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Out of Ozland #1
The Great and Terrible
When twenty-year-old college dropout Moriah Shaker runs into an empty chapel to escape an unexpected storm, she’s catapulted into another world Wizard of Oz style. Unfortunately, she winds up in the treacherous realm of Hakeldama, a fantastical but brutal land where justice is twisted and innocents pay for crimes committed by the elites—and she’s now marked for death.<
On the run and determined to get home, Moriah heads for the City of Lux, where a rumored portal between worlds exists. At her side are the most unlikely of companions. A scrappy hustler, a cranky ex-mayor, and a growing beast-dog. But the one who fascinates her most is Jasher, a heartless executioner who hides a terrible secret. Together, they’ll battle bounty hunters, lethal poppies, and winged monsters. Though Moriah doesn’t yet know it, there’s nothing more dangerous than their forbidden attraction.
On the run and determined to get home, Moriah heads for the City of Lux, where a rumored portal between worlds exists. At her side are the most unlikely of companions. A scrappy hustler, a cranky ex-mayor, and a growing beast-dog. But the one who fascinates her most is Jasher, a heartless executioner who hides a terrible secret. Together, they’ll battle bounty hunters, lethal poppies, and winged monsters. Though Moriah doesn’t yet know it, there’s nothing more dangerous than their forbidden attraction.
276 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2024
78 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
About the author
Gena Showalter
263 books27.9k followersGena Showalter is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of over seventy books, including the acclaimed Lords of the Underworld series, the Gods of War series, the White Rabbit Chronicles, and the Forest of Good and Evil series. She writes sizzling paranormal romance, heartwarming contemporary romance, and unputdownable young adult novels, and lives in Oklahoma City with her family and menagerie of dogs and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
February 27, 2025
Gena Showalter knows how to deliver 2010s romantasy nostalgia in unique semi-urban, portal retellings.
Moriah is catapulted into another world Wizard of Oz style. Instead of a Tin man, she meets a handsome but heartless executioner. Instead of Toto she meets a vicious hunting beast-dog. Instead of helpful or wicked witches, there’s treacherous elites who use commoners to pay for their crimes in death.
This is extremely cringy and I was reminded of all the books out in the 2010s. Think the dramatics of Bella from Twilight. The yearning from The Mortal Instruments. The forbidden baddie romantic interest of the Vampire Academy.
It wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad.
Oh, and it was a clean romance which was unexpected from Gena Showalter!
I got this because I was obsessed with her Alice in Zombieland series as a pre-teen (yes, I was way too young - blame my librarian) and I was curious.
Arc gifted by Dreamscape Media.
Bookstagram
Moriah is catapulted into another world Wizard of Oz style. Instead of a Tin man, she meets a handsome but heartless executioner. Instead of Toto she meets a vicious hunting beast-dog. Instead of helpful or wicked witches, there’s treacherous elites who use commoners to pay for their crimes in death.
This is extremely cringy and I was reminded of all the books out in the 2010s. Think the dramatics of Bella from Twilight. The yearning from The Mortal Instruments. The forbidden baddie romantic interest of the Vampire Academy.
It wasn’t great, it wasn’t bad.
Oh, and it was a clean romance which was unexpected from Gena Showalter!
I got this because I was obsessed with her Alice in Zombieland series as a pre-teen (yes, I was way too young - blame my librarian) and I was curious.
Arc gifted by Dreamscape Media.
Bookstagram
October 30, 2024
I went into this completely blind only knowing it had something to do with OZ. And let me tell you this is not the OZ we know, it is darker, twistier, and infinitely more interesting. With monsters, beheadings, and did I mention the cannibals? We also get a slow-burn love story between Moriah a handsome guard, and an adorable possibly homicidal doglike sidekick. I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down.
I loved the characters and it was so atmospheric and well-written that I felt like I was right alongside Moriah as she tried to make her way home. The story is fast-paced filled with action, romance, and secrets being revealed.. and that ending! I can't wait to see where the story is going to go next!!!
I loved the characters and it was so atmospheric and well-written that I felt like I was right alongside Moriah as she tried to make her way home. The story is fast-paced filled with action, romance, and secrets being revealed.. and that ending! I can't wait to see where the story is going to go next!!!
October 27, 2024
Moriah certainly isn’t in Kansas anymore and when I say this isn’t your mama’s Wizard of Oz story, I mean you are in for one heck of a wild and twisted ride…
Caught in an unexpected storm, Moriah Shaker runs into an empty chapel to seek shelter. When Moriah comes to, she quickly discovers that not only is she not in Kansas anymore, but the rumors are true; an Oz-style land does exist. But, Hakeldama is nothing like the fairytale stories. This land is brutal and twisted. It’s a place where innocents pay for the crimes of the elites and Moriah has now been marked for death.
Moriah Shaker runs into an empty chapel to escape an unexpected storm, she’s catapulted into another world Wizard of Oz style. Unfortunately, she winds up in the treacherous realm of Hakeldama: a fantastical but brutal land where justice is twisted and innocents pay for crimes committed by the elites—and she’s now marked for death. On the run and more determined than ever to find a way home, Moriah finds herself in the most unlikely company. Together, they’ll battle the unexpected and hopefully find a way out of this mess…
The Great and Terrible is a unique and fascinating take on the Wizard of Oz. And while there are some definite similarities, this story is more mysterious and wicked than one might expect. The Great and Terrible is a merciless tale filled with action and suspense. Even your greatest allies could turn into your enemy. This story will take you on one heck of an adventure and will certainly keep you on your toes. And if all that wasn’t enough to get your heart racing, the budding romance between Moriah and Jasher certainly will.
Filled with secrets, lies, romance, and mythical creatures, this book is not to be missed. With a great cliffhanger ending, The Great and Terrible will leave readers begging for more. I for one, can not wait to see what adventure is in store for Moriah and Jasher next!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Caught in an unexpected storm, Moriah Shaker runs into an empty chapel to seek shelter. When Moriah comes to, she quickly discovers that not only is she not in Kansas anymore, but the rumors are true; an Oz-style land does exist. But, Hakeldama is nothing like the fairytale stories. This land is brutal and twisted. It’s a place where innocents pay for the crimes of the elites and Moriah has now been marked for death.
Moriah Shaker runs into an empty chapel to escape an unexpected storm, she’s catapulted into another world Wizard of Oz style. Unfortunately, she winds up in the treacherous realm of Hakeldama: a fantastical but brutal land where justice is twisted and innocents pay for crimes committed by the elites—and she’s now marked for death. On the run and more determined than ever to find a way home, Moriah finds herself in the most unlikely company. Together, they’ll battle the unexpected and hopefully find a way out of this mess…
The Great and Terrible is a unique and fascinating take on the Wizard of Oz. And while there are some definite similarities, this story is more mysterious and wicked than one might expect. The Great and Terrible is a merciless tale filled with action and suspense. Even your greatest allies could turn into your enemy. This story will take you on one heck of an adventure and will certainly keep you on your toes. And if all that wasn’t enough to get your heart racing, the budding romance between Moriah and Jasher certainly will.
Filled with secrets, lies, romance, and mythical creatures, this book is not to be missed. With a great cliffhanger ending, The Great and Terrible will leave readers begging for more. I for one, can not wait to see what adventure is in store for Moriah and Jasher next!
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
March 5, 2025
This was not my favorite Gena Showalter book. First of all, the spice level was nil. The romance between Moriah and Jasher did not strike me as anything more than forced proximity and was very bland. The journey storyline lacked drama for me, and the characters were flat. There was not enough conflict, and when there was, Moriah and company seemed to overcome it quite easily with a magical healing bean or suddenly having body armor and super fighting skills. I wasn't into it. The narrator was great.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC audiobook.
October 28, 2024
This wizard of oz retelling had it all. Tornados, mystery, a love interest and variations of many of the beloved characters from the original. I loved the new take, how the author was able to take our modern world and shape a fantastical place where monstera cause havoc on the towns people. The author gave us a new world with magic but not magic. A world with harsh punishments for crime and a class system that provides some people with sacrifices for their wrong doings. I loved the world and the slight romantic themes on the story. This was a clean romance that leans more towards fantasy than romance. The ending was shocking and I can’t wait for more.
May 12, 2025
*****I received this free audiobook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fun fantasy that took the Wizard of Oz and gave it a twist. Gina Showalter does well with this style of writing. It gets you hooked but has a cliffhanger at the end. I sure hope she continues this series.
This was a fun fantasy that took the Wizard of Oz and gave it a twist. Gina Showalter does well with this style of writing. It gets you hooked but has a cliffhanger at the end. I sure hope she continues this series.
March 18, 2025
Thank you @NetGalley and @Dreamscape_Media for the ARC. Gena Showalter has been a favorite author of mine for over a decade. I enjoyed this retelling of The Wizard of Oz, it was filled with cool new theories and characters. Looking forward to book 2.
March 5, 2025
In this new darker, twisted OZ we certainly aren't in Kansas anymore! If you thought the original wicked witch of the west was bad buckle up buttercup, she has nothing on the Wests, monstra, cannibals and even foliage in this sorted tale! Moriah finds herself transported just like Dorothy to the Land of OZ where she discovers the horrible cost of committing any crime is punishable by death. A death that's not always that of the perpetrator and carried out by none other than the tin man himself who has more in common with the Queen of hearts from another story ironic since there's talk he doesn't even have one, and gives new meaning to his iconic phrase "If only I had a heart."
Could Jasher really be so cold and heartless as he apears? Or is there something more to him? Moriah deems to find out as she journeys through OZ with Jasher as her unwilling guide, bodyguard and personal assassin while she tries to find a way back home to her ailing father before it's to late. For him and her. Meeting new friends and foes, adopting a "dog" who may have more teeth than a great white, trying not to become dinner to cannibals, cursed, killed or maimed. Assume everyone and thing is out to get you, it's not paranoia if it's true...
Gena takes us and her characters on a deliciously dark ride with her spin on a classic tale, making it all her own and drawing you in from start to finish. Be warned you will be left wanting more of this new world and its occupants when you reach the end of this remarkable tale! Gena thankfully takes pity on us by not making this a standalone. We just have to suffer in the meantime while she crafts her next masterpiece.
Could Jasher really be so cold and heartless as he apears? Or is there something more to him? Moriah deems to find out as she journeys through OZ with Jasher as her unwilling guide, bodyguard and personal assassin while she tries to find a way back home to her ailing father before it's to late. For him and her. Meeting new friends and foes, adopting a "dog" who may have more teeth than a great white, trying not to become dinner to cannibals, cursed, killed or maimed. Assume everyone and thing is out to get you, it's not paranoia if it's true...
Gena takes us and her characters on a deliciously dark ride with her spin on a classic tale, making it all her own and drawing you in from start to finish. Be warned you will be left wanting more of this new world and its occupants when you reach the end of this remarkable tale! Gena thankfully takes pity on us by not making this a standalone. We just have to suffer in the meantime while she crafts her next masterpiece.
April 13, 2025
This was amazing, I loved it! Once I started reading, it was hard to stop. I loved all the characters. The storytelling was mysterious, suspenseful, cutthroat, adventurous with romance, witty and even fun. Moriah had a lot to overcome to stay alive while trying to get back home. This is a great twist on the Wizard of Oz!
November 3, 2024
The Great and Terrible is not the Wizard of Oz story you read or watched. This version is darker and more twisted, featuring beheadings, cannibalism, and terrifying creatures known as monstras that instill fear in everyone. Gena excels at world-building and does a great job introducing every character crucial to the storyline, including the main character, Moriah.
Moriah finds herself in the realm of Hakeldama and must return home to her father in Kansas. However, before she can do that, Moriah has to confront dangerous adventures alongside her new companions. One of these companions is an executioner named Jasher whom she nicknames the 'Tin Man.' He holds a dark secret but promises to protect Moriah as she aims to reach the City of Lux.
The book is told solely via Moriah's POV, and I enjoyed getting to know her character, as well as the others, through her POV. Moriah is a heroine who is determined to do whatever it takes to return home to her father. She did end up getting herself in trouble a few times, but thankfully her executioner and another companion helped her at times, but she does get herself out of predicaments too.
I really enjoyed the slow burn between Moriah and Jasher, particularly how Jasher tried to resist his feelings for her because their relationship was forbidden. You'll discover the reason for this forbidden love towards the end of the book. Fair warning: there is a cliffhanger, so be prepared. I hope Gena picks up right where the story left off in the second book because I need more of Moriah and Jasher’s journey. I also want to learn more about the fascinating world that Gena has created.
Overall, this book gets four stars and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cliffhanger: Yes
Single/Dual POV: Single POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: This is the first book in the No Monsters Like Hers series and needs to be read in order.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy a fast-paced, darker retelling of The Wizard of Oz, then check out this book or series.
What to Expect:
♥️Fantasy Romance
♥️Wizard of Oz Retelling
♥️Forbidden Love
♥️Touch Her and I'll ☠️ You
♥️Heartless Executioner
♥️Monster Dog for a Pet
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
Moriah finds herself in the realm of Hakeldama and must return home to her father in Kansas. However, before she can do that, Moriah has to confront dangerous adventures alongside her new companions. One of these companions is an executioner named Jasher whom she nicknames the 'Tin Man.' He holds a dark secret but promises to protect Moriah as she aims to reach the City of Lux.
The book is told solely via Moriah's POV, and I enjoyed getting to know her character, as well as the others, through her POV. Moriah is a heroine who is determined to do whatever it takes to return home to her father. She did end up getting herself in trouble a few times, but thankfully her executioner and another companion helped her at times, but she does get herself out of predicaments too.
I really enjoyed the slow burn between Moriah and Jasher, particularly how Jasher tried to resist his feelings for her because their relationship was forbidden. You'll discover the reason for this forbidden love towards the end of the book. Fair warning: there is a cliffhanger, so be prepared. I hope Gena picks up right where the story left off in the second book because I need more of Moriah and Jasher’s journey. I also want to learn more about the fascinating world that Gena has created.
Overall, this book gets four stars and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Cliffhanger: Yes
Single/Dual POV: Single POV.
Standalone or Part of Series: This is the first book in the No Monsters Like Hers series and needs to be read in order.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. If you enjoy a fast-paced, darker retelling of The Wizard of Oz, then check out this book or series.
What to Expect:
♥️Fantasy Romance
♥️Wizard of Oz Retelling
♥️Forbidden Love
♥️Touch Her and I'll ☠️ You
♥️Heartless Executioner
♥️Monster Dog for a Pet
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog
March 7, 2025
Well, this was touted as an 'OZ' type story....
Other than tornado's and similarities in some things...well, we are DEFINITELY NOT in Oz!!
Moriah lives in Kansas, in an Oz-like setting... and her town reeks of The Wizard of Oz, as that's the only thing that has ever made the town known...
BUT, she lives with her father. He is very sick. They have a lot of medical bills. She is working multiple jobs trying to make ends meet...after dropping out of college to come and help him, and, run their farm...
She is actually AT one of those jobs when a tornado warning comes. So...the diner is closing early. She has NOT made a ton of money today...and now, she is going home.
On the way home, she SEES the tornado approaching and runs into the closest building, hoping it will have a basement where she can shelter.
She is knocked out...
When she awakens, she is in another land. ?? Another world?? What is going on????
She leaves the building only to find a man, UNDER the building...dead!
Mind you, this is only the very BEGINNING of the book! She finds all kinds of strange things, beings, animals and behaviors here...unlike anything she has ever seen or encountered before.
And, she witnesses innocent people being put to DEATH... and realizes quickly that she will likely be next!!! 😮😮
🛑🛑 Going to STOP right here! 🛑🛑 Yes, you will say I've given TMI, but trust me, I have not even TOUCHED on all that goes on in this one!!
To be honest, I was very hesitant when I started to see all the bloodshed, but, I quickly became addicted, and LOVED Moriah for all she is and likely will ever be!!
And her sidekick, Nugget... adorable and yet terrifying as well!!
And Jasher, hunky and diabolical too!! Holy Moly!! This one was very different...and very good!
Sad to see it end, but very interested to see what will happen in book #2!
5 scary, snarling, bloody yet romantic and beautiful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!
#TheGreatAndTerrible (Out of Ozland, #1) by #GenaShowalter and narrated nicely by #SybilJohnson.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date was yesterday, 3/4/25, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
Other than tornado's and similarities in some things...well, we are DEFINITELY NOT in Oz!!
Moriah lives in Kansas, in an Oz-like setting... and her town reeks of The Wizard of Oz, as that's the only thing that has ever made the town known...
BUT, she lives with her father. He is very sick. They have a lot of medical bills. She is working multiple jobs trying to make ends meet...after dropping out of college to come and help him, and, run their farm...
She is actually AT one of those jobs when a tornado warning comes. So...the diner is closing early. She has NOT made a ton of money today...and now, she is going home.
On the way home, she SEES the tornado approaching and runs into the closest building, hoping it will have a basement where she can shelter.
She is knocked out...
When she awakens, she is in another land. ?? Another world?? What is going on????
She leaves the building only to find a man, UNDER the building...dead!
Mind you, this is only the very BEGINNING of the book! She finds all kinds of strange things, beings, animals and behaviors here...unlike anything she has ever seen or encountered before.
And, she witnesses innocent people being put to DEATH... and realizes quickly that she will likely be next!!! 😮😮
🛑🛑 Going to STOP right here! 🛑🛑 Yes, you will say I've given TMI, but trust me, I have not even TOUCHED on all that goes on in this one!!
To be honest, I was very hesitant when I started to see all the bloodshed, but, I quickly became addicted, and LOVED Moriah for all she is and likely will ever be!!
And her sidekick, Nugget... adorable and yet terrifying as well!!
And Jasher, hunky and diabolical too!! Holy Moly!! This one was very different...and very good!
Sad to see it end, but very interested to see what will happen in book #2!
5 scary, snarling, bloody yet romantic and beautiful ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me!!
#TheGreatAndTerrible (Out of Ozland, #1) by #GenaShowalter and narrated nicely by #SybilJohnson.
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an ARC of the audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
*** Release date was yesterday, 3/4/25, so look 👀 for it on shelves now!! ***
You can find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Insta @BookReviews_with_emsr and/or
My Facebook Book Club: Book Reviews With Elaine
Thanks so much for reading! And if you ‘liked’ my review, please share with your friends, & click ‘LIKE’ below… And, let me know YOUR thoughts if you read it!! 📚⭐️
March 8, 2025
🎧 Audiobook: The Great and Terrible- No Monsters Like Hers #1
✍🏾 Author: Gena Showalter-I read The Wrong Bride and gave it 4 ⭐
📅Publication date: 3/4/25| Read: 3/7/25
Genre: Rom-Com, Fantasy, Mystery
Tropes: alternate universe, mutual pining, a quest, journey companions, damsel in distress, hidden truths
🗣️Narrator: Sybil Johnson voices all the characters with standouts from Moriah, Jasher, Patch, and Mr. West. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
🏃🏾➡️Run Time: 8:55
🌎 Setting: Ozworld, Kansas to Emerald Hakeldama
👆🏾POV: 1st person, single-Moriah
⚠️TW: cannibalism, beheading, cancer-not h/H, grief
Summary: College dropout turned waitress and caregiver for her father, Moriah is struggling to make ends meet. During a storm she is swept into Emerald, a cruel cut-throat world. Moriah meets Jasher-a ice cold killer-and they travel together to the City of Lux to get Moriah back home.
👩🏾 Heroine: Moriah Shaker, 20. Devotes her time to her father, misses her mother.
👨🏾 Hero: Jasher-the executioner, part of the royal guard. Nicknamed "Tinman" by Moriah. He is a triplet-has brothers Anders and Reese. His mother was from Texas and died in Hakeldama.
🎭 Other Characters:
*Sandra Shaker-Moriah's mother, disappeared when Moriah was 8 yrs. old
*Daniel Shaker-Moriah's father, dying of cancer
*Patch-a fellow captive, a hustler
*The Guardian-Jasher's boss
*Mr. Green and his son Henry-The Governor's Guild, Moriah's captors
*Iris the Good-gives Moriah a magical compass in exchange for a favor later. An enemy of the Guardian
*Nugget-Moriah's rabdog
*King Ahav + Queen Sandrine-Rulers of Emerald
🤔 My Thoughts: This was a dark and twisted take on a classic. The characters were scrappy, each with own sad story yet willing to help Moriah. Jasher and later Patch and Leona faced monstra, trappers, and deadly poppies with Moriah. Moriah and Jasher's relationship was funny and deadly, with a little romance. I wish it had some spice, but I'll definitely read more in this series.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level 2/5🔥kissing only
✍🏾 Author: Gena Showalter-I read The Wrong Bride and gave it 4 ⭐
📅Publication date: 3/4/25| Read: 3/7/25
Genre: Rom-Com, Fantasy, Mystery
Tropes: alternate universe, mutual pining, a quest, journey companions, damsel in distress, hidden truths
🗣️Narrator: Sybil Johnson voices all the characters with standouts from Moriah, Jasher, Patch, and Mr. West. The reading style brought the text to life, and the author and narrator worked together perfectly. The pacing and flow allowed me to get lost in the story. The narrator paused and announced new chapters and there was a table of contents which helped me follow along.
🏃🏾➡️Run Time: 8:55
🌎 Setting: Ozworld, Kansas to Emerald Hakeldama
👆🏾POV: 1st person, single-Moriah
⚠️TW: cannibalism, beheading, cancer-not h/H, grief
Summary: College dropout turned waitress and caregiver for her father, Moriah is struggling to make ends meet. During a storm she is swept into Emerald, a cruel cut-throat world. Moriah meets Jasher-a ice cold killer-and they travel together to the City of Lux to get Moriah back home.
👩🏾 Heroine: Moriah Shaker, 20. Devotes her time to her father, misses her mother.
👨🏾 Hero: Jasher-the executioner, part of the royal guard. Nicknamed "Tinman" by Moriah. He is a triplet-has brothers Anders and Reese. His mother was from Texas and died in Hakeldama.
🎭 Other Characters:
*Sandra Shaker-Moriah's mother, disappeared when Moriah was 8 yrs. old
*Daniel Shaker-Moriah's father, dying of cancer
*Patch-a fellow captive, a hustler
*The Guardian-Jasher's boss
*Mr. Green and his son Henry-The Governor's Guild, Moriah's captors
*Iris the Good-gives Moriah a magical compass in exchange for a favor later. An enemy of the Guardian
*Nugget-Moriah's rabdog
*King Ahav + Queen Sandrine-Rulers of Emerald
🤔 My Thoughts: This was a dark and twisted take on a classic. The characters were scrappy, each with own sad story yet willing to help Moriah. Jasher and later Patch and Leona faced monstra, trappers, and deadly poppies with Moriah. Moriah and Jasher's relationship was funny and deadly, with a little romance. I wish it had some spice, but I'll definitely read more in this series.
Rating: 4/5 ✨
Spice level 2/5🔥kissing only
November 9, 2024
The Great and Terrible, Not So Great and Terrible
All I really have to say is wow. Gena Showalter is one of my autobuy authors, so as expected, I adored this book. But Gena really gave us an unexpected book. I feel Gena’s writing style has taken another turn! I don’t really know how to explain this new style, but if I had to, I’d say it’s a mixture of her YA style and paranormal romance style and a mixture of her older and newer work. It’s 1st person, twisty, not as sassy as her newer works, and a bit introspective.
What little remained of his emotionless mask fell from his features, revealing gut-wrenching vulnerability. As if he’d never dared hope someone might see something of worth in him. As if he’d waited his entire life for such an outcome.
Monsters and mayhem, oh my. I thought this book was clever in its subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, similarities to the Oz we’re familiar with, but really, nothing could’ve prepared me for that ending. The last several chapters were filled with twists so unexpected I actually just stopped. Everything - reading, thinking, and breathing - just stopped for nanoseconds as I tried to process.
A snippet from one of my favorite scenes:
“Tell me I didn’t compliment your ears.” “What do you like about them, exactly?” he asked, clasping my wrist and unwrapping my bandage. “Describe them in detail.”
He was trying not to laugh, wasn’t he? “No, I don’t think I will.”
Also a little unexpectedly, there was a depth to this story that Gena’s works do not always have. Masterpieces they might be, all-time favorites they might be, as developed they might be, and sometimes as filled with sensitive topics they might be, they are usually story-driven. As I mentioned, though, this one is a little bit more introspective. Maybe because it’s 1st person? I think some of her YAs, also 1st person, tend to be more introspective as well.
The denial hurt as much as it soothed, and the incongruity confused me. Though it shouldn’t, I supposed. At the moment, I felt as if I were two separate people. The girl from Kansas, and the woman in Hakeldama. They craved different things.
With him, I wanted more. To be valued. Seen. Known.
All I really have to say is wow. Gena Showalter is one of my autobuy authors, so as expected, I adored this book. But Gena really gave us an unexpected book. I feel Gena’s writing style has taken another turn! I don’t really know how to explain this new style, but if I had to, I’d say it’s a mixture of her YA style and paranormal romance style and a mixture of her older and newer work. It’s 1st person, twisty, not as sassy as her newer works, and a bit introspective.
What little remained of his emotionless mask fell from his features, revealing gut-wrenching vulnerability. As if he’d never dared hope someone might see something of worth in him. As if he’d waited his entire life for such an outcome.
Monsters and mayhem, oh my. I thought this book was clever in its subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, similarities to the Oz we’re familiar with, but really, nothing could’ve prepared me for that ending. The last several chapters were filled with twists so unexpected I actually just stopped. Everything - reading, thinking, and breathing - just stopped for nanoseconds as I tried to process.
A snippet from one of my favorite scenes:
“Tell me I didn’t compliment your ears.” “What do you like about them, exactly?” he asked, clasping my wrist and unwrapping my bandage. “Describe them in detail.”
He was trying not to laugh, wasn’t he? “No, I don’t think I will.”
Also a little unexpectedly, there was a depth to this story that Gena’s works do not always have. Masterpieces they might be, all-time favorites they might be, as developed they might be, and sometimes as filled with sensitive topics they might be, they are usually story-driven. As I mentioned, though, this one is a little bit more introspective. Maybe because it’s 1st person? I think some of her YAs, also 1st person, tend to be more introspective as well.
The denial hurt as much as it soothed, and the incongruity confused me. Though it shouldn’t, I supposed. At the moment, I felt as if I were two separate people. The girl from Kansas, and the woman in Hakeldama. They craved different things.
With him, I wanted more. To be valued. Seen. Known.
March 15, 2025
Book review: 2.5/5 ⭐️
Genre: romantasy
Themes: betrayal, earning forgiveness,
📖 Read if you like: A Mirror Mended, After the Forest, After Oz, Heartless
With Wicked hitting theatres this winter, there has been a resurgence in all things Oz, so I was very excited to receive this ARC thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
If you like retellings with a few surprises and a forced promixty romance I think you are going to like this one. Unfortunately, this missed the mark for me. This version of Oz was delightfully dreadful, but for all its gore and hardship there didn’t seem to be enough bloodshed and death. I expected more high stakes events and for some of the characters to at least get maimed along the way. Instead they were a happy bunch of misfits that had an insta-connection despite everything that proceeded their journeying together.
None of the relationships really made sense to me. Not the fellow indenture, not the ex-mayor (why was she even there??), not the beast dog who everyone knew would turn on her and not the executioner - I mean this one should be self-explanatory. This was in large part due to Moriah, who is our MC. Part time waitress, part time farmer Mariah is a college dropout out working multiple jobs to make ends meet and support her sick father. When a tornado rips through Kansas she runs into a chapel for safety and ends up in Hakeldama. A twisted place where crimes result in executions, monsters roam the skies, and fields are full of more than just poppies to fear. With cannibals, deadly plants and executioners about this is certainly a dark and dangerous place.
This book and land had a lot of potential, I just couldn’t get a read of Moriah. I found her rather boring and she had no discernible characteristics that would lead everyone to just do as she demands. I couldn’t understand her bond with the tin man, nor why he was constantly acquiescing to her tantrums seeing as she could do very little to keep herself alive. If he was as heartless as claimed, surely he would have just waited until she was dead and then taken back his mother’s compass. It seemed like there was no real plot until then end of the book and then there were too many slapdash revelations in a rapid progression.
I liked the voices in the audiobook and I enjoyed the dark and gruesome setting. I will say that the book really turned around for me by the end, but I spent about 80% of the time not connecting with any of the characters and wondering why half of them were even there. I didn’t care for the supposed insta-love after a few days together, nor how easy everything was for her. In this dark and dreadful world I expected life to be hard and for Moriah to be harder. I wanted some grey area, and this was very black and white.
So while this book was not for me, plenty of people have and will enjoy it. The ending did also make me consider continuing the series.
So while this book was not for me, plenty of people have and will enjoy it. The ending did also make me consider continuing the series. I liked the voices in the audiobook and I enjoyed the dark and gruesome setting.
Genre: romantasy
Themes: betrayal, earning forgiveness,
📖 Read if you like: A Mirror Mended, After the Forest, After Oz, Heartless
With Wicked hitting theatres this winter, there has been a resurgence in all things Oz, so I was very excited to receive this ARC thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media.
If you like retellings with a few surprises and a forced promixty romance I think you are going to like this one. Unfortunately, this missed the mark for me. This version of Oz was delightfully dreadful, but for all its gore and hardship there didn’t seem to be enough bloodshed and death. I expected more high stakes events and for some of the characters to at least get maimed along the way. Instead they were a happy bunch of misfits that had an insta-connection despite everything that proceeded their journeying together.
None of the relationships really made sense to me. Not the fellow indenture, not the ex-mayor (why was she even there??), not the beast dog who everyone knew would turn on her and not the executioner - I mean this one should be self-explanatory. This was in large part due to Moriah, who is our MC. Part time waitress, part time farmer Mariah is a college dropout out working multiple jobs to make ends meet and support her sick father. When a tornado rips through Kansas she runs into a chapel for safety and ends up in Hakeldama. A twisted place where crimes result in executions, monsters roam the skies, and fields are full of more than just poppies to fear. With cannibals, deadly plants and executioners about this is certainly a dark and dangerous place.
This book and land had a lot of potential, I just couldn’t get a read of Moriah. I found her rather boring and she had no discernible characteristics that would lead everyone to just do as she demands. I couldn’t understand her bond with the tin man, nor why he was constantly acquiescing to her tantrums seeing as she could do very little to keep herself alive. If he was as heartless as claimed, surely he would have just waited until she was dead and then taken back his mother’s compass. It seemed like there was no real plot until then end of the book and then there were too many slapdash revelations in a rapid progression.
I liked the voices in the audiobook and I enjoyed the dark and gruesome setting. I will say that the book really turned around for me by the end, but I spent about 80% of the time not connecting with any of the characters and wondering why half of them were even there. I didn’t care for the supposed insta-love after a few days together, nor how easy everything was for her. In this dark and dreadful world I expected life to be hard and for Moriah to be harder. I wanted some grey area, and this was very black and white.
So while this book was not for me, plenty of people have and will enjoy it. The ending did also make me consider continuing the series.
So while this book was not for me, plenty of people have and will enjoy it. The ending did also make me consider continuing the series. I liked the voices in the audiobook and I enjoyed the dark and gruesome setting.
October 30, 2024
The Wizard of Oz is admittedly not a go-to for me when I'm wanting to read a retelling. But Gena Showalter's Wizard of Oz-inspired fantasy hit all the checkboxes for me and gave me a story I couldn't put down from beginning to end.
For fans of the movie and/or original story, Gena managed to work in a lot of references while making this story wholly her own. I immediately felt for Moriah and the struggles she was facing at home, coupled with knowing her father needed help she just couldn't provide herself. Being transported to a new world was the last thing Moriah needed, but it was also the catalyst to Moriah becoming her best self.
Unlike the land that inspired it, Showalter's fictional world is not all gumdrops and lollipops from the very start. It's evident that the world Moriah now found herself in had danger around every corner, with one wrong step (or one little lie) easily dooming whole groups of people. I loved this idea of the whole world Moriah found herself in just being more menacing right from the get go. Gena took everything Dorothy had to be scared of and amplified it tenfold.
I really enjoyed all the supporting characters in The Great and Terrible. Moriah stood out all on her own, but her journey wouldn't have been nearly as interesting if it weren't for the cast of characters she traveled with. Jasher was a stand-out character; he was grumpy, he was stoic, and he kept a lot of secrets from Moriah. But watching him slowly open up and put it all on the line to keep Moriah safe? His actions made me like him as a love interest, despite all the big reveals.
This story was, start to finish, an epic adventure that seemed both familiar and strange. By the end, this felt like a perfect start to Moriah's adventures, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
For fans of the movie and/or original story, Gena managed to work in a lot of references while making this story wholly her own. I immediately felt for Moriah and the struggles she was facing at home, coupled with knowing her father needed help she just couldn't provide herself. Being transported to a new world was the last thing Moriah needed, but it was also the catalyst to Moriah becoming her best self.
Unlike the land that inspired it, Showalter's fictional world is not all gumdrops and lollipops from the very start. It's evident that the world Moriah now found herself in had danger around every corner, with one wrong step (or one little lie) easily dooming whole groups of people. I loved this idea of the whole world Moriah found herself in just being more menacing right from the get go. Gena took everything Dorothy had to be scared of and amplified it tenfold.
I really enjoyed all the supporting characters in The Great and Terrible. Moriah stood out all on her own, but her journey wouldn't have been nearly as interesting if it weren't for the cast of characters she traveled with. Jasher was a stand-out character; he was grumpy, he was stoic, and he kept a lot of secrets from Moriah. But watching him slowly open up and put it all on the line to keep Moriah safe? His actions made me like him as a love interest, despite all the big reveals.
This story was, start to finish, an epic adventure that seemed both familiar and strange. By the end, this felt like a perfect start to Moriah's adventures, and I can't wait to see what comes next.
March 1, 2025
Moira Shaker lives in Ozland where she works as a waitress to pay her family’s expenses and care for her seriously ill father. She gets caught in a storm one night and ends up, Dorothy-like, in Westland - an Oz-like land where human sacrifices are what keep the weather at bay.
Fortunately, Moira is well-versed in The Wizard of Oz and draws our attention to the parallels and differences between what she is experiencing and the original source material plus the movie adaptation. When she makes friends with an abandoned stray, she refuses to call it Toto…until she does. And she wants to return to her ailing father in Kansas now that she’s in possession of a miraculous healing potion sold throughout this alternate land.
I didn’t know what to expect from this adventure novel. I liked the world-building and the weird laws like in Jasper Fforde’s color novels. But halfway through, this turned into that newish (to me) genre called Romantasy. A lot of meaningful looks, furtive glances, touches that are electric…. “Kiss already!” said two of the supporting characters, and they weren’t wrong: the romantic tension (I’m using romantic here since there was no sex in this book) was spun out too long.
Moira and her newly acquired companions face lots of obstacles: many adventures seemed too easily overcome or simply disappeared. But, as with most fantasy tales, simply suspend belief, go along for the ride, and it can be enjoyable. Beware this is the start of a series, so there is a big cliffhanger at the end. 3.5 rounded up for colorful world-building.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheGreatandTerrible for review purposes. Publication date is 4 March 2025.
Fortunately, Moira is well-versed in The Wizard of Oz and draws our attention to the parallels and differences between what she is experiencing and the original source material plus the movie adaptation. When she makes friends with an abandoned stray, she refuses to call it Toto…until she does. And she wants to return to her ailing father in Kansas now that she’s in possession of a miraculous healing potion sold throughout this alternate land.
I didn’t know what to expect from this adventure novel. I liked the world-building and the weird laws like in Jasper Fforde’s color novels. But halfway through, this turned into that newish (to me) genre called Romantasy. A lot of meaningful looks, furtive glances, touches that are electric…. “Kiss already!” said two of the supporting characters, and they weren’t wrong: the romantic tension (I’m using romantic here since there was no sex in this book) was spun out too long.
Moira and her newly acquired companions face lots of obstacles: many adventures seemed too easily overcome or simply disappeared. But, as with most fantasy tales, simply suspend belief, go along for the ride, and it can be enjoyable. Beware this is the start of a series, so there is a big cliffhanger at the end. 3.5 rounded up for colorful world-building.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @DreamscapeMedia, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #TheGreatandTerrible for review purposes. Publication date is 4 March 2025.
March 29, 2025
If you’ve ever wanted to see what happens when you take the whimsical world of Oz, shake it up, add some dark magic, and throw in a girl who’s definitely not having a good time, The Great and Terrible is here for you. Think creepy forests, dangerous magic, and a lot of people who may or may not be trustworthy.
It’s one of those books where you’ll be on the edge of your seat, wondering who to trust, what’s coming next, and if you’re even allowed to have a peaceful moment. Spoiler alert: you’re not. But that’s what makes it so fun! It’s packed with adventure, suspense, and characters who definitely keep you guessing.
The world? Think Oz but with a lot less sunshine and a lot more “I might die at any moment” energy. It’s a wild ride, full of magic, danger, and a whole lot of, "who can I trust," moments.
If you like your fantasy with a side of danger, mystery, and a bit of chaos, this book has got you covered. Just don’t expect a yellow brick road—this journey is much, much darker.
And the narration? Sybil Johnson makes the whole experience way more fun than it has any right to be. She brings Moriah’s snark, the creepy magic, and the chaos of Oz to life in a way that makes you forget you're just sitting there with headphones on. She somehow manages to make every twist and turn feel intensely dramatic, even when it’s just someone walking through a forest. (Seriously, Sybil, do you have a “suspenseful pause” button that we don’t know about?) Her ability to switch between characters is on point—every villain, ally, and shady side character gets their own vibe, and you're never confused about who's talking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s one of those books where you’ll be on the edge of your seat, wondering who to trust, what’s coming next, and if you’re even allowed to have a peaceful moment. Spoiler alert: you’re not. But that’s what makes it so fun! It’s packed with adventure, suspense, and characters who definitely keep you guessing.
The world? Think Oz but with a lot less sunshine and a lot more “I might die at any moment” energy. It’s a wild ride, full of magic, danger, and a whole lot of, "who can I trust," moments.
If you like your fantasy with a side of danger, mystery, and a bit of chaos, this book has got you covered. Just don’t expect a yellow brick road—this journey is much, much darker.
And the narration? Sybil Johnson makes the whole experience way more fun than it has any right to be. She brings Moriah’s snark, the creepy magic, and the chaos of Oz to life in a way that makes you forget you're just sitting there with headphones on. She somehow manages to make every twist and turn feel intensely dramatic, even when it’s just someone walking through a forest. (Seriously, Sybil, do you have a “suspenseful pause” button that we don’t know about?) Her ability to switch between characters is on point—every villain, ally, and shady side character gets their own vibe, and you're never confused about who's talking.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2025
Gena Showalter has been writing fantasy/romantasy since the early 2000s, and I feel like she's been a little bit in every genre. This book conquers the land of Oz. Like Dorothy Gale, Toto, Flying Monkeys, you know he story. This story builds on the one we are familiar with, addressing that it's a thing and sticking Moriah into Oz, but not the Oz that she was expecting. It is dark, deadly, and any perceived crime leads to death. Even telling a lie gets you killed. The wealthy have indentured servants who take their sins on and are killed in their stead, and will go on crime sprees without concern because they have these pawns. Dorothy winds up becoming one of the people used to sacrifice and escapes. She winds up with the royal executioner, and they make a bargain to get Moriah to the City of Lux to find the gate to get back home, to Kansas. The executioner is very attractive and is more complex as they go along. She winds up on a similar trek as Dorothy with a similar trio (plus dog) through the land, evading monsters, deadly flowers, and bounty hunters.
I really enjoyed his tale. I like a good retelling, but this is like taking the source and making it dark and twisty with a splash of romance. There is a lot of pining, I mean a lot of hormonal pining. Lots of flip-flopping on feelings or not feelings, very angsty early 20s feelings. Showalter's adult books tend to have the spice factor, but this one didn't really have any. I think there was one scene, but the majority of the story was traveling through the dangerous world, fighting, being tortured, and having angsty feelings. It was interesting, and it kept trying to draw parallels from Baum's story to its own. I feel like this is worth a read if you like darker Wizard of Oz-style stories.
I really enjoyed his tale. I like a good retelling, but this is like taking the source and making it dark and twisty with a splash of romance. There is a lot of pining, I mean a lot of hormonal pining. Lots of flip-flopping on feelings or not feelings, very angsty early 20s feelings. Showalter's adult books tend to have the spice factor, but this one didn't really have any. I think there was one scene, but the majority of the story was traveling through the dangerous world, fighting, being tortured, and having angsty feelings. It was interesting, and it kept trying to draw parallels from Baum's story to its own. I feel like this is worth a read if you like darker Wizard of Oz-style stories.
June 6, 2025
The Great and Terrible is a dark and thrilling twist on the traditional Wizard of Oz narrative, and I was hooked from start to finish. Hekeldama is an eerie, fascinating world, and the travel/journey nature of the story kept me on the edge of my seat with every new adventure and danger Moriah faced.
This was my first time reading a book from Gena Showalter, and I was absolutely blown away! Her storytelling is immersive, the pacing is gripping, and the world-building is incredibly vivid. I loved seeing a female protagonist take on the classic "hero’s journey"—it was empowering and captivating. Jasher, the morally gray love interest, was an absolute standout. The spice is low in this book, so I'd consider it fairly YA appropriate. While the romance followed a somewhat predictable enemies-to-lovers "touch her and die" dynamic, it added tension without overshadowing the action. If you love that trope, this one is for you! The plot twists and secrets woven throughout ensured there was never a dull moment.
My only hesitation was at the beginning — it felt a bit inauthentic that Moriah took so long to realize she was in another land. You’d think someone from a place called Ozland would be more prepared for the unexpected! But once the story found its stride, I was completely immersed with Moriah's quest.
The audiobook is phenomenal. The narrator's soothing voice made the experience even more intense and exciting.
If you’re ready to relive the magic of Oz with a darker, more romantic twist, The Great and Terrible is a must-read!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy!
This was my first time reading a book from Gena Showalter, and I was absolutely blown away! Her storytelling is immersive, the pacing is gripping, and the world-building is incredibly vivid. I loved seeing a female protagonist take on the classic "hero’s journey"—it was empowering and captivating. Jasher, the morally gray love interest, was an absolute standout. The spice is low in this book, so I'd consider it fairly YA appropriate. While the romance followed a somewhat predictable enemies-to-lovers "touch her and die" dynamic, it added tension without overshadowing the action. If you love that trope, this one is for you! The plot twists and secrets woven throughout ensured there was never a dull moment.
My only hesitation was at the beginning — it felt a bit inauthentic that Moriah took so long to realize she was in another land. You’d think someone from a place called Ozland would be more prepared for the unexpected! But once the story found its stride, I was completely immersed with Moriah's quest.
The audiobook is phenomenal. The narrator's soothing voice made the experience even more intense and exciting.
If you’re ready to relive the magic of Oz with a darker, more romantic twist, The Great and Terrible is a must-read!
Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced copy!
December 11, 2025
⭐ 3.5-star review:
I’m giving The Great and Terrible about 3.5 stars, and I have to say, I’m feeling a bit mixed about it. On paper, this book seemed like it would be right up my alley—portal fantasy, a thrilling new world, an unlikely crew of companions, and a mysterious love interest? Count me in! But as I read on, my excitement started to wane.
The premise is strong, and the world has some fascinating, edgy elements that really drew me in at the beginning, but something about the execution didn’t completely resonate with me. I enjoyed Moriah’s journey and the quirky cast of characters she encounters, but I didn’t form the connections I was expecting. The dynamics felt a bit off at times, almost like the emotional moments weren’t landing as they should. I really wanted to click with Jasher, who seemed like he would be a standout character, but it didn’t quite happen for me.
Throughout the read, there was a subtle tension I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It wasn’t enough to make me dislike the book, but it held me back from fully immersing myself in the story. The plot moves well, the world is definitely intriguing, and there are some brilliant ideas here, but I just didn’t feel the spark I was hoping for.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad read—it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me like I thought it would!
I’m giving The Great and Terrible about 3.5 stars, and I have to say, I’m feeling a bit mixed about it. On paper, this book seemed like it would be right up my alley—portal fantasy, a thrilling new world, an unlikely crew of companions, and a mysterious love interest? Count me in! But as I read on, my excitement started to wane.
The premise is strong, and the world has some fascinating, edgy elements that really drew me in at the beginning, but something about the execution didn’t completely resonate with me. I enjoyed Moriah’s journey and the quirky cast of characters she encounters, but I didn’t form the connections I was expecting. The dynamics felt a bit off at times, almost like the emotional moments weren’t landing as they should. I really wanted to click with Jasher, who seemed like he would be a standout character, but it didn’t quite happen for me.
Throughout the read, there was a subtle tension I couldn’t quite put my finger on. It wasn’t enough to make me dislike the book, but it held me back from fully immersing myself in the story. The plot moves well, the world is definitely intriguing, and there are some brilliant ideas here, but I just didn’t feel the spark I was hoping for.
All in all, it wasn’t a bad read—it just didn’t quite hit the mark for me like I thought it would!
February 28, 2025
Thank you so much to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ARC of the audiobook of The Great and Terrible.
I didn’t know much about this book before going (I honestly don’t even know if I knew it was an Oz retelling). It was definitely a unique twist on Oz but for me it missed the mark a bit. I can’t pinpoint what it was, but the story just felt stagnant. Yes, stuff happened, but it didn’t feel dynamic enough. That being said, there were still lots of things this book had going for it.
The narration was fantastic. The narrator did a wonderful job of showing ranges of characters and kept the pace going quickly throughout.
I liked the unique nature of it being a different place with the same vibes. It wasn’t Oz, but it was still a place that people can get to through storms. There was a lot of world building that made this a very original story with old bones. I liked the variety of new creatures that this book introduced (my favourite of course is Nugget).
I felt like the chemistry between the main characters was lacking. They seemed like they just liked each other because they were the only option rather than for more in depth reasons.
Overall I think this book is worth the read if you enjoy retellings. If you don’t, this might not be for you.
I didn’t know much about this book before going (I honestly don’t even know if I knew it was an Oz retelling). It was definitely a unique twist on Oz but for me it missed the mark a bit. I can’t pinpoint what it was, but the story just felt stagnant. Yes, stuff happened, but it didn’t feel dynamic enough. That being said, there were still lots of things this book had going for it.
The narration was fantastic. The narrator did a wonderful job of showing ranges of characters and kept the pace going quickly throughout.
I liked the unique nature of it being a different place with the same vibes. It wasn’t Oz, but it was still a place that people can get to through storms. There was a lot of world building that made this a very original story with old bones. I liked the variety of new creatures that this book introduced (my favourite of course is Nugget).
I felt like the chemistry between the main characters was lacking. They seemed like they just liked each other because they were the only option rather than for more in depth reasons.
Overall I think this book is worth the read if you enjoy retellings. If you don’t, this might not be for you.
March 7, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️.5
This was an absolutely fantastic read! I knocked off a half a star because it seemed like it took about 20% way through the book before it really picked up but my gosh by the time it did it really moved into a fast pace.
I want to start off saying this was a complete shocker to me that a Wizard of Oz retelling (loosely and very meta) would stun me and truly amaze me with the characters and setting. Moriah was a strong, likable protagonist and Jasher was a lovable foe turned love interest. Their chemistry was palpable and the slow burn was done fantastically. The rest of the side characters, our Toto like dog friend, our cowardly Lioness mayor and our redheaded scarecrow rounded out a fun, unlikely band of frenemies.
The twists towards the end were jaw dropping and I am truly excited to see where the series goes from here. Count me in as a Gena Showalter fan!
The narrator was excellent as well, I truly enjoyed how she narrated the novel and her voice was truly pleasant to listen to!
Tropes:
Touch her and die
Enemies to lovers
Found family
GrumpyxSunshine
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
Forbidden Romance
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC of this novel in exchange for my honest review
This was an absolutely fantastic read! I knocked off a half a star because it seemed like it took about 20% way through the book before it really picked up but my gosh by the time it did it really moved into a fast pace.
I want to start off saying this was a complete shocker to me that a Wizard of Oz retelling (loosely and very meta) would stun me and truly amaze me with the characters and setting. Moriah was a strong, likable protagonist and Jasher was a lovable foe turned love interest. Their chemistry was palpable and the slow burn was done fantastically. The rest of the side characters, our Toto like dog friend, our cowardly Lioness mayor and our redheaded scarecrow rounded out a fun, unlikely band of frenemies.
The twists towards the end were jaw dropping and I am truly excited to see where the series goes from here. Count me in as a Gena Showalter fan!
The narrator was excellent as well, I truly enjoyed how she narrated the novel and her voice was truly pleasant to listen to!
Tropes:
Touch her and die
Enemies to lovers
Found family
GrumpyxSunshine
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
Forbidden Romance
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ALC of this novel in exchange for my honest review
November 8, 2024
Wizard of Oz retelling where the hero is the tin man??! I could not get my hands on this book fast enough!!! This book was everything I didn’t know I needed in my life and with Wicked fever descending upon everyone it was perfect timing!
Our heroine lives in a small town in Kansas that is obsessed with everything Wizard of Oz until one day she is swept up in a tornado and lands in a completely different world (sound familiar). She must traverse this land and find the Wizard so she can go back home, but first she has to survive the perils of this land… shouldn’t be too hard with tinman/executioner at her side right?
GS knows how to do world building! She is an absolute master at it and this book was no exception. The world of Ozland was richly described and had its own set of rules and the secondary characters (yes there were characters built off the scarecrow and the lion) were *chefs kiss*. I loved the hero and heroine and their growing relationship but I will warn this book ended on a cliff hanger and there were no spicy scenes (but I’m hopeful they will come in the next book). Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Our heroine lives in a small town in Kansas that is obsessed with everything Wizard of Oz until one day she is swept up in a tornado and lands in a completely different world (sound familiar). She must traverse this land and find the Wizard so she can go back home, but first she has to survive the perils of this land… shouldn’t be too hard with tinman/executioner at her side right?
GS knows how to do world building! She is an absolute master at it and this book was no exception. The world of Ozland was richly described and had its own set of rules and the secondary characters (yes there were characters built off the scarecrow and the lion) were *chefs kiss*. I loved the hero and heroine and their growing relationship but I will warn this book ended on a cliff hanger and there were no spicy scenes (but I’m hopeful they will come in the next book). Can’t wait to see what happens next!
March 13, 2025
The great and terrible
by Gena Showalter
Narrated by Sybil Johnson
I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.
This book was a very interesting take on what might happen if another girl (woman) from Kansas was sucked up into a tornado over the rainbow.
It has all the markings of a great urban fantasy book - intrigue, danger, mystery, fantastical creatures, death, friendship, betrayal, and romance.
I’ll be honest and say that it took me at least half an hour to really get into the book. But once I was hooked - I was well and truly hooked.
It’s absolutely worthwhile to read this book and I do recommend it.
There are elements that are similar to the Wizard of Oz - the outfit (she was working as a waitress at a Wizard of Oz themed diner in Kansas), a tornado, landing on a person, flying monkeys, little lions, and a guardian who seems an awful lot like a wizard at first.
But, I this book isn’t like the Wizard of Oz in many ways as well. And, to be honest, it’s just a testament to the author’s skill because the differences are intriguing and a bit terrifying.
by Gena Showalter
Narrated by Sybil Johnson
I received an ARC of this audiobook through Netgalley.
This book was a very interesting take on what might happen if another girl (woman) from Kansas was sucked up into a tornado over the rainbow.
It has all the markings of a great urban fantasy book - intrigue, danger, mystery, fantastical creatures, death, friendship, betrayal, and romance.
I’ll be honest and say that it took me at least half an hour to really get into the book. But once I was hooked - I was well and truly hooked.
It’s absolutely worthwhile to read this book and I do recommend it.
There are elements that are similar to the Wizard of Oz - the outfit (she was working as a waitress at a Wizard of Oz themed diner in Kansas), a tornado, landing on a person, flying monkeys, little lions, and a guardian who seems an awful lot like a wizard at first.
But, I this book isn’t like the Wizard of Oz in many ways as well. And, to be honest, it’s just a testament to the author’s skill because the differences are intriguing and a bit terrifying.
December 8, 2024
Oh, boy. Remind me why I even bother with the Romantasy genre?
If I had to describe this book in one word, that word would be: cringe. Pure, unadulterated cringe. I won’t lie, the book had me in the first few chapters, and I was hopeful that it would continue that same forward trajectory throughout. Now, having finished the book, I can say that was not what happened, and I have never been more glad to finish a merely (!!) 278 page book.
I’m sure there are people that will eat this book up, and I can respect that, but here are the reasons why I personally believe that this was stupid as hell:
-First person perspective with all the usual cringe
-Completely baseless, instalove romance that (shocker) takes place over a matter of days. Not to mention, spice that isn’t even good spice…
-The most intense plot armour I’ve ever read in my life, all to circumvent Moriah’s idiotic decisions
-A plethora of unexplored concepts that were dropped quickly after being introduced, because the book was too focused on Moriah and what’s-his-name
-A CLIFFHANGER (which is literally the only time the book attempts to have a decent plot! Only to END!)
What I actually liked:
-The cannibals were pretty cool
If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, on a Wicked kick, or have any interest whatsoever in any of the source material…don’t bother. This won’t scratch that itch.
If I had to describe this book in one word, that word would be: cringe. Pure, unadulterated cringe. I won’t lie, the book had me in the first few chapters, and I was hopeful that it would continue that same forward trajectory throughout. Now, having finished the book, I can say that was not what happened, and I have never been more glad to finish a merely (!!) 278 page book.
I’m sure there are people that will eat this book up, and I can respect that, but here are the reasons why I personally believe that this was stupid as hell:
-First person perspective with all the usual cringe
-Completely baseless, instalove romance that (shocker) takes place over a matter of days. Not to mention, spice that isn’t even good spice…
-The most intense plot armour I’ve ever read in my life, all to circumvent Moriah’s idiotic decisions
-A plethora of unexplored concepts that were dropped quickly after being introduced, because the book was too focused on Moriah and what’s-his-name
-A CLIFFHANGER (which is literally the only time the book attempts to have a decent plot! Only to END!)
What I actually liked:
-The cannibals were pretty cool
If you’re a fan of The Wizard of Oz, on a Wicked kick, or have any interest whatsoever in any of the source material…don’t bother. This won’t scratch that itch.
November 5, 2024
Moriah is about to get all twisted up in a world straight out of her mother's stories!
Poor Moriah has a lot on her plate; a sick dad, dropping out of college, working on the farm and at the local diner. But on a trip home she finds herself caught up in a storm and thrown into another world. Hakeldama is nothing like home and she soon finds that just about everyone wants to kill her, for something or other. She's got to negotiate slavery, unwarranted punishments, cannibals and monstrous dogs. And a royal guard/executioner who she isn't sure of - does he want to help her or ham her?
This was a real novel take on the world of the Wizard of Oz but with a lot more danger. There are enough similarities that you won't feel lost but enough differences that you don't feel your reading the same old story. Jasher is a bit of a maverick and he's got some secrets of his own,
I really enjoyed watching the story play out and there were a few twists as the story progressed. There was an almighty reveal but be warned, it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger.
Poor Moriah has a lot on her plate; a sick dad, dropping out of college, working on the farm and at the local diner. But on a trip home she finds herself caught up in a storm and thrown into another world. Hakeldama is nothing like home and she soon finds that just about everyone wants to kill her, for something or other. She's got to negotiate slavery, unwarranted punishments, cannibals and monstrous dogs. And a royal guard/executioner who she isn't sure of - does he want to help her or ham her?
This was a real novel take on the world of the Wizard of Oz but with a lot more danger. There are enough similarities that you won't feel lost but enough differences that you don't feel your reading the same old story. Jasher is a bit of a maverick and he's got some secrets of his own,
I really enjoyed watching the story play out and there were a few twists as the story progressed. There was an almighty reveal but be warned, it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger.
March 6, 2025
*Audio review copy provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I had really high hopes for this book because I really love Gena Showalter, however I was bored. (Sorry – I know) Honestly can’t tell you much that happened in this book other than there were lots of Wizard of Oz references, which was to be expected. In fact, if I remember correctly, the Wizard of Oz was said to have happened to a “bored housewife” in the town that Moriah lives in. Moriah travels via tornado to somewhere that is NOT Oz. She meets characters that are like evil versions of the Wizard of Oz characters.
The book does end in a cliffhanger, so reader/listener beware. Will I maybe try and traditionally read this book when book two comes out and see if I like it better than audio? Maybe. I think it had the potential there was just something really missing for me.
Thank you to Dreamscape, Gena Showalter, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen and review!
I had really high hopes for this book because I really love Gena Showalter, however I was bored. (Sorry – I know) Honestly can’t tell you much that happened in this book other than there were lots of Wizard of Oz references, which was to be expected. In fact, if I remember correctly, the Wizard of Oz was said to have happened to a “bored housewife” in the town that Moriah lives in. Moriah travels via tornado to somewhere that is NOT Oz. She meets characters that are like evil versions of the Wizard of Oz characters.
The book does end in a cliffhanger, so reader/listener beware. Will I maybe try and traditionally read this book when book two comes out and see if I like it better than audio? Maybe. I think it had the potential there was just something really missing for me.
Thank you to Dreamscape, Gena Showalter, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen and review!
November 5, 2024
I'm a huge fan of The Wizard of Oz, so I wasn't sure what to expect from a retelling of this classic story. I gotta say The Great and Terrible is not the WoZ from my childhood! There's flying monstra, rabdogs, poppies that eat things and are poisonous. And there's Moriah, from Ozworld, Kansas who wants to get to the Guardian to catch a tornado back home. Plus there's a dangerous executioner who beheads people when crimes are committed...and might be sweet on Moriah. And just so much more! I enjoyed reading this book from the first page until the last. I literally had to keep reading just to see what happened next.
I'm already ready for Moriah's next adventure in Oz, errr..Hakeldama.
Many thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
I'm already ready for Moriah's next adventure in Oz, errr..Hakeldama.
Many thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
November 8, 2024
Was the dialogue and characterization of the main character ridiculous? Yes.
Did I enjoy reading anyway? Yes.
Much like Alice in Zombieland, which I read in high school, Gena creates a new version of a world we know too well. While I loved what she did with OZ and Hekeldama, I'm not too sure I liked the main character all that much. Hopefully she grows in future books, but Moriah had me rolling my eyes frequently. The world building was cool but the character dialogue and characters themselves did not aid to this world at all. I'm also not sure if this is a YA or NA novel so I'm not sure how much to talk about the romance side of things. I did not believe the main relationship at all. Jasher is wasted on Moriah and I'll die on that hill.
I wish I could say I'll be reading future installments but I'm just not sure at the moment. We'll see how this one sits with me.
Did I enjoy reading anyway? Yes.
Much like Alice in Zombieland, which I read in high school, Gena creates a new version of a world we know too well. While I loved what she did with OZ and Hekeldama, I'm not too sure I liked the main character all that much. Hopefully she grows in future books, but Moriah had me rolling my eyes frequently. The world building was cool but the character dialogue and characters themselves did not aid to this world at all. I'm also not sure if this is a YA or NA novel so I'm not sure how much to talk about the romance side of things. I did not believe the main relationship at all. Jasher is wasted on Moriah and I'll die on that hill.
I wish I could say I'll be reading future installments but I'm just not sure at the moment. We'll see how this one sits with me.
November 12, 2024
Meh
This took a lot for me to keep with the storyline. Too many references to the original that my mind kept on flipping back to the original story to see what was coming next. Yet this was nothing like the original. Toes were kept on. Interesting read I say that. But now I am seeing another reference to the storyline coming for the next book. The characters and landscape very much different but certain things I could not let go in my head. Granted the author threw those references throughout the storyline also. Do I recommend? No I do not. My brain is literally all over the place right now and not in an enjoyable way you get after reading a book. Will I reread? No. Too many things going on to keep track of.
This took a lot for me to keep with the storyline. Too many references to the original that my mind kept on flipping back to the original story to see what was coming next. Yet this was nothing like the original. Toes were kept on. Interesting read I say that. But now I am seeing another reference to the storyline coming for the next book. The characters and landscape very much different but certain things I could not let go in my head. Granted the author threw those references throughout the storyline also. Do I recommend? No I do not. My brain is literally all over the place right now and not in an enjoyable way you get after reading a book. Will I reread? No. Too many things going on to keep track of.
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