I found to be unique and fun. As a writer, I can tell you how hard it is to maintain a single voice, but to do two different styles is way beyond cool.

This is a book I highly recommend whether you’ve read the Oz and Wonderland books or not. I must warn you, it incorporates the entirety of the Oz series so there are some spoilers if you haven’t read them.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cross between Alice in Wonderland and the Wizard of Oz. Dorothy has been living in Oz for awhile. So when Glinda the good witch asks her for help she quickly comes to her aide. It seems the wizard has gone missing and she needs help finding him. Dorothy agrees to help her. Soon Dorothy meets up with Alice who tells her some unusual stories of a magical place called Wonderland. Alice and Dorothy team up and they find themselves in 19th century Oxford, England. While on their venture they find the wizard may not be the great man he claims to be and they reveal some of his secrets. A fun read, I feel adults as well as young adults will enjoy this fantastic fantasy/fairytale story. I look forward to reading his next books One and Tarinel's song

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard in Wonderland by Ron Glick

Intriguing indeed. The two famous classics of The Wizard of Oz and Alice In Wonderland come colliding in a fascinating combination that I believe to be another great fairy tale adventure. Beautifully written to where I was lost and was able to create the two worlds in my own imagination. He was able to keep both the voices of Alice and Dorothy separate and keep the intriguing baffled world of Wonderland in balance with the classics that we know. A must read!!!!!

[OrchardBookClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

What would happen if Dorothy Gale of Kansas and Alice Liddell

of Oxford were to meet? And what, dare we ask, would

happen if their worlds were to become somehow entwined

with each other’s?


The author expertly captures the true essence of the

characters and takes them both on an entirely new

adventure of their own.


This book is very cleverly written and flowed easily from the

first page.

A recommended read for any Wonderland or Oz fan

Reviewed by Emma

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, that is how I would describe this book. It takes The Wizard of Oz and Alice in Wonderland and gives you a view of what might have happened after the original stories. The blending of the two stories is done in an interesting twist. I got this one through a Goodreads win. Thank you Ron Glick for the most unusual book.

[Tom Park · Rating 2 out of 5]

The concept was interesting. The dialog, however, lacked smoothness and the dialects were way off-setting. Finally the ending was a total loss. It was as if the author just got tired of writing and quit. I know this is supposed to be a series, but it will be one I will read no further.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting twists. book left you hanging for a sequel.