Seven years after Dorothy has left, three Munchkin cousins decide they want to have their own adventure by going out the back gate of the Emerald City. This is where the Yellow Brick Road turns Red. There is a decree which says no one is to use this gate except to dispense with the trash. What lies beyond? No one knows, and no one knows why no one knows. These three find a way to get permission to go, much to the dismay of the mayor. Most people in Oz, including the Wizard, are in favor of this journey. But those that are against it either are afraid for them or have their own very nefarious reasons for them not to go. And if they do go, a few want to make sure they never come back! It turns out that a couple of Wicked Witches and some Flying Monkeys are far from the worst danger that Oz will need to face. The journey turns from an adventure to a dire quest in which the lives of all Ozians hang in the balance.
This six-book series chronicles the trek of these three and many others they meet along the way. What they learn about is how little they knew about the world or the world about them. Soon they come to realize that the blissful life they have had is a prelude to disaster. Regardless of the final outcome, real change is coming to Ozland.
I would put this book as a Young Adult, but fun and easy read for adult fans as well. It was entertaining to revisit the land of Oz, meeting new characters, learning what familiar characters are doing, and getting to know the Wizard a bit better as well. The three cousins have started their journey and I'm looking forward to continuing it with them. Looking forward to the 2nd book and greater events!
I actually saw this book on a YouTube advertisement. I’m a huge fan of the emerald city after the cameo that Stephen king wrote in his dark tower books. I can’t wait to see what else our hero’s find on the red brick road.