Ruler of Beasts

Dorothy Must Die #0.6

by Danielle Paige

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.

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Retellings, Fiction, Short Stories, Magic, Novella

84 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 16, 2016

About the author

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.

Reviews

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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!!

[catherine ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Nancy The book junkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.25/5

Review coming soon!

[Daniel Carpio · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[SB Senpai Manga · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Martha Elena · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

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! :)

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me think of the "Return to Oz" movie with the Nome King and a character being turned into a statue ornament.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished reading: July 20th 2016

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

Although I still think the novellas are not as good as the actual series, I do think Ruler Of Beasts is one of the most entertaining prequel short stories of the bunch. Unlike some of the other novellas, this one actually adds a whole new possible angle to the actual story. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed the Nome King will make another appearance in the actual books, because his character is without doubt an interesting one! Like with the rest of the series, Danielle Paige's prose turns Ruler Of Beasts into a really easy and fast read. The beginning is a bit slow and Glinda is annoying, but I think one of the reasons I enjoyed this particular novella so much is the huge part both the Lion and Ozma play in the story. Lion can become a bit whiny, but he does know how to spice up a story. If you have read the previous novella, you will surely enjoy this one as well. I can't wait to finally start the third book though!



When the Cowardly Lion first started his journey with Dorothy and the others, he wanted to have courage above all else. The Wizard gave him what he has always wanted, and now we find out what happens afterwards. The Lion's wish has finally come true, but his life is not how he had imagined it. Sure, he is the courageous ruler of the forest and the beasts, but with Ozma ruling and Oz this peaceful, the Lion is bored. He misses the days of his adventures with Dorothy, the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow, and now he is desperate to find something to liven up his day. Then Glinda shows up on his doorstep with a mission, and even though the Lion is not sure if it's wise to accept, he jumps at the chance to do something exciting anyway.



I think Ruler Of Beasts is one of my favorite novellas so far. I really enjoyed the fact that Ozma played an important part in the story and the Nome King surely is a great new character! I'm keeping my fingers crossed he will make another appearance in the future, because it will definitely add a nice plot twist to the main story. Like I said before, if you enjoyed the other novellas, definitely make time for this one as well. It's not a must-read, but Ruler Of Beasts is without doubt entertaining.

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.

[Cami V. Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Chelsea · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Evelyn Cuellar · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Shari Suarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Taylor C · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 a Gnome King. I'm obsessed with gnomes so yep! This made it to the top on my list out of all the Dorothy novellas.
This one made me laugh a lot when the Gnome King kept calling the ferocious lion a kitty!
It had me thinking about the main story more than any other story has done before too.

[Myndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

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’

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

One word to sum this up: boring.

That is all.

[নিটোল · Rating 2 out of 5]

I forgot how boring Ozma was but there it is.

[Alisha Brook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Ruler of Beasts
Series: Dorothy Must Die (#0.6)
Author: Danielle Paige
Rating: 4 stars

Review to come.

[Jessica Fay · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Vivian Chen (Vivian's Book Pavilion) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Sharon Mariampillai · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Shelbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!!!

[Jacquelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"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!!!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Zara Arshad · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Judah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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?

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite installments in the whole novella series. Fast paced and a good story overall. The ending was sad in a way.