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Dorothy Must Die #0.6

Ruler of Beasts

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Danielle Paige delivers a dark and compelling reimagining of a beloved classic, perfect for fans of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Beastly by Alex Flinn, and Wicked by Gregory Maguire.

When the Cowardly Lion set off for the Emerald City in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz with Dorothy and the others, he sought courage above all else. This digital original novella is the sixth installment in the prequel arc to the edgy and thrilling New York Times bestsellers Dorothy Must Die and The Wicked Will Rise, and is the Lion’s story after he got what he’s always wanted.

The Lion’s wish has finally come true—he is the courageous ruler of the forest and all of its beasts. But the Lion is bored—he misses the days of his adventures with Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, and the Scarecrow. When Glinda the Good Witch shows up unexpectedly and tasks him with a mission back in the Emerald City, he jumps at the chance to do something exciting, even though he knows she’s not telling him the entire truth.

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2016

42 people are currently reading
6619 people want to read

About the author

Danielle Paige

34 books5,601 followers
Danielle lives in NY. Before turning to YA, she worked in television & was nominated for several Daytime Emmy's. Dorothy Must Die is her first novel.

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5 stars
479 (22%)
4 stars
722 (34%)
3 stars
728 (34%)
2 stars
139 (6%)
1 star
32 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews
Profile Image for TJ.
1,006 reviews125 followers
March 16, 2016
THE REVIEW

Why this book?
Catching up before I read Yellow Brick War

What I thought

I don't have much to say, but it was much better then most of the novellas. Im am wondering though, does this mean The Nome King is gonna be in Yellow Brick War? My Return To Oz fangirl heart is hoping so!

Bring on Yellow Brick War!!

Profile Image for catherine ♡.
1,707 reviews172 followers
April 10, 2017
This one was alright for me too - it wasn't anything spectacular but I did think that it was interesting, and we got to see more of what had happened between Ozma and Glinda.

For a book about the Lion, however, I don't think I got enough.
Profile Image for Daniel Carpio.
150 reviews11 followers
October 13, 2017
This short story was amazing. I definitely enjoyed the lions POV more than the tin woodman and the scarecrows.
I really wanted to give it 5 stars but the last two pages literally made me so angry. WHY would the author do that ? After the lion and Ozma has such a beautiful friendship, and the lion found out that Glinda was a bitch, whyyy would he start thinking oh maybe Glinda is not a bitch and Ozma is. I just thought the story could have ended after the lion was dismissed from the castle and completely avoid the part where he starts doubting Ozma and starts thinking that Glinda might be good after all. Ugh. Like, I get it. The author is probably trying to ‘set’ the stage for when the lion becomes evil in the main series, but this short story was so beautiful and the friendship between Ozma and the Lion was so pure I didn’t think adding the last two pages was necessary at all
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for SB Senpai  Manga.
1,242 reviews
February 17, 2016
Danielle Paige continues to surprise me with her portrayal of Oz! I love how she tells a new story and at the same time manages to keep the original L. Frank Baum stories canon. Another thing I love is that these novellas tell us a backstory that we don't know all about, but each story gives us a little bit of info and makes us want more.
Profile Image for Martha Elena.
356 reviews34 followers
November 24, 2017
2.5 estrellitas

Creo que voy a llegar el punto de "hartarme" de la historia y que todos sean malvados por razones ridiculas (pensandolo bien) que voy a perder las pocas ganas que tengo de leer los libros principales.

Profile Image for Tiffany.
724 reviews49 followers
May 25, 2016
The Lion wasn't all that bad in this book. Self centered for sure but not evil.

I hope the Nome King comes back and wipes the floor with Dorothy! :)
159 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2023
This book made me think of the "Return to Oz" movie with the Nome King and a character being turned into a statue ornament.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Yvonne (It's All About Books).
2,694 reviews316 followers
July 21, 2016
brrulerofbeasts
Finished reading: July 20th 2016
Rating 3,5qqq

“You are not Wicked, dear Lion. But sometimes you put what you want over what is good for Oz.”



P.S. Find more of my reviews here.
Profile Image for Cami V. Romero.
323 reviews31 followers
August 5, 2017
Estas historias cortas me están gustando mucho en serio! Me encantó la amistad entre el León y Ozma... y termina así :'(
Sigue así Danielle... pero deja de sacar tantas novelitas plis
Profile Image for Chelsea.
2,095 reviews62 followers
July 26, 2019
The Lion has been a fairly underwhelming character so far; I can't say he turned my opinion of him around completely with this novella but it did offer a lot of insight on Ozma. This takes place about a year after Glinda put Ozma on the throne. Ozma is much more independent than Glinda expects and gets kicked out of the Emerald City along with the Scarecrow. But Glinda isn't done scheming, she uses the Lion's boredom of his kingdom to exploit him to her plans. He's to infiltrate the palace to "protect" Ozma but also look for the Wizard's ruby necklace of unknown power. The Lion does actually befriend Ozma and he grows lazy after getting accustomed to large meals and little expectations. However, the Nome King decides he wants his people to live in the wealthy Oz. Ozma and Lion face him and the ruby necklace is revealed but so is the Lion's betrayal and Glinda's plot. Ozma cannot forgive the Lion despite him being charmed to do it and kicks him out too, she'd apparently rather be sad and lonely. But this changes the Lion, now he's determined to never be treated like that again and realizes Scare, Tin, and Dorothy were his only true friends and those are whom he'll be loyal too.
The Lion is still a fairly weak character but it did a nice job painting the sort of ruler Ozmza is and how she is still fairly childish despite her strength found in ascending the throne. I miss the dark and scary stuff...there's still 3 novellas left so hopefully that continues in those.
Profile Image for Evelyn Cuellar.
972 reviews25 followers
October 11, 2021
4.5

Reseña completa en Books FD

Curiosamente esta historia me ha gustado más de lo que creía. Sinceramente no creí que el León me ganara de esta manera, todo iba bien hasta el final… Pues bueno, resulta que él está aburrido y extraña las aventuras con sus amigos, por eso cuando aparece Glinda no duda en ir a Oz y conocer a Ozma un poco más mientras busca un objeto creciendo una linda amistad ahí, ahí es cuando Ozma le pide que le acompañe a hacer un viaje ya que Oz está en peligro y conoceremos el reino Ev (cuarta novela) y por lógica el Rey Nome, que hacen un trato y eso me puso los vellos en punta… quizá si hubiera visto más como en caso anteriores como es que su maldad fue naciendo y si se hubiera omitido esa desconfianza que tiene hacia Glinda y Ozma, habría sido la historia perfecta. No hay tanta acción, pero me demostró otros sentimientos que me atrapó. Muy buena!
549 reviews16 followers
May 6, 2020
Another prequel to Dorothy Must Die, this time the Cowardly Lion's story. The Lion is bored ruling the Forest of Beasts. He's just not cut out for ruling. Then, Glinda suddenly appears and convinces the Lion to go to the Emerald City and befriend Ozma while also searching for a ruby necklace that the "Good" Witch needs.
The Lion does as asked but feels guilty because he does enjoy Ozma's company. Ozma tells him that the Nome King desires a war with Oz and they need to stop the war before it begins. The lion accompanies Ozma below the palace where they take on the Nome King while also finding something that Glinda covets.
Another enjoyable prequel. I love that these books give insight into why these characters behave the way they do during the series.
Profile Image for Taylor C.
41 reviews13 followers
February 27, 2017
I'm giving a higher rating to this novella from the series because it's actually not boring like some of the others. At first I thought, meh just another back story from the characters.
My thoughts shifted when the story was reaching it's middle!
Mainly the reason for the highest rating is the villain is
It had me thinking about the main story more than any other story has done before too.
Profile Image for Myndi .
1,546 reviews51 followers
December 31, 2021
I think this one has been my favorite of the novellas so far. I like how we get to see how easily the Lion is persuaded and how much he flips back and forth. I love when Ozma told him that she didn't think he thought much on good or evil. I think that's very true. I also really enjoyed seeing the Nome King and the Wheelers and hearing about the Princess with all the heads. It reminded me of watching Return to Oz as a kid. There were also some questions about Glinda answered and even about Dorothy's shoes. A great addition to the series.
Profile Image for Emily.
132 reviews7 followers
January 28, 2018
This novella want my favorite however it does explain a lot about the series. It reveals the true mastermind behind everything happening in Oz. Really a must read if you love the series’
Profile Image for Jessica Fay.
247 reviews
May 6, 2022
Absolutely loved this series. If you love twisted tales this is the series for you. It has one of the best spins on a classic that I have read so far.
Profile Image for Vivian Chen (Vivian's Book Pavilion).
199 reviews32 followers
October 31, 2016
This is post originally on Vivian's Book Pavilion

Now this was my favorite of them all. I like the plot twist, the storyline, and everything. Perhaps besides the ending…I can never understand which side Lion was on.
“You love the fight more than you love what you are fighting for. Be careful, here.”

Once again, Glinda appeared in Lion’s boring life and gave him a mission. Not mission impossible, but mission intolerable. Yet during Lion’s time with Ozma, he gradually like the princess and agree to protect her. This was the first time that The Nome King appeared, and…I really curious what would happen next after this story.

Ozma and Lion decided to find the Nome King, and Lion’s secret mission had a lot to do with this. However, when Ozma truly trusted her life with Lion, Glinda appeared and reveal the mission. Of course, BOOM!!! No trusting relationship anymore. Oh! By the way, there was a part that I believe Dorothy would want to see. Come, come Dorothy!!! (Oh sorry, I forget she was now corrupt by magic. Oops!)

The reason why I like this novella the most was that the part of bargain and the part that when you seem to forget the most important thing, Danielle Paige once again successfully drew back your attention. That’s what I like mostly about her stories. It’s really unexpected to reader, and I love unexpected things.
Profile Image for Alexander.
76 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2016
This is the 6th prequel to the Dorothy Must Die series.

This book gives you background in the Lion and even more background on Glinda, Ozma, and the Gnome King.

The books tells you how Ozma and the Lion become friends and how Glinda try's to end Ozma's rule.

The book is not as action packed as the other prequels but it is still as nice story and yet again show cases Ms. Paige's writing style.

After reading all of the prequels to the series I would definitely recommend them to anyone before the read the main series.


DO NOT READ THE REST OF THE REVIEW OF YOU DO NOT WANT TO HAVE THE BOOK SPOILED. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED


Lion is bored. Glinda comes to the lion and asks Kim to be Ozma's protector as she goes out to look for a gift for her. Lion goes and Ozma and him become great friends. Ozma gets worried because the Gnome King is going to attack Oz. Ozma and Lion go to the Gnome King to make him stop. The Gnome King says he will if the Lion can find Ozma. The Gnome Ling turns Ozma in a statue and mixes her in with 1,000's of other statues that look like her. Lion finds Ozma who was really hiding. The go back to Oz with the Wizards necklace which Glinda was looking for all along. Glinda gets mad . Ozma gets mad an banishes Glinda from Oz sending her into a black hole type thing.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
Author 12 books28 followers
February 24, 2016
Another novella about post-Wizard Oz, this time from the Cowardly Lion's point of view.

It's not a great story, but at least it's not as disgusting as the psychopathy exposed in the Scarecrow's and Tin Man's versions.

Lion makes a deal with Glinda, not good at all in these novels, and goes on an adventure with Ozma to head off an army heading to the Emerald City.

The books with Amy, the new girl from Kansas recruited by the Wicked Witches, makes for a much more entertaining story, but Ruler of Beasts isn't bad.
Profile Image for Sharon Mariampillai.
2,266 reviews94 followers
October 27, 2016
Actual Rating: 4.25

This was a great read. This is my favourite novella of the Dorothy Must Die series. I loved how Danielle Paige writes the classic story in an inventive way. In this novella, the life of Lion and how his story lead to main series. I found this story more engaging than the last two. I can't wait to read The End of Oz. Overall, an enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Shelbie.
93 reviews34 followers
March 21, 2016
This was one of the better ones, though I hate how they all get pouty and become dedicated to Glinda and Dorothy when something instantly doesn't go their way. Be your own person damn it!

I need more novellas though!!!!
Profile Image for Jacquelyn.
852 reviews40 followers
March 15, 2016
"I thought you were supposed to be the good witch?" Glinda is so evil. What happened to the cheery lady in pink. Gone is the Glinda I remember from the Wizard of Oz. Ahh,the Nome King and the Wheelers!!! I keep picturing the Wheelers from the movie Return to Oz. They were so CREEPY!!!
Profile Image for Stephanie.
327 reviews17 followers
March 11, 2016
I liked this novella way better than the other two. This one actually showed me just how greedy and evil the Lion really was. It also showed Glinda's true colors. Cant wait for the last book. I hope the pink witch gets it, and Dorothy too.
Profile Image for Zara Arshad.
239 reviews
August 28, 2016
This novella is a getting-to-know to Ozma, the sweetie-pie and the mystery of how the shoes came to be is somewhat solved for us.
I would love to know more about the Land of Ev that we have introduced in this story. Sounds intriguing.
Profile Image for Judah.
268 reviews13 followers
May 14, 2019
Some elements of the plot are borrowed from OZMA OF OZ.

Weirdly there’s a reference to Princess Langwidere, which in the DMD universe won’t exist until long after Dorothy’s return. Or did I miss something?
Profile Image for Jess.
696 reviews19 followers
April 6, 2016
One of my favorite installments in the whole novella series. Fast paced and a good story overall. The ending was sad in a way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 194 reviews

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