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The Great and Terrible Land #1
West of Wicked
Dorothy Gale doesn’t know where she came from. She has only the vaguest memory of her life before landing in the dull, gray world of the vast Kansas prairie.
Then a cyclone rips through the night and carries her, her dog, and the farmhouse somewhere a lot farther than Dorothy imagined. She’s in a strange land that’s apparently cursed, shrouded in shadow. And to get home, Dorothy needs to seek out a wizard, following a treacherous path and watch out for a never-ending list of forest beasts, witches, a cursed mercenary, and perhaps most dangerous of all, the wizard himself.
Nikki St. Crowe vividly reimagines the world of the Wizard of Oz, where the villain gets the girl...and the girl gets the power.
Then a cyclone rips through the night and carries her, her dog, and the farmhouse somewhere a lot farther than Dorothy imagined. She’s in a strange land that’s apparently cursed, shrouded in shadow. And to get home, Dorothy needs to seek out a wizard, following a treacherous path and watch out for a never-ending list of forest beasts, witches, a cursed mercenary, and perhaps most dangerous of all, the wizard himself.
Nikki St. Crowe vividly reimagines the world of the Wizard of Oz, where the villain gets the girl...and the girl gets the power.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2026
626 people are currently reading
18399 people want to read
About the author
Nikki St. Crowe
36 books12.2k followersNikki St. Crowe is a USA Today and No. 1 Amazon Bestselling Author specializing in dark, spicy romantasy where the villain gets the girl and the girl gets the power.
Nikki considers the start of her professional career to be in the 4th grade when she placed 2nd in a Young Author’s Competition. Back then she crafted stories about magical mansions and lost treasure. She’s since ditched the treasure hunts, but she'll never give up on the magical mansions (or the morally grey men who inhabit them).
These days, when Nikki isn’t writing or daydreaming about villains, she can either be found in the woods or at home with her husband and daughter.
For information on new releases, sign up for Nikki’s newsletter, The Forbidden Garden: https://nikkistcrowe.myflodesk.com/th...
Nikki considers the start of her professional career to be in the 4th grade when she placed 2nd in a Young Author’s Competition. Back then she crafted stories about magical mansions and lost treasure. She’s since ditched the treasure hunts, but she'll never give up on the magical mansions (or the morally grey men who inhabit them).
These days, when Nikki isn’t writing or daydreaming about villains, she can either be found in the woods or at home with her husband and daughter.
For information on new releases, sign up for Nikki’s newsletter, The Forbidden Garden: https://nikkistcrowe.myflodesk.com/th...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 921 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 stars rounded up!
Really pleasantly surprised by the fast-paced writing and the subverting of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz that everyone knows!
The story was fast-paced and a fun blend of the original twister-carried Kansas girl that lands a house atop of a Wicked Witch.🌪️ But with enough differences that it didn’t feel like the same old story rinse and repeat.
This book would’ve benefited had Dorothy not been as obsessive over men when her world was quite *literally* blown away landing in Oz. As there genuinely IS an interesting plot brewing (hehe Witch joke) in St. Crowe’s depiction of Oz… if only the plot doesn’t get sidelined in favor of lusty lovelines.
One thing! Without giving any details to spoil this for people that haven’t read… I DO NOT get why the Wicked Witch of the West did the thing that she did. Genuinely, “it’s the only way” is the most BS plot device that has ever plot deviced to keep the story going, lol. Thankfully, other things happened in that ending that made up for her nonsense.
Overall this was a good first book and I’ll definitely be continuing with the series! 💗
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the Arc! 🩵 All opinions are my own!
🧚♀️THOUGHTS WHILE READING: 🧚♀️
-Okay so this Dorothy isn't the innocent "Toto we're not in Kansas anymore" cutie pie from the original we barely get introduced to her before she's runs off to get some farmer *ahem* meat 🍆!!! This was an ick not gonna lie as it's only 4% into the story and we already had a spicy scene.
-Thankfully, the story recovers as when she's transported to Oz we get plot with a capital P! We get some of the ori story plotlines ex) the tornado & the Wicked Witch of the East's fate. Though, there's some serious differences my favorite being that this. Dorothy. Kills! 🔪🔪🔪
-I NEED to shoutout the narrators for this book. It's mutli-POV with a whole cast and every. single. one. is doing a great job. Especially the men! 🥵 Scarecrow and Tinman sound wowowow! I almost wish we'd get more chapters from their perspective as it's 90% Dorothy.
-50% Update: Dorothy’s on the horny side. Homegirl’s alone in the magical land of Oz and already lusting after the scarecrow! 😂
Really pleasantly surprised by the fast-paced writing and the subverting of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz that everyone knows!
The story was fast-paced and a fun blend of the original twister-carried Kansas girl that lands a house atop of a Wicked Witch.🌪️ But with enough differences that it didn’t feel like the same old story rinse and repeat.
This book would’ve benefited had Dorothy not been as obsessive over men when her world was quite *literally* blown away landing in Oz. As there genuinely IS an interesting plot brewing (hehe Witch joke) in St. Crowe’s depiction of Oz… if only the plot doesn’t get sidelined in favor of lusty lovelines.
One thing! Without giving any details to spoil this for people that haven’t read… I DO NOT get why the Wicked Witch of the West did the thing that she did. Genuinely, “it’s the only way” is the most BS plot device that has ever plot deviced to keep the story going, lol. Thankfully, other things happened in that ending that made up for her nonsense.
Overall this was a good first book and I’ll definitely be continuing with the series! 💗
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the Arc! 🩵 All opinions are my own!
🧚♀️THOUGHTS WHILE READING: 🧚♀️
-Okay so this Dorothy isn't the innocent "Toto we're not in Kansas anymore" cutie pie from the original we barely get introduced to her before she's runs off to get some farmer *ahem* meat 🍆!!! This was an ick not gonna lie as it's only 4% into the story and we already had a spicy scene.
-Thankfully, the story recovers as when she's transported to Oz we get plot with a capital P! We get some of the ori story plotlines ex) the tornado & the Wicked Witch of the East's fate. Though, there's some serious differences my favorite being that this. Dorothy. Kills! 🔪🔪🔪
-I NEED to shoutout the narrators for this book. It's mutli-POV with a whole cast and every. single. one. is doing a great job. Especially the men! 🥵 Scarecrow and Tinman sound wowowow! I almost wish we'd get more chapters from their perspective as it's 90% Dorothy.
-50% Update: Dorothy’s on the horny side. Homegirl’s alone in the magical land of Oz and already lusting after the scarecrow! 😂
April 17, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔚𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔬𝔣 𝔚𝔦𝔠𝔨𝔢𝔡 𝔟𝔶 𝔑𝔦𝔨𝔨𝔦 𝔖𝔱. ℭ𝔯𝔬𝔴𝔢
Release Date: April 14, 2026
4⭐️4🌶
This was a fun and fast spicy retelling of Wizard of Oz. Being a born and raised Kansas girl, I think I watched the Judy Garland Wizard of Oz at least a hundred times growing up. So many scenes in this book brought me back to watching that movie as a kid. However, make all of Dorothy's new friends in Oz super muscular hot men that are interested in her...say less.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Dorothy was dropped on the doorstep of Aunt Em and Uncle Henry when she was a small child by a mysterious woman. She spends her live growing up on a Kansas farm never feeling like she fits in and wanting to explore more of the world.
Then a tornado hits and she lands in the magical land of Oz. Upon arrival, she must fight for her life when a witch attacks her for no apparent reason, but she keeps saying "I know who sent you."
She soon comes across a gravely injured man by the name of Rook (the Scarecrow) with no memory of himself or his past. They travel most of Oz together trying to find the Wizard, so Dorothy can return home to Kansas. All while travelling they avoid being attacked by the evil Witch of the West's and her henchman, the Tinman.
I would be very interested in continuing to read this Dorothy's story. This Dorothy's story is very dark and spicy compared to the original story.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Wizard of Oz Retelling
🍁Reverse Harem
🍁Urban Fantasy
🍁Multiple Shadow Daddies
🍁Evil Witches/Queens
🍁Unknown powers
TW:
✨Violence
✨Explicit Sexual Content
✨Violence with magic
Release Date: April 14, 2026
4⭐️4🌶
This was a fun and fast spicy retelling of Wizard of Oz. Being a born and raised Kansas girl, I think I watched the Judy Garland Wizard of Oz at least a hundred times growing up. So many scenes in this book brought me back to watching that movie as a kid. However, make all of Dorothy's new friends in Oz super muscular hot men that are interested in her...say less.
Minor Spoilers Ahead:
Dorothy was dropped on the doorstep of Aunt Em and Uncle Henry when she was a small child by a mysterious woman. She spends her live growing up on a Kansas farm never feeling like she fits in and wanting to explore more of the world.
Then a tornado hits and she lands in the magical land of Oz. Upon arrival, she must fight for her life when a witch attacks her for no apparent reason, but she keeps saying "I know who sent you."
She soon comes across a gravely injured man by the name of Rook (the Scarecrow) with no memory of himself or his past. They travel most of Oz together trying to find the Wizard, so Dorothy can return home to Kansas. All while travelling they avoid being attacked by the evil Witch of the West's and her henchman, the Tinman.
I would be very interested in continuing to read this Dorothy's story. This Dorothy's story is very dark and spicy compared to the original story.
Themes/Tropes:
🍁Wizard of Oz Retelling
🍁Reverse Harem
🍁Urban Fantasy
🍁Multiple Shadow Daddies
🍁Evil Witches/Queens
🍁Unknown powers
TW:
✨Violence
✨Explicit Sexual Content
✨Violence with magic
April 13, 2026
Thanks to Bramble for sending this arc to me!
I was really excited to see how this world was reimagined but it was a rocky read for me. The setting that should’ve felt immersive fell flat, the character development was meandering and uninteresting, I feel like we spent way too much time building the framework and ruminating on things that weren’t pertinent to the plot, I guessed a few of the plot points, the writing was wonky. It just wasn’t for me.
I was really excited to see how this world was reimagined but it was a rocky read for me. The setting that should’ve felt immersive fell flat, the character development was meandering and uninteresting, I feel like we spent way too much time building the framework and ruminating on things that weren’t pertinent to the plot, I guessed a few of the plot points, the writing was wonky. It just wasn’t for me.
March 17, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ West of Wicked is a dark, adult retelling of Dorothy and The Wizard of Oz. The presence of cardinal witches, the mysterious and powerful wizard, and a few of the side characters stayed the same as the classic story. But many of the characters had a unique twist.
It was very entertaining, and I liked the narrators and multiple POVs. I would prefer everyone narrating their lines in all chapters, instead of one POV and trying to imitate the other voices. I was expecting a romance heavy plot because there was a spicy scene in the first few chapters, and because of my knowledge of the author. I was disappointingly surprised when that was lacking in the rest of the story.
I’ll admit I was driving while listening, so I’m not sure if I wasn’t paying enough attention, or if things weren’t explained/ hinted enough — but I feel like I need to draw myself a diagram of all of the characters names and background details to get everything straight.
The ending was interesting, and I’ll definitely add the second book to my TBR. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the Gods aspect and the history of the war. I would recommend this book, but depending on how the next book ties things together… it could potentially get moved up to a high recommendation.
Thank you to Macmillan audio! And this will be available April 14th.
It was very entertaining, and I liked the narrators and multiple POVs. I would prefer everyone narrating their lines in all chapters, instead of one POV and trying to imitate the other voices. I was expecting a romance heavy plot because there was a spicy scene in the first few chapters, and because of my knowledge of the author. I was disappointingly surprised when that was lacking in the rest of the story.
I’ll admit I was driving while listening, so I’m not sure if I wasn’t paying enough attention, or if things weren’t explained/ hinted enough — but I feel like I need to draw myself a diagram of all of the characters names and background details to get everything straight.
The ending was interesting, and I’ll definitely add the second book to my TBR. I’m looking forward to hearing more about the Gods aspect and the history of the war. I would recommend this book, but depending on how the next book ties things together… it could potentially get moved up to a high recommendation.
Thank you to Macmillan audio! And this will be available April 14th.
December 21, 2025
Thanks to the publisher for the provided arc 💌
I’ll preface by saying I really enjoyed Nikki St. Crowe’s Vicious Lost Boys series. Literally devoured them all in 48 hours. The excitement for another retelling set in yet another favorite world has been building for months and I was so thrilled to get to be an early reader.
The story starts with a charming familiarity of how Dorothy finds herself in Oz with a little modern flare. Was kind of giving me Mia Goth’s Pearl vibes.
I think the world building became very convoluted very quickly and found myself not feeling compelled to pick it back up. Lots of places and people being named without much explanation as to their significance so I felt like I had been dropped into the middle of a scene as opposed to getting to watch it build overtime at a digestible pace.
At around 100 pages, *some* romance was being briefly alluded to but it was mentioned abruptly & a bit oddly so I found myself not caring much as it progressed.
I’m sad this one missed the mark for me but I’m sure it will find a target audience in other readers 🫶🏻
I’ll preface by saying I really enjoyed Nikki St. Crowe’s Vicious Lost Boys series. Literally devoured them all in 48 hours. The excitement for another retelling set in yet another favorite world has been building for months and I was so thrilled to get to be an early reader.
The story starts with a charming familiarity of how Dorothy finds herself in Oz with a little modern flare. Was kind of giving me Mia Goth’s Pearl vibes.
I think the world building became very convoluted very quickly and found myself not feeling compelled to pick it back up. Lots of places and people being named without much explanation as to their significance so I felt like I had been dropped into the middle of a scene as opposed to getting to watch it build overtime at a digestible pace.
At around 100 pages, *some* romance was being briefly alluded to but it was mentioned abruptly & a bit oddly so I found myself not caring much as it progressed.
I’m sad this one missed the mark for me but I’m sure it will find a target audience in other readers 🫶🏻
May 5, 2026
(4.25 stars)
Thank you to Bramble and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to a review copy of West of Wicked by Nikki St. Crowe.
This is an intense dark reimagining of Oz, where, as the publisher puts it “nothing and no one is what they seem in the cursed land of Oz…maybe even Dorothy herself.” West of Wicked is book one in The Great and Terrible Land series (I don’t know how many books there will eventually be, but I need book two NOW!).
At one point, Dorothy (not a little girl, but a young woman) gets her future told by a woman, who refers to Dorothy and Rook (the nickname Dorothy uses for the scarecrow). She is told: "...yours is the kind of love that changes the wind and breaks the stars. Yours is the kind of love that ignites everything it touches." But … who exactly is Rook? He doesn’t remember who he actually is. I loved that his nickname for Dorothy was “Kansas.” In this story, the Tinman is a mercenary with no heart; his right arm is made of metal.
I loved all the twists and turns. And there’s a really big twist near the end that I did NOT see coming!
The audiobook has several narrators: Amy Hall; Connor Crais; Ellie Gossage; Samantha Brentmoor; Sean Masters; Shane East; and Stella Hunter - which made for a great listening experience. I just wish the audiobook had announced who read which parts (I found that really informative in a different audiobook recently).
Thank you to Bramble and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to a review copy of West of Wicked by Nikki St. Crowe.
This is an intense dark reimagining of Oz, where, as the publisher puts it “nothing and no one is what they seem in the cursed land of Oz…maybe even Dorothy herself.” West of Wicked is book one in The Great and Terrible Land series (I don’t know how many books there will eventually be, but I need book two NOW!).
At one point, Dorothy (not a little girl, but a young woman) gets her future told by a woman, who refers to Dorothy and Rook (the nickname Dorothy uses for the scarecrow). She is told: "...yours is the kind of love that changes the wind and breaks the stars. Yours is the kind of love that ignites everything it touches." But … who exactly is Rook? He doesn’t remember who he actually is. I loved that his nickname for Dorothy was “Kansas.” In this story, the Tinman is a mercenary with no heart; his right arm is made of metal.
I loved all the twists and turns. And there’s a really big twist near the end that I did NOT see coming!
The audiobook has several narrators: Amy Hall; Connor Crais; Ellie Gossage; Samantha Brentmoor; Sean Masters; Shane East; and Stella Hunter - which made for a great listening experience. I just wish the audiobook had announced who read which parts (I found that really informative in a different audiobook recently).
May 1, 2026
I devoured this book in about 8 hours. It was so good. OMG the ending. I can't wait for the next installment. Just throw everything you know about the Wizard of Oz in the trash.
Dorothy is older and sexually active.
The Scarecrow is seductive and mysterious. (See above 😀)
The Tinman is evil. Albeit by coercion.
The Lion is not seen in this book.
The witches: East, West, North, and South. Some end up with the same fate, others are still waiting to tell their tales.
The Wizard......, I won't spoil that here.
There is a new main character named Cleo who we do not yet know what her true nature is yet.
The story just flows and flows and once you pick up the book, you won't put it down.
Dorothy is older and sexually active.
The Scarecrow is seductive and mysterious. (See above 😀)
The Tinman is evil. Albeit by coercion.
The Lion is not seen in this book.
The witches: East, West, North, and South. Some end up with the same fate, others are still waiting to tell their tales.
The Wizard......, I won't spoil that here.
There is a new main character named Cleo who we do not yet know what her true nature is yet.
The story just flows and flows and once you pick up the book, you won't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2026
West of Wicked retells The Wizard of Oz, adding a darker and slightly spicy edge. I’m usually wary of retellings, but this one surprised me in a good way. I liked seeing many of the classic characters, each with their own unique spin. I especially liked Dorothy as an adult, unsure of what she wants in life, and the Tin Man as the villain. The full cast of narrators did a fantastic job bringing this book to life, and I hope the same cast continues in the next book. I need to get my hands on the sequel as soon as possible after that cliffhanger ending.
West of Wicked is out April 14th.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review West of Wicked. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
West of Wicked is out April 14th.
Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for the opportunity to review West of Wicked. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I read this book in March. And I totally forgot about it till now. This should tell you a lot.
When I started it I expected a solid writing, not too complicated to follow but not too simple to grate on your nerves. Well what I got was prose so poor and baren it feels like something a fifth grader would write. I know readers capabilities to comprehend complex text are lowering with every year but this is written for idiots #sorrynotsorry. Short and simple sentences with adjectives as little as possible, no similes, no allegories, alliterations, hyperboles, euphuisms, nothing that will enrich a.k.a. complicate the text for us, the dum-dums. A lot of tautologies though. All well known phrases so you won't have to overexert yourself picturing something new.
At the same time there was nothing left to the imagination - everything was explained in simple terms in case we didn't understand it. No interpretations allowed here. Everything is chewed up and spit out for you.
As for the quality of the retelling. If you're expecting something creative - don't. Crow is following the original book word for word. No personal contribution to speak of. The only difference is things get a little bloody in a scene or two. Just enough for the book to be considered "dark" and "gritty" and "shocking" rendition of a children's story. We have so many jump cuts between scenes just too keep up with the original it's annoying. At the same time the passing was off all the way through. The end result is a story you choke on at the 40% mark... and not in the fun way.
And don't get me started on the plot twists - they were visible from Artemis II damn it!
Or the timeline and time placement of the story. Or the world building. Or lack thereof.
Flat FMC with no braincell in sight, cliched MMCs, instalove based on instalust, out of place inept sex scenes. I've read a lot of Nikki St. Crow books and this one was the most uninspiring one to date. The only good thing was the esthetics of the MMCs. That's it.
I read this book in March. And I totally forgot about it till now. This should tell you a lot.
When I started it I expected a solid writing, not too complicated to follow but not too simple to grate on your nerves. Well what I got was prose so poor and baren it feels like something a fifth grader would write. I know readers capabilities to comprehend complex text are lowering with every year but this is written for idiots #sorrynotsorry. Short and simple sentences with adjectives as little as possible, no similes, no allegories, alliterations, hyperboles, euphuisms, nothing that will enrich a.k.a. complicate the text for us, the dum-dums. A lot of tautologies though. All well known phrases so you won't have to overexert yourself picturing something new.
At the same time there was nothing left to the imagination - everything was explained in simple terms in case we didn't understand it. No interpretations allowed here. Everything is chewed up and spit out for you.
As for the quality of the retelling. If you're expecting something creative - don't. Crow is following the original book word for word. No personal contribution to speak of. The only difference is things get a little bloody in a scene or two. Just enough for the book to be considered "dark" and "gritty" and "shocking" rendition of a children's story. We have so many jump cuts between scenes just too keep up with the original it's annoying. At the same time the passing was off all the way through. The end result is a story you choke on at the 40% mark... and not in the fun way.
And don't get me started on the plot twists - they were visible from Artemis II damn it!
Or the timeline and time placement of the story. Or the world building. Or lack thereof.
Flat FMC with no braincell in sight, cliched MMCs, instalove based on instalust, out of place inept sex scenes. I've read a lot of Nikki St. Crow books and this one was the most uninspiring one to date. The only good thing was the esthetics of the MMCs. That's it.
April 14, 2026
Okay, this book was so much fun! A Wizard of Oz retelling romantasy?! I mean, seriously, say less. When I saw this book, I knew I immediately needed to read it!
This book is the first book in a series—and I really, really think people need to keep that in mind going in. It sets up the characters and the world, and in my opinion does it well. Others have said they felt like this book was slow, but I actually never had an issue with it feeling that way. We were always getting glimpses of characters who were either new, or had a secret identity, and that alone will keep readers on their toes. Plus, my brain was working the whole time trying to figure out where she was going with the plot and how similarly it would follow the original!
My actual complaint is that I wish this was longer! We only just start to meet key characters and stuff really gets going and then it’s over. But such is the plight of the first book in a series sometimes. I also wanted a little bit more distinction apart from The Wizard of Oz. This book does start to make the story more its own near the end, though, so this complaint might be null and void by the next book.
There are some pretty big twists in here, some I guessed, but one I guessed totally wrong and it was pretty epic, so I’m excited for the next book which releases in November! 🙌🏻
🎧I loved the multicast narration here! That’s always a huge audiobook win 🎉 I mean, did you see that crazy amazing lineup of narrators up there?! This one is fabulous on audio and the narrators do a great job bringing their respective characters to life. Definitely recommend listening to this one!
This book is the first book in a series—and I really, really think people need to keep that in mind going in. It sets up the characters and the world, and in my opinion does it well. Others have said they felt like this book was slow, but I actually never had an issue with it feeling that way. We were always getting glimpses of characters who were either new, or had a secret identity, and that alone will keep readers on their toes. Plus, my brain was working the whole time trying to figure out where she was going with the plot and how similarly it would follow the original!
My actual complaint is that I wish this was longer! We only just start to meet key characters and stuff really gets going and then it’s over. But such is the plight of the first book in a series sometimes. I also wanted a little bit more distinction apart from The Wizard of Oz. This book does start to make the story more its own near the end, though, so this complaint might be null and void by the next book.
There are some pretty big twists in here, some I guessed, but one I guessed totally wrong and it was pretty epic, so I’m excited for the next book which releases in November! 🙌🏻
🎧I loved the multicast narration here! That’s always a huge audiobook win 🎉 I mean, did you see that crazy amazing lineup of narrators up there?! This one is fabulous on audio and the narrators do a great job bringing their respective characters to life. Definitely recommend listening to this one!
April 26, 2026
I loved The Never King series and I was hoping that I'd immediately fall in love with this one too. I do quite enjoy a spicy retelling and the audiobook cast for this is *chefs kiss* BUT.... Book 1 left me a little underwhelmed. It does end with a pretty decent cliff hanger though...
So will I still be reading the other books? Absolutely.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
So will I still be reading the other books? Absolutely.
I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
March 8, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest opinion.
3.25 ⭐️, 2 🌶️
OK…so, I liked it, BUT I was expecting a little more…of EVERYTHING? More backstory for some of the characters, more about this version of OZ and if I’m being honest- MORE SPICE 🌶️. As someone who read the Vicious Lost Boys books, I expected more heat from this author. Dorothy was your run-of-the-mill FMC who “wants more out of life” and finds herself in a strange land with several witches (and a Wizard) after her. Oh, and of course she has mystical powers she was previously unaware of. Fine. I’ll read it. The Scarecrow and Tin Man were your typical mysterious MMC’s, but I enjoyed their chapters. Not sure where we’re going with Clio’s character and she got on my nerves more than once.
That being said, I liked the ‘twist’ at the end and that is what kinda saved this book for me, AND the reason I’ll read the next book(s) in this series because NOW I need to know what happens. The narrators were good as always and it was a fairly quick listen. Throw it on while you’re cleaning the kitchen or folding clothes- it will keep your attention.
3.25 ⭐️, 2 🌶️
OK…so, I liked it, BUT I was expecting a little more…of EVERYTHING? More backstory for some of the characters, more about this version of OZ and if I’m being honest- MORE SPICE 🌶️. As someone who read the Vicious Lost Boys books, I expected more heat from this author. Dorothy was your run-of-the-mill FMC who “wants more out of life” and finds herself in a strange land with several witches (and a Wizard) after her. Oh, and of course she has mystical powers she was previously unaware of. Fine. I’ll read it. The Scarecrow and Tin Man were your typical mysterious MMC’s, but I enjoyed their chapters. Not sure where we’re going with Clio’s character and she got on my nerves more than once.
That being said, I liked the ‘twist’ at the end and that is what kinda saved this book for me, AND the reason I’ll read the next book(s) in this series because NOW I need to know what happens. The narrators were good as always and it was a fairly quick listen. Throw it on while you’re cleaning the kitchen or folding clothes- it will keep your attention.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to the publisher for giving me an ARC to review.
I was pulled in with promises of a dark retelling of Wizard of Oz and though it wasn't as a dark as I was expecting, this was a really good read. This sent me on a journey through Oz that was very different from the story we know and love, it was refreshing. Plus that cliffhanger!
Dorothy was fierce and I loved her witty personality. She was very relateable in her inner monologue and she was funny. My favourite POV was Tinman, I love him and can't wait to see what else he does in future books.
Overall, I need the next book and I really recommend this one!
I was pulled in with promises of a dark retelling of Wizard of Oz and though it wasn't as a dark as I was expecting, this was a really good read. This sent me on a journey through Oz that was very different from the story we know and love, it was refreshing. Plus that cliffhanger!
Dorothy was fierce and I loved her witty personality. She was very relateable in her inner monologue and she was funny. My favourite POV was Tinman, I love him and can't wait to see what else he does in future books.
Overall, I need the next book and I really recommend this one!
January 27, 2026
Wow this was so much better than Wicked. This is the story that should’ve been made into a film!
I am not the biggest fan of The Wizard of Oz to be honest so not a Wicked fan, but I am a massive fan of Nikki St. Crowe so when I saw this I just needed to read it.
I was hooked from the start, and couldn’t put it down, such an engaging story line and interesting complex characters. I didn’t guess the biggest twist but did work out who was who in relation to the original story.
This is such a refreshing take on an otherwise, in my opinion, boring story, this was much more to my liking and there better be more to this and I cannot wait for it!
Thank you to netgalley for my copy in exchange of my honest review
I am not the biggest fan of The Wizard of Oz to be honest so not a Wicked fan, but I am a massive fan of Nikki St. Crowe so when I saw this I just needed to read it.
I was hooked from the start, and couldn’t put it down, such an engaging story line and interesting complex characters. I didn’t guess the biggest twist but did work out who was who in relation to the original story.
This is such a refreshing take on an otherwise, in my opinion, boring story, this was much more to my liking and there better be more to this and I cannot wait for it!
Thank you to netgalley for my copy in exchange of my honest review
May 4, 2026
I stumbled over this book on my audiobook subscription service and decided to try it out, because I liked the premise of a Wizard of Oz retelling with the trope where the villain gets the girl. And I found it… decent enough.
The book is pretty short, despite this, it takes a while to get going and we spend a lot of time setting up the story. And somehow, the world building come across as underdeveloped and flat. This is a recurring thing in many retellings, the author is too dependent on the established framework of the original story and neglects to build their own narrative.
The ending felt a bit rushed, so the overall pacing of the book could’ve used some polishing.
I definitely think this book is going to find an audience, maybe I will give the sequel a try.
The book is pretty short, despite this, it takes a while to get going and we spend a lot of time setting up the story. And somehow, the world building come across as underdeveloped and flat. This is a recurring thing in many retellings, the author is too dependent on the established framework of the original story and neglects to build their own narrative.
The ending felt a bit rushed, so the overall pacing of the book could’ve used some polishing.
I definitely think this book is going to find an audience, maybe I will give the sequel a try.
March 16, 2026
Thank you Macmillan audio for this alc for an honest review. I would give the audio narration and production a 4/5 stars. I thought the book was narrated well and added a little more to the book when the story was lacking. The narrators did a good job keeping me interested through the book. The book on the other hand was an okay read, I have never really took time to know the wizard of oz story so this was all new to me lol. It was like rediscovering a new fairy tale. I liked that this book was short just like most of this author’s books it was fast paced and easy to follow. I thought was interesting and we were confused like the fmc as she was trying to navigate the world of oz. I’m less confused now that I’ve finished the book but some plots are still muddled. This book has a lot of spice and I’m not sure how I’m feeling about the MCs romance but I’m interested to see where it goes. Overall a good read if you like dark spicy retellings.
April 21, 2026
Grab your Ozrum and silver slippers, because a spicy new Wizard of Oz retelling just dropped!
West of Wicked might be one of my favorite retellings to date. There are just enough differences to make it feel unique while still giving me that feeling of nostalgia that I crave in a retelling. Also, THE PLOT TWISTS. WERE. PLOT. TWISTING! Call me Dorothy because baby my head was spinning. If you could see my face when I read the last chapter, I think I just sat there with my mouth open.
I'm excited to see where we land in the sequel after Nikki St. Crowe dropped us off a cliff.
I enjoyed this book so much that I went out and bought the special edition (which has a great map and beautiful sprayed edges).
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this gifted ARC!
West of Wicked might be one of my favorite retellings to date. There are just enough differences to make it feel unique while still giving me that feeling of nostalgia that I crave in a retelling. Also, THE PLOT TWISTS. WERE. PLOT. TWISTING! Call me Dorothy because baby my head was spinning. If you could see my face when I read the last chapter, I think I just sat there with my mouth open.
I'm excited to see where we land in the sequel after Nikki St. Crowe dropped us off a cliff.
I enjoyed this book so much that I went out and bought the special edition (which has a great map and beautiful sprayed edges).
Thank you to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for this gifted ARC!
March 9, 2026
3.5⭐️
As someone who isn’t a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz
I thought this was a really fun time! 💚
I really enjoyed the adventure and the twists!
We still have Dorothy and all our familiar character
But make them darker 🖤
If you are looking for a Wizard of Oz retelling that’s short but a good time definitely read this one!
As someone who isn’t a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz
I thought this was a really fun time! 💚
I really enjoyed the adventure and the twists!
We still have Dorothy and all our familiar character
But make them darker 🖤
If you are looking for a Wizard of Oz retelling that’s short but a good time definitely read this one!
April 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC.
I haven't read the original, but I feel like the story is common enough for people to know roughly what goes on, and this just felt like it basically retold the events with an adult Dorothy. I might be wrong there, of course, but it didn't feel like there was anything original here other than the sex scenes, which I didn't like. I was listening to this and kept waiting for something to happen and then the audiobook was over and I was like huh? This was it?
If this had been an original story, I think it would have been better, but as a retelling of the Wizard of Oz, it automatically lost points because like... you didn't come up with the plot yourself, so the least you can do is add some originality to it. Didn't feel like that happened here, so it was pretty disappointing.
I haven't read the original, but I feel like the story is common enough for people to know roughly what goes on, and this just felt like it basically retold the events with an adult Dorothy. I might be wrong there, of course, but it didn't feel like there was anything original here other than the sex scenes, which I didn't like. I was listening to this and kept waiting for something to happen and then the audiobook was over and I was like huh? This was it?
If this had been an original story, I think it would have been better, but as a retelling of the Wizard of Oz, it automatically lost points because like... you didn't come up with the plot yourself, so the least you can do is add some originality to it. Didn't feel like that happened here, so it was pretty disappointing.
April 24, 2026
ARC review received thru Netgalley. Review completed on April 4, 2026.
This by far has been my favorite retelling of the Wizard of Oz! I loved how the characters were all portrayed, the banter and tension btw the Scarecrow and Dorothy, the Tinman's background story, the little spice sprinkled throughout the book, but my favorite... the plot twist at the end! OMG! What?!
It is a must read, I couldn't stop listening to it. Finished it in a day and I can't wait to see what happens next with book 2, due in November!!!
This by far has been my favorite retelling of the Wizard of Oz! I loved how the characters were all portrayed, the banter and tension btw the Scarecrow and Dorothy, the Tinman's background story, the little spice sprinkled throughout the book, but my favorite... the plot twist at the end! OMG! What?!
It is a must read, I couldn't stop listening to it. Finished it in a day and I can't wait to see what happens next with book 2, due in November!!!
March 5, 2026
That ending!!! Bring on book 2!
So… funny story. I have actually read another book by this author one other time. I was trying to read the Ever King series but because of one little added consonant to “ever” I was sent down a COMPLETELY different reading experience. One that I never asked for. I like to make the comparison to something like a 1970’s porno. You know the one… where the unsuspecting person thinks they’re having a pepperoni pizza delivered but instead winds up with a mouth full of salami. 😳 Yeah… reading the Never King series was a bit something like that. Before that series my innocent brain was blissfully unaware of all the things multiple men could do with just one hole. 😰😭
But we are not here to talk about the Never King series, we are here to talk about West Of Wicked. So let’s get into it.
Full disclosure, I am suffering from a serious case of compulsive request syndrome right now. I see a pretty cover and I request that shit, triggers and content be damned! It isn’t until my arc request is accepted that I think, hm, I probably should have looked into this a little deeper. It was after my request was accepted that I realized who the author was and the other books she has written. That being said, I didn’t shy away because what am I if not an unpaid professional damnit! I rolled up my sleeves, stretched my neck side to side and hit play ready to spend what I expected to be the next 8 hours of my life listening to Dorthy get railed by the lion, the tin man, the scarecrow and a gang bang with at least 20 eager munchkins.
To my surprise, it really wasn’t all that smutty.
So, if you haven’t guessed it already, West Of Wicked is a dark fantasy retelling of the Wizard Of Oz. The story starts out pretty standard enough. We meet Dorthy, she lives on a farm in Kansas with her aunt and uncle. I knew almost immediately I wouldn’t be the target audience for this book because I’m not gonna lie, I was rooting for the boring farm boy at the beginning of the story. He seemed so sweet! But let’s be honest, Nikki St. Crowe doesn’t write “sweet”. 😂
The writing is NSC’s standard writing style. Multiple POVs, the audio stars her usual voice narrators. I think it’s safe to say if you like NSC’s writing style you will also love this book as well. I could see her loyal readers being disappointed in the lack of fairytale inspired debauchery that we have come to know and love but I have no doubt it will be present in the books to follow in this series. I could complain about the lack of character development and superficial storytelling but let’s be honest, we don’t grab these books for their depth, we grab them for the jaw dropping spice scenes and pretty decent plot squeezed in between.
So yeah, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun, guilty pleasure who also enjoyed the Never King series.
Thank you NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
So… funny story. I have actually read another book by this author one other time. I was trying to read the Ever King series but because of one little added consonant to “ever” I was sent down a COMPLETELY different reading experience. One that I never asked for. I like to make the comparison to something like a 1970’s porno. You know the one… where the unsuspecting person thinks they’re having a pepperoni pizza delivered but instead winds up with a mouth full of salami. 😳 Yeah… reading the Never King series was a bit something like that. Before that series my innocent brain was blissfully unaware of all the things multiple men could do with just one hole. 😰😭
But we are not here to talk about the Never King series, we are here to talk about West Of Wicked. So let’s get into it.
Full disclosure, I am suffering from a serious case of compulsive request syndrome right now. I see a pretty cover and I request that shit, triggers and content be damned! It isn’t until my arc request is accepted that I think, hm, I probably should have looked into this a little deeper. It was after my request was accepted that I realized who the author was and the other books she has written. That being said, I didn’t shy away because what am I if not an unpaid professional damnit! I rolled up my sleeves, stretched my neck side to side and hit play ready to spend what I expected to be the next 8 hours of my life listening to Dorthy get railed by the lion, the tin man, the scarecrow and a gang bang with at least 20 eager munchkins.
To my surprise, it really wasn’t all that smutty.
So, if you haven’t guessed it already, West Of Wicked is a dark fantasy retelling of the Wizard Of Oz. The story starts out pretty standard enough. We meet Dorthy, she lives on a farm in Kansas with her aunt and uncle. I knew almost immediately I wouldn’t be the target audience for this book because I’m not gonna lie, I was rooting for the boring farm boy at the beginning of the story. He seemed so sweet! But let’s be honest, Nikki St. Crowe doesn’t write “sweet”. 😂
The writing is NSC’s standard writing style. Multiple POVs, the audio stars her usual voice narrators. I think it’s safe to say if you like NSC’s writing style you will also love this book as well. I could see her loyal readers being disappointed in the lack of fairytale inspired debauchery that we have come to know and love but I have no doubt it will be present in the books to follow in this series. I could complain about the lack of character development and superficial storytelling but let’s be honest, we don’t grab these books for their depth, we grab them for the jaw dropping spice scenes and pretty decent plot squeezed in between.
So yeah, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fun, guilty pleasure who also enjoyed the Never King series.
Thank you NetGalley for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2026
yeah as a wizard of oz girl till the day i die? i hated this.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A dark romantasy retelling of The Wizard of Oz! Honestly, the trigger warnings had me pumped. While it was dark, I was actually hoping for a bit darker, but that's the horror fan in me! That being said, I really enjoyed it! I've been on a huge mood reading kick and it's taken me all over the place with genre, which I am glad for because this is slightly out of my usual reads. We encounter all of the same familiar characters from The Wizard of Oz--but totally different! Dorothy is swept away by a cyclone and lands in a mysterious place that seems cursed and peculiar. Her very first encounter there ends in bloodshed. She doesn't realize just how far from home she is, but is determined to find her way back. Advised to follow the yellow brick road to see the Wizard, she is joined by a handsome stranger named Rook who woke up with no memories. They are both looking for answers. What unfolds is atmospheric, exciting, a little sexy, and familiar yet different all at the same time! This Oz is dangerous and edgy, full of monsters, witches, and morally grey characters. I just had such a good time reading it and there are definitely some twists you won't see coming!!!
Thank you to Bramble for the gifted ARC! Book releases 4/14/26.
Thank you to Bramble for the gifted ARC! Book releases 4/14/26.
April 9, 2026
So, I understand that this is a retelling of The Wizard Of Oz…
And that it’s not going to be like the original…
BUT, my question is … Why do I have more questions about what I just read…. AFTER I FINISHED IT??!!??
Then I come to Goodreads to write my review, and I see FOR THE FIRST TIME, that this is book #1 in a series. But… no mention of this on NetGalley….
So I am increasing my rating to 3.5, and rounding up to 4… because at least now it makes more sense!
I couldn’t imagine that it was ending with more questions than what it started with!
So… like The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is living on a farm with her Auntie Em and her Uncle, and of course, Toto.
A huge twister is coming, and she doesn’t make it to the cellar…so instead she goes in the house… and the house lands on … the witch. BUT… that is where the similarities end.
The witch didn’t die. The scarecrow is a man. And the tinman is made of wood… and metal.
And Oz seems to be a somewhat crazy place where many of its inhabitants are on drugs… to cope with day to day living. And the witches? Well, they are pretty much… awful.
Dorothy is told that her best bet to try to get home would be to see the wizard… and so she tries. Because all she wants to do is go home!
This was a strange book for me, as it totally twisted and reimagined the original story. But I did enjoy it!
I just didn’t enjoy that so many people were out to hurt Dorothy.
#WestOfWicked by @NikkiStCrowe. And narrated phenomenally by a full cast! Including: @AmyHall; @ConnorCrais; @EllieGossage; @SamanthaBrentmoor; @SeanMasters; @ShaneEast and @StellaHunter.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!
*** This one HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!!! Look 👀 for it starting on 4/14/26!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @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!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
And that it’s not going to be like the original…
BUT, my question is … Why do I have more questions about what I just read…. AFTER I FINISHED IT??!!??
Then I come to Goodreads to write my review, and I see FOR THE FIRST TIME, that this is book #1 in a series. But… no mention of this on NetGalley….
So I am increasing my rating to 3.5, and rounding up to 4… because at least now it makes more sense!
I couldn’t imagine that it was ending with more questions than what it started with!
So… like The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy is living on a farm with her Auntie Em and her Uncle, and of course, Toto.
A huge twister is coming, and she doesn’t make it to the cellar…so instead she goes in the house… and the house lands on … the witch. BUT… that is where the similarities end.
The witch didn’t die. The scarecrow is a man. And the tinman is made of wood… and metal.
And Oz seems to be a somewhat crazy place where many of its inhabitants are on drugs… to cope with day to day living. And the witches? Well, they are pretty much… awful.
Dorothy is told that her best bet to try to get home would be to see the wizard… and so she tries. Because all she wants to do is go home!
This was a strange book for me, as it totally twisted and reimagined the original story. But I did enjoy it!
I just didn’t enjoy that so many people were out to hurt Dorothy.
#WestOfWicked by @NikkiStCrowe. And narrated phenomenally by a full cast! Including: @AmyHall; @ConnorCrais; @EllieGossage; @SamanthaBrentmoor; @SeanMasters; @ShaneEast and @StellaHunter.
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 for me, rounded up to 4!
*** This one HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET!!! Look 👀 for it starting on 4/14/26!!! ***
Thanks so much to #NetGalley and @MacmillanAudio for an ALC of the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
You can also find my reviews on: Goodreads,
Instagram: @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!!
And as always, thanks for reading along with me! 📚⭐️🩷
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5 stars TL;DR - We, as a society, should never ever describe stroking someone's hair as "from root to tip" ESPECIALLY when that was just used to describe stroking a dude's ding dong 5 minutes prior. What are we doing?!
My Thoughts:
Wow wow wow... this might be an absolute mess of a review because I have a few conflicting thoughts and a heck of a lot to say, but let’s just give this a try, shall we...
Let’s start with the first 70% or so of this book, and we’ll address the ending later.
I didn’t like it.
Sorry, I didn’t. Omg, it was so... boring. I felt okay about it at first because we were getting glimpses and teases that made it seem like something crazy was constantly around the corner - but it consistently did. not. deliver. And after a while, it really started to drag because it was all hints with absolutely nothing to snack on.
I thought the setup was quite clunky. It felt like the author was trying too hard to stick to certain original aspects, and it didn’t really work in her favor. Almost like she had a story she wanted to tell but kept getting pulled back by a tether to include those elements.
I’m trying not to compare it too heavily to the Vicious Lost Boys series, but it’s hard not to when so many things I didn’t like here were done well there. In VLB, the characters were clearly inspired but still felt unique, and I wish we had gotten more of that here. That series also had a clear sense of direction - not that I could predict everything to the end, but I always felt like I could follow the path from one step to the next. With this, I had no idea why anything was happening or where we were going.
Let’s also talk about the excessive POVs. So unnecessary. Absolutely annoying. Three would have been the correct amount for this story & not a single one more. This was especially frustrating in the audiobook because I liked some narrators more than others, and fewer POVs would have meant fewer annoyances. The only ones I really liked were Dorothy and the Tin Man. I’ve heard Scarecrow/Rook’s narrator before and, listen, he has a wonderful voice - very reminiscent of Richard Armitage, which is a high compliment imo. But how he keeps getting work with that female narration is beyond me. It’s borderline offensive.
Now that they’ve been mentioned, let’s talk about the characters a bit more.
Dorothy... she’s fine. I don’t dislike her, but I didn’t connect with her either. I think the author could have developed her a lot more. There were over 300 pages to make me feel something, and instead we just got her uncertainty about marrying Edward repeated over and over with very little else.
Rook was pretty intriguing. I figured out half of his secrets, but not the other half, and I actually really liked what he brought to the story - especially in hindsight. Similarly, the Tin Man was interesting and, while there’s a lot more I want to know about him, I think we were given the right amount for this book.
Cleo did not need her own POV. We could have gotten the same hints through other characters and saved more of her for the next book. I just don’t know enough about her to care. Same goes for the other witches.
Okay, whew - now let’s talk about the ending.
I actually started reading reviews when I was about an hour from the end, and someone said the ending saved the book for them and made them want to read the next one. I distinctly remember thinking, “Wow, that could never be me” because I was kind of hating my life at that point.
But let me tell you... the ending did something for me. I know, I'm shook.
Now look - it’s not enough to excuse everything I disliked about the majority of the book. We still had too many POVs. We still had a frustrating imbalance of overwriting mundane details while underdeveloping more important aspects. We still had an unclear goal and plenty of clunky moments.
However.
I was genuinely shocked, and certain elements, particularly the character relationships, started to make a lot more sense.
Also, let me just say: I was so surprised by the lack of spice in this book. I’m not usually someone who wants more spice, and I often think it’s used to cover up weak plot or character development. I also love a slow burn. But wow, the lack of any romance was really starting to get to me. That part, in particular, makes more sense now and it might have been a genius move.
Ok let's talk about it fully:
Okay, let’s wrap this up...
I... I do think I’m going to read the next one. I cannot believe I’m saying that after all of this, but... she got me.
That said, I don’t think I can bring myself to rate this any higher. Some things make more sense now, but a lot of the issues are still there regardless of how the plot plays out. I have never given a book 2 stars and still said, “I’ll probably continue.” That’s wild. I’m wild. But here we are.
Do I recommend this? Eh... I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from reading it, but I also don’t want to be responsible for actively recommending it.
If I do end up reading book two, I may come back and update this review, because what happens there could absolutely impact how I feel about this one.
Hope this was helpful to someone... but honestly, probably not lol.
My Thoughts:
Wow wow wow... this might be an absolute mess of a review because I have a few conflicting thoughts and a heck of a lot to say, but let’s just give this a try, shall we...
Let’s start with the first 70% or so of this book, and we’ll address the ending later.
I didn’t like it.
Sorry, I didn’t. Omg, it was so... boring. I felt okay about it at first because we were getting glimpses and teases that made it seem like something crazy was constantly around the corner - but it consistently did. not. deliver. And after a while, it really started to drag because it was all hints with absolutely nothing to snack on.
I thought the setup was quite clunky. It felt like the author was trying too hard to stick to certain original aspects, and it didn’t really work in her favor. Almost like she had a story she wanted to tell but kept getting pulled back by a tether to include those elements.
I’m trying not to compare it too heavily to the Vicious Lost Boys series, but it’s hard not to when so many things I didn’t like here were done well there. In VLB, the characters were clearly inspired but still felt unique, and I wish we had gotten more of that here. That series also had a clear sense of direction - not that I could predict everything to the end, but I always felt like I could follow the path from one step to the next. With this, I had no idea why anything was happening or where we were going.
Let’s also talk about the excessive POVs. So unnecessary. Absolutely annoying. Three would have been the correct amount for this story & not a single one more. This was especially frustrating in the audiobook because I liked some narrators more than others, and fewer POVs would have meant fewer annoyances. The only ones I really liked were Dorothy and the Tin Man. I’ve heard Scarecrow/Rook’s narrator before and, listen, he has a wonderful voice - very reminiscent of Richard Armitage, which is a high compliment imo. But how he keeps getting work with that female narration is beyond me. It’s borderline offensive.
Now that they’ve been mentioned, let’s talk about the characters a bit more.
Dorothy... she’s fine. I don’t dislike her, but I didn’t connect with her either. I think the author could have developed her a lot more. There were over 300 pages to make me feel something, and instead we just got her uncertainty about marrying Edward repeated over and over with very little else.
Rook was pretty intriguing. I figured out half of his secrets, but not the other half, and I actually really liked what he brought to the story - especially in hindsight. Similarly, the Tin Man was interesting and, while there’s a lot more I want to know about him, I think we were given the right amount for this book.
Cleo did not need her own POV. We could have gotten the same hints through other characters and saved more of her for the next book. I just don’t know enough about her to care. Same goes for the other witches.
Okay, whew - now let’s talk about the ending.
I actually started reading reviews when I was about an hour from the end, and someone said the ending saved the book for them and made them want to read the next one. I distinctly remember thinking, “Wow, that could never be me” because I was kind of hating my life at that point.
But let me tell you... the ending did something for me. I know, I'm shook.
Now look - it’s not enough to excuse everything I disliked about the majority of the book. We still had too many POVs. We still had a frustrating imbalance of overwriting mundane details while underdeveloping more important aspects. We still had an unclear goal and plenty of clunky moments.
However.
I was genuinely shocked, and certain elements, particularly the character relationships, started to make a lot more sense.
Also, let me just say: I was so surprised by the lack of spice in this book. I’m not usually someone who wants more spice, and I often think it’s used to cover up weak plot or character development. I also love a slow burn. But wow, the lack of any romance was really starting to get to me. That part, in particular, makes more sense now and it might have been a genius move.
Ok let's talk about it fully:
Okay, let’s wrap this up...
I... I do think I’m going to read the next one. I cannot believe I’m saying that after all of this, but... she got me.
That said, I don’t think I can bring myself to rate this any higher. Some things make more sense now, but a lot of the issues are still there regardless of how the plot plays out. I have never given a book 2 stars and still said, “I’ll probably continue.” That’s wild. I’m wild. But here we are.
Do I recommend this? Eh... I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from reading it, but I also don’t want to be responsible for actively recommending it.
If I do end up reading book two, I may come back and update this review, because what happens there could absolutely impact how I feel about this one.
Hope this was helpful to someone... but honestly, probably not lol.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
So...*aheeem* I have to admit something.
One of the main reasons I requested this audiobook was because… Shane East was one of the narrators. And he could read the dictionary and I’d still be there like 👀...
That said, putting my bias aside (trying, at least :D ):
The story itself felt a bit rushed to me. And I don’t mean fast paced in a good way, but more like we didn’t get enough depth. I was expecting more backstory, more buildup and more development for the characters.
There’s a lot happening, a lot of action, but not always enough time to really connect with everything.
I did like the chemistry between Dorothy and Rook, that part worked, BUT I was also expecting more spice, especially considering the tone and setup. (I mean, the book kinda started with a spicy scene)
Now, the audiobook? That’s where this really shines. The full cast did a great job bringing the story to life and it definitely made my experience more enjoyable.
Also… that scene with Dorothy, Rook and the knife? Yup. Now, I’m sooo curious for book 2.
So overall, I think the story itself sits around a 3⭐ for me, but the audiobook experience definitely bumped it up.
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.
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One of the main reasons I requested this audiobook was because… Shane East was one of the narrators. And he could read the dictionary and I’d still be there like 👀...
That said, putting my bias aside (trying, at least :D ):
The story itself felt a bit rushed to me. And I don’t mean fast paced in a good way, but more like we didn’t get enough depth. I was expecting more backstory, more buildup and more development for the characters.
There’s a lot happening, a lot of action, but not always enough time to really connect with everything.
I did like the chemistry between Dorothy and Rook, that part worked, BUT I was also expecting more spice, especially considering the tone and setup. (I mean, the book kinda started with a spicy scene)
Now, the audiobook? That’s where this really shines. The full cast did a great job bringing the story to life and it definitely made my experience more enjoyable.
Also… that scene with Dorothy, Rook and the knife? Yup. Now, I’m sooo curious for book 2.
So overall, I think the story itself sits around a 3⭐ for me, but the audiobook experience definitely bumped it up.
⭐ 4 stars
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ARC.
https://turnthepagewithana.blogspot.c...
May 3, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you to Love Y’all Romance Book Fest and Bramble for the ARC of this book in our VIP Tote bags this year. It came out Tuesday, April 14th! It is the start of a new series by Nikki St. Crowe, retelling the Wizard of Oz in the dark way she does best! All opinions are my own.
Let me start off by saying I have never read the original story or watched the whole movie the whole way through, and as of reading this book I have only seen part one of Wicked. All that is to say that the finer details and intricacies of the world of the Wizard of Oz may be lost on me, but I will catch the wider pop culture brush strokes, such as the shoes, the yellow brick road, the members of Dorothy’s travel party, etc.
Dorothy dreams of a life outside of her boring farming life in Kansas until one day a tornado drops her in the middle of a strange land on top of a witch who she is then forced to kill with a kitchen knife. It only gets crazier from there as she tries to make her way back home but the people of Oz laud her as a sorceress and want to throw parties in her honor for killing the Witch of the East. As she tries to make her way to the Wizard, she gains a friend in Rook (the scarecrow), and their chemistry is undeniable. With a mission to go home, Eastenders throwing parties, Rook’s lack of memory, and a murderous Tinman out to bring Dorothy to the Witch of the West, the story begs to be completed in one sitting.
I LOVED the way that Nikki portrayed these well known characters and gave them new life. Not only did the dark spin make it more fun but it also added a depth to be explored that made the story all that more interesting. I have always said that Nikki has a way of rewriting stories we know and bringing out something completely unexpected and jaw dropping and this story is no different. As the reader is busy trying to see the similarities between the story they know and the world Nikki is written, a twist you won’t see coming will totally have you throwing the book across the room and begging the publisher for an early copy of book 2. I loved all the side characters, especially Toto, though I am giving him the biggest side eye. I also enjoyed the chapters from multiple POVs, I think the multiple perspectives gave the story dimension. I can’t wait for the next book for us to explore more of Oz and see where else the adventures of Dorothy will take us.
Thank you to Love Y’all Romance Book Fest and Bramble for the ARC of this book in our VIP Tote bags this year. It came out Tuesday, April 14th! It is the start of a new series by Nikki St. Crowe, retelling the Wizard of Oz in the dark way she does best! All opinions are my own.
Let me start off by saying I have never read the original story or watched the whole movie the whole way through, and as of reading this book I have only seen part one of Wicked. All that is to say that the finer details and intricacies of the world of the Wizard of Oz may be lost on me, but I will catch the wider pop culture brush strokes, such as the shoes, the yellow brick road, the members of Dorothy’s travel party, etc.
Dorothy dreams of a life outside of her boring farming life in Kansas until one day a tornado drops her in the middle of a strange land on top of a witch who she is then forced to kill with a kitchen knife. It only gets crazier from there as she tries to make her way back home but the people of Oz laud her as a sorceress and want to throw parties in her honor for killing the Witch of the East. As she tries to make her way to the Wizard, she gains a friend in Rook (the scarecrow), and their chemistry is undeniable. With a mission to go home, Eastenders throwing parties, Rook’s lack of memory, and a murderous Tinman out to bring Dorothy to the Witch of the West, the story begs to be completed in one sitting.
I LOVED the way that Nikki portrayed these well known characters and gave them new life. Not only did the dark spin make it more fun but it also added a depth to be explored that made the story all that more interesting. I have always said that Nikki has a way of rewriting stories we know and bringing out something completely unexpected and jaw dropping and this story is no different. As the reader is busy trying to see the similarities between the story they know and the world Nikki is written, a twist you won’t see coming will totally have you throwing the book across the room and begging the publisher for an early copy of book 2. I loved all the side characters, especially Toto, though I am giving him the biggest side eye. I also enjoyed the chapters from multiple POVs, I think the multiple perspectives gave the story dimension. I can’t wait for the next book for us to explore more of Oz and see where else the adventures of Dorothy will take us.
April 17, 2026
This book was oddly paced. Sometimes it was so slow and it felt like we were just wandering around, lost in a cornfield. Other times the pace picked up and lots of interesting things were happening. But those times were few and far between and couldn’t save the overall story for me. The characters didn’t really interest me. Dorothy was especially boring. The twists that came at the end, I saw from a mile away. I love that retellings are so popular right now and I’ve read a ton of them. Unfortunately, West of Wicked isn’t one of the better ones. It’s not a bad book, just boring.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thank you to Bramble and NetGalley for the ARC.
April 18, 2026
So have i had this book preordered for like a yr, YES! When I found out this was full cast audio I knew i had to add that in and it did not disappoint. I was worried this was going to be too spicy for me but there is only 1 spice scene. The Wizard of Oz is my favorite movie so any retellings are going to intrigue me and this kept close to the story line but I also feel added in elements from Wicked. We have always known the Wizard is a but shady and he is no exception in this story and im intrigued where they will take this and the story of the cardinal witches in book 2. The big twist at the end I was not expecting at all.
April 15, 2026
I went into this one so excited, the premise had me instantly hooked and it sounded exactly like my kind of read.
Unfortunately, this ended up being a soft DNF for me around 35%. While there were definitely elements I could appreciate (the writing style/world/ideas), it just didn’t fully pull me in the way I’d hoped.
I’m a big mood reader, and I think this may be a case of right book, wrong time, because I can absolutely see other readers loving this
Unfortunately, this ended up being a soft DNF for me around 35%. While there were definitely elements I could appreciate (the writing style/world/ideas), it just didn’t fully pull me in the way I’d hoped.
I’m a big mood reader, and I think this may be a case of right book, wrong time, because I can absolutely see other readers loving this
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