The Last Witch of Oz

The Ozma Chronicles #1

by Mae Holloway

FOUR YEARS AFTER DOROTHY...Nineteen-year-old Tippetarius is a carnival thief—and a good one. Yet life on the road has left her yearning for roots and an honest calling.But the moment Tip convinces herself to reach for something better by confessing her feelings for her knife-throwing best friend, her plans are waylaid. A stranger appears and, after informing her he wishes to right an old wrong, he presents Tip with a golden key, the handle of which bears the shape of two OZ.When Tip uses the key to escape kidnapping, she is transported to a wild land where sorcery is illegal. Something she doesn’t discover until after she’s arrested for being a witch.Forbidden or not, Tip’s newfound powers make her valuable to the cold and brooding Scarecrow King of Oz, who enlists Tip’s help in subverting a coup. One being organized by the ruthless head-swapping sovereign of a neighboring realm. The same vain princess who would love to have Tip’s head in her collection.Though Tip longs for her old life and her best friend, it’s the people of Oz—and the Scarecrow’s beautiful eyes—that soon lead her to question if maybe there is someplace other than home for her after all…

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Retellings, Fiction, Romantasy

ebook

Published March 1, 2024

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years after Dorothy left Oz, the Scarecrow is king, and danger again threatens the land. Witches, except for Glinda, are forbidden. But one may just be what Oz needs.

In America, Tip, an orphan, raised in a traveling circus by soothsayer, Mombi, has know idea what is in store for her. Her days are spent enduring Mombi’s abuse and pining for her best friend, knife thrower, Sebastian. One day a mysterious man gives her a gold key and tantalizing hints about her family, telling her to keep it secret. As circumstances arise that seem to signal a change in her future with the circus, Mombi takes her away. Using the key to escape from the caravan, Tip falls through to a new land, losing her key in the process. Her only companion, the jack o’lantern she carved earlier. When she hears him talking, she believes she’s going crazy. Soon she’s captured by soldiers, accused of witchcraft, and brought before King Rye. When he provoked her to anger, her power is unleashed. Believing Tip is the answer to his problems, the king asks for her help. Soon Tip is involved in things she barely understands, with power she doesn’t know how to control, growing feelings for the king, and an enemy closer than she knows. When her friends from the circus come to rescue her, they get swept up into the intrigue as well. As war breaks out, where will Tip’s loyalty lie?

The Last Witch of Oz is the first book of the Ozma Chronicles, a reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s classic series. Mae Holloway brings the world of Oz to life in brilliant detail. Readers are swept along with Tip as she learns more about this magical place and it’s inhabitants. Those familiar with the original stories, will recognize the characters and perhaps Tip’s true identity and connection to Oz. By the cliffhanger ending, it is clear the Scarecrow and Morella know but first Tip & Rye must survive the attack on the Emerald City. This is an epic, magical story brimming with friendship, loyalty, adventure, love, and betrayal. I will definitely be onboard for the next edition.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dizzy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author noted "No AI was used in the creation of this book" however, I'd highly recommend using AI or at least an edit tool to correct the MANY grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors in this novel. I understand the creative license brag, but AI could clean it up and fix the distractions.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aside from bringing back memories from the 1980s nightmare fuel of a movie, it was a good retelling. It work a little while to get the story moving, but once it did I was hooked.

[Helen Dawkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Ozma Chronicles by Mae Holloway. It is a retelling of Ozma & the original Wizard of Oz. The book is full of mystery, romance/love, duty, trust, magic, adventure and so much more.

The book starts out with Tip, a lonesome girl who is under the care/captive (depending on how you look at it) of a lying soothsayer who is an act with a traveling circus. Mombi found tip as a little girl and took her under her wing, as well as basically made her a slave. Her life in the Carnival soon changes though when a mysterious man gives Tip a golden key with the letter O & Z on them.

Her arrival in Oz is anything but pleasant at first. She figures out that she is a witch, part fae, and she has magic. Also, because of her powers she has found herself helping the King of Oz, Rye or The Scarecrow, with a new dangerous threat Of a deranged head swapping Princess . They come up with a plan to force the Princess to attack, to show her cards. That plan includes King Rye and Tip being married. But, when did Tips feelings start to become more than just... part of a plan? When did those displays of affection, turn into the truth and nor a ruse?

Tip and King Rye are both thrown several mishaps that end up effecting the plan tremendously. One being, friends from Tips world have found their way to Oz, in order to save Tip. Curve ball after curve ball is thrown at them & they are forced to adapt.

Will Tip stay in Oz and help King Rye defeat the crazy Princess - or will she leave with her friends to go back home? Is the plan King Rye made enough to save Oz from sure destruction? Does Rye reciprocate Tips feelings?

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a magical romance with a dark and edgy twist, look no further than Mae Holloway's The Last Witch of Oz, a tale of love, loss, and revenge that will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about the land of Oz.

A little magic in her life as a carnival assistant is all Tippetarius longs for. And a smattering of romance from a certain knife-throwing performer. And just maybe, the answers to her own mysterious past and who she really is.

But none of that seems to be in Tipp’s future—until a peculiar older gentleman slips into the fortune-teller tent bringing her the key to an unbelievable world of romance, danger, and power she has never before imagined.

Caught between two suitors—one from her previous world and the other from a land of witches, fairies, fantastical animals—Tipp must juggle her loyalties and lovers, knowing that one or the other may die. And so, very well, might she.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Witch of Oz is an amazing adventure with both new and old characters returning to perform within a kaleidoscope of intrigue, action, surprises, magic, twists, and slow burn romance.
This tale delivers a different spin on the world and citizens of Oz, and MFC Tippetarius, carnival thief will be the catalyst and the key that brings everything to fruition.
Good writing, and expertly crafted world building will hold the reader enthralled as each scenario plays out on a colorfully painted canvas of fantasy words and deeds.
Prepare to be amazed by this immersive read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

So four years after Dorothy leaves Oz, Tippetarius a carnival thief finds herself on the yellow brick road. Branded a witch, Tip finds herself in trouble as the scarecrow king has outlawed witches after what happen the last time! It’s the first book in this enchanting and magical series and I just couldn’t stop reading. There’s a wonderful slow burn romance, there’s secrets, there’s danger and there’s betrayal as we journey to an incredible place and visit with familiar faces as well as make new friends. With twists and turns and a few surprises along the way, I thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot wait to read more!

[LaWanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I did finish the book, it took me a few days to read it. I just didn't connect with the main characters at all. This only made it a 3 star read for me because of one character that I loved, Morella. She was a fantastic character. I'll probably read the next book just for her part. I don't want to give any spoilers away by saying more than that though. It was difficult for me to get through. It's probably just a me thing because the writing was good, just not for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rosalyn Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the movie wizard of oz as a kid it was one of my favourite! So coming into thing I was so excited for a spin off of 4 year later to see what’s going on !!

I loved the book !! It was full of plot and mystery and excitement! It started off a little slow I found but then it got really good from there and I had to remind myself there is more books to come so of course all the imformation isn’t going to be in one book but I loved the story !!! I have so many unanswered questions so book two here I come !!!

Highly recommend!!

[April Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having never really been a fan of the actual Wizard of Oz, I will say that I was pleasantly surprised with this book. The characters are so well written and the story is one of the most unique I've read in a long time.

With so many rushed stories and trite storylines out there these days, this book gave me hope for the future. Can't wait for the next however many sequels this is sure to spawn!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic twist in a familiar land! Life went on in Oz after Dorthey left, and this follows the tale of Tipp, which brings us face to face with familiar characters and adds a level of complexity into what we all thought we knew about the wonderful land of Oz!

I refuse to spoil it as this is well worth you just reading and finding out yourself. Lets just say you're going to be begging for book 2!

[Books & Vodka Sodas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why are people not reading this book! I loved it! Honestly oz is one of my hyperfixations, and this one was so brilliantly executed. Of course the witches are my favorite part, but I loved how the story wove so seamlessly to tell its own version.

So fantastic. Wanna keep that wicked vibe going in this horrible world we are living in at the moment, check this book out. Available on kindle unlimited!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

all the adventure you’d expect from the story of Oz

Tip’s story is just beginning and what a whirlwind it is. Confessing her growing feelings to Sebastian only to then be swept up and throw through a magical doorway to Oz. Then her adventure with Jack that then leads to the Scarecrow King. Her growing feelings for him as well as her magic and the wicked which Morella. There’s definitely more to come and I can’t wait for it all.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wizard of Oz has been my favorite movie since I was a child so I was a little reluctant to read this as I didn't want a book to ruin my memories. Thankfully, the story only gave me more wonderful memories to add to the ones already there. To the author, thanks for taking something so precious to me and making it better. I am grateful.

[Hanna Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun retelling of the classic Wizard of Oz story! The characters were super interesting and I look forward to further books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindsey Mullings · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're a fan of Sarah J. Maas who prefers the Throne of glass series to the ACOTAR series, and loved reading the original Oz books when you were younger, this is the series for you. It's got a touch of spicy romance in it, but not so much that it distracts from the story. I read both books in two days. I hope she continues to add to this series because I don't know about you, but i would much rather disassociate into the land of Oz than be present in the dumpster fire of a reality in which we currently reside.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this. The story had slow spots in the beginning but the pace picked up as the story went along. I like the blend of old characters and new. I’m not a romance reader but the romance here was slow and light so I didn’t mind it. The book does end on a cliff hanger, which I enjoyed.

[Natalie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you loved the Wizard of Oz and you’re curious about what could’ve happened with scarecrow after Dorothy left Oz, this is definitely the book you need to read when I started it. I couldn’t put it down. The plot and storyline were exceptional and I cannot wait to begin book 2.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fairytale/fantasy romance.. I liked it.. It is entertaining, magical, and interesting..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nevaeh Ruegger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read my full five star review at Nevy's Bookshelf

[Wankumbu Chisale]

A decent book that’s way too long for its own good

[Jassica Sun · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s abit draggy. Will probably pick it back up later to continue

[Michelle Meyers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I am in love. This book is amazing. If you ever wondered what happened after the Wizard of Oz this is a perfect book.

[Mercedez Rose Hampton · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a while I started it but then had to put it down and come back to it later but once I did I flew there the book. The second one is out already but I’m not sure I want to read it quite yet

[Mike Kenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this - not sure if because I’m still in the post wicked hyper - but super excited for the rest of the series

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good start with similar characters in a slightly darker land of Oz. The book ends on a cliffhanger.

[Margaret Hagood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked at the title itself being a Wizard of Oz fan and found this book absolutely amazing. I couldn’t put it down and each chapter was better than the next. Can’t wait to read the new one

[Debbie Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last Witch of Oz

If you love anything Oz you will love this one.
I really enjoyed this. Can’t wait to read the next book.

[Oliver · Rating 4 out of 5]

i think with all the wicked discourse this was a very fun book to feel the void of missing the land of Oz!

[Ericka · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely fabulous retelling and a fast paced wonderful read. The storytelling is amazing and the rich details easily transport the reader to Oz. My imagination was overflowing with the imagery. I literally read it in a day because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next with all the characters but especially with Tip and Rye.
The writing is amazing Mae has a mastery over words that gives her an amazing ability to weave them together in ways that paint a world full of beautiful clear images in your head.