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Steampunk OZ #2
The Scarecrow of OZ
In this action-packed sequel to The Wizard of OZ: A Steampunk Adventure, American author S.D. Stuart returns to the Australis Penal Colony, where an ancient, and devastating, weapon was hidden a millennium ago.
Imprisoned by the Southern Marshal, a half-human, half-lion hybrid lives behind an electrified fence with others like him. His only chance at freedom is to locate and recover this ancient weapon before a mysterious shadow organization uses it to conquer the world.
Joined by old allies, he races across the continent sized prison, making new friends and new enemies alike, to find the hybrid weapon before the humans do. His journey will not be easy as he encounters a new OZ more dangerous than the one he left behind.
Imprisoned by the Southern Marshal, a half-human, half-lion hybrid lives behind an electrified fence with others like him. His only chance at freedom is to locate and recover this ancient weapon before a mysterious shadow organization uses it to conquer the world.
Joined by old allies, he races across the continent sized prison, making new friends and new enemies alike, to find the hybrid weapon before the humans do. His journey will not be easy as he encounters a new OZ more dangerous than the one he left behind.
376 pages, ebook
First published July 23, 2013
51 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Stuart
27 books10 followersS.D. Stuart is an American born science fiction author.
If you love super-charged science fiction tales that merge high-tech gadgetry with ancient mythology and pit the outcast against powerful clandestine organizations, you are among friends.
My goal as a writer is to transport you to fresh and exciting worlds that not only take you on a white-knuckle ride but also leave you hungry for more when you finally turn that last page and reluctantly slam shut the back cover of the book.
This is my promise to you the reader. I will continue to satisfy your never-ending desire for more. As long as there are stories to tell, I will be here. When one story ends, another begins.
So keep reading!
If you love super-charged science fiction tales that merge high-tech gadgetry with ancient mythology and pit the outcast against powerful clandestine organizations, you are among friends.
My goal as a writer is to transport you to fresh and exciting worlds that not only take you on a white-knuckle ride but also leave you hungry for more when you finally turn that last page and reluctantly slam shut the back cover of the book.
This is my promise to you the reader. I will continue to satisfy your never-ending desire for more. As long as there are stories to tell, I will be here. When one story ends, another begins.
So keep reading!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 11, 2013
We're heading back to OZ with S.D. Stuart in the sequel to The Wizard of OZ: A Steampunk Adventure (Steampunk OZ 1). We are here to catch up with Dorothy, Caleb, the Scarecrow, and the Tin Man in their continuing adventures to achieve Dorothy's quest to find her treasured, missing object. Each character had dispersed to different areas of OZ in an effort to achieve their own personal journey and maybe assist Dorothy in the process. Prepare for more exciting people/creatures, more treachery, more adventure, and twists and turns that change everything you thought was happening in book one. Steampunk Quotient remains the same: 10/10 and needs no additional explanation.
Breaking it down to the 3 Building Blocks of Literature -
A. Characters:
Stuart sneaks in some new characters that only add to the marvel of the cast that he originally created, again causing me to ask, should not a movie or graphic novel be in the future?
B. Structure and Flow:
Sequels can be tricky and throw many authors off track. In this case though, Stuart transitions beautifully into the new story and builds even more settings that only solidify the foundation of what could be a very lengthy and good series. The flow is steady and builds in a nice crescendo of action and adventure.
C. Plot:
Dorothy still on track to achieve her quest is only the beginning of what becomes a fantastic plot that gives you more insight into the history of OZ and the people who live there. Old friends and old enemies, sometimes not even recognizable between friend or foe, reappear to make mischief and mayhem again. Just when you think you've got it all figured out... forget it! Stuart brings in so many marvelous twists and turns you will be pleasantly surprised at every new detail.
Which leads me to beg and plead with S.D. Stuart, please... let me accentuate that, PLEASE write a 3rd book in the series, like NOW!
Breaking it down to the 3 Building Blocks of Literature -
A. Characters:
Stuart sneaks in some new characters that only add to the marvel of the cast that he originally created, again causing me to ask, should not a movie or graphic novel be in the future?
B. Structure and Flow:
Sequels can be tricky and throw many authors off track. In this case though, Stuart transitions beautifully into the new story and builds even more settings that only solidify the foundation of what could be a very lengthy and good series. The flow is steady and builds in a nice crescendo of action and adventure.
C. Plot:
Dorothy still on track to achieve her quest is only the beginning of what becomes a fantastic plot that gives you more insight into the history of OZ and the people who live there. Old friends and old enemies, sometimes not even recognizable between friend or foe, reappear to make mischief and mayhem again. Just when you think you've got it all figured out... forget it! Stuart brings in so many marvelous twists and turns you will be pleasantly surprised at every new detail.
Which leads me to beg and plead with S.D. Stuart, please... let me accentuate that, PLEASE write a 3rd book in the series, like NOW!
January 19, 2016
I have a confession to make. I picked up the Steampunk OZ audiobooks for the simple reason that Amanda C Miller is the narrator. I could listen to her read almost anything and enjoy it.
That being said, I can't really say this series is super amazing, but it is a fun twist on the OZ stories from a hundred years ago. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an entry into the world of steampunk.
That being said, I can't really say this series is super amazing, but it is a fun twist on the OZ stories from a hundred years ago. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an entry into the world of steampunk.
September 16, 2013
The Scarecrow of OZ by S.D. Stuart is a superb sequel to The Wizard of OZ. This time around the story is organic and original, and I loved it even more than the first! I was quickly reacquainted with the characters from The Wizard of OZ, and I very much enjoyed getting to know all of the new ones. The action is intense and the story flows along quickly and beautifully. There are more twists and turns than you can count, but that is what makes it so unimaginably wonderful!
Now take what I just said and combine it with the steampunk genre, and I just don’t know how much better it can get. I loved the new machinery and inventions that we were able to enjoy and experience. There is no end to all of the possibilities in this type of story. It makes me wish it lasted a little longer. Even still, it didn’t deter me from enjoying every ounce of inspiration and awe that I felt while reading this highly entertaining and masterfully crafted tale.
Our favorite characters Dorothy and Caleb show even more depth of character in this part of their journey. We are afforded the opportunity to take a further look into their heart and see what lies beneath the surface. Most of the story is told from Caleb’s perspective, and I enjoyed getting into his head to see how he felt not only towards Dorothy but also towards the world around him in light of his upbringing. My heart softened toward the trained assassin because I could finally see who he really was.
Stuart effortlessly swept me back into his world of OZ, and I was just as entranced and enchanted with it as I was in the previous book. The talent that arises from this story is simply astounding. He completely captured my attention and my heart as I waited with bated breath to find out what was to become of our beloved Dorothy and Caleb. I was on pins and needles the entire time hoping that they would find each other and attempt to have their happy ending. I eagerly look forward to more from this truly amazing author, and I recommend this story to everyone who wants to discover a hidden treasure in the spectacular world of steampunk.
Now take what I just said and combine it with the steampunk genre, and I just don’t know how much better it can get. I loved the new machinery and inventions that we were able to enjoy and experience. There is no end to all of the possibilities in this type of story. It makes me wish it lasted a little longer. Even still, it didn’t deter me from enjoying every ounce of inspiration and awe that I felt while reading this highly entertaining and masterfully crafted tale.
Our favorite characters Dorothy and Caleb show even more depth of character in this part of their journey. We are afforded the opportunity to take a further look into their heart and see what lies beneath the surface. Most of the story is told from Caleb’s perspective, and I enjoyed getting into his head to see how he felt not only towards Dorothy but also towards the world around him in light of his upbringing. My heart softened toward the trained assassin because I could finally see who he really was.
Stuart effortlessly swept me back into his world of OZ, and I was just as entranced and enchanted with it as I was in the previous book. The talent that arises from this story is simply astounding. He completely captured my attention and my heart as I waited with bated breath to find out what was to become of our beloved Dorothy and Caleb. I was on pins and needles the entire time hoping that they would find each other and attempt to have their happy ending. I eagerly look forward to more from this truly amazing author, and I recommend this story to everyone who wants to discover a hidden treasure in the spectacular world of steampunk.
August 26, 2013
I really loved the first book in this new series because the author took a lot of the old elements we were familiar with and twisted them: OZ is a prison, the lion is a human/animal hybrid, etc. It was fun to see characters and situations come to life in new ways.
The second book feels like a departure - in a very good way. The author has taken the world of OZ, reimagined it and then pushed farther. This story follows Caleb, our human/cat hybrid, as he searches for Dorothy on the orders of the Southern Marshal who wants a crazy weapon that requires Dorothy to operate.
In the first book, Caleb's loyalties were in question and there were scenes when he would flip from one side to the other, seemingly at whim. The second book acknowledges that and then explains why, and it makes his actions in the first book make a lot more sense.
Speaking of action, there are major action scenes in this book, some which beg to be put on the big screen (careening locomotive, I'm looking at you!). As far as the steampunk elements go, I'd take a 1/2 star off the rating for not delivering as well as the first book BUT the 1/2 star goes right back because of the audible gasp the book gave me (no spoiler but it involved the Tin Man and Dorothy and Caleb and you'll know it when you read it!).
Overall, another great read. Now that the author has introduced some really cool weaponry and left us on a cliffhanger, I'm excited for book 3.
The second book feels like a departure - in a very good way. The author has taken the world of OZ, reimagined it and then pushed farther. This story follows Caleb, our human/cat hybrid, as he searches for Dorothy on the orders of the Southern Marshal who wants a crazy weapon that requires Dorothy to operate.
In the first book, Caleb's loyalties were in question and there were scenes when he would flip from one side to the other, seemingly at whim. The second book acknowledges that and then explains why, and it makes his actions in the first book make a lot more sense.
Speaking of action, there are major action scenes in this book, some which beg to be put on the big screen (careening locomotive, I'm looking at you!). As far as the steampunk elements go, I'd take a 1/2 star off the rating for not delivering as well as the first book BUT the 1/2 star goes right back because of the audible gasp the book gave me (no spoiler but it involved the Tin Man and Dorothy and Caleb and you'll know it when you read it!).
Overall, another great read. Now that the author has introduced some really cool weaponry and left us on a cliffhanger, I'm excited for book 3.
July 27, 2013
I loved this story. I couldn't put it down. Every time I said, I'll stop at the end of the chapter, I lied. The end of every chapter was a mini cliffhanger, you just HAD to know what happened next.
The Scarecrow of OZ takes up about 6 months after The Wizard of OZ ended. Caleb is still looking for Dorothy while constantly being forced into a leadership role that he's uncertain if he wants. Soon, other well known characters start to show up and the adventure across OZ is once again on.
While I enjoyed The Wizard of OZ because I could find enjoyment in all the twists and retellings of the classic OZ story, I enjoyed The Scarecrow of OZ because it had none of that. I enjoyed how Stuart took the characters in a different direction than where Baum would have placed them. The story was wholly Stuart's own. You were still in Stuart's OZ, with little glimpses of Baum's OZ.
I already want to reread both books back to back, and I just finished this one less than an hour ago. I'm also hoping that a third book makes an appearance soon.
The Scarecrow of OZ takes up about 6 months after The Wizard of OZ ended. Caleb is still looking for Dorothy while constantly being forced into a leadership role that he's uncertain if he wants. Soon, other well known characters start to show up and the adventure across OZ is once again on.
While I enjoyed The Wizard of OZ because I could find enjoyment in all the twists and retellings of the classic OZ story, I enjoyed The Scarecrow of OZ because it had none of that. I enjoyed how Stuart took the characters in a different direction than where Baum would have placed them. The story was wholly Stuart's own. You were still in Stuart's OZ, with little glimpses of Baum's OZ.
I already want to reread both books back to back, and I just finished this one less than an hour ago. I'm also hoping that a third book makes an appearance soon.
August 31, 2013
"The Scarecrow of OZ: A Steampunk Adventure" brings the reader back to the Australis Penal Colony, where the sequel to "The Wizard of OZ: A Steampunk Adventure" takes place. In this steampunk adventure, a hybrid and several allies go on a race against time to retrieve an ancient weapon before a mysterious shadow organization uses it to conquer the world.
The Wizard of Oz has dazzled millions of readers, but this version has taken this fantasy and kicked it up a notch, re-imagining OZ as a prison colony full of steampunk technology. With very little effort, this book took me back to a bigger and better OZ than when I erad the first story.
The Wizard of Oz has dazzled millions of readers, but this version has taken this fantasy and kicked it up a notch, re-imagining OZ as a prison colony full of steampunk technology. With very little effort, this book took me back to a bigger and better OZ than when I erad the first story.
September 9, 2013
Awesome sequel.
I found that this version of OZ is vastly different, but still equally as great as Frank L Baum's. This one shows us the further mechanizations in this steampunk version of an all-time classic book. The name is similar to one used by Baum but does in no way follow the original by any stretch.
Dorothy is a misguided person looking for her father, while Caleb is looking for Dorothy. Totos are mechanized spy automatons which look like Scottish terriers. At the end it looks as though their might be a third book coming. I hope so. Because I want to know what happens.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes steampunk books.
I found that this version of OZ is vastly different, but still equally as great as Frank L Baum's. This one shows us the further mechanizations in this steampunk version of an all-time classic book. The name is similar to one used by Baum but does in no way follow the original by any stretch.
Dorothy is a misguided person looking for her father, while Caleb is looking for Dorothy. Totos are mechanized spy automatons which look like Scottish terriers. At the end it looks as though their might be a third book coming. I hope so. Because I want to know what happens.
I would recommend this book to anyone who likes steampunk books.
December 19, 2013
Great premise. Oz is the Australis Penal Colony. Dorothy is the daughter of a genius inventor who is missing in Oz. The cowardly lion is a lion human hybrid. Toto is a robot dog and the Tin Man is a robot bodyguard. The scarecrow is actually a clone of Dorothy. To save her father, they must hunt down a powerful weapon. Many in Oz want it but it must be kept out of everyone's hands to keep the world safe.
It should be a great book but it desperately needs a good editor. The ebook that I read also needs proofreading.
It should be a great book but it desperately needs a good editor. The ebook that I read also needs proofreading.
August 24, 2013
I loved this book even more than the first one.
If you love Steampunk, as I do, you'll love it and if you don't know what Steampunk is those books are a good start.
The main characters are all larger than life with very interesting personalities. You never know when they lie and when they do not.
Hence the story as a lot of twisting sub-plots that make it hard to leave it.
You'll love this book!
If you love Steampunk, as I do, you'll love it and if you don't know what Steampunk is those books are a good start.
The main characters are all larger than life with very interesting personalities. You never know when they lie and when they do not.
Hence the story as a lot of twisting sub-plots that make it hard to leave it.
You'll love this book!
August 26, 2013
The second book in the series, this book explores the adventures of Dorothy, the "Lion", and the Tin Man, in a search for a powerful weapon. The characters get deeper, and the story stays interesting. But the end feels a little bit rushed.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews