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Ages of Oz #2
A Dark Descent
After the defeat of one Wicked, the other Witches of Oz prepare for vengeance in this second book of the Ages of Oz series!Glinda and her friends have successfully vanquished Aphidina, the first of the four Wicked Witches. But her task is far from over. With the fate of all of Oz hanging in the balance, Glinda struggles to locate a mysterious teacher called Mythra, who is the only one who can guide her in reaching her mystic potential and becoming the powerful Sorceress she is destined to be. While Glinda searches far and wide for her mentor, the fiery-spirited Locasta finds herself undertaking an equally important search—for the Elemental Fairy of Lurl, and the means by which to destroy the second Witch, Marada, Wicked Warrior of the North. Surprising discoveries await both Glinda and Locasta. Great dangers threaten, formidable enemies lurk, and startling secrets abound. Glinda, Locasta, Ben, and Shade bravely continue their mission teaming up with some very welcome—and very unexpected—allies along the way. Together they prove that there is no hope for the future if one is not willing to learn from the past.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 15, 2018
5 people are currently reading
144 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Fiedler
24 books78 followersLisa Fiedler is the author of a number of popular young adult novels, including two retellings of a Shakespearean story from the female point of view, Dating Hamlet and Romeo's Ex. She lives in Connecticut with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 15, 2018
A Very Dark Descent Yet Entertaining, Unique, and Age Appropriate:
A Review of Ages of Oz Book 2: A Dark Descent
By: Ron Baxley, Jr., author of the new fantasy book for older young adults/adults,
_O.Z. Diggs Himself Out_ (YBR Publishing).
***** (Five Stars)
On advice from the series’ creator/author who allowed me a long preview of his book, I have started with his latest book first, and I have found it relatively easy to pick up on the story without having read his first book in the “Ages of Oz” series and easy to determine what has happened to the Wicked Witch of the South from Book 1 (note: spoilers occur later in the review). I like what I would deem a back-back-story, a new history if you will excuse the oxymoron, which creator/author Gabriel Gale has created or at least continued within the second book. Wicked Witches for regions of the Ozian compass, ones that preceded the ones that Dorothy Gale encountered in _The Wonderful Wizard of Oz_ are placed within the book, and a young Glinda continues to be a good witch in training for Quadling Country. Also, I have enjoyed the character descriptions and dialogue, particularly with the new wicked witches. The imagery surrounding the witches is wondrous, though, and I particularly like the Wicked Witch of the East riding astride an insect and having a mask on her face. Next, I like the nods to the original Baumian series, including the Silver Shoes (now placed on who is an early Wicked Witch of the West) and a red brick road which alludes to the Yellow Brick Road as well as character names which are nods to settings and events as well.
The main character, young Glinda, has shown an appropriate mixture of caution, fear, and feistiness for a young witch in training – particularly as, using a spell of invisibility with her friends, she comments on the wicked witches who have been summoned to see Quadling Country after the demise of the former, late Wicked Witch of the South. The wicked witches have ominous plans for Quadling Country and keep referring to a character they are being given orders from called the Kubric One which adds to the mystery and suspense. (She is later discussed in the narrative as a fifth witch who the others answer to, and there is a back-story for her re-discussed in Book 2 that extends back to Book 1). Glinda has somewhat secret plans for these evils ones, though, and is coming of age into her benevolent power. Soon, she and her friends, Ms. Gale, Clumsy Bear, Locasta, and Ben gone on a quest to find Mythra, a Mystic who was kind of like a female version of the ancient Wise Men in the Middle East but for King Oz. She was to King Oz as Merlin was to Arthur and helped him establish his rule in this interpretation of Oz. The band of heroes also consider going on a quest to find the Elemental Faeries of Oz, but the reader will have to see how that progress or perhaps digresses as well.
Other delights continue in the plot, including discovering an incognito benevolent wizard and the usage of Illumina’s magic sword which can reveal things via visions. With its help, the good party is able to reveal a magic library which has scrolls and books which thematically add to book that, “Knowledge is power.” Glinda discovers that another key to her growth as an individual is through reading and also contends that these resources will help them find the Elemental Faeries. Also notable that among these resources the creator/author of the series himself puts in a brief plug: “The Compendium of Archaic Ozian Legendencia, written by a historian named Gabriel Gale.” Even in the grand literary traditions of American literature a couple of hundred years ago, Mark Twain had his titular character Huckleberry Finn state in _The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn_, “You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain’t no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly.” I actually enjoy the reference, though some may see it as self-promotion (planning and writing a series takes longer than some may think; I say, “Go for the plug!”).
Meanwhile, while Glinda and company are on their quest, Nick Chopper, a younger version of the Tin Woodman but with only partial parts of tin thus far and Tilda, a character who perhaps has a connection to Ozian history, Matilda Gage, the mother-in-law suffragette of original Oz author L. Frank Baum, are venturing near the start (or end depending on the perspective) of the Yellow Brick Road in Quadling Country. In this part, creator/author Gale has an interesting take on the “no taxation without representation” concept and colonial American history when it involves Nick Chopper’s axe and the curse surrounding it. The author has a number of Baumian puns within this part that I enjoyed. The passages about Nick Chopper provide an excellent back-story for Gale’s somewhat new take on the character. It is respectful of Baum’s original text with some variations.
Leaving Nick and Tilda for a while, the creator/author then has the reader re-join Glinda and her company. Soon, as in a few previous chapters, a nice illustration is shown which shows a great grasp of shading and the anatomy of the character as well as contributing to the plot of Glinda heading to what she calls the Maker’s Lodge. The Maker’s Lodge is drawn gorgeously with a nice use of glowing light coming from the windows and described lyrically in the narrative as well. There is a lake there, and another quest object is revealed via Illumina’s sword. In fact, the original owner of this quest object is a mystery too which is ironically revealed to the reader before Glinda is aware of it. This further adds to the suspense and keeps the reader going on.
The author then goes on to a chapter with the Wicked Witch of the North, which I will state, I think, fore-shadows what eventually happens with Mombi in the Baum books, but I may be mistaken. What I will add is that the fairy tale violence Gale uses with these witches is comparable to that of the Brothers Grimm and is definitely for older younger readers and not necessarily beginning readers. I think the sort of morbid violence that wicked witches do, though, has a long history in children’s literature. Even L. Frank Baum, who deplored traditional fairy tale violence and stated so, had some of it within his books. The level of fairy tale violence within this book differs no more than, for example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and is used to show how wicked the evil characters truly are, not to condone the violence.
The Kubric One, the fifth witch, is partially revealed within this chapter and is definitely shown as the puppet master behind the actions of all of the witches as she gives new orders to the Wicked Witch of the North. Also, another magic object from classic Baumian Oz books is revealed at this point. So as not to create any true spoilers, I will leave this to the readers’ delight as well. There is a kind of quasi-bait and switch that happens with this object in this part that I found very entertaining and amusing. The author then jolts back over to Glinda and party where they are trying to get information about the Elementals and a bizarre ritual the Wickeds, the evil ones in the book, are planning from a wicked witch prisoner of war they have. The wicked prisoner of war has a clever way to evade them, however. Cleverness and plot twists abound within the narrative. Glinda finds a way to hide information she is learning from the Wickeds and just as she does, an old enemy appears with use of one of the ancient magic objects of Oz leading to more trouble.
More quests and twists abound in his truly fascinating and unique take on the Baumian Oz series. The book is not meant to be a book that continues the Baum books or even the Famous Forty but alludes to all of them greatly and respects them, creating (as a prequel) something new, like magic and a great imagination, out of thin air. The tome has some fairy tale violence, and this may make it more for older young readers; however, it is no more than classic fairy tales and other modern fantasy books for young readers.
A Review of Ages of Oz Book 2: A Dark Descent
By: Ron Baxley, Jr., author of the new fantasy book for older young adults/adults,
_O.Z. Diggs Himself Out_ (YBR Publishing).
***** (Five Stars)
On advice from the series’ creator/author who allowed me a long preview of his book, I have started with his latest book first, and I have found it relatively easy to pick up on the story without having read his first book in the “Ages of Oz” series and easy to determine what has happened to the Wicked Witch of the South from Book 1 (note: spoilers occur later in the review). I like what I would deem a back-back-story, a new history if you will excuse the oxymoron, which creator/author Gabriel Gale has created or at least continued within the second book. Wicked Witches for regions of the Ozian compass, ones that preceded the ones that Dorothy Gale encountered in _The Wonderful Wizard of Oz_ are placed within the book, and a young Glinda continues to be a good witch in training for Quadling Country. Also, I have enjoyed the character descriptions and dialogue, particularly with the new wicked witches. The imagery surrounding the witches is wondrous, though, and I particularly like the Wicked Witch of the East riding astride an insect and having a mask on her face. Next, I like the nods to the original Baumian series, including the Silver Shoes (now placed on who is an early Wicked Witch of the West) and a red brick road which alludes to the Yellow Brick Road as well as character names which are nods to settings and events as well.
The main character, young Glinda, has shown an appropriate mixture of caution, fear, and feistiness for a young witch in training – particularly as, using a spell of invisibility with her friends, she comments on the wicked witches who have been summoned to see Quadling Country after the demise of the former, late Wicked Witch of the South. The wicked witches have ominous plans for Quadling Country and keep referring to a character they are being given orders from called the Kubric One which adds to the mystery and suspense. (She is later discussed in the narrative as a fifth witch who the others answer to, and there is a back-story for her re-discussed in Book 2 that extends back to Book 1). Glinda has somewhat secret plans for these evils ones, though, and is coming of age into her benevolent power. Soon, she and her friends, Ms. Gale, Clumsy Bear, Locasta, and Ben gone on a quest to find Mythra, a Mystic who was kind of like a female version of the ancient Wise Men in the Middle East but for King Oz. She was to King Oz as Merlin was to Arthur and helped him establish his rule in this interpretation of Oz. The band of heroes also consider going on a quest to find the Elemental Faeries of Oz, but the reader will have to see how that progress or perhaps digresses as well.
Other delights continue in the plot, including discovering an incognito benevolent wizard and the usage of Illumina’s magic sword which can reveal things via visions. With its help, the good party is able to reveal a magic library which has scrolls and books which thematically add to book that, “Knowledge is power.” Glinda discovers that another key to her growth as an individual is through reading and also contends that these resources will help them find the Elemental Faeries. Also notable that among these resources the creator/author of the series himself puts in a brief plug: “The Compendium of Archaic Ozian Legendencia, written by a historian named Gabriel Gale.” Even in the grand literary traditions of American literature a couple of hundred years ago, Mark Twain had his titular character Huckleberry Finn state in _The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn_, “You don’t know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain’t no matter. That book was made by Mr. Mark Twain, and he told the truth, mainly.” I actually enjoy the reference, though some may see it as self-promotion (planning and writing a series takes longer than some may think; I say, “Go for the plug!”).
Meanwhile, while Glinda and company are on their quest, Nick Chopper, a younger version of the Tin Woodman but with only partial parts of tin thus far and Tilda, a character who perhaps has a connection to Ozian history, Matilda Gage, the mother-in-law suffragette of original Oz author L. Frank Baum, are venturing near the start (or end depending on the perspective) of the Yellow Brick Road in Quadling Country. In this part, creator/author Gale has an interesting take on the “no taxation without representation” concept and colonial American history when it involves Nick Chopper’s axe and the curse surrounding it. The author has a number of Baumian puns within this part that I enjoyed. The passages about Nick Chopper provide an excellent back-story for Gale’s somewhat new take on the character. It is respectful of Baum’s original text with some variations.
Leaving Nick and Tilda for a while, the creator/author then has the reader re-join Glinda and her company. Soon, as in a few previous chapters, a nice illustration is shown which shows a great grasp of shading and the anatomy of the character as well as contributing to the plot of Glinda heading to what she calls the Maker’s Lodge. The Maker’s Lodge is drawn gorgeously with a nice use of glowing light coming from the windows and described lyrically in the narrative as well. There is a lake there, and another quest object is revealed via Illumina’s sword. In fact, the original owner of this quest object is a mystery too which is ironically revealed to the reader before Glinda is aware of it. This further adds to the suspense and keeps the reader going on.
The author then goes on to a chapter with the Wicked Witch of the North, which I will state, I think, fore-shadows what eventually happens with Mombi in the Baum books, but I may be mistaken. What I will add is that the fairy tale violence Gale uses with these witches is comparable to that of the Brothers Grimm and is definitely for older younger readers and not necessarily beginning readers. I think the sort of morbid violence that wicked witches do, though, has a long history in children’s literature. Even L. Frank Baum, who deplored traditional fairy tale violence and stated so, had some of it within his books. The level of fairy tale violence within this book differs no more than, for example, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series and is used to show how wicked the evil characters truly are, not to condone the violence.
The Kubric One, the fifth witch, is partially revealed within this chapter and is definitely shown as the puppet master behind the actions of all of the witches as she gives new orders to the Wicked Witch of the North. Also, another magic object from classic Baumian Oz books is revealed at this point. So as not to create any true spoilers, I will leave this to the readers’ delight as well. There is a kind of quasi-bait and switch that happens with this object in this part that I found very entertaining and amusing. The author then jolts back over to Glinda and party where they are trying to get information about the Elementals and a bizarre ritual the Wickeds, the evil ones in the book, are planning from a wicked witch prisoner of war they have. The wicked prisoner of war has a clever way to evade them, however. Cleverness and plot twists abound within the narrative. Glinda finds a way to hide information she is learning from the Wickeds and just as she does, an old enemy appears with use of one of the ancient magic objects of Oz leading to more trouble.
More quests and twists abound in his truly fascinating and unique take on the Baumian Oz series. The book is not meant to be a book that continues the Baum books or even the Famous Forty but alludes to all of them greatly and respects them, creating (as a prequel) something new, like magic and a great imagination, out of thin air. The tome has some fairy tale violence, and this may make it more for older young readers; however, it is no more than classic fairy tales and other modern fantasy books for young readers.
May 4, 2018
The sequel to the “Ages of Oz” series, “A Dark Descent” was absolutely riveting! Although intended for middle grade students, the series is one that can be enjoyed by adults, and kids alike! “A Dark Descent” picks up where we left off in the the first book of the series “A Fiery Friendship”. Glinda and friends continue their journey after vanquishing Aphadina, the first of the four wicked witches. Unlike its predecessor, “A Dark Descent” starts with a bang! The reader is pulled right back into the story. There is no shortage of action, twists, unexpected turns and of course Magic! The reader is left craving for more from start to finish!
As an educator, the “Ages of Oz” series would also make for an excellent addition to any school library. There is a wide array of themes and topics to explore across various curriculums. Students are able to discuss and think critically as they grapple with such questions as “How do tyrant leaders keep a nation oppressed?”; “How can the power of unity lead to revolution?”. Some may find the vocabulary challenging for middle grade students; I however believe this is an outstanding way to build student vocabulary. Learning while keeping our students engaged is one of our top priorities as educators. What better way to do that, then with a series about a story most are already familiar with, and know and love. Furthermore, young girls are given a brave, strong and intelligent female protagonist to look up to and both young girls and boys alike are taught important life lessons, such as truth above all, the importance of remaining humble and to never give up!
Whether you are looking to purchase this book for yourself, as a gift or to incorporate something new and exciting into your lesson plan, “Ages of Oz, A Dark Descent” will not disappoint!
As an educator, the “Ages of Oz” series would also make for an excellent addition to any school library. There is a wide array of themes and topics to explore across various curriculums. Students are able to discuss and think critically as they grapple with such questions as “How do tyrant leaders keep a nation oppressed?”; “How can the power of unity lead to revolution?”. Some may find the vocabulary challenging for middle grade students; I however believe this is an outstanding way to build student vocabulary. Learning while keeping our students engaged is one of our top priorities as educators. What better way to do that, then with a series about a story most are already familiar with, and know and love. Furthermore, young girls are given a brave, strong and intelligent female protagonist to look up to and both young girls and boys alike are taught important life lessons, such as truth above all, the importance of remaining humble and to never give up!
Whether you are looking to purchase this book for yourself, as a gift or to incorporate something new and exciting into your lesson plan, “Ages of Oz, A Dark Descent” will not disappoint!
May 5, 2018
My 8-year-old son wants to be an author and loves to read. When we had the opportunity to meet a local writer/creator/author, Gabriel Gale, and get Book #2 before it came out in stores, he was extremely excited because we already read majority of Book #1. These books are different from the books that my son typically gravitates to - like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. I think the best way that I can describe it is that the Ages of Oz series is more 3-dimensional than other books he's reading. This series is like reality and fiction blended together and I see it transforming the way my son thinks before my eyes. He's started to ask me deeper meanings to things based on what he's reading and started relating them to everyday life. The only issue I have with it (and I may change my 4 stars to 5 stars) is that the concepts and words may be too complex for an 8 year old so it takes us longer to get through the books. For example, he'll prefer Diary of a Wimpy Kid before bed when he's tired, but he'll prefer Ages of Oz when he has more energy. Still though, he loves the series and is looking forward to the next book (while I'm looking forward to what deeper questions he'll ask me next)!
February 27, 2019
I'd read the first book in this series, and I wasn't that thrilled by it, but it had its moments. In truth, it's difficult for me to judge these books on their own merits, because I've read other tales that cover the same time period in Ozian history in a way I found more entertaining and more compatible with the brief references in the original books, but didn't have the support of major publishers. I guess I'd say I didn't find the writing especially engaging, but some of the ideas were done well, like the mysteries and puzzles, and the relationships between characters like Glinda and her mysterious grandmother and Locasta and her seemingly traitorous brother. In terms of traditional Oz references, I liked the origin of Glinda's truth-telling pearl, and the Nome King was in character, even though the book makes the common mistake of saying he's made of rock instead of just having an affinity for it. While it was interesting seeing an only partially tin Nick Chopper who was still courting Nimmie Amee, his back story as established makes it sound like he was just hanging out in the woods at that point, not participating in a revolution. It's not a direct contradiction, and I'm sure there's a creative way of explaining it, but it doesn't really feel right to me.
May 6, 2018
A Dark Descent (Ages of Oz) is book 2 of a series chronicling Glinda's journey in the land of Oz before Dorothy's arrival in a tornadic-strewn farm house. Oz has been ruled by 4 Wicked Witches with the guidance of a more sinister evil, Mombi, for many lifetimes. Book one concluded with the demise of one of the four Wicked beings, Aphidina, Witch of the South. The adventure continues as Glinda, Lacosta, Ben, Shade, and other allies plan a war against Marada, Witch of the North. A Dark Descent brings into light fantastical Sea magic, the Nome King, continuing struggles for "Truth Above All," new spells, and beautiful illustrations. Seeing such familiar characters as the Tin Man and a flying monkey in their youth is a bonus.
This series is a perfect gift for any lover of Oz, regardless of age. And for those not familiar with Oz you'll start at the beginning of everything. With Gabriel Gale's vision and Lisa Fiedler's words, Ages of Oz would make for an awesome graphic novel.
This series is a perfect gift for any lover of Oz, regardless of age. And for those not familiar with Oz you'll start at the beginning of everything. With Gabriel Gale's vision and Lisa Fiedler's words, Ages of Oz would make for an awesome graphic novel.
May 2, 2018
Soo... I read the first book and it started off a little slow but I understand the need for world building and, since this is the prequel to Dorothy landing in Oz, the thought of finding out what happened to the other 2 Wicked Witches (bc Gabriel Gale says there was initially 4 Wicked Witches - not just East and West like the movie showed) kept me interested until we got into the good stuff after a couple chapters of Book 1. NOW, I recently won an "ARC" of the second book from Ages of Oz and I LOVED IT!! The pace was high from the beginning. There's more magic. The kids are coming into their own more but still relying on their elders and each other for strength. And O-M-G!!... no spoilers BUTTTTT what you find out about a person on Glinda's side of the journey is TOO great! (Although Locasta is definitely my favorite character, sorry Glinda ;) ) Definitely ready for the third book!!
May 3, 2018
Returning to Oz after the first book in the series, A Fiery Friendship, Gabriel Gale and Lisa Fiedler hit another home run! This book and series reinvent Oz and keep it true to its core in an original story the Baum himself would probably be jealous of. The world of Oz that has been created is whole and complete, and i find myself still thinking about its characters and landscapes. Gabriel and Lisa have created a truly formidable villian and cherishable heroes. The reuniting with Baum characters already known and beloved, keeps the suspense up and the pages turning well after the nightlights are lit.
May 6, 2018
Gabriel Gale and Lisa Fielder took close care to stay true to the Ozian Universe in this prequel series. After reading the second book I am even more enthralled with the series.
I find myself lost in this world rooting for Glinda from the side lines. They kept the same clever determinism we find in the original “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” where the meek rise. However the magic is stronger. There is a lot of Self-Discovery among every character.
The seamless transition between points of view is beautiful. The teasing way we learn one thing at a time makes you want to read it even more.
I love the series and the second book especially! Can’t wait for more.
I find myself lost in this world rooting for Glinda from the side lines. They kept the same clever determinism we find in the original “Wonderful Wizard of Oz” where the meek rise. However the magic is stronger. There is a lot of Self-Discovery among every character.
The seamless transition between points of view is beautiful. The teasing way we learn one thing at a time makes you want to read it even more.
I love the series and the second book especially! Can’t wait for more.
December 1, 2024
It's really more like a 2.5 for me. It took me several months to get through this sequel. I truly enjoyed the first one. This one, however....was absolute torture. There was an infinite number of characters and subplots to follow. I had to create a dictionary for myself to be able to keep up with everything. Otherwise, I would become completely lost. Foursworn, rock fairies, sea faries, Regent Valiants, gnomes, monkies, underlands, sea devils, talking pebbles, Grand Adept, precious gems.....and on and on and on.... The endless terminology was exhausting.
And honestly, I thought the story was bland. Boring. But, the writing is superb, and the illustrations are breathtaking. Hence, the 2.5 star rating. I'm proud of myself for finishing it. I was convinced I was going to DNF it.
And honestly, I thought the story was bland. Boring. But, the writing is superb, and the illustrations are breathtaking. Hence, the 2.5 star rating. I'm proud of myself for finishing it. I was convinced I was going to DNF it.
October 6, 2018
This was a great book I will have to check the others in the series
October 22, 2021
It was so magical and wonderfully written. To be part of Oz again was wonderful.
April 13, 2018
(by Anna McCarthy) Gabriel Gale has done it again with yet another page turner book, with its most exciting cliffhangers and depth of story. Gabriel Gales certainly had a success for book two. But what lies ahead in book will certainly shock us again. Book 2 was about the journey of Glinda to search for Mythra, the most powerful sorceress of all time. She wants Marada to train her to defeat the witches and learn more magic.But the journey will not easy. She will have to: Defeat Thruff, Destroy Sea Devils, save Ben, and face many more challenges in the process.
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May 8, 2018Gabriel Gale and Lisa Fiedler take us on the pre-Dorothy, pre-Wicked, pre-Oz-as-we-know-it journey with their book series, Ages of Oz.
In Book 2, we meet up with Glinda and her friends as they continue their quest to save Oz. I appreciated how the book picked up right where Book 1 left off. There was no waste in time as information was being recapped, and plans were being reiterated.
The first book left me wanting to know more about the characters. We knew of the colors and diversity of Oz, but not much about our main characters. I found myself struggling to connect with them, and not caring much for their journey because I did not know them well enough! Book 1 also contained a lot of flourished language which, to me, was a distractor for me rather than enriching. Book 2 certainly changed that. The authors provided enough imagery through their language without impeding upon imagination. Their lack of physical description of the characters paved the way for the reader to come to their own conclusions about a character’s appearance. For example, I imagine Locasta and Thruff having features similar to a human of mixed race, with a slight violet hue to their otherwise darker skin color. I almost wish there were no illustrations as we know an illustration is an interpretation of an author’s descriptors.
We learn more about Glinda's family and its importance in Oz's history and future. We get to know Locasta better and learn about what happened to her family. We watch as her brother Thruff struggles with the past of his family and with making his own decisions in the present, which causes quite a few unforeseen events for Glinda and her friends.
I still want to know more about Shade's past and her present “deal” as she seemed to just kind of pop up out of nowhere in Book 1, and after Book 2, I am not so sure I trust her completely....
My only regret in reading Book 2 is that I read it so quickly, and now have to wait even longer to know how the journey continues!
In Book 2, we meet up with Glinda and her friends as they continue their quest to save Oz. I appreciated how the book picked up right where Book 1 left off. There was no waste in time as information was being recapped, and plans were being reiterated.
The first book left me wanting to know more about the characters. We knew of the colors and diversity of Oz, but not much about our main characters. I found myself struggling to connect with them, and not caring much for their journey because I did not know them well enough! Book 1 also contained a lot of flourished language which, to me, was a distractor for me rather than enriching. Book 2 certainly changed that. The authors provided enough imagery through their language without impeding upon imagination. Their lack of physical description of the characters paved the way for the reader to come to their own conclusions about a character’s appearance. For example, I imagine Locasta and Thruff having features similar to a human of mixed race, with a slight violet hue to their otherwise darker skin color. I almost wish there were no illustrations as we know an illustration is an interpretation of an author’s descriptors.
We learn more about Glinda's family and its importance in Oz's history and future. We get to know Locasta better and learn about what happened to her family. We watch as her brother Thruff struggles with the past of his family and with making his own decisions in the present, which causes quite a few unforeseen events for Glinda and her friends.
I still want to know more about Shade's past and her present “deal” as she seemed to just kind of pop up out of nowhere in Book 1, and after Book 2, I am not so sure I trust her completely....
My only regret in reading Book 2 is that I read it so quickly, and now have to wait even longer to know how the journey continues!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews