What do you think?
Rate this book
Dorothy Must Die #0.8
Dark Side of the Rainbow
Good is Wicked and Wicked is Good in the New York Times bestselling Dorothy Must Die series!
This digital original novella is the eighth installment in the series’ prequel arc and reveals how the wonderful world of Oz began to crumble when Dorothy Gale returned—including Rainbow Falls, Oz’s paradise hot spot.
Polychrome, Princess of the Rainbow, has a pretty cushy job. She spends her days surfing at Indigo Beach, playing with her pet unicorn, and occasionally checking in on the tourists vacationing at Rainbow Falls, where she is—technically speaking—in charge. When Dorothy arrives, Polly is less than thrilled. She’d much rather flirt with mysterious surfer Bright than play tour guide to a spoiled wannabe princess. But Rainbow Falls won’t be paradise by the time Dorothy’s done with it. And Polly may have to leave her life of leisure behind, to become the ruler her land needs.
Danielle Paige delivers a dark and compelling reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, perfect for fans of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Beastly by Alex Flinn, and Wicked by Gregory Maguire, and follows some of literature’s most beloved characters as their lives intertwine to bring about the downfall of Oz.
This digital original novella is the eighth installment in the series’ prequel arc and reveals how the wonderful world of Oz began to crumble when Dorothy Gale returned—including Rainbow Falls, Oz’s paradise hot spot.
Polychrome, Princess of the Rainbow, has a pretty cushy job. She spends her days surfing at Indigo Beach, playing with her pet unicorn, and occasionally checking in on the tourists vacationing at Rainbow Falls, where she is—technically speaking—in charge. When Dorothy arrives, Polly is less than thrilled. She’d much rather flirt with mysterious surfer Bright than play tour guide to a spoiled wannabe princess. But Rainbow Falls won’t be paradise by the time Dorothy’s done with it. And Polly may have to leave her life of leisure behind, to become the ruler her land needs.
Danielle Paige delivers a dark and compelling reimagining of L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, perfect for fans of Cinder by Marissa Meyer, Beastly by Alex Flinn, and Wicked by Gregory Maguire, and follows some of literature’s most beloved characters as their lives intertwine to bring about the downfall of Oz.
95 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2017
48 people are currently reading
5169 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Paige
34 books5,599 followersDanielle 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
March 22, 2017
I didn't think I could hate Dorothy more, guess I was wrong.
August 20, 2018
Wow!
It feels so good to jump back into this series. I don't even want to think or comment about the last time I read a book from this. So glad I'm finally all caught up on the novella side.. and I'm pretty sure I have the last book of the series to read now.
Dark Side of the Rainbow is more about Polly meeting with Dorothy the witchslayer. Polly, at first, finds it a bit strange that she is now the queen instead of Ozma. She kind of worries about her but she soon gets over it after Dorothy says that they are friends. Later on Polly starts to see Dorothy's true colors. She's beyond selfish and self-centered and Polly doesn't like either of those traits. Especially after she threatens to take over Polly's kingdom.
Oh shit, back it up, Dorothy is just being power-hungry now. I kind of wish she never came back to Oz because she's being a prissy little bitch. I would slap the shit out of her. Well, when push comes to shove, Polly proves to Dorothy not to mess with her and her magic. Hot damn, that little fight scene was awesome! It just sucks balls because Polly's kingdom is a bit ruined now and she had to make sure it was hidden to everyone.
I feel bad for Polly because all she wants to know is where the hell Ozma is. She saw with her own eyes how bad it is in Emerald City now that she isn't on the throne. I just can't wait to see what the next book will hold for my wonderful eyes.
It feels so good to jump back into this series. I don't even want to think or comment about the last time I read a book from this. So glad I'm finally all caught up on the novella side.. and I'm pretty sure I have the last book of the series to read now.
Dark Side of the Rainbow is more about Polly meeting with Dorothy the witchslayer. Polly, at first, finds it a bit strange that she is now the queen instead of Ozma. She kind of worries about her but she soon gets over it after Dorothy says that they are friends. Later on Polly starts to see Dorothy's true colors. She's beyond selfish and self-centered and Polly doesn't like either of those traits. Especially after she threatens to take over Polly's kingdom.
Oh shit, back it up, Dorothy is just being power-hungry now. I kind of wish she never came back to Oz because she's being a prissy little bitch. I would slap the shit out of her. Well, when push comes to shove, Polly proves to Dorothy not to mess with her and her magic. Hot damn, that little fight scene was awesome! It just sucks balls because Polly's kingdom is a bit ruined now and she had to make sure it was hidden to everyone.
I feel bad for Polly because all she wants to know is where the hell Ozma is. She saw with her own eyes how bad it is in Emerald City now that she isn't on the throne. I just can't wait to see what the next book will hold for my wonderful eyes.
March 21, 2017
Pointless.
September 20, 2017
This cover <3
June 18, 2017
Dorothy is as annoying as she always is, but I actually liked the character development of Polychrome in this novella.
September 13, 2017
How large is this series getting? o.o
March 19, 2018
Review to come!
March 13, 2017
Se me hace tan interesante leer la evolución de Dorothy, como pasa de ser un "amor" a ser completamente malvada y caprichosa. Sinceramente la autora podría seguir escribiendo mini novelas sobre esta saga durante años y yo las leería todas. Muy, muy recomendados estos libros!
“We’re fairies, Ozma. We’re supposed to be laughing and dancing and free. We’re supposed to rule like the tides rule the sea.”
“We’re fairies, Ozma. We’re supposed to be laughing and dancing and free. We’re supposed to rule like the tides rule the sea.”
November 28, 2017
Besides the very first prequel novella, this is the only one I've really liked. And it wasn't because of the information we found out, but more of the growth and transformation of Polychrome. Still, hoping we see Bright again in the big finale, because where we left Rainbow Falls truly disturbed my heart more than most of the crazy, dreadful things that have happened in this series.
June 26, 2017
Well I was between books and I still don't have the true next book I am waiting for, so I went into my kindle account and brought up Danielle Paige's Dark Side of the Rainbow! I decided I would finish the prequel novellas before returning to the story at large. Naturally, I was a little rusty about what's gone on in this prequel side of the world, but luckily, it's a series you really can just jump into at any point! All you really need to know is that Dorothy is Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs!
In this one, we get to hang out with Polly, who's a fairy and ruler of the Rainbow Falls. She's cousin to Ozma and she's all about having fun and kicking back. So when Dorothy strolls in and says Ozma has taken a little vacay and she's there to fill in, Polly thinks nothing of it. She and Dorothy have fun together, but it's really not long before Polly learns that Dorothy isn't quite put all together. She gets moody and clingy and sort of stalker crazy. And if Polly, our laid back way of life fairy princess is starting to get worried, then you know things are pretty serious!
This was simply another installment in the series where the people of Oz at large are slowly learning that Dorothy is not the carefree and sweet little girl she used to be. And Polly is more than willing to do whatever it takes to keep Dorothy from sinking her claws into her kingdom!
A fun and quick read that has you shaking your head at the craziness that is Dorothy! Cannot wait to see how this series at large will come to an end! I have my suspicions--that I can only vaguely recall--and will be looking forward to seeing how Amy will get things resolved for Oz for the greater good!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
In this one, we get to hang out with Polly, who's a fairy and ruler of the Rainbow Falls. She's cousin to Ozma and she's all about having fun and kicking back. So when Dorothy strolls in and says Ozma has taken a little vacay and she's there to fill in, Polly thinks nothing of it. She and Dorothy have fun together, but it's really not long before Polly learns that Dorothy isn't quite put all together. She gets moody and clingy and sort of stalker crazy. And if Polly, our laid back way of life fairy princess is starting to get worried, then you know things are pretty serious!
This was simply another installment in the series where the people of Oz at large are slowly learning that Dorothy is not the carefree and sweet little girl she used to be. And Polly is more than willing to do whatever it takes to keep Dorothy from sinking her claws into her kingdom!
A fun and quick read that has you shaking your head at the craziness that is Dorothy! Cannot wait to see how this series at large will come to an end! I have my suspicions--that I can only vaguely recall--and will be looking forward to seeing how Amy will get things resolved for Oz for the greater good!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
August 19, 2023
Love that this book series uses characters from other Oz books and goes beyond the MGM movie version.
April 17, 2018
So far the best of the short story prequels. Polychrome is an interesting character, much more so than the others I've read so far in these, so I liked knowing a bit more about her and how she developed to the point she did in the regular book series.
These still aren't especially intriguing, but at least this one was better!
These still aren't especially intriguing, but at least this one was better!
July 3, 2017
This was a good one.
I have not necessarily enjoyed the novellas for the Dorothy must Die series because they have been about the bad guys. However, this was a fast read, and I enjoyed learning more about Polychrome and seeing her interact with Dorothy.
I have not necessarily enjoyed the novellas for the Dorothy must Die series because they have been about the bad guys. However, this was a fast read, and I enjoyed learning more about Polychrome and seeing her interact with Dorothy.
May 10, 2018
Polly’s story is one I had been interested in from the start and I was heartbroken when she died in the series. Her backstory fits her perfectly and her love for Bright is eminent. Dorothy’s arrival to Rainbow Falls destroys everything which causes Polychrome to become the ruler she was born to be.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2017
This is by far my favourite short story so far. Definitely recommend !!
June 19, 2021
“She was right. It’s a garden, not the ocean.....it’s something Ozma said. I told her that we were supposed to let our people be free like the ocean. She said we were supposed to protect our kingdoms and tend to them like a garden. She was right. I ignored every bad feeling. Every sign."
Rainbow Falls sounded so much like major dream vacation hotspot and also Polychrome was one bad-A ruler/fairy. I absolutely loved this one being in my top 3 as far as these Novellas go so far. This was the kind of story of what laziness and carelessness could get you if you're not as aware what's happening and going on in one's Kingdom and when evil comes in, it's too late.
Polly learned this the hard way and yet, in the end she came to a realization that there's more to life than just fun and games and avoiding responsibility and even accountability. I'm hoping (and figuring) these characters mentioned are in the main series; and if some unfortunately die (which I'm hoping we at least see them briefly or have surprise cameos.
Overall best one so far!
TOP 3 FAVORITES OF THE NINE SO FAR (in order):
1- The Wizard Returns
2- No Place Likr Oz
3- The Darkside of the Rainbow
Rainbow Falls sounded so much like major dream vacation hotspot and also Polychrome was one bad-A ruler/fairy. I absolutely loved this one being in my top 3 as far as these Novellas go so far. This was the kind of story of what laziness and carelessness could get you if you're not as aware what's happening and going on in one's Kingdom and when evil comes in, it's too late.
Polly learned this the hard way and yet, in the end she came to a realization that there's more to life than just fun and games and avoiding responsibility and even accountability. I'm hoping (and figuring) these characters mentioned are in the main series; and if some unfortunately die (which I'm hoping we at least see them briefly or have surprise cameos.
Overall best one so far!
TOP 3 FAVORITES OF THE NINE SO FAR (in order):
1- The Wizard Returns
2- No Place Likr Oz
3- The Darkside of the Rainbow
April 6, 2017
This is the second optional/prequel book for this month's club! It was a bit of back story about Polychrome. It was good story however once again I had problem with the writing style. I have to say I do know it's a YA series, however the descriptions of the majority of the males in the series is unrealistic, and the females are only concerned with hair / abs. It's quite corny. Still interested in the fulfilment of the story. #yycbookclub
May 16, 2020
This prequel to Dorothy Must Die focuses on Polychrome, daughter of the Rainbow and cousin to Ozma. She rules over beautiful Rainbow Falls. Rainbow Falls is a popular travel destination for the citizens of Oz until Dorothy comes Along. Dorothy attempts to befriend Polychrome in order to get control over more magic but Polychrome may be one of the only ones able to outwit Dorothy.
June 26, 2021
4.5 stars
The 8th novella in the Dorothy must die series is set in rainbow falls and told from polychromes pov. It shows how she met bright and why she sealed the falls off. I love poly and brights laid back way and I just forgot I was reading with this book. This was by far my favourite of the novellas, maybe even my favourite of the whole series.
The 8th novella in the Dorothy must die series is set in rainbow falls and told from polychromes pov. It shows how she met bright and why she sealed the falls off. I love poly and brights laid back way and I just forgot I was reading with this book. This was by far my favourite of the novellas, maybe even my favourite of the whole series.
January 1, 2022
Because I did not read this series in chronological order, like I prefer, this book was a sad one for me since I already know what will happen to some of the characters. However, I did truly enjoy getting a look into Polychrome's life and how she first met Bright. It was also interesting to see how smarmy Dorothy could be.
May 28, 2017
Giving this one 3.5 because Polychrome is my fave 🌈
December 3, 2017
2.5 stars
May 4, 2020
I really loved this. Wish it would have lasted longer !
February 18, 2024
polychrome has been the best character written in the series so far. she seems so beautiful and the end to this was heartbreaking. i grew such a liking for her, wish i was her frl!!!!!!!
September 17, 2024
this was my favorite of the novellas! polychrome is probably my favorite character in this series aside from queen lulu.
January 11, 2021
I love Polly and I'm crying 'cause I know how she ended.
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.
February 12, 2017
I really like how the prequels fit in with the novels. I liked Polychrome when she was introduced in the main series and was interested to learn more about her. Her character drastically changed from the beginning of the novella and the end. I also liked that she was flawed but likable.
I wonder if some of the new characters in these prequels (like Bright) will make an appearance in some of the later books.
This little novella, while short, perfectly managed to convey how twisted Dorothy is.
I wonder if some of the new characters in these prequels (like Bright) will make an appearance in some of the later books.
This little novella, while short, perfectly managed to convey how twisted Dorothy is.
February 9, 2017
My rating is a 1/4 of a star. This book was unnecessary, it could have been mentioned as part of a conversation in the last book. Basically Polychrome is nothing like Ozma and even know she knows it's very strange for Dorothy to be in control of oz- she does nothing about it. She makes a half assed attempt to stop Dorothy and then pretty much shrugs and focuses on her ruined town rather than help all of oz.
I don't understand why these prequels are being released. They're pretty horrible repetitive and very boring. It's the same information that's in the first book. Again- I'm glad I got it for free.
I don't understand why these prequels are being released. They're pretty horrible repetitive and very boring. It's the same information that's in the first book. Again- I'm glad I got it for free.
February 6, 2017
The book was good read it in two days!! Was shorter then I would have liked but good to read anyways.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews