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Through an Emerald Gale
The Wicked Witch and the Evil Queen are at war, and the Land of Oz may not survive the battle…
When Dorothy Gale is swept into the wild world of Oz, the Wicked Witch takes her hostage and places a curse on her cousin—one that can only be broken if Dorothy completes a quest for the heartless green hag. Dorothy quickly finds she’ll need more than her wits to stay alive. She partners with three unlikely allies: a know-it-all walking bag of straw, a lion-man who seems more mouse than monster, and a metal-armed teenager whose smart-aleck mouth is almost a match for Dorothy’s own. She’ll have to turn them into a well-oiled machine if they’re going to contend with not only the oddities of Oz, but the agents of the infamous Evil Queen as well.
Camellia Snow has lived as a handmaiden under the Evil Queen for as long as she can remember. She tends to the queen’s hair, serves her food, and lives a life of trapped servitude. Until, that is, the young prince takes notice of Cami and sweeps her off her feet in a clandestine romance—one that comes to a brutal end as the maiden celebrates her sixteenth birthday with true love’s first kiss, a betrayal, and a trip to a glass coffin. Cami should be heartbroken that her love was wasted on the selfish prince, but it turns out that in Oz, worse things can happen to your heart than it breaking.
The two young heroines are on an explosive collision course. Will they end up deadly enemies or powerful allies? The fate of Oz hinges on the answer…
When Dorothy Gale is swept into the wild world of Oz, the Wicked Witch takes her hostage and places a curse on her cousin—one that can only be broken if Dorothy completes a quest for the heartless green hag. Dorothy quickly finds she’ll need more than her wits to stay alive. She partners with three unlikely allies: a know-it-all walking bag of straw, a lion-man who seems more mouse than monster, and a metal-armed teenager whose smart-aleck mouth is almost a match for Dorothy’s own. She’ll have to turn them into a well-oiled machine if they’re going to contend with not only the oddities of Oz, but the agents of the infamous Evil Queen as well.
Camellia Snow has lived as a handmaiden under the Evil Queen for as long as she can remember. She tends to the queen’s hair, serves her food, and lives a life of trapped servitude. Until, that is, the young prince takes notice of Cami and sweeps her off her feet in a clandestine romance—one that comes to a brutal end as the maiden celebrates her sixteenth birthday with true love’s first kiss, a betrayal, and a trip to a glass coffin. Cami should be heartbroken that her love was wasted on the selfish prince, but it turns out that in Oz, worse things can happen to your heart than it breaking.
The two young heroines are on an explosive collision course. Will they end up deadly enemies or powerful allies? The fate of Oz hinges on the answer…
310 pages, Paperback
Published October 26, 2023
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1630 people want to read
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January 30, 2024tl;dr
Contrasting leads are very cool, with the chunk of the story leaning more into the fairy tale aspects rather than the land of Oz storyline.
Thoughts
There are two main threads happening here, so I'll hit them one at a time. We'll start with Dorothy's, since this is billed largely as a Wizard of Oz remix. Dorothy is street-smart, wisecracking, and generally a pretty great MC to cheer for. By the time we really get to know her, she's already learned a lot about Oz, so we don't get the wide-eyed lost girl from the books or films, but rather a competent and reasonably angry teen tired of being caught up in someone else's nonsense. She's also got a really nice somewhat romantic rapport with the Tinman that feels very natural and sits pretty comfortably inside the main story without distracting from the plot. Sadly, despite her being an awesome character, we don't actually get much time with her, as this book devotes more time to the other MC: Camellia Snow. Camellia Snow is a girl living in a fairy tale - in both senses of the phrase. She lives a sheltered life by design, pining after true love and waiting for the magic of her first kiss. Instead, she finds herself caught by evil royalty, dark magic, tragedy, and some serious body horror. Her story has way more depth to it, with plenty of plot twists, some really great supporting characters (her friend Vivian is a standout at this point), and a more defined journey of character growth.
Overall, the story is more Camellia's than Dorothy's right now, but I enjoyed the contrasting leads, and I look forward to seeing their stories come together in the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley and StoryGarden Publishing LLC for the review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
Contrasting leads are very cool, with the chunk of the story leaning more into the fairy tale aspects rather than the land of Oz storyline.
Thoughts
There are two main threads happening here, so I'll hit them one at a time. We'll start with Dorothy's, since this is billed largely as a Wizard of Oz remix. Dorothy is street-smart, wisecracking, and generally a pretty great MC to cheer for. By the time we really get to know her, she's already learned a lot about Oz, so we don't get the wide-eyed lost girl from the books or films, but rather a competent and reasonably angry teen tired of being caught up in someone else's nonsense. She's also got a really nice somewhat romantic rapport with the Tinman that feels very natural and sits pretty comfortably inside the main story without distracting from the plot. Sadly, despite her being an awesome character, we don't actually get much time with her, as this book devotes more time to the other MC: Camellia Snow. Camellia Snow is a girl living in a fairy tale - in both senses of the phrase. She lives a sheltered life by design, pining after true love and waiting for the magic of her first kiss. Instead, she finds herself caught by evil royalty, dark magic, tragedy, and some serious body horror. Her story has way more depth to it, with plenty of plot twists, some really great supporting characters (her friend Vivian is a standout at this point), and a more defined journey of character growth.
Overall, the story is more Camellia's than Dorothy's right now, but I enjoyed the contrasting leads, and I look forward to seeing their stories come together in the next book.
Thanks to NetGalley and StoryGarden Publishing LLC for the review copy. All thoughts in this review are my own!
January 6, 2024
3.5 🌟
It’s been years since I’ve read a Wizard of Oz retelling and this one was so fun and unique! It’s a lovely mix of Oz and Snow White and keeps you entertained throughout the whole novel.
We follow three perspectives: Dorothy, Camellia (Snow White), and Prince Marcus. Dorothy is forced to go on a quest by the Wicked Witch to save her cursed cousin with the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow. Meanwhile Camellia is a heartmaiden whose heart has been stolen by the evil queen because she fell for Prince Marcus and true love’s kiss.
With two huge villains at the core of the story – the Evil Queen and the Wicked Witch – it’s an intense race to the end to see if the girls are able to overcome the forces against them. The plot was interesting and I liked how the author entwined the Snow White and Wizard of Oz elements. It’s a very action-packed, exciting ride and easy to get through once you have the mechanics of the world down.
I enjoyed Dorothy’s perspective the most but liked Camellia’s as well. I personally didn’t care for Marcus’s perspective even though it did add information and intrigue to the plot overall. I would have preferred more Dorothy chapters than Marcus. I enjoyed reading Camellia’s arc in terms of the betrayals she faces and loved seeing her fight back and rise above it. And with that ending, I can't wait to see what happens next!
I’d definitely recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of either classic tale!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
It’s been years since I’ve read a Wizard of Oz retelling and this one was so fun and unique! It’s a lovely mix of Oz and Snow White and keeps you entertained throughout the whole novel.
We follow three perspectives: Dorothy, Camellia (Snow White), and Prince Marcus. Dorothy is forced to go on a quest by the Wicked Witch to save her cursed cousin with the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow. Meanwhile Camellia is a heartmaiden whose heart has been stolen by the evil queen because she fell for Prince Marcus and true love’s kiss.
With two huge villains at the core of the story – the Evil Queen and the Wicked Witch – it’s an intense race to the end to see if the girls are able to overcome the forces against them. The plot was interesting and I liked how the author entwined the Snow White and Wizard of Oz elements. It’s a very action-packed, exciting ride and easy to get through once you have the mechanics of the world down.
I enjoyed Dorothy’s perspective the most but liked Camellia’s as well. I personally didn’t care for Marcus’s perspective even though it did add information and intrigue to the plot overall. I would have preferred more Dorothy chapters than Marcus. I enjoyed reading Camellia’s arc in terms of the betrayals she faces and loved seeing her fight back and rise above it. And with that ending, I can't wait to see what happens next!
I’d definitely recommend reading this book if you’re a fan of either classic tale!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review!
April 17, 2024
A girl named Dorothy is swept up in a tornado and transported to a magical land called Oz. But if you think you already know this story, you're wrong. This version of Dorothy has no ruby slippers and is kidnapped and forced to work for the Wicked Witch, along with a genius scarecrow named Crow, a boy named Nik with metal arms (who she has a huge crush on), a lion man with a strange secret, and her cousin turned into a dog named Toro.
Meanwhile, already in the land of Oz there is a Wicked Queen who is determined to rule, even going so far as to challenge the famous Wizard. In her castle, she keeps maidens of pale skin with dark hair and red lips, and when they turn 16, uses them for horrible experiments. But then one of them by the name of Cami escapes with the help of a friend. Chaos ensues as the Queen's huntswoman and her posse attempt to hunt Cami down. And Dorothy and Cami are about to cross paths in an incredibly explosive way...
This was a very fun book. The writing puts me in mind of A.G. Howard and her Splintered series. Both Dorothy and Cami are very interesting characters. I wanted to see what each of them would do next, and how they would resolve their various problems.
What we get to see of Oz is very vivid and amazing. I also like that Dorothy's companions are more vividly drawn here - and that they are different from their L. Frank Baum counterparts. The Wicked Queen is also interesting, with her bringing young girls to the palace with the promise of marrying well, then causing them to disappear evoking shades of Elizabeth Bathory.
On the flip side of things, there are a lot of loose threads, and many things are left unexplained or underexplained. These will hopefully be addressed in future sequels, which I can't wait to read. I've already recommended this book to my friend who loves A.G. Howard as it is similar and I know she will love it. 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to BookSirens and Jordan Riley Swan for the free copy. This is a voluntary review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Meanwhile, already in the land of Oz there is a Wicked Queen who is determined to rule, even going so far as to challenge the famous Wizard. In her castle, she keeps maidens of pale skin with dark hair and red lips, and when they turn 16, uses them for horrible experiments. But then one of them by the name of Cami escapes with the help of a friend. Chaos ensues as the Queen's huntswoman and her posse attempt to hunt Cami down. And Dorothy and Cami are about to cross paths in an incredibly explosive way...
This was a very fun book. The writing puts me in mind of A.G. Howard and her Splintered series. Both Dorothy and Cami are very interesting characters. I wanted to see what each of them would do next, and how they would resolve their various problems.
What we get to see of Oz is very vivid and amazing. I also like that Dorothy's companions are more vividly drawn here - and that they are different from their L. Frank Baum counterparts. The Wicked Queen is also interesting, with her bringing young girls to the palace with the promise of marrying well, then causing them to disappear evoking shades of Elizabeth Bathory.
On the flip side of things, there are a lot of loose threads, and many things are left unexplained or underexplained. These will hopefully be addressed in future sequels, which I can't wait to read. I've already recommended this book to my friend who loves A.G. Howard as it is similar and I know she will love it. 4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to BookSirens and Jordan Riley Swan for the free copy. This is a voluntary review and all opinions expressed are my own.
March 10, 2024
3.5 stars
I rounded up because despite some of its weaknesses, I really wanted to see how it was going to end and I so despite my busy schedule, I read through it fairly quickly.
The story is advertised as an interesting twist on the Wizard of Oz story, although I'd call it more of an interesting mishmash of Oz and Snow White with ideas from other fairy tales thrown in. The story switches back and forth primarily between Dorothy, Cami, and Marcus, with a couple of chapters for the Prince.
I'll start with my favorite character, Dorothy, who gets thrown into Oz via a pick-up truck and a storm. Unlike the original, Dorothy is kind of a wisecracking somewhat rebellious teenager, who is used to getting into fixes--just not one like this. When the story begins for real, she's been in Oz for a year, so she has learned some things about how the land of Oz works. While her biggest weakness seems to be that she doesn't always know when to keep her mouth shut, it's also part of her strength. I really liked her and would love to see more of her in the next story.
Cami is sweet but naive. Overall, I liked her, but I was not entirely comfortable with how she kept wanting to excuse Marcus' behavior. I get that to a large extent she had live a sheltered existence and had been completely manipulated by Marcus. But I feel like after his betrayal and after her friends kept pointing out things about him that were not good (that she acknowledged) that she would trust her instincts and her friends. So that whole situation bothered me, and although I do like how she finally figured it out by the end, it was almost too late. Still, I am hopeful that I will see a much wiser Cami in the next book.
Marcus--okay, so his story was kind of interesting, especially as we learn things about him by the end. Did I feel sorry for him? Well, no, not really--he was pretty awful. I mean, I guess his story was interesting to learn, but I could have used more Dorothy and Cami than Marcus. We learn about Rayna's story through some of his chapters and that was great, but we also learn about Rayna from Dorothy and Cami's chapters. I'm kind of divided about whether his chapters were absolutely necessary or if we could have just gotten the full story through Cami and Dorothy's points of view.
The pacing was also something of an issue. There were moments in the middle (especially when we were in the Marcus chapters) when I just wanted things to move along a bit faster. Part of it was that there were a lot of characters, some of whom I had to read back a bit to make sure I understood where they fit into the story. If this had been a straight spin-off from the Wizard of Oz, I think it might have been easier. But we have a Wicked Witch, and Wicked Queen, an apple, a Wizard (who we don't meet in this story), the flying monkeys (which I loved), Heartmaidens, Hunter(s), a farmer and his wife and daughter, an actress, talking and magical mice, not to mention the tinman, scarecrow, and lion. They each have backstories, and while I really enjoy learning about them, it was sometimes too much. This is supposed to be a 4-book series, so I'm wondering if each of the books could focus more on a few of the characters so that with each book, we get to know some key characters better. Naturally I want Dorothy and Cami to be at the center of the stories, but I'm not a writer, so I'm not sure how that would all work. But I have read multi-book series that do that, with a few core (1-3) characters driving the overall narrative, but each book allowing more development of other characters.
Still, the glimpse I got of some of the characters were tantalizing. I want to know more about the Tinman and the Hunter. I want to know more about how the Witch, Wizard, and Queen are connected. I definitely want to know who the Lion is and what's up with that magic thorn.
Overall, I really like the unique spin this story takes and I have high hopes for the series as a whole.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I rounded up because despite some of its weaknesses, I really wanted to see how it was going to end and I so despite my busy schedule, I read through it fairly quickly.
The story is advertised as an interesting twist on the Wizard of Oz story, although I'd call it more of an interesting mishmash of Oz and Snow White with ideas from other fairy tales thrown in. The story switches back and forth primarily between Dorothy, Cami, and Marcus, with a couple of chapters for the Prince.
I'll start with my favorite character, Dorothy, who gets thrown into Oz via a pick-up truck and a storm. Unlike the original, Dorothy is kind of a wisecracking somewhat rebellious teenager, who is used to getting into fixes--just not one like this. When the story begins for real, she's been in Oz for a year, so she has learned some things about how the land of Oz works. While her biggest weakness seems to be that she doesn't always know when to keep her mouth shut, it's also part of her strength. I really liked her and would love to see more of her in the next story.
Cami is sweet but naive. Overall, I liked her, but I was not entirely comfortable with how she kept wanting to excuse Marcus' behavior. I get that to a large extent she had live a sheltered existence and had been completely manipulated by Marcus. But I feel like after his betrayal and after her friends kept pointing out things about him that were not good (that she acknowledged) that she would trust her instincts and her friends. So that whole situation bothered me, and although I do like how she finally figured it out by the end, it was almost too late. Still, I am hopeful that I will see a much wiser Cami in the next book.
Marcus--okay, so his story was kind of interesting, especially as we learn things about him by the end. Did I feel sorry for him? Well, no, not really--he was pretty awful. I mean, I guess his story was interesting to learn, but I could have used more Dorothy and Cami than Marcus. We learn about Rayna's story through some of his chapters and that was great, but we also learn about Rayna from Dorothy and Cami's chapters. I'm kind of divided about whether his chapters were absolutely necessary or if we could have just gotten the full story through Cami and Dorothy's points of view.
The pacing was also something of an issue. There were moments in the middle (especially when we were in the Marcus chapters) when I just wanted things to move along a bit faster. Part of it was that there were a lot of characters, some of whom I had to read back a bit to make sure I understood where they fit into the story. If this had been a straight spin-off from the Wizard of Oz, I think it might have been easier. But we have a Wicked Witch, and Wicked Queen, an apple, a Wizard (who we don't meet in this story), the flying monkeys (which I loved), Heartmaidens, Hunter(s), a farmer and his wife and daughter, an actress, talking and magical mice, not to mention the tinman, scarecrow, and lion. They each have backstories, and while I really enjoy learning about them, it was sometimes too much. This is supposed to be a 4-book series, so I'm wondering if each of the books could focus more on a few of the characters so that with each book, we get to know some key characters better. Naturally I want Dorothy and Cami to be at the center of the stories, but I'm not a writer, so I'm not sure how that would all work. But I have read multi-book series that do that, with a few core (1-3) characters driving the overall narrative, but each book allowing more development of other characters.
Still, the glimpse I got of some of the characters were tantalizing. I want to know more about the Tinman and the Hunter. I want to know more about how the Witch, Wizard, and Queen are connected. I definitely want to know who the Lion is and what's up with that magic thorn.
Overall, I really like the unique spin this story takes and I have high hopes for the series as a whole.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from BookSirens. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up!
Through an Emerald Gale is a Wizard of Oz and Snow White retelling mixed into one. It is also the start of a new series. We have Dorthy and Cami, both who are going through hard times. Dorthy is trying to save her cousin from the wicked witch and Cami is in trouble with the evil queen. They have to come together to save Oz and themselves.
I liked this story. It was full of adventure and high stakes. I think teens will really like this one. I liked the different POVs throughout. The setting was described nicely and I had a clear picture of the setting. I also really like the cover!
I do feel like the book was too long. I got a little bored toward the middle and wanted it to speed up a bit. I’m also not a big fairytale fan so this book wasn’t for me. I think people who like retellings will enjoy this one!
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review!
Through an Emerald Gale is a Wizard of Oz and Snow White retelling mixed into one. It is also the start of a new series. We have Dorthy and Cami, both who are going through hard times. Dorthy is trying to save her cousin from the wicked witch and Cami is in trouble with the evil queen. They have to come together to save Oz and themselves.
I liked this story. It was full of adventure and high stakes. I think teens will really like this one. I liked the different POVs throughout. The setting was described nicely and I had a clear picture of the setting. I also really like the cover!
I do feel like the book was too long. I got a little bored toward the middle and wanted it to speed up a bit. I’m also not a big fairytale fan so this book wasn’t for me. I think people who like retellings will enjoy this one!
Thanks so much to netgalley and the publisher for an arc of this in exchange for an honest review!
January 11, 2024
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
I always love to see a new take on Oz because it really has limitless potential. This story takes full advantage of that, introducing new characters, unique takes on old ones, and a world much bigger and wider and more varied than the Oz you might remember.
That said, at times, it felt like too many characters. I had to go back and reread a little to remember who was who. I ultimately think the writer could have split the book into two and cut down on some of that confusion. But it works well enough, just takes some time to get into the swing of it.
I love Dorothy in this book. She has a lot more grit to her but still keeps the optimistic and headstrong attitude that makes her so lovable. Seeing her interact with these versions of the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow are worth the time.
I always love to see a new take on Oz because it really has limitless potential. This story takes full advantage of that, introducing new characters, unique takes on old ones, and a world much bigger and wider and more varied than the Oz you might remember.
That said, at times, it felt like too many characters. I had to go back and reread a little to remember who was who. I ultimately think the writer could have split the book into two and cut down on some of that confusion. But it works well enough, just takes some time to get into the swing of it.
I love Dorothy in this book. She has a lot more grit to her but still keeps the optimistic and headstrong attitude that makes her so lovable. Seeing her interact with these versions of the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow are worth the time.
March 9, 2024
A fun twist on the Wizard of Oz mixed with Snow White. It dragged for me in the beginning, but I finally got into it. I really enjoyed Dorothy's POV, but could have done without the chapters by Marcus.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free from Book Sirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 28, 2024
3.5 ⭐️
"Through an Emerald Gale" by Jordan Riley Swan is a unique fantasy adventure that seamlessly blends elements of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White" into a captivating narrative. From the moment Dorothy Gale is swept into the wild world of Oz, the stage is set for an action-packed journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected alliances.
The narrative unfolds through three distinct perspectives: Dorothy, Camellia, and Prince Marcus. Each character brings their own motivations and struggles to the forefront, weaving a tapestry of interconnected destinies that culminate in a thrilling climax. As Dorothy embarks on a quest to save her cursed cousin, she forms unlikely alliances with the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow, each with their own quirks and strengths. Meanwhile, one of the most intriguing aspects of the story is the portrayal of , a handmaiden of the Evil Queen who grapples with the aftermath of a misjudged romance and the theft of her heart by the Evil Queen.
The scenes depicting the Heartmaidens and the magic behind the royal family's longevity add depth and intrigue to the world-building, immersing readers in a realm where danger lurks at every turn.
A highlight of the story is when the paths of the two heroines, Dorothy and Camellia converge in unexpected ways. As they navigate the dangers of Oz and confront formidable adversaries, their fates become inextricably linked, leading to what will be a dramatic series as we wait to uncover the fate of the kingdom.
While the plot is rife with action, intrigue, and dramatic twists, some readers, myself included, may find certain aspects of the book's language and innuendo off-putting. The inclusion of curse words and mature themes may detract from the overall enjoyment for some readers, despite the novel's compelling plot and well-developed characters, causing me to question how to rate this book, particularly as a young adult novel.
Overall, "Through an Emerald Gale" is a riveting fantasy adventure that will appeal to fans of both "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White." With its richly imagined world, complex characters, and gripping plot, it offers a thrilling escape into a realm where magic and danger collide. Despite its moments of controversy, the novel sets the stage for a series that promises to deliver even more excitement and intrigue in the books to come.
I received an ARC but this is an honest review and all thoughts are my own.
"Through an Emerald Gale" by Jordan Riley Swan is a unique fantasy adventure that seamlessly blends elements of "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White" into a captivating narrative. From the moment Dorothy Gale is swept into the wild world of Oz, the stage is set for an action-packed journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected alliances.
The narrative unfolds through three distinct perspectives: Dorothy, Camellia, and Prince Marcus. Each character brings their own motivations and struggles to the forefront, weaving a tapestry of interconnected destinies that culminate in a thrilling climax. As Dorothy embarks on a quest to save her cursed cousin, she forms unlikely alliances with the Tinman, Lion, and Scarecrow, each with their own quirks and strengths. Meanwhile, one of the most intriguing aspects of the story is the portrayal of , a handmaiden of the Evil Queen who grapples with the aftermath of a misjudged romance and the theft of her heart by the Evil Queen.
The scenes depicting the Heartmaidens and the magic behind the royal family's longevity add depth and intrigue to the world-building, immersing readers in a realm where danger lurks at every turn.
A highlight of the story is when the paths of the two heroines, Dorothy and Camellia converge in unexpected ways. As they navigate the dangers of Oz and confront formidable adversaries, their fates become inextricably linked, leading to what will be a dramatic series as we wait to uncover the fate of the kingdom.
While the plot is rife with action, intrigue, and dramatic twists, some readers, myself included, may find certain aspects of the book's language and innuendo off-putting. The inclusion of curse words and mature themes may detract from the overall enjoyment for some readers, despite the novel's compelling plot and well-developed characters, causing me to question how to rate this book, particularly as a young adult novel.
Overall, "Through an Emerald Gale" is a riveting fantasy adventure that will appeal to fans of both "The Wizard of Oz" and "Snow White." With its richly imagined world, complex characters, and gripping plot, it offers a thrilling escape into a realm where magic and danger collide. Despite its moments of controversy, the novel sets the stage for a series that promises to deliver even more excitement and intrigue in the books to come.
I received an ARC but this is an honest review and all thoughts are my own.
October 31, 2023
A Captivating Oz Adventure for Teens and Young Adults...
Jordan Riley Swan weaves a fresh and thrilling twist into the enchanting world of Oz in "Through an Emerald Gale," the first book in the "Snowfall in Oz" series. This adaptation of the beloved fairy tale introduces readers to a vibrant, imaginative Oz filled with complex characters and unexpected challenges.
The story kicks off when Dorothy Gale finds herself in the heart of Oz, but unlike the familiar tale, this time she's not alone. The Wicked Witch holds Dorothy hostage, setting off a chain of events that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Swan skillfully crafts an intricate web of adventure and suspense as Dorothy forms an unlikely team of allies: a sentient bag of straw, a lion-man with a hidden courage, and a quick-witted teenager with a metal arm.
The other side of the story introduces Camellia Snow, a young handmaiden to the Evil Queen. Her life of servitude takes a surprising turn when she catches the eye of a prince. However, this romance quickly transforms into a brutal tale that leads Cami to a glass coffin, leaving her in a state she never expected.
As the narrative unfolds, Dorothy and Cami's paths collide, setting the stage for a suspenseful and explosive showdown. Swan masterfully builds the tension, leaving readers wondering if these two young heroines will become enemies or allies in their quest.
"Through an Emerald Gale" is a delightful fusion of adventure, mystery, and magic. Swan's storytelling enthralls, offering a reimagined Oz that captivates both new readers and devoted fans of the classic tale. Teens and young adults will be drawn into this intricately woven world and eagerly anticipate the next installment in this exciting series.
Jordan Riley Swan weaves a fresh and thrilling twist into the enchanting world of Oz in "Through an Emerald Gale," the first book in the "Snowfall in Oz" series. This adaptation of the beloved fairy tale introduces readers to a vibrant, imaginative Oz filled with complex characters and unexpected challenges.
The story kicks off when Dorothy Gale finds herself in the heart of Oz, but unlike the familiar tale, this time she's not alone. The Wicked Witch holds Dorothy hostage, setting off a chain of events that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Swan skillfully crafts an intricate web of adventure and suspense as Dorothy forms an unlikely team of allies: a sentient bag of straw, a lion-man with a hidden courage, and a quick-witted teenager with a metal arm.
The other side of the story introduces Camellia Snow, a young handmaiden to the Evil Queen. Her life of servitude takes a surprising turn when she catches the eye of a prince. However, this romance quickly transforms into a brutal tale that leads Cami to a glass coffin, leaving her in a state she never expected.
As the narrative unfolds, Dorothy and Cami's paths collide, setting the stage for a suspenseful and explosive showdown. Swan masterfully builds the tension, leaving readers wondering if these two young heroines will become enemies or allies in their quest.
"Through an Emerald Gale" is a delightful fusion of adventure, mystery, and magic. Swan's storytelling enthralls, offering a reimagined Oz that captivates both new readers and devoted fans of the classic tale. Teens and young adults will be drawn into this intricately woven world and eagerly anticipate the next installment in this exciting series.
April 24, 2024
Dorothy Gale was named Ms. Sweet Wheat at the county fair. She has a disastrous kiss with Wayne, punched him in the nose, got in trouble with the deputy sheriff and argued with her Aunty Em. She took off in her uncle’s old truck not knowing that her 7 year old cousin, Tucker, who Dorothy nicknamed Toro, hid in the back. Now, as she headed back to the fair to apologize, a tornado follows them. The tornado swoops them up and Dorothy and Toro end up in the land of Oz. They are kidnapped by the Wicked Witch of the West. They have been here for a year. Dorothy completes 3 tasks for the Witch. She gives Toro back to Dorothy but turns him into a dog to force Dorothy to complete another task. The Tinman, Scarecrow and Lion are sent with her.
Camellia White lives in Oz. She has been one of Queen Rayna Gayelette’s heartmaidens since she was 8 winters old. On her 16th birthday, she goes with Prince Marcus to a private room. He gives her a kiss and it is a disaster. Cami is now under a spell and the Queen has the Huntswoman put Cami in a coffin. They take Cami’s heart out and replace it with an apple. Her friend Vivian helps her escape the coffin and castle. Cami is now on the run.
A strange story. It was interesting to read about both girls who are each on an adventure trying to stay alive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Camellia White lives in Oz. She has been one of Queen Rayna Gayelette’s heartmaidens since she was 8 winters old. On her 16th birthday, she goes with Prince Marcus to a private room. He gives her a kiss and it is a disaster. Cami is now under a spell and the Queen has the Huntswoman put Cami in a coffin. They take Cami’s heart out and replace it with an apple. Her friend Vivian helps her escape the coffin and castle. Cami is now on the run.
A strange story. It was interesting to read about both girls who are each on an adventure trying to stay alive.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 25, 2024
Thanks to Book Sirens for the ARC
I tried really hard to like this book. I got 40% in but couldn’t really vibe with Dorothy. Big DNF (spoilers ahead)
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The parts describing Cami and the other Heartmaidens were really interesting. I thought the Heartmaidens and their sisterhood would have been a better story then having to see Dorothy interact with the world. I thoroughly was shocked when Cami was ripped open and had her heart plucked out.
The Magic behind the royal families long lasting lifespan was waayyyy cooler.
Dorothy, to me, felt like she was trying to be “quirky” and it was just not working with the general plot of the story. At random points it felt like the author was mentioning how unique she was because she liked “metal” music and how she’s just a “homely” girl who doesn’t follow the rules. I don’t want to be told that. I would rather the author show me through her actions that she’s a rebel.
I also just thought it was strange to mention her cousin’s mental disabilities out of nowhere? And then turn him into a dog. That felt odd.
I tried really hard to like this book. I got 40% in but couldn’t really vibe with Dorothy. Big DNF (spoilers ahead)
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The parts describing Cami and the other Heartmaidens were really interesting. I thought the Heartmaidens and their sisterhood would have been a better story then having to see Dorothy interact with the world. I thoroughly was shocked when Cami was ripped open and had her heart plucked out.
The Magic behind the royal families long lasting lifespan was waayyyy cooler.
Dorothy, to me, felt like she was trying to be “quirky” and it was just not working with the general plot of the story. At random points it felt like the author was mentioning how unique she was because she liked “metal” music and how she’s just a “homely” girl who doesn’t follow the rules. I don’t want to be told that. I would rather the author show me through her actions that she’s a rebel.
I also just thought it was strange to mention her cousin’s mental disabilities out of nowhere? And then turn him into a dog. That felt odd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 1, 2024
As a self-professed superfan of the Wizard of Oz and its characters, I was very interested in seeing what this book was about. It did not disappoint! Dorothy is not the sweet little girl that sings "Over the Rainbow" but an older, smart talking teen that grabs your attention. I can't give spoilers, but the rest of her traveling group bares resemblance, but it's no where near what you'd think. Only the Wicked Witch of the West is know as "Wickedy" and Glinda is sticky sweet. Then there's a mashup of sorts with Snow White, with an Evil Queen, crazy mirrors, and "heartmaidens" who resemble in appearance the traditional Snow White. The interactions of the two story's characters are the glue that keeps you reading. Love that the chapters are designated for different characters' points of view, but keep the story moving. You need to read this book! And… it's a series! I can't wait to see where this goes next! I did receive and ARC of this book.
December 18, 2023
This is a well-written fantasy book with compelling characters. It is The Wizard of Oz vs. the Evil Queen. The writing is beautiful when in its fantasy mode. The book is just not for me, though I am sure that it would be for many--true lovers of fantasy books and of fairy tales. I am just not one of them. I read the book because I was fascinated by anything having to do with the Wizard of Oz. I have been working my way through the children's books and also read Finding Dorothy by Elizabeth Letts. I was curious. I think the reason I love the Wizard of Oz is because although there are certainly fantasy elements to it, it is really about people (whether they are a tin man or cowardly lion) whereas in this book, there is more emphasis on the fantasy (or perhaps equal emphasis). This is something that many people like but it just wasn't for me.
April 5, 2024
This is a combined adaptation of The Wizard of Oz and Snow White - albeit there aren't too many similarities - following predominantly Dorothy's journey a year after the tornado and Camellia/Cami's life of servitude. Alongside them, the chapters also switch between Marcus and the Prince. The various character perspectives enable readers to gain an overall view of the story as they each have their own motivations; however, they encounter further characters such as Vivian and Lenda. This is a mature read with plenty of adventure and metaphors throughout the story. Character names are inconsistent: Cami is often extended to Camellia, Vivian is often shortened to Viv, and Niklaus is often shortened to Nik. It isn't difficult to understand they are the same characters but it is jarring to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
“Through An Emerald Gale,” by Jordan Riley Swan
Dorothy is swept into Oz and the Wicked Witch takes her hostage and curses her cousin to force her into completing a quest. She groups up with the straw man, lion-man, and a metal-armed teen. Camellia lives in the service of the Evil Queen until a prince comes to save her.
I liked the idea of a retelling of the Wizard of Oz and Snow White. It is a good book with a coming-of-age quality to it, but it just wasn’t my kind of book. I felt like too much of what was said ended up being repetitive, and the main FMC was too “quirky” for me. The cover is beautiful though and I think young teens might like this book. 3 out of 5 stars.
Dorothy is swept into Oz and the Wicked Witch takes her hostage and curses her cousin to force her into completing a quest. She groups up with the straw man, lion-man, and a metal-armed teen. Camellia lives in the service of the Evil Queen until a prince comes to save her.
I liked the idea of a retelling of the Wizard of Oz and Snow White. It is a good book with a coming-of-age quality to it, but it just wasn’t my kind of book. I felt like too much of what was said ended up being repetitive, and the main FMC was too “quirky” for me. The cover is beautiful though and I think young teens might like this book. 3 out of 5 stars.
April 29, 2024
Jordan has taken two popular stories, and put his own twist and imagination into them to come up with such a fascinating, adventurous book. It was almost like reading two books at the same time. I loved the take on Dorothy, and all the others who traveled together to do an errand for Wickedly. There were all the main characters with different names.
At the same time you get another point of view from Cami who is the Snow White character. As with Dorothy, you have the same characters with different names. This book seemed more Cami’s story, but hopefully there will be more to this series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
At the same time you get another point of view from Cami who is the Snow White character. As with Dorothy, you have the same characters with different names. This book seemed more Cami’s story, but hopefully there will be more to this series.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
June 27, 2024
Another Twist to Stories We Remember . . .
Bringing together characters many of us will remember from “The Wizard of Oz” and “Snow White”, yet with a decidedly different twist to their personalities, the author’s storyline captures the reader’s attention and curiosity. New adventures await Dorothy Gale and Camellia Snow in this story blend, and it is exciting to see how the author propels the characters into their new challenges along the way. You won’t want to miss this one, especially as it is the start of an exciting new series that will set new expectations for your reading enjoyment.
Bringing together characters many of us will remember from “The Wizard of Oz” and “Snow White”, yet with a decidedly different twist to their personalities, the author’s storyline captures the reader’s attention and curiosity. New adventures await Dorothy Gale and Camellia Snow in this story blend, and it is exciting to see how the author propels the characters into their new challenges along the way. You won’t want to miss this one, especially as it is the start of an exciting new series that will set new expectations for your reading enjoyment.
December 23, 2023
Through an Emerald Gale is book 1 in A Snowfall in Oz by Jordan Riley Swan. I thought that it was an interesting take on The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy does meet the scarecrow, lion and the tin man, BUT… the characters of Camillia and Prince Marcus are also important to the story. I found this to be an interesting take on Oz with edgy characters and many unexpected surprises. Through the Emerald Gale is a very different "fairytale". I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.
December 26, 2023
3,5 upped to 4
You shouldn't judge a book by the cover but I fell in love with this cover.
It's an entertaining story a mix of different fairy tales, Oz and Snow White.
I found it a well plotted story even if the character are a bit flat at times.
It's a book that can suffer because Oz is quite popular due to Gregory Maguire's story.
This is another type of story and I think there's a lot of potential.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
You shouldn't judge a book by the cover but I fell in love with this cover.
It's an entertaining story a mix of different fairy tales, Oz and Snow White.
I found it a well plotted story even if the character are a bit flat at times.
It's a book that can suffer because Oz is quite popular due to Gregory Maguire's story.
This is another type of story and I think there's a lot of potential.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
December 28, 2023
✰ 3 stars! ✰
I liked the premise of fusing The Wizard of Oz and Snow White! It was an interesting read, but I didn't really connect with the characters or the pacing. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy fairytale retellings and fusions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I liked the premise of fusing The Wizard of Oz and Snow White! It was an interesting read, but I didn't really connect with the characters or the pacing. I would recommend this for readers who enjoy fairytale retellings and fusions.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2024
I felt like this was intended to be a different take on The Wizard of Oz, but I'm afraid it was lost on me. I tried to approach it with an open mind, but it just didn't resonate with me, and I didn't feel any of the magic that I hoped for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
February 6, 2024
"All Words had power in Oz..."
This, without a doubt, was a really big disappointment to me. Yes, all words have power, but what kind of power? Good? Evil? I really wanted it to be good but it's very disjointed and I got to the point where it simply no longer mattered whether it made sense or not. I cannot recommend this book.2/5
This, without a doubt, was a really big disappointment to me. Yes, all words have power, but what kind of power? Good? Evil? I really wanted it to be good but it's very disjointed and I got to the point where it simply no longer mattered whether it made sense or not. I cannot recommend this book.2/5
March 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! I got the kindle version for free, I believe on one of the "stuff your Kindle" days.
I thought the retelling had a very original spin. The characters and the story touched on the original while also keeping its own theme.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
I thought the retelling had a very original spin. The characters and the story touched on the original while also keeping its own theme.
I'm very much looking forward to the next book.
December 24, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and Story Garden Publishing LLC for this opportunity to read rate and review this arc which is available October 23,2023!
It’s a different takes the Wizard of Oz lore. I honestly did not jive with this book. I didn’t enjoy it and I struggled to finish it.
It’s a different takes the Wizard of Oz lore. I honestly did not jive with this book. I didn’t enjoy it and I struggled to finish it.
January 4, 2024
I feel like there was SO much action throughout that it left feeling like the big turning point was meh.
Despite that the lore was there and it was an interesting twist to a story that is so well known and loved.
Despite that the lore was there and it was an interesting twist to a story that is so well known and loved.
January 28, 2024
I loved this retake of Wizard of Oz. My favorite characters were TinMan and Camilla. The evil characters were very easy to dislike. The only downside is I can’t wait to see what happens next. :)
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
What a fun and adventurous read! I really loved the retelling mash up of The Wizard of Oz and Snow White- two of my childhood favorites! Well-written and action packed to the brim- I can’t wait to put this book on my shelf!
May 14, 2024
What a fun Wizard of Oz retelling with Dorothy! I really liked it and would like to see the story continue.
I received an advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advance copy of this book via BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 1, 2024
What a compelling and unique story with exceptional world building! Definitely a must read!
Many thanks Jordan Riley Swan, Story Garden Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Many thanks Jordan Riley Swan, Story Garden Publishing, and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC of this book.
October 8, 2024
Dark take on a beloved classic! I loved it! Edge of your seat page Turning Action keeps your interest from page one until the end. I'm still haunted by the gate of the girls! Fantastic book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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