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The Last Train To Oz
The Last Train to Oz
Sixteen-year-old Dottie Gallen is searching for her missing little brother, Lamont, on the streets of Philadelphia when a desperate chase leads her into an abandoned subway train. But this train isn’t ordinary—it’s a portal to a fractured, dangerous version of Oz, one nothing like the fairy tale. Oz is dying. Ravaged by war, ruled by fear, and haunted by a storm that threatens to erase it entirely. Alone and far from home, Dottie is forced to rely on a group of unlikely —Tintin, a logical, part-metal train conductor bound to the Emerald City Express and the laws of reason; — Crow, a grizzle, bitter man, reluctant, and hiding more than a few secrets of his own; —Cat Wellington III, a smooth-talking, tattered nobleman with a golden mane, sharp instincts, and more enemies than friends. Together, they embark on a perilous journey— through the treacherous underground districts of Oz, pursued by monstrous Spector's, metal eating Nanites and deadly zombie-like Eaters. But as the stakes rise and the truth unfolds, Dottie realizes that survival isn’t just about finding Lamont—it’s about facing her deepest fears, forging unbreakable bonds, and choosing who she’s willing to become when the world demands everything.
A bold, pulse-pounding reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, The Last Train to Oz trades whimsy for grit, magic for mayhem, and nostalgia for raw, unrelenting adventure. This isn’t the Oz you remember—but once you step aboard, it will be the Oz you’ll never forget.
Sixteen-year-old Dottie Gallen is searching for her missing little brother, Lamont, on the streets of Philadelphia when a desperate chase leads her into an abandoned subway train. But this train isn’t ordinary—it’s a portal to a fractured, dangerous version of Oz, one nothing like the fairy tale. Oz is dying. Ravaged by war, ruled by fear, and haunted by a storm that threatens to erase it entirely. Alone and far from home, Dottie is forced to rely on a group of unlikely —Tintin, a logical, part-metal train conductor bound to the Emerald City Express and the laws of reason; — Crow, a grizzle, bitter man, reluctant, and hiding more than a few secrets of his own; —Cat Wellington III, a smooth-talking, tattered nobleman with a golden mane, sharp instincts, and more enemies than friends. Together, they embark on a perilous journey— through the treacherous underground districts of Oz, pursued by monstrous Spector's, metal eating Nanites and deadly zombie-like Eaters. But as the stakes rise and the truth unfolds, Dottie realizes that survival isn’t just about finding Lamont—it’s about facing her deepest fears, forging unbreakable bonds, and choosing who she’s willing to become when the world demands everything.
A bold, pulse-pounding reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, The Last Train to Oz trades whimsy for grit, magic for mayhem, and nostalgia for raw, unrelenting adventure. This isn’t the Oz you remember—but once you step aboard, it will be the Oz you’ll never forget.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 14, 2026
I’ve seen Oz before. The traditional cast of The Wizard of Oz… the black cast of The Wiz. Both telling a story of being lost and finding yourself. Reminders of what we had at home and what we thought we were getting outside.
I have NEVER read Oz like this. Osman Karriem created magic on these pages. You meet the usuals: Crow, Tin and Cat on Dottie and Tokie’s adventures and listen… I could not put this one down. The depth that these characters were written gave them an other worldliness that had you invested immediately. There were so many twists and turns in this story, and it played out like a movie.
I love a good retelling of a classic, and this one did not disappoint.
My favorite quote: Oz? What part of Philly is that?
I knew at that moment it was going to be on and poppin🙌🏾
Heather Butler this was an excellent suggestion. I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my collection.
Osman, you did an amazing job with this. The visuals for the characters are breathtaking. I would love to see this on the big screen.
The cover art is chef’s kiss 💋
Title: The Last Train To Oz
Author: Osman Karriem
Pages: 204
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://a.co/d/0eHvELQ4
I have NEVER read Oz like this. Osman Karriem created magic on these pages. You meet the usuals: Crow, Tin and Cat on Dottie and Tokie’s adventures and listen… I could not put this one down. The depth that these characters were written gave them an other worldliness that had you invested immediately. There were so many twists and turns in this story, and it played out like a movie.
I love a good retelling of a classic, and this one did not disappoint.
My favorite quote: Oz? What part of Philly is that?
I knew at that moment it was going to be on and poppin🙌🏾
Heather Butler this was an excellent suggestion. I can’t wait to add the physical copy to my collection.
Osman, you did an amazing job with this. The visuals for the characters are breathtaking. I would love to see this on the big screen.
The cover art is chef’s kiss 💋
Title: The Last Train To Oz
Author: Osman Karriem
Pages: 204
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
https://a.co/d/0eHvELQ4
June 5, 2026
Not for everyone... but I found this reimagining absolutely brilliant. Packed with all the necessary elements for the perfect beach read (thrilling, thoughtful and suspenseful) I couldn't have been happier taking the dark journey with Dottie Gallen, our adorable protagonist and her pose (well developed characters, believable, gritty, lovable and familiar all at the same time). This urban take on a beloved tale left me speechless, nearly broke me and when I finished, I looked up, tears mixed with sand streaking my face...the sun was setting. I had been completely engrossed in the dark twists, turns and chaos of this story ALL Day! So much so, I closed my Kindle singing "You're outta the woods, you're outta the dark, you're outta the night!" I couldn't help myself. LOL! It was so good. I will not soon forget this revisiting. It was a perfect beach read for a perfect beach day. Bravo Osman! Loved it.
June 13, 2026
This book was PHENOMENAL and I’m not sure why more people haven’t read it. The way Dottie, Cat, Tintin and Crow navigate through Oz was amazing. The character development throughout was great and I felt like I was watching a movie the entire time.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews