What do you think?
Rate this book
Dorothy Must Die #0.7-0.9
Dorothy Must Die: Stories Vol. 3
Before Amy Gumm lands in Oz in Dorothy Must Die, Dorothy Gale rules a twisted land where the Good have become truly Wicked—and it’s up to the Wicked to stop her reign. Follow your favorite witches from Dorothy Must Die as they form an elusive, secretive group known as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked and begin training their own army to defeat Dorothy.
If the Order wants to save Oz, they’ll need every recruit they can find. But who has what it takes to join the cause?
If the Order wants to save Oz, they’ll need every recruit they can find. But who has what it takes to join the cause?
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
25 people are currently reading
3038 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Paige
34 books5,600 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 120 reviews
June 18, 2017
This might be my favorite set of novellas - they did add more backstory to the official books, and it was more interesting to see the character development of people we didn't get to see much of in the main books.
November 23, 2021
2.5
These stories really did not do it for me. I remember getting very disillusioned with the last books in the franchise when I realized I had to read the novellas to understand a couple of the characters and I do carry a grudge for that, especially because all of Paige's other ebooks serves to complement the series they are from. I still much prefer the two companion books to Stealing Snow than to this series. These three were the weakest links, as for the most part they did not bring anything new or interesting to the story. Also, it has been a very long time since I read the books and these ebooks are basically like missing chapter segments from the books, not a companion.
These stories really did not do it for me. I remember getting very disillusioned with the last books in the franchise when I realized I had to read the novellas to understand a couple of the characters and I do carry a grudge for that, especially because all of Paige's other ebooks serves to complement the series they are from. I still much prefer the two companion books to Stealing Snow than to this series. These three were the weakest links, as for the most part they did not bring anything new or interesting to the story. Also, it has been a very long time since I read the books and these ebooks are basically like missing chapter segments from the books, not a companion.
June 14, 2017
*****You can read my entire review for Dorothy Must Die: Stories Vol. 3 at Darling & Co.*****
Order of the Wicked
Order of the Wicked tells the story of Lanadel and how she came to the Order and then ended up in Ev. Because Lanadel isn't a huge part of the DMD series, and is only briefly in The End of Oz, her story was just sort of filler for me.
Rating: 6/10
Dark Side of the Rainbow
Dark Side of the Rainbow is told from my beloved Polychrome's point of view, just as Dorothy returned to Oz. It also tells the story of Poly and Brite, which I just loved them as a couple.
Rating: 10/10
The Queen of Oz
The Queen of Oz is the story of Pete and Mombi living isolated in the mountains. Pete annoys me. I haven't like him since he sold out Amy to Glinda in the first book. I know that Mombi was purposely cold towards him because she knew his true identity, but all he does is bitch and moan. However, Pete does fall in love, or at least lust, for the first time in this story.
Rating: 5/10
My most favorite volume has always been Dorothy Must Die: Stories that told the stories of what the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tinman did in the months/years between Dorothy leaving and returning, but I like learning about the lives of the other characters that we meet, not only throughout the DMD series, but also L Frank Baum Oz's series.
Order of the Wicked
Order of the Wicked tells the story of Lanadel and how she came to the Order and then ended up in Ev. Because Lanadel isn't a huge part of the DMD series, and is only briefly in The End of Oz, her story was just sort of filler for me.
Rating: 6/10
Dark Side of the Rainbow
Dark Side of the Rainbow is told from my beloved Polychrome's point of view, just as Dorothy returned to Oz. It also tells the story of Poly and Brite, which I just loved them as a couple.
Rating: 10/10
The Queen of Oz
The Queen of Oz is the story of Pete and Mombi living isolated in the mountains. Pete annoys me. I haven't like him since he sold out Amy to Glinda in the first book. I know that Mombi was purposely cold towards him because she knew his true identity, but all he does is bitch and moan. However, Pete does fall in love, or at least lust, for the first time in this story.
Rating: 5/10
My most favorite volume has always been Dorothy Must Die: Stories that told the stories of what the Lion, Scarecrow, and Tinman did in the months/years between Dorothy leaving and returning, but I like learning about the lives of the other characters that we meet, not only throughout the DMD series, but also L Frank Baum Oz's series.
August 4, 2017
I still like the second set best, but this one was pretty good too. I liked Dark Side of The Rainbow the best. It was pretty cool getting to see Polychrome change in such a short story, and her "Unicorn" was absolutely adorable. I do think reading these before the main story may spoil somethings, but not many. If you like the series, grab these up!
April 5, 2020
There are 3 stories in this book:
1) Order of the Wicked
2) Dark Side of the Rainbow
3) The Queen of Oz
The stories are told from Lanadel, Polly and Mombi/Pete/Ozma's point of view respectively.
1) Order of the Wicked
2) Dark Side of the Rainbow
3) The Queen of Oz
The stories are told from Lanadel, Polly and Mombi/Pete/Ozma's point of view respectively.
May 27, 2021
This last volume of stories is my favorite. Polychrome's story is the one I like the most. The Ruler of Oz was good to read but left me wanting to read more. The Order of the Wicked is good too but the character is new and I guess will me mention in the last book of the series. I recommend to read this series before book 4 of the series.
December 31, 2021
Review in my Wrap Up Vlog
https://youtu.be/mAkPSjN_8eU
https://youtu.be/mAkPSjN_8eU
March 11, 2018
Finishing this, I have read all of the books in this series. I am happy to finish them all, finally. But, sadly, it wasn't the best ending it could have been. The first two short stories in this small collection held my attention and once I got started I got through them at a quick pace, but the last, "The Queen of Oz" sludged a long and felt tiresome and that Danielle Paige had run out of ideas for the novellas in this series. I understand the want to tell Ozma and Mombi's origin stories but there just was not enough there for it to feel complete. Even "The Dark Side of the Rainbow" the middle story, that essentially told the story of quite a secondary character, Polychrome, the ruler of the Rainbow Kingdom, somehow had more essence and contained more than the finale story. All I can say, "The Queen of Oz" should have been the middle novella of this collection. But, all in all, it was worth it, if not only to complete the collection.
April 18, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ I’m excited to have concluded this awesome, intriguing series by Danielle Paige. I highly recommend this series to any Wizard of Oz fans.
This Volume 3 set of short stories takes place in between the story we know and the 4 main books written by Paige known as the Dorothy Must Die series. I’m not sure if the stories are meant to be read before the 4 main books, in between, or after..or if it even matters at all. I do know that the 3 books of short stories give more background information since they are written from other side characters POV’s. It’s really interesting and fun! These 3 stories were good but my favorite short story in this series is about Jellia, which is in Volume 1 stories.
I will always think of this series as one of my favorites and will miss reading it!
This Volume 3 set of short stories takes place in between the story we know and the 4 main books written by Paige known as the Dorothy Must Die series. I’m not sure if the stories are meant to be read before the 4 main books, in between, or after..or if it even matters at all. I do know that the 3 books of short stories give more background information since they are written from other side characters POV’s. It’s really interesting and fun! These 3 stories were good but my favorite short story in this series is about Jellia, which is in Volume 1 stories.
I will always think of this series as one of my favorites and will miss reading it!
June 18, 2021
Before Lanadel was sent to Eve she started her journey for vengeance with The Order of the Wicked.
Polychrome's laid back attitude and lonely lifestyle is about to change when Brite and Dorothy show up.
Mombi does her best to raise Pete until Ozma finally makes an appearance.
Darkside of the Rainbow was my favorite of these three. It was neat to see a bit more of Mombi's and Pete's backstory added in too.
The first book of novellas is still my favorite, but this one is yet another great (and the last) addition to the series.
Danielle Paige did an amazing job overall with her creative reimagining of Oz as well as with bringing the original and new characters back to life.
June 28, 2024
These three novellas were my favorites of the prequels. I thought the journey of these side characters, specifically, was top tier and great for backstory. Pollycrome is my fave and I love the way her part of the world is set up. I also thought it was super interesting to see the POV from characters that made such big appearances in thd main series. This was quick and I definitely enjoyed these the most. I would have loved more from Ozma's perspective and felt like that was the only one missing more throughout the novellas.
April 16, 2019
3 1/2 stars..
I wish I had read this much sooner — closer to when I’d read the rest of the books. But it was a good set of novellas that filled in some holes nicely. It also left some questions hanging. I mostly listened to this on audio, and the reader did some things nicely, but had a style that also often kind of bugged me... sometimes instead of a strong emotion, the character almost sounded sarcastic. Overall, a great series and one I definitely recommend!
I wish I had read this much sooner — closer to when I’d read the rest of the books. But it was a good set of novellas that filled in some holes nicely. It also left some questions hanging. I mostly listened to this on audio, and the reader did some things nicely, but had a style that also often kind of bugged me... sometimes instead of a strong emotion, the character almost sounded sarcastic. Overall, a great series and one I definitely recommend!
February 17, 2020
*3.25
Book 20/75 in 2020
I liked these all. Some more than others. They were all a little boring for me, but I'm still glad I read them.
Order of the Wicked:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Side of the Rainbow:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The Queen of Oz:⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Dorothy Must Die: Stories:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dorothy Must Die: Stories Vol. 2:⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Book 20/75 in 2020
I liked these all. Some more than others. They were all a little boring for me, but I'm still glad I read them.
Order of the Wicked:⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dark Side of the Rainbow:⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
The Queen of Oz:⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
Dorothy Must Die: Stories:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dorothy Must Die: Stories Vol. 2:⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
January 18, 2021
The first set of prequels was quite interesting, dealing with Dorothy, the Wizard, and the immediate aftermath of their actions in the Wizard of Oz books/movie. The second set, about the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man were good if a little repetitive. By focusing on other supporting characters in a way that creates dramatically different plots, this series is fresh and wonderful.
June 5, 2018
Great bundle of the final three novellas in the Dorothy Must Die series.
Sad to be ending this series as it is one of my favorites. I think I read the first novel 3 times by now!
These books provide one final look into the lives of the recurring characters of the series. Great job!
Sad to be ending this series as it is one of my favorites. I think I read the first novel 3 times by now!
These books provide one final look into the lives of the recurring characters of the series. Great job!
April 5, 2017
More useful parts to the story, probably my favorite 3 novella to this series that she's written... but please tell me these are the last! Ugh she's written so many.
June 13, 2017
By far the best out of all 9 novellas in this series!
August 14, 2021
Order of the Wicked 2/5
Dark Side of the Rainbow 3.5/5
The Queen of Oz 3/5
Dark Side of the Rainbow 3.5/5
The Queen of Oz 3/5
July 13, 2017
I think I put off finishing this book because I was sad to finally leave the merry old land of Oz. What an incredible series and set of novellas and stories to accompany it! The novellas filled in so many holes left by the stories and added so much more to the characters!
May 14, 2021
I did not want to be this disappointed, specially with the last story, but it was a mess. These stories gave little to the general series, you only have more (unnecessary) characters and questions.
December 24, 2021
3.5 stars
March 24, 2017
This is probably my favorite out of all the novella collections. Well, actually I really like the 1-3 collection, too. The Queen of Oz was really interesting as it gave us some background info on Mombi and Pete. I really wish Danielle Paige would write a few more novellas about the other members of the Order, like Glamora, Gert, and especially Nox. We only hear about snippets of his life from the point of view of other characters' stories but I'd like to read something directly about him. But these are the last novellas in the series so..
Who knows, Paige might decide to write something else. After all, we all thought this was gonna be a trilogy and then boom, there was a fourth book lol.
Who knows, Paige might decide to write something else. After all, we all thought this was gonna be a trilogy and then boom, there was a fourth book lol.
December 27, 2017
Dark side of the rainbow was my favourite story in this one.
September 13, 2021
It's rare for me to listen to audio books, and it says a lot about the quality of this series of short stories that not only was I willing to *listen* to them (as this was the only consumption method available to me for getting my hands on this quickly and for free), but also that I listened to the final two novella collections in one sitting. I got this via one of my e-libraries and listened to all three while working on puzzles.
Now, I loved all three collections (the first collection is my favorite because I was really into Jellia's story in particular, and Dorothy was more interesting in her short story than she was in any of her POVs in The End of Oz), but as this is a review section, I will be focusing on this final collection in particular. But I do want it to be known that all three collections were equally enjoyable. I would recommend reading the entirety of the Dorothy Must Die main series before diving into these novellas because some of what comes up in these are meant to be huge reveals to the characters involved in the main story. And knowing them in advance would have really lessened their impact if I had come across them before reading Amy's story.
Of these final three, my favorite story is probably Dark Side of the Rainbow. Polychrome and Bright (who is a reference to the Oz character Button Bright) were characters from the Oz series that I wasn't surprised to see mentioned in DMD, but was really excited to see *appear* in one of the books. And while I am heartbroken that Paige actually killed of Polychrome in the main story, it was a treat to see her in the days just after Dorothy's takeover. We also get some time to really hang out in Rainbow Falls, which given the speed of the battle in Rainbow Falls in the main story of DMD, was something I feel readers could really enjoy here. Not sure how I feel about them giving Bright a "surfer dude" voice, but I was willing to go with it here.
Lanadel's story was apparently released before The End of Oz, and is one I'm glad I never discovered beforehand. Her enmity toward Nox in EoO was a cool little side mystery to work through with Amy, and it would have killed a good 30 pages of angsty investigation from the final DMD book if I had read this first. But I was really intrigued to read about Lanadel having feelings for someone and her indignation at being sent to Ev on what she knows to be a suicide mission. As much as I love Nox, I could see where her enmity in the final DMD book was coming from; when she knew him before, he really did seem more witch than man and he sent their mutual friend into a deadly situation and then sent Lanadel herself into one. He (and the rest of the Order of the Wicked) was asking them to sacrifice their lives in a way they never were asked to do. Interesting back story, but only contains emotional wallop if you've read EoO first.
The story I was less interested in was Mombi and Pete's story. While Mombi originally being Glinda's pupil was interesting, it quickly devolved into just explaining how Ozma became Pete and Pete having a crush on a Munchkin. It's not that it's boring (because it isn't), but I feel that Pete was put to better use in Hex's story in the first short story collection. We already knew Pete was gay and that he wanted to be his own man before he was forced to turn back into Ozma, and so we don't really learn anything new in the final second and third parts of this final novella. It would have been more interesting if we just went more in-depth on Mombi's training to be a witch.
Now, I loved all three collections (the first collection is my favorite because I was really into Jellia's story in particular, and Dorothy was more interesting in her short story than she was in any of her POVs in The End of Oz), but as this is a review section, I will be focusing on this final collection in particular. But I do want it to be known that all three collections were equally enjoyable. I would recommend reading the entirety of the Dorothy Must Die main series before diving into these novellas because some of what comes up in these are meant to be huge reveals to the characters involved in the main story. And knowing them in advance would have really lessened their impact if I had come across them before reading Amy's story.
Of these final three, my favorite story is probably Dark Side of the Rainbow. Polychrome and Bright (who is a reference to the Oz character Button Bright) were characters from the Oz series that I wasn't surprised to see mentioned in DMD, but was really excited to see *appear* in one of the books. And while I am heartbroken that Paige actually killed of Polychrome in the main story, it was a treat to see her in the days just after Dorothy's takeover. We also get some time to really hang out in Rainbow Falls, which given the speed of the battle in Rainbow Falls in the main story of DMD, was something I feel readers could really enjoy here. Not sure how I feel about them giving Bright a "surfer dude" voice, but I was willing to go with it here.
Lanadel's story was apparently released before The End of Oz, and is one I'm glad I never discovered beforehand. Her enmity toward Nox in EoO was a cool little side mystery to work through with Amy, and it would have killed a good 30 pages of angsty investigation from the final DMD book if I had read this first. But I was really intrigued to read about Lanadel having feelings for someone and her indignation at being sent to Ev on what she knows to be a suicide mission. As much as I love Nox, I could see where her enmity in the final DMD book was coming from; when she knew him before, he really did seem more witch than man and he sent their mutual friend into a deadly situation and then sent Lanadel herself into one. He (and the rest of the Order of the Wicked) was asking them to sacrifice their lives in a way they never were asked to do. Interesting back story, but only contains emotional wallop if you've read EoO first.
The story I was less interested in was Mombi and Pete's story. While Mombi originally being Glinda's pupil was interesting, it quickly devolved into just explaining how Ozma became Pete and Pete having a crush on a Munchkin. It's not that it's boring (because it isn't), but I feel that Pete was put to better use in Hex's story in the first short story collection. We already knew Pete was gay and that he wanted to be his own man before he was forced to turn back into Ozma, and so we don't really learn anything new in the final second and third parts of this final novella. It would have been more interesting if we just went more in-depth on Mombi's training to be a witch.
September 5, 2017
The latest installment in the Dorothy Must Die prequel novellas, this third collection tells the tale of Lanadel and how she came to be part of an integral part of the order, Polychrome and her interactions with Dorothy, and Mombi and her story and Pete's became inextricably combined. I think my favorite has to be Lanadel's, but on the whole these were all enjoyable and a really nice fleshing out of the world that Paige has built through all the books and all the novellas.
Again, the first story is of Lanadel and her training with the order and all the things she discovers. However it's not just about her learning to use weapons and magic, what was nice about this story was the way that through her eyes - that of someone living outside of the Emerald City - how Dorothy's actions are impacting all of Oz. Things that happen in this story are alluded to in the main series and in that way, I think this story did what a novella should do - elaborate on a small part of the main series that seems interesting. We get insight into many members of the order - Knox, the witches, the various warriors - especially the way they act and react to each other and just the general dynamic of the order when it's in it's fledgling stages. Perhaps it's not the most happy story, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it.
The second story was about Polychrome and what led her to move Rainbow Falls into the clouds. Essentially, Dorothy breezes in with a nice girl act and Polychrome initially falls for it but eventually shit goes down and the eventual result is the hiding away of Rainbow Falls. We get fun glimpses of Heathcliff and a strange introduction to Bright and while the story overall felt a bit simple and unorganized, it ended up being enjoyable in the end.
The last story was perhaps the most interesting Mombi perhaps was a character that we barely got to learn about in the main series. We learn about how she wants badly to be a witch and how on that quest, she gets tasked with taking care of a boy named Pete. I guess this story is as much about Pete as it is about Mombi and in that vein he gets a chapter of narration where we get to see his oppressive life under Mombi and what he does to live his own life. This was a better novella than Polychrome's but I didn't feel the same connection as I did with Lanadel's, but by no means was it bad.
Really, all of these novellas are nice because they give the little glimpses into the original series that I like yet they are also their own story - kind of like how there were many Oz books beyond Dorothy's original visit. I don't know if there will be more, I'm not exactly sure where the author can pull more stories out, but if there will be, I'm sure you will find me reading them.
Again, the first story is of Lanadel and her training with the order and all the things she discovers. However it's not just about her learning to use weapons and magic, what was nice about this story was the way that through her eyes - that of someone living outside of the Emerald City - how Dorothy's actions are impacting all of Oz. Things that happen in this story are alluded to in the main series and in that way, I think this story did what a novella should do - elaborate on a small part of the main series that seems interesting. We get insight into many members of the order - Knox, the witches, the various warriors - especially the way they act and react to each other and just the general dynamic of the order when it's in it's fledgling stages. Perhaps it's not the most happy story, but nonetheless I really enjoyed it.
The second story was about Polychrome and what led her to move Rainbow Falls into the clouds. Essentially, Dorothy breezes in with a nice girl act and Polychrome initially falls for it but eventually shit goes down and the eventual result is the hiding away of Rainbow Falls. We get fun glimpses of Heathcliff and a strange introduction to Bright and while the story overall felt a bit simple and unorganized, it ended up being enjoyable in the end.
The last story was perhaps the most interesting Mombi perhaps was a character that we barely got to learn about in the main series. We learn about how she wants badly to be a witch and how on that quest, she gets tasked with taking care of a boy named Pete. I guess this story is as much about Pete as it is about Mombi and in that vein he gets a chapter of narration where we get to see his oppressive life under Mombi and what he does to live his own life. This was a better novella than Polychrome's but I didn't feel the same connection as I did with Lanadel's, but by no means was it bad.
Really, all of these novellas are nice because they give the little glimpses into the original series that I like yet they are also their own story - kind of like how there were many Oz books beyond Dorothy's original visit. I don't know if there will be more, I'm not exactly sure where the author can pull more stories out, but if there will be, I'm sure you will find me reading them.
July 9, 2019
My least liked out of the whole series (though I see several reviews of people saying this was their favorite one, so mileage may vary)--and now I am officially done with all seven books of this series!
What I kept thinking during this final chapter (well 3 novellas in this book--backstory of Princess Langwidere, Polychrome and Mombi/Pete/Glinda) is that the showrunners of CW need to hop all over this property. Because this all almost stereotypical perfect for a CW show--a "teen" cast, problematic romance story lines, when it's good it's very good, and when it's bad, very bad. But the kind of bad that makes you angry and inspires a wealth of fanfiction to correct.
The backstory of Langwidere, a main character in the 4th book, which ends typically so here we see the beginning and it doesn't really soothe the burn of what happens--just makes it worse, and made me hate Nox more. Like why, oh why, did the witches put a teenage hormone riddled boy in charge of their girl recruits?
I suppose it's good that an author included LGBTQ characters in their books at all...but Pete (also seen in the final story here) and Langwidere storylines compared to the straight romances in these books have very different endings, with all the angst, none of the pay off (which I guess if you consider how annoying Nox is, not a huge plus that he and Amy wind up together).
Polychrome, the drug addled hippie cousin of Ozma's that ruled the rainbow kingdom, is also the main star of the 2nd novella included here. Easily my favorite of the three--her rolling her eyes at her dutiful cousin Ozma and just wanting to play around on the beach instead of ruling...until she meets Dorothy... But we had to get Button-Bright pouting all over and the skeaziest surfing contest of all time and aware of this books YA origins, I even paused at that part in the book and thought to myself "Gross...."
My highest hopes were for the final Mombi/Ozma/Pete/Glinda story at the end--but dashed. It's interesting that Ozma's other half sharing her body is a gay teen boy named Pete and it makes total sense canonically--and if a writer ever wanted to do some transgender take on Ozma, well this is perfect, but again this is never really explored to any depth but the thinnest surface level . And I guess Glinda was always really bad? It makes me want to see this author re-do the original Oz perhaps just to see Glinda's machinations then (if everyone else got corrupted later by the Wizard's gifts).
What I kept thinking during this final chapter (well 3 novellas in this book--backstory of Princess Langwidere, Polychrome and Mombi/Pete/Glinda) is that the showrunners of CW need to hop all over this property. Because this all almost stereotypical perfect for a CW show--a "teen" cast, problematic romance story lines, when it's good it's very good, and when it's bad, very bad. But the kind of bad that makes you angry and inspires a wealth of fanfiction to correct.
The backstory of Langwidere, a main character in the 4th book, which ends typically so here we see the beginning and it doesn't really soothe the burn of what happens--just makes it worse, and made me hate Nox more. Like why, oh why, did the witches put a teenage hormone riddled boy in charge of their girl recruits?
I suppose it's good that an author included LGBTQ characters in their books at all...but Pete (also seen in the final story here) and Langwidere storylines compared to the straight romances in these books have very different endings, with all the angst, none of the pay off (which I guess if you consider how annoying Nox is, not a huge plus that he and Amy wind up together).
Polychrome, the drug addled hippie cousin of Ozma's that ruled the rainbow kingdom, is also the main star of the 2nd novella included here. Easily my favorite of the three--her rolling her eyes at her dutiful cousin Ozma and just wanting to play around on the beach instead of ruling...until she meets Dorothy... But we had to get Button-Bright pouting all over and the skeaziest surfing contest of all time and aware of this books YA origins, I even paused at that part in the book and thought to myself "Gross...."
My highest hopes were for the final Mombi/Ozma/Pete/Glinda story at the end--but dashed. It's interesting that Ozma's other half sharing her body is a gay teen boy named Pete and it makes total sense canonically--and if a writer ever wanted to do some transgender take on Ozma, well this is perfect, but again this is never really explored to any depth but the thinnest surface level . And I guess Glinda was always really bad? It makes me want to see this author re-do the original Oz perhaps just to see Glinda's machinations then (if everyone else got corrupted later by the Wizard's gifts).
March 6, 2018
Overall not bad, I liked this collection more than the second bunch, however these mostly contained backstory only, rather than elevate or hint to new things coming. I noticed more inconsistencies regarding Ozma's backstory, just little things. But still...
The Order of the Wicked - 3.5 Stars
This was definitely the best one as far as information goes. We are introduced to a brand new character, who along with 90% of the Order all have the same personality and dialog as Amy. This takes place during the treacherous rule of Dorothy, before Amy comes into Oz. Actually the only awesome part was the end, because I am assuming it is reflecting what is going to happen in finale.
The Dark Side of the Rainbow - 5 Stars
This was contains only backstory on Polychrome and her relationships with everyone. However, it kept my attention and was very interesting. I love Pol's personality, I think she may be my favorite character in the series. Her story takes place when Dorothy just returns to Oz and the beginning of her rule.
The Queen of Oz - 3 Stars
Meh, this one had so much potential!! The story of Ozma when she was being hidden away as Pete. So this one takes place a little bit when the Wizard comes to power and then jumps ahead 13 years to when Dorothy just left and the Scarecrow is ruling. Not a whole lot here... the best bits are the ones about Momby her come to power. (Everyone is power-hungry is Oz) However there were some inconsistencies with the interaction between Pete and Glinda, not enough to change the story, but enough to bugggg meee.
Also, I just want to throw in here a bit about the writing...
I have read many series, and I have never, ever noticed so many over-used inner dialog phrases. All used by every character, not just one. These mainly include "she doesn't have to ask me twice" and "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" These are littered all over the series, which is starting to become bothersome, but also shows that most of the characters here all have the same voice. They may all look very different, some act different, but man do they all talk the same.
The Order of the Wicked - 3.5 Stars
This was definitely the best one as far as information goes. We are introduced to a brand new character, who along with 90% of the Order all have the same personality and dialog as Amy. This takes place during the treacherous rule of Dorothy, before Amy comes into Oz. Actually the only awesome part was the end, because I am assuming it is reflecting what is going to happen in finale.
The Dark Side of the Rainbow - 5 Stars
This was contains only backstory on Polychrome and her relationships with everyone. However, it kept my attention and was very interesting. I love Pol's personality, I think she may be my favorite character in the series. Her story takes place when Dorothy just returns to Oz and the beginning of her rule.
The Queen of Oz - 3 Stars
Meh, this one had so much potential!! The story of Ozma when she was being hidden away as Pete. So this one takes place a little bit when the Wizard comes to power and then jumps ahead 13 years to when Dorothy just left and the Scarecrow is ruling. Not a whole lot here... the best bits are the ones about Momby her come to power. (Everyone is power-hungry is Oz) However there were some inconsistencies with the interaction between Pete and Glinda, not enough to change the story, but enough to bugggg meee.
Also, I just want to throw in here a bit about the writing...
I have read many series, and I have never, ever noticed so many over-used inner dialog phrases. All used by every character, not just one. These mainly include "she doesn't have to ask me twice" and "I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding" These are littered all over the series, which is starting to become bothersome, but also shows that most of the characters here all have the same voice. They may all look very different, some act different, but man do they all talk the same.
May 5, 2024
Prequels are wild!! Let's get in.
P7 = what am I reading? D is queen and her army of half machinery winkies are killing villages and stealing the magic. The order (- which we learn a little bit about in P2 -) is training kids to fight that lost something to D. L didn't like how the order was doing things - keeping secrets, not sharing the whole meaning of the order, doing a lot of weird things - so L decided to do a mission but go against it at the same time and do her own mission.
Polychrome is NOT kid friendly! So, Poly is in charge of rainbow falls. D is in charge of Oz and lies to Poly about Ozma (who is cousins with P) claiming she "stepped down" and "needed a break". So P8 is during P1 towards the ball timeline but is also during P2 and P4? (it is confusing but somewhere in that area of time) D wants everything for herself and P tells D how much she doesn't approve of her, and they fight over RF. After the fight, Poly uses what little strength she has left and makes RF be "hidden" and high in the sky.
Queen of Oz is just roller rink! So, in part one, Mombi chooses Glinda to teach her magic. Both G sisters are alive and wicked (- so way before P5, maybe right after the movie? -) Lurine chooses M to hide Ozma from Glinda because L knows G would hurt O in some way and use her in some evil format.
Part two however, M accidentally changes Ozma into a boy named Pete. (- he showed a little of himself in P3 with the wizard and his quests -) So this part has to be before P3 BECAUSE at the end, Pete decides to sneak out following a map from Jasper, who is a munchkin that he found in the blizzard, and use said map to find the wizard.
Part three talks about how Pete gets lost on his way to Emerald City to find the wizard but gets found by Ginda. G reveals that P is actually Ozma and lies about Mombi. Claiming that M was hiding O because M wanted O and her magic for herself. So, O believes G about M and goes with G to the city to "claim her throne" and to stay away from M and the others.
P7 = what am I reading? D is queen and her army of half machinery winkies are killing villages and stealing the magic. The order (- which we learn a little bit about in P2 -) is training kids to fight that lost something to D. L didn't like how the order was doing things - keeping secrets, not sharing the whole meaning of the order, doing a lot of weird things - so L decided to do a mission but go against it at the same time and do her own mission.
Polychrome is NOT kid friendly! So, Poly is in charge of rainbow falls. D is in charge of Oz and lies to Poly about Ozma (who is cousins with P) claiming she "stepped down" and "needed a break". So P8 is during P1 towards the ball timeline but is also during P2 and P4? (it is confusing but somewhere in that area of time) D wants everything for herself and P tells D how much she doesn't approve of her, and they fight over RF. After the fight, Poly uses what little strength she has left and makes RF be "hidden" and high in the sky.
Queen of Oz is just roller rink! So, in part one, Mombi chooses Glinda to teach her magic. Both G sisters are alive and wicked (- so way before P5, maybe right after the movie? -) Lurine chooses M to hide Ozma from Glinda because L knows G would hurt O in some way and use her in some evil format.
Part two however, M accidentally changes Ozma into a boy named Pete. (- he showed a little of himself in P3 with the wizard and his quests -) So this part has to be before P3 BECAUSE at the end, Pete decides to sneak out following a map from Jasper, who is a munchkin that he found in the blizzard, and use said map to find the wizard.
Part three talks about how Pete gets lost on his way to Emerald City to find the wizard but gets found by Ginda. G reveals that P is actually Ozma and lies about Mombi. Claiming that M was hiding O because M wanted O and her magic for herself. So, O believes G about M and goes with G to the city to "claim her throne" and to stay away from M and the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2021
La verdad que me sorprendió bastante esta esta colección de historias cortas. En las dos anteriores alguna me desagradaba o no me terminaba de cerrar y con esta no me pasó. Las tres historias me gustaron bastante. La verdad que te ayudan a entender un poco mejor a cada uno de los personajes que fue protagonista de cada una.
Order of the Wicked: 3 estrellas
La que menos me gustó pero que tiene su mérito. Fue bastante entretenida y te ayuda a entender mucho mejor al personaje de Lanadel, que en la saga por ahí no la llegamos a conocer tanto. Pecó un poco de simplona y por eso no llega a ser 4 estrellas, pero igualmente me alegro de haberla leido.
Dark Side of the Rainbow: 4 estrellas.
Quizas la que mas me confundió en porqué está acá y definitivamente la mas trágica de las tres. Nos deja ver bastante bien a Polly y su relacion con Ozma, además de su reaccion cuando llega Dorothy. Otra cosa que me gustó mucho fue que vemos como se conoce con Bright y como se va desarrollando su dinámica.
The Queen of Oz: 4 estrellas.
Definitivamente mi favorita de las tres y en general entre las hiatorias cortas de esta saga. Conocer mas de la historia de Mombi y la de Pete, además de ver su relación antes del comienzo de la saga fue muy interesante. Realmente llegué a empatizar con ambos bastante. Aunque lo que mas me gustó fue ver un poco de la perspectiva de Ozma. Me quedé con ganas de mas de esta lo que si, pero entiendo que para la historia que se queria contar no habia manera. Otra cosa que me hubiese gustado ver mas es a Pete y a Jared teniendo mas momentos. Siento que habrian sido muy tiernos. La verdad que me dejo con muy buen sabor de boca para terminar de releer la saga.
Order of the Wicked: 3 estrellas
La que menos me gustó pero que tiene su mérito. Fue bastante entretenida y te ayuda a entender mucho mejor al personaje de Lanadel, que en la saga por ahí no la llegamos a conocer tanto. Pecó un poco de simplona y por eso no llega a ser 4 estrellas, pero igualmente me alegro de haberla leido.
Dark Side of the Rainbow: 4 estrellas.
Quizas la que mas me confundió en porqué está acá y definitivamente la mas trágica de las tres. Nos deja ver bastante bien a Polly y su relacion con Ozma, además de su reaccion cuando llega Dorothy. Otra cosa que me gustó mucho fue que vemos como se conoce con Bright y como se va desarrollando su dinámica.
The Queen of Oz: 4 estrellas.
Definitivamente mi favorita de las tres y en general entre las hiatorias cortas de esta saga. Conocer mas de la historia de Mombi y la de Pete, además de ver su relación antes del comienzo de la saga fue muy interesante. Realmente llegué a empatizar con ambos bastante. Aunque lo que mas me gustó fue ver un poco de la perspectiva de Ozma. Me quedé con ganas de mas de esta lo que si, pero entiendo que para la historia que se queria contar no habia manera. Otra cosa que me hubiese gustado ver mas es a Pete y a Jared teniendo mas momentos. Siento que habrian sido muy tiernos. La verdad que me dejo con muy buen sabor de boca para terminar de releer la saga.
December 21, 2017
I loved the first book in this series! I was very excited to read the first book. I don't feel like it was worth it to read the entire series, and this could be because it was so long. I did read all 7 books at one right after the other. So it is a pretty creepy retelling of the Wizard of Oz books, which I have never read, but I did watch the movie. I just loved the first book in the series so much. I like that it took the Oz that we know which is picture perfect and includes singing and dancing, and completly turned it on it's head. So this book is set way way after the original Wizard of Oz, and is about Amy Gumm who also gets sucked into Oz by a tornado from Kansas, way after Dorothy. Dorothy, it turns out, is an evil villain who currently rules Oz, and all of the beloved Oz characters are pretty much evil, and torturing and killing people to tickle their fancy. I love fairy tales, and I love retellings, and this series was pretty good. I felt like it got a bit boring and the plot seemed to lag, but overall it was really good. The companion books were pretty cool because they had the origin stories of all of main characters, which was very cool. I love a good villain backstory.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews