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Another Day #2
The Oracle of Maracoor
The enchanting second novel in the series Another Day, returning to the world first created in Wicked.
The Oracle of Maracoor, the second in the trilogy called Another Day, continues the story of Elphaba's green-skinned granddaughter, Rain. That strange land, Maracoor--across the ocean from Oz--is beset by an invading army. In the mayhem, Rain and Cossy, a child felon, break out of prison. Helped by a few flying monkeys, they struggle to escape the city before it falls under siege. Their arresting officer, Lucikles, also retreats with his family to a highland redoubt. But safety eludes them all. Chaos thunders upon them in the form of warriors, refugees, and brigands. The very fabric of reality loosens, liberating creatures of myth and legend--huge blue wolves, harpies, and giants made of the very landscape.
Cued in by secrets known only to the most highly placed members of the royal court, Rain and her companions hunt the fabled Oracle of Maracoor for guidance and soothsaying. Rain has to recover her forgotten past if she is to consider returning home. Cossy, the ten-year-old convicted of murder, must become invisible to avoid being taken into custody again. Meanwhile, the Fist of Mara, an arcane artifact that renders all around it barren, hammers against human lives. If the reclusive Oracle should spin a prophecy, might the desperate wicked years promise another day, one less perilous?
The Oracle of Maracoor, the second in the trilogy called Another Day, continues the story of Elphaba's green-skinned granddaughter, Rain. That strange land, Maracoor--across the ocean from Oz--is beset by an invading army. In the mayhem, Rain and Cossy, a child felon, break out of prison. Helped by a few flying monkeys, they struggle to escape the city before it falls under siege. Their arresting officer, Lucikles, also retreats with his family to a highland redoubt. But safety eludes them all. Chaos thunders upon them in the form of warriors, refugees, and brigands. The very fabric of reality loosens, liberating creatures of myth and legend--huge blue wolves, harpies, and giants made of the very landscape.
Cued in by secrets known only to the most highly placed members of the royal court, Rain and her companions hunt the fabled Oracle of Maracoor for guidance and soothsaying. Rain has to recover her forgotten past if she is to consider returning home. Cossy, the ten-year-old convicted of murder, must become invisible to avoid being taken into custody again. Meanwhile, the Fist of Mara, an arcane artifact that renders all around it barren, hammers against human lives. If the reclusive Oracle should spin a prophecy, might the desperate wicked years promise another day, one less perilous?
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2022
185 people are currently reading
9170 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Maguire
112 books9,211 followersGregory Maguire is an American author, whose novels are revisionist retellings of children's stories (such as L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz into Wicked). He received his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University, and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany. He was a professor and co-director at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature from 1979-1985. In 1987 he co-founded Children's Literature New England (a non-profit educational charity).
Maguire has served as artist-in-residence at the Blue Mountain Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Hambidge Center. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
November 17, 2022
I was going to wait a while to formulate a proper review with all my thoughts in order, but upon seeing so many negative reviews on the two Maracoor books I feel I owe it to Gregory Maguire to defend his honor a bit here.
Wicked is, and has always been, an incredibly particular piece of writing. You either get it or you don't, and if you make an earnest effort I believe you WILL get it. I first attempted to read Wicked when I was 18 and so much of it just read like gibberish to me because of Maguire's pompous and verbose writing style that sometimes seems to weave in archaic vocabulary for no other reason than to say it did, but every one of the Wicked books (particularly the first one) becomes richer and fuller with every subsequent re-reading. The first book, I feel, touches on every single aspect of the experience of living, something not many books can claim to have done.
Due to the unexpected success of the musical, Wicked became a quadrilogy, with two books in the middle that were a little bit of a slog but had bright moments, and a finale that I was genuinely surprised turned out to be so incredibly good, on par with the original honestly. I left Out of Oz feeling blown away and never thought we'd hear any more from Rain, so reading the first two Maracoor books was a treat in many ways, and only minorly tested my patience with the witty verbosity so common to Maguire's prose.
I think the Another Day series is ENTIRELY worth your time if you're a fan of the Wicked series, and it carries with it a new perspective that mirrors but is not the same as the original series. As well it makes sense to: Rain is the descendant of Elphaba, not Elphaba herself, and she is the new focal point of the story. Indeed a huge theme in the Maracoor books is about parents and children, about the differences, the bitterness, and the love between them. Rain left Oz bitter and heartbroken and Maracoor forces her to confront that heartbreak and try to make sense of it, and do something good in the meantime. The innocence of childhood and the loss therein is another big theme, with Cossy, Leorix, and the contentious relationship the two of them, along with Rain, all have with Lucikles, the only real adult in the room among the party. Iskinaary remains a standout favorite, he always had something pithy to say.
There are moments when Maguire's writing style will exhaust you, but there are also moments where his particular brand of witty stoicism and bitter reflection on the nature of existent leads to really profound insight on what the author is clearly trying to impart: the nature of growing up, of looking back on your own childhood and the childhood of the kids around you, be they your own or others, and trying to find meaning in a vast and seemingly indifferent world. Despite the veneer of aggrieved indifference toward the terrifying reality of life, there is meaning and hope to be plumbed within the pages of The Oracle of Maracoor. And also, it's fun to read about a world where everyone regardless of age, gender, or species, speak like an embittered drag queen smoking her last cigarette at 3am and making grand pronouncements about the futility of life. Like, where the hell else are you gonna find dialogue like this? I treasure it for it's uniqueness.
For me, The Bridges of Maracoor was a 3.5 stars that was closer to a 4 than a 3, so I rounded up. Here it's the same story in the opposite direction so I rounded down. My only real gripe with the story is that ultimately not much happened, up until the last 20% of the book which is when I got really invested and couldn't put it down (incidentally the same thing happened to me when reading Out Of Oz, although I suspect re-reading it now I'd find a lot more to chew on in the first half of the book).
My 20-year-old self would be positively outraged to hear me say this after slogging through what often felt like tediously long novels in the Wicked series, but I can't help but feel the Maracoor books didn't really NEED to be a trilogy, and that this tale could probably have all fit into one volume, or if the third book is to be incredibly lengthy then maybe it might have been a duology rather than a trilogy, but hey, I'm along for the ride. I was excited to see that the first book was announced and I grabbed it when it was on sale, and I was absolutely waiting for the second book and got it on the day it released, so I'll be happy to finish it when the third one releases in what I assume will be this time next year.
All in all, Gregory Maguire remains an incredibly unique voice in literature that I think the world would be a little duller without. The quirks that make his writing occasionally tedious or even infuriating are also what makes them so meaningful and provide such depth - but isn't that the way with every adult that has passed through blissfully ignorant childhood and into the crucible of adult life, from which one of us emerge unscathed? See what I did there that was the thing, anyway see you all in a year!
Wicked is, and has always been, an incredibly particular piece of writing. You either get it or you don't, and if you make an earnest effort I believe you WILL get it. I first attempted to read Wicked when I was 18 and so much of it just read like gibberish to me because of Maguire's pompous and verbose writing style that sometimes seems to weave in archaic vocabulary for no other reason than to say it did, but every one of the Wicked books (particularly the first one) becomes richer and fuller with every subsequent re-reading. The first book, I feel, touches on every single aspect of the experience of living, something not many books can claim to have done.
Due to the unexpected success of the musical, Wicked became a quadrilogy, with two books in the middle that were a little bit of a slog but had bright moments, and a finale that I was genuinely surprised turned out to be so incredibly good, on par with the original honestly. I left Out of Oz feeling blown away and never thought we'd hear any more from Rain, so reading the first two Maracoor books was a treat in many ways, and only minorly tested my patience with the witty verbosity so common to Maguire's prose.
I think the Another Day series is ENTIRELY worth your time if you're a fan of the Wicked series, and it carries with it a new perspective that mirrors but is not the same as the original series. As well it makes sense to: Rain is the descendant of Elphaba, not Elphaba herself, and she is the new focal point of the story. Indeed a huge theme in the Maracoor books is about parents and children, about the differences, the bitterness, and the love between them. Rain left Oz bitter and heartbroken and Maracoor forces her to confront that heartbreak and try to make sense of it, and do something good in the meantime. The innocence of childhood and the loss therein is another big theme, with Cossy, Leorix, and the contentious relationship the two of them, along with Rain, all have with Lucikles, the only real adult in the room among the party. Iskinaary remains a standout favorite, he always had something pithy to say.
There are moments when Maguire's writing style will exhaust you, but there are also moments where his particular brand of witty stoicism and bitter reflection on the nature of existent leads to really profound insight on what the author is clearly trying to impart: the nature of growing up, of looking back on your own childhood and the childhood of the kids around you, be they your own or others, and trying to find meaning in a vast and seemingly indifferent world. Despite the veneer of aggrieved indifference toward the terrifying reality of life, there is meaning and hope to be plumbed within the pages of The Oracle of Maracoor. And also, it's fun to read about a world where everyone regardless of age, gender, or species, speak like an embittered drag queen smoking her last cigarette at 3am and making grand pronouncements about the futility of life. Like, where the hell else are you gonna find dialogue like this? I treasure it for it's uniqueness.
For me, The Bridges of Maracoor was a 3.5 stars that was closer to a 4 than a 3, so I rounded up. Here it's the same story in the opposite direction so I rounded down. My only real gripe with the story is that ultimately not much happened, up until the last 20% of the book which is when I got really invested and couldn't put it down (incidentally the same thing happened to me when reading Out Of Oz, although I suspect re-reading it now I'd find a lot more to chew on in the first half of the book).
My 20-year-old self would be positively outraged to hear me say this after slogging through what often felt like tediously long novels in the Wicked series, but I can't help but feel the Maracoor books didn't really NEED to be a trilogy, and that this tale could probably have all fit into one volume, or if the third book is to be incredibly lengthy then maybe it might have been a duology rather than a trilogy, but hey, I'm along for the ride. I was excited to see that the first book was announced and I grabbed it when it was on sale, and I was absolutely waiting for the second book and got it on the day it released, so I'll be happy to finish it when the third one releases in what I assume will be this time next year.
All in all, Gregory Maguire remains an incredibly unique voice in literature that I think the world would be a little duller without. The quirks that make his writing occasionally tedious or even infuriating are also what makes them so meaningful and provide such depth - but isn't that the way with every adult that has passed through blissfully ignorant childhood and into the crucible of adult life, from which one of us emerge unscathed? See what I did there that was the thing, anyway see you all in a year!
September 3, 2023
Won this one as a giveaway.
It’s the future of Oz. Rain is the wicked witch of the East’s granddaughter. This one was really hard to follow. Not one I’d read again but thank you for choosing me in the giveaway.
It’s the future of Oz. Rain is the wicked witch of the East’s granddaughter. This one was really hard to follow. Not one I’d read again but thank you for choosing me in the giveaway.
Want to read
June 10, 202210/11/22
October 8, 2022
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This series is killing me. I loved the Wicked series so much and this spin-off was a bit hard to get into with the first book but I anxiously anticipated this second installment. Unfortunately, it was quite a letdown. But I'll still read the next one!
This series is killing me. I loved the Wicked series so much and this spin-off was a bit hard to get into with the first book but I anxiously anticipated this second installment. Unfortunately, it was quite a letdown. But I'll still read the next one!
October 25, 2022
"I don't need saving," she said, but perhaps she meant she didn't deserve it. How could she be sure when she couldn't remember? An unremembered story is a secret."
The Oracle of Maracoor picks up exactly where the first book in the series left off, with Rain and Cossy on the run after breaking out of prison, Macacoor still under attack, and
Unlike the first book, this one felt like more akin to an actual novel rather than a lengthy prologue leading up to the start of the story. It is clearly an "in-between" novel of a trilogy, but it doesn't meander too much. The story has (again, unlike the first novel) a clear narrative arc, and it's mostly satisfying. Rain has a much stronger focus in this novel, but the story also pulls out more from most of the other ensemble cast of characters without taking away from the central themes as they related to Rain's story.
Maguire's writing once again does very well with teasing out themes of life and friendship and love and memory and bitterness in all the best ways. His writing is so... I don't want to say "chewy," because I don't know if that is the right description. But sure, let's go with chewy.
There are some beautiful passages here, and I somewhat wish I'd read the book first on my e-reader so I could easily bookmark all the passages I loved. But I'll have to stick with re-reading my hardcover copy and putting in some post-it notes instead.
Fans of the Wicked series will have a lot more to pick out with this one, as Rain's memory comes back in patches, bringing with it familiar characters--and familiar pain.
Recommended for fans of the original Wicked series, anyone who enjoyed the first book in this new trilogy, or fans of Maguire's writing (and fantasy fiction) interested in starting a new series. (Though, of course, start with Another Day #1 first!)
The Oracle of Maracoor picks up exactly where the first book in the series left off, with Rain and Cossy on the run after breaking out of prison, Macacoor still under attack, and
Unlike the first book, this one felt like more akin to an actual novel rather than a lengthy prologue leading up to the start of the story. It is clearly an "in-between" novel of a trilogy, but it doesn't meander too much. The story has (again, unlike the first novel) a clear narrative arc, and it's mostly satisfying. Rain has a much stronger focus in this novel, but the story also pulls out more from most of the other ensemble cast of characters without taking away from the central themes as they related to Rain's story.
Maguire's writing once again does very well with teasing out themes of life and friendship and love and memory and bitterness in all the best ways. His writing is so... I don't want to say "chewy," because I don't know if that is the right description. But sure, let's go with chewy.
There are some beautiful passages here, and I somewhat wish I'd read the book first on my e-reader so I could easily bookmark all the passages I loved. But I'll have to stick with re-reading my hardcover copy and putting in some post-it notes instead.
Fans of the Wicked series will have a lot more to pick out with this one, as Rain's memory comes back in patches, bringing with it familiar characters--and familiar pain.
Recommended for fans of the original Wicked series, anyone who enjoyed the first book in this new trilogy, or fans of Maguire's writing (and fantasy fiction) interested in starting a new series. (Though, of course, start with Another Day #1 first!)
September 26, 2022
You will enjoy this!
November 3, 2022
What. The. Heck. Seriously. I read the first book in the Another Day series and felt incredibly confused. I know that Rain has amnesia - kind of, since she seems to remember a decent number of things - but most of these stories dump the reader in a strange land with little context. Late in The Oracle of Maracoor the reader begins to see why Rain ended up where she did, but it doesn’t save the haphazard story up to that point, and it’s way too late for the first book in the series. Most of this story revolves around a motley crew seeking out the Oracle, so it doesn’t have nearly the local history as the first book. Also doing a disservice to the book is the fact that pretty much every character is ill-tempered or disgruntled, and they bicker constantly. The precocious and curious Cossy of the preceding book is now a whiny brat. Iskinaary the Goose has gone from being a knowledgeable companion to a peckish know-it-all. Lucikles and his son Leorix are constantly having a difference of opinion on how much of an adult Leorix is. And by the time the book was over, I felt like the characters had tromped over forests and mountains without accomplishing much of anything. I have enjoyed some of Maguire’s books but this series (and this book) are a confusing mess not worth my energy to sort out. A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2024
“The Oracle of Maracoor” is the second novel in Gregory Maguire’s “Another Day” series. In “Oracle”, Rain, the grand-daughter of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, is on the run after escaping from prison. Accompanied by a fellow child prisoner, Cossy, the talking Goose, Isikarry, and a few flying monkeys, Rain hopes to escape the city before it falls under siege. With the help of a few strangers they meet along the way, Rain and her friends set out to meet the fabled Oracle of Maracoor, hoping for some guidance on where they should go next.
Gregory Maguire is one of my all-time favourite authors and, after the supreme success of “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, I have read (and own)every novel he’s written. It took me some time to get to this second novel in the series, but I’m so glad I finally did. Not only does this story continue the plotline of the infamous green-skinned Rain, but it has so many magical and fantasy components, including harpies, giants, tree-people and the famed Wizard of Oz himself. Maguire’s sparkling language and acerbic wit add even more entertainment, and ensures that “Oracle” will once again make the top of my favourites list.
Rain is the protagonist, after losing her memory in the last novel, she slowly recovers it as the plot goes on. This aids in helping the reader catch up with the events of the last novel as well, so kudos to Maguire for his creative recap. There are so many unique characters in this novel, both human and not, and the only disappointing part was that this novel is short, so I finished it far too quickly!
Although there have been many fairy tale retellings published, Maguire continues to stand out amongst the rest, and for good reason. “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” told the story of the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and now the family story is continued through Rain’s version of events. “Oracle” does pick up where the first novel, “The Brides of Maracoor” left off, so, although there is a bit of a review as Rain recovers her memory, this is not a novel I would recommend as a stand-alone.
Short, yet jam-packed with adventure, fantasy and magic, Maguire’s “The Oracle of Maracoor” is a must-read. I actually believe my jaw physically dropped when I discovered the identity of the Oracle—leave it to Maguire to still find ways to render me speechless. “The Witch of Maracoor” is the third novel in the series and I definitely won’t be missing out!
Gregory Maguire is one of my all-time favourite authors and, after the supreme success of “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, I have read (and own)every novel he’s written. It took me some time to get to this second novel in the series, but I’m so glad I finally did. Not only does this story continue the plotline of the infamous green-skinned Rain, but it has so many magical and fantasy components, including harpies, giants, tree-people and the famed Wizard of Oz himself. Maguire’s sparkling language and acerbic wit add even more entertainment, and ensures that “Oracle” will once again make the top of my favourites list.
Rain is the protagonist, after losing her memory in the last novel, she slowly recovers it as the plot goes on. This aids in helping the reader catch up with the events of the last novel as well, so kudos to Maguire for his creative recap. There are so many unique characters in this novel, both human and not, and the only disappointing part was that this novel is short, so I finished it far too quickly!
Although there have been many fairy tale retellings published, Maguire continues to stand out amongst the rest, and for good reason. “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” told the story of the infamous Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba, and now the family story is continued through Rain’s version of events. “Oracle” does pick up where the first novel, “The Brides of Maracoor” left off, so, although there is a bit of a review as Rain recovers her memory, this is not a novel I would recommend as a stand-alone.
Short, yet jam-packed with adventure, fantasy and magic, Maguire’s “The Oracle of Maracoor” is a must-read. I actually believe my jaw physically dropped when I discovered the identity of the Oracle—leave it to Maguire to still find ways to render me speechless. “The Witch of Maracoor” is the third novel in the series and I definitely won’t be missing out!
November 29, 2024
3.5 stars, but leaning toward the lower end. This book could have been condensed down to its last 70 pages. The journey to the titular Oracle is a slog featuring the cast from the previous book along with a handful of newcomers--all characters I don't care for apart from Rain and Iskaanary.
Manticores were mentioned only once, but the crew seemed to come across one taking a dump in the forest. It didn't do anything, and it wasn't directly stated to be a manticore, but I guess I'll take what I can get...
Manticores were mentioned only once, but the crew seemed to come across one taking a dump in the forest. It didn't do anything, and it wasn't directly stated to be a manticore, but I guess I'll take what I can get...
June 25, 2025
The catharsis enacted upon the stage of the mattress proved to imitate true feeling so well that neither partner could fully return to the attitude of offense in which they'd begun.
November 25, 2024
This review, much like the novel is a quest story. In it I’ll endeavour to award 3 stars.
I love this author, in my eyes he can do no wrong for bringing Wicked into existence (eye roll at the folks who just don’t get it). However, some of this middle book of the new trilogy is wrong. Or doesn’t fit. Sticks out like a green thumb.
The main cast of characters are engaging, fun, well formed. They all have something to do, but not much, to be honest -Take item to appointed place, minimal issues on the way.
The topics raised are interesting- family being predominantly the theme, but even the relationship issues are a bit bland and predictable.
I wasn’t overly bothered by the random mythic beasts, and didn’t think they brought anything new or interesting. The ending was somewhat rushed and just geared us up for the true finale in book three.
The dialogue is sparkling as always.
The prize at the end of the quest? Iskinaary.
By Lurlina, I love that goose. 3 stars for him alone.
I love this author, in my eyes he can do no wrong for bringing Wicked into existence (eye roll at the folks who just don’t get it). However, some of this middle book of the new trilogy is wrong. Or doesn’t fit. Sticks out like a green thumb.
The main cast of characters are engaging, fun, well formed. They all have something to do, but not much, to be honest -Take item to appointed place, minimal issues on the way.
The topics raised are interesting- family being predominantly the theme, but even the relationship issues are a bit bland and predictable.
I wasn’t overly bothered by the random mythic beasts, and didn’t think they brought anything new or interesting. The ending was somewhat rushed and just geared us up for the true finale in book three.
The dialogue is sparkling as always.
The prize at the end of the quest? Iskinaary.
By Lurlina, I love that goose. 3 stars for him alone.
November 14, 2022
The Oracle of Maracoor is a fantabulous romp through places unknown, meeting creatures unheard of. It is a a mythical coming-of-age story that throws together a troupe of unlikely characters, each on the journey for their own reasons. Readers meet the Wizard of Oz as imagined in today’s time. This second book in the Another Day trilogy is a great follow-up to Wicked by Gregory Maguire.
October 22, 2023
"She’d adored Tip, but there had not really ever been a Tip. Only an Ozma in hiding."
June 11, 2024
This was unexpectedly readable, and the geographies Maguire conjures up are so vivid.
February 2, 2025
Although I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first book, it was still worth reading. Most of my favorite characters of this series are brides so because most of the brides were absent for this sequel, I found myself less drawn to the characters in general.
I did appreciate Rain’s growth throughout the book and I felt like the conclusion of this novel set things up perfectly for Rain to embrace herself and live up to her potential in book three. There were also some fun reveals in here I wasn’t expecting. The last 70 pages of the book were very entertaining—the beginning and middle were fairly slow most of the time. I’ll probably only re read this if I find myself loving book three.
I did appreciate Rain’s growth throughout the book and I felt like the conclusion of this novel set things up perfectly for Rain to embrace herself and live up to her potential in book three. There were also some fun reveals in here I wasn’t expecting. The last 70 pages of the book were very entertaining—the beginning and middle were fairly slow most of the time. I’ll probably only re read this if I find myself loving book three.
March 9, 2023
This new adventure into the world of Wicked has been very entertaining. We learn a lot more in #2 of the series, which was exciting and fun. Looking forward to the next installment!
June 9, 2024
Not a review, but a word of advice or caution, which I offer as my daughter had likewise offered to me; thank goodness.
If you happen to buy books two and three together, DO NOT READ THE COVER JACKET OF BOOK THREE BEFORE YOU HAVE READ ALL OF BOOK TWO!
The jacket for book three stupidly and blatantly spoils a brilliant turn of events, an unexpected plot twist from book two, and I’d have hated to know what awaited me at the end of book two had I read book three’s dust jacket spoiler.
If you happen to buy books two and three together, DO NOT READ THE COVER JACKET OF BOOK THREE BEFORE YOU HAVE READ ALL OF BOOK TWO!
The jacket for book three stupidly and blatantly spoils a brilliant turn of events, an unexpected plot twist from book two, and I’d have hated to know what awaited me at the end of book two had I read book three’s dust jacket spoiler.
January 24, 2023
"The Oracle of Maracoor" is the 6th book in The Wicked series, an alternative version of The Oz books.
The title is a reference to "The Wizard of Oz." Once again, characters must travel across a fantasy land to seek
a powerful man who can help them with their problems. The switch is that in this version of the story, the Dorthy character
is The Wicked Witch's granddaughter, Rain.
If you know The Wizard of Oz storyline, it is fairly easy to predict where this book is going, but I kind of preferred that.
I enjoyed "The Oracle of Maracoor" more than the previous Maracoor book because this one had a stronger conclusion, in that things get resolved. Maguire has a habit of subverting expectations, which is kind of the point of a series that exists to tell an alternative version of a popular story, but it can also be frustrating.
It almost feels like Maguire is resisting giving readers what they want.
This time, the story has forward movement. Things are happening, characters are making connections and learning. This book also helps re-contextualize past books in the series. This book addresses a loose thread from the first Wicked book in a satisfying way.
This was also one of the rare Wicked books to end on an optimistic note and the bitterness of the characters seemed softened.
I feel the characters are growing emotionally and that is a welcome change.
The title is a reference to "The Wizard of Oz." Once again, characters must travel across a fantasy land to seek
a powerful man who can help them with their problems. The switch is that in this version of the story, the Dorthy character
is The Wicked Witch's granddaughter, Rain.
If you know The Wizard of Oz storyline, it is fairly easy to predict where this book is going, but I kind of preferred that.
I enjoyed "The Oracle of Maracoor" more than the previous Maracoor book because this one had a stronger conclusion, in that things get resolved. Maguire has a habit of subverting expectations, which is kind of the point of a series that exists to tell an alternative version of a popular story, but it can also be frustrating.
It almost feels like Maguire is resisting giving readers what they want.
This time, the story has forward movement. Things are happening, characters are making connections and learning. This book also helps re-contextualize past books in the series. This book addresses a loose thread from the first Wicked book in a satisfying way.
This was also one of the rare Wicked books to end on an optimistic note and the bitterness of the characters seemed softened.
I feel the characters are growing emotionally and that is a welcome change.
August 8, 2025
Maguire does it once again, maintaining his position as my favorite author. There were some real zingers in this book—Maguire always manages to turn a phrase or two that I brood on for days afterward. And the "twist" revealing who the Oracle was nearly made me throw my book across the room, I was so upset. I'm eager for the third book. I'm going to drive myself crazy wondering about what might happen next.
December 20, 2023
I was disappointed by The Oracle of Maracoor. The first book in the trilogy was an interesting tale full of plots and mysteries. But this second book of the "Another Day" trilogy seems like it is padded. It is 269 pages long, but about 30 of those pages are blank or are chapter titles. Three-book-series often suffer from the "middle book of a trilogy" curse, where some authors just move their pawns aimlessly over the board, setting things up for the big climax in the final book of the trilogy. Maguire appears to have fallen into that trap. The Oracle of Maracoor is divided into two parts. The first part seems especially drawn out. Maguire moves his characters from the city of Maracoor Crown to Zephana's farm, and takes his sweet time getting everyone there. The second part livens the story up a bit, as the major character all set out to find the Oracle of Maracoor. There is a bit of adventure, but the visit to the Oracle was not enthralling.
My major complaint is that Maguire reveals nothing about the magical item known as the Fist of Mara. What is this magical artifact? Why is the invading army of Skedelanders so desperate to possess it? How can it be destroyed? Should it be destroyed? The Oracle was supposed reveal at least some answers, but he provides little information. The reader does learn some information about why Rain flew away from Oz, but it sounds like this information was included in the previous four book series "The Wicked Years", so loyal readers of Maguire won't learn anything new in that regard (I have only read the first book, Wicked, and that was so long ago I don't recall it too well.)
The Oracle of Maracoor picks up immediately where The Brides of Maracoor ended. A storm batters the city of Maracoor Crown. The fleet of marauding Skelelanders returns, causing everyone to flee. In the ensuing panic, Rain and Cossy escape from the gaol, accompanied by four flying monkeys and Iskinaary the talking Goose. (I am not sure what the purpose of including the flying monkeys was, perhaps Maguire just wanted to remind his readers that this story is set in the world of Oz). They escape through the gates of the city just before they are barred. The big farmer carrying a sack of pomegranates offers to have Rain accompany them up onto the farms of the high plateau, but Rain and Iskinaary decline because they think that they are heading to the coast so they can find a way to embark for Oz. Of course, all of these characters end up at the farm.
Maguire does a good job of characterization. Everyone has a believable personality, they are all interesting. Though for some reason, I liked Rain and Cossy more in the first book than I did in this one. I just wish Maguire would give these characters more to do.
The final book of the trilogy is The Witch of Maracoor. I assume Maguire will finally lay all of his closely held plot-cards on the table and there will be adventure and excitement. At least, I expect that there will be some explanations.
My major complaint is that Maguire reveals nothing about the magical item known as the Fist of Mara. What is this magical artifact? Why is the invading army of Skedelanders so desperate to possess it? How can it be destroyed? Should it be destroyed? The Oracle was supposed reveal at least some answers, but he provides little information. The reader does learn some information about why Rain flew away from Oz, but it sounds like this information was included in the previous four book series "The Wicked Years", so loyal readers of Maguire won't learn anything new in that regard (I have only read the first book, Wicked, and that was so long ago I don't recall it too well.)
The Oracle of Maracoor picks up immediately where The Brides of Maracoor ended. A storm batters the city of Maracoor Crown. The fleet of marauding Skelelanders returns, causing everyone to flee. In the ensuing panic, Rain and Cossy escape from the gaol, accompanied by four flying monkeys and Iskinaary the talking Goose. (I am not sure what the purpose of including the flying monkeys was, perhaps Maguire just wanted to remind his readers that this story is set in the world of Oz). They escape through the gates of the city just before they are barred. The big farmer carrying a sack of pomegranates offers to have Rain accompany them up onto the farms of the high plateau, but Rain and Iskinaary decline because they think that they are heading to the coast so they can find a way to embark for Oz. Of course, all of these characters end up at the farm.
Maguire does a good job of characterization. Everyone has a believable personality, they are all interesting. Though for some reason, I liked Rain and Cossy more in the first book than I did in this one. I just wish Maguire would give these characters more to do.
The final book of the trilogy is The Witch of Maracoor. I assume Maguire will finally lay all of his closely held plot-cards on the table and there will be adventure and excitement. At least, I expect that there will be some explanations.
October 22, 2022
Gregory Maguire surely had no idea that when he wrote the novel WICKED that it would become the global phenomenon into which it has evolved. Not only did that novel spawn a handful of successful sequels but it also was the impetus for the Broadway Musical of the same name that has since become a historically beloved theatre experience that has thrilled and inspired millions of fans since its’ inception.
Now, Maguire returns us to the world he built upon after WICKED took us back to characters originated by the legendary L. Frank Baum. With THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR we have the second novel in the series entitled “Another Day” and it features none other than a young woman known as Rain. This green-skinned character just happens to be the granddaughter of Elphaba, also known as The Wicked Witch of the West.
The strange land of Maracoor exists across the sea from Oz, a place Rain longs to return to. In order to do that, she must escape from Maracoor --- a land that is currently under threat of attack. Additionally, she is in league with a ten-year-old girl named Cossy, a child felon convicted of murder. The two of them were able to break out of prison with the aid of a few flying monkeys, the first of which was originally created by her grandmother. They are now on the run across this place called Maracoor and seeking answers that will help them to escape safely with their lives.
To do so, they have been told that they will require the assistance of the great soothsayer known as the Oracle of Maracoor. Finding this person will not be easy, especially in an unknown land, and will include the assistance of a myriad of people and fantastical creatures who are guiding them in much the same way as Dorothy’s trio of colleagues once upon a time led her on her journey to the Emerald City to meet with the Wizard of Oz who also might have answers to getting her home.
Cossy is scrappy while Rain has forgotten much of her witch upbringing. She realizes that it will take her reigniting her broom powers and reclaiming her identity if they are to be successful in their mission. Accompanied by everything from a flying goose named Iskinaary, wolf-like man beasts, owls with human faces, and series of humans from Maracoor the group referred to as the Company of the Scarab are on their way. One advantage Rain does have is the gift she was given at the start of her journey, an item known as the Fist of Mara --- an ancient artifact that has immeasurable power in addition to making those around it barren.
Before this epic adventure is done, Rain will finally realize her place as the Witch of Maracoor --- ironically, the same name already given to the upcoming third entry in this new saga --- and that occurrence along with the safe placement of Cossy in protective hiding, will spur Rain through her continued adventure. Gregory Maguire has once again created an awe-inspiring work of fantasy that takes on the Oz stories and improves on them through expansion of new characters, places, and ideas making for an engaging read and welcome time spent in a place that feels both strange and eerily familiar simultaneously.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
Now, Maguire returns us to the world he built upon after WICKED took us back to characters originated by the legendary L. Frank Baum. With THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR we have the second novel in the series entitled “Another Day” and it features none other than a young woman known as Rain. This green-skinned character just happens to be the granddaughter of Elphaba, also known as The Wicked Witch of the West.
The strange land of Maracoor exists across the sea from Oz, a place Rain longs to return to. In order to do that, she must escape from Maracoor --- a land that is currently under threat of attack. Additionally, she is in league with a ten-year-old girl named Cossy, a child felon convicted of murder. The two of them were able to break out of prison with the aid of a few flying monkeys, the first of which was originally created by her grandmother. They are now on the run across this place called Maracoor and seeking answers that will help them to escape safely with their lives.
To do so, they have been told that they will require the assistance of the great soothsayer known as the Oracle of Maracoor. Finding this person will not be easy, especially in an unknown land, and will include the assistance of a myriad of people and fantastical creatures who are guiding them in much the same way as Dorothy’s trio of colleagues once upon a time led her on her journey to the Emerald City to meet with the Wizard of Oz who also might have answers to getting her home.
Cossy is scrappy while Rain has forgotten much of her witch upbringing. She realizes that it will take her reigniting her broom powers and reclaiming her identity if they are to be successful in their mission. Accompanied by everything from a flying goose named Iskinaary, wolf-like man beasts, owls with human faces, and series of humans from Maracoor the group referred to as the Company of the Scarab are on their way. One advantage Rain does have is the gift she was given at the start of her journey, an item known as the Fist of Mara --- an ancient artifact that has immeasurable power in addition to making those around it barren.
Before this epic adventure is done, Rain will finally realize her place as the Witch of Maracoor --- ironically, the same name already given to the upcoming third entry in this new saga --- and that occurrence along with the safe placement of Cossy in protective hiding, will spur Rain through her continued adventure. Gregory Maguire has once again created an awe-inspiring work of fantasy that takes on the Oz stories and improves on them through expansion of new characters, places, and ideas making for an engaging read and welcome time spent in a place that feels both strange and eerily familiar simultaneously.
Reviewed by Ray Palen for Book Reporter
June 2, 2025
Continuing on directly where The Brides of Maracoor left off, The second book in the Another Day trilogy takes our heroine, Rain on a quest to escape prison with the young Cossy at her side, as they've been accused of murder and conspiracy for invasion, respectively.
Fleeing the city, Rain and Cossy are aided by mysterious strangers at the gate before escaping into the wildneress as the city undergoes a mass exodus before the newest invasion by the Skedelander navy, before being manipulated by the spitits of the land into joining a company of a new and magical quest: to deliver the deadly Fist of Mara to the Tower in the Clouds and free the land from its effects.
The journey across the countryside is about less about exploring the physical landscape of this new land so much as it is about exploring the mindsets, personalities, and motivations of our main cast, as Rain slowly regains more and more of her memories and remembers what it was that caused her to flee Oz in a death flight over an ocean to nowhere...
As our characters travel the land, they interact with and meet with fleeting spirits brought to life by the strife caused by the submerged Grimmerie, and explore their relationships with each other as Rain regains some of her memories of before, as Lucikles and Leorix's relationship as father and son is tested, as Burden and Lucikles test their loyalties to each other and their politics, before finally reaching the object of their quest, and the Oracle waiting for them...
Fleeing the city, Rain and Cossy are aided by mysterious strangers at the gate before escaping into the wildneress as the city undergoes a mass exodus before the newest invasion by the Skedelander navy, before being manipulated by the spitits of the land into joining a company of a new and magical quest: to deliver the deadly Fist of Mara to the Tower in the Clouds and free the land from its effects.
The journey across the countryside is about less about exploring the physical landscape of this new land so much as it is about exploring the mindsets, personalities, and motivations of our main cast, as Rain slowly regains more and more of her memories and remembers what it was that caused her to flee Oz in a death flight over an ocean to nowhere...
As our characters travel the land, they interact with and meet with fleeting spirits brought to life by the strife caused by the submerged Grimmerie, and explore their relationships with each other as Rain regains some of her memories of before, as Lucikles and Leorix's relationship as father and son is tested, as Burden and Lucikles test their loyalties to each other and their politics, before finally reaching the object of their quest, and the Oracle waiting for them...
January 22, 2025
Really cool that we can read fantasy books set in scary unsettling bizarre worlds and look around our own country and be like yeah sounds great how can I get there please.
HA HA EVERYTHING IS FINE HERE IN THE USA HA HA HA WE'RE ALL GOOD HA HA IT'S TOTALLY FINE THAT WE'RE ONLY ONE DAY IN AND I ALREADY WANT TO DIVE INTO A VOLCANO HA HA HA HA HA HA
Anyway. I really liked being back with these characters. Maguire has a knack for writing characters you shouldn't really like but you still do, even if you're not sure why. Following along with the journey they set out on was engaging and kept me hooked, because unlike in some books, I felt like I had no idea what would happen or how things might go. All of the different personalities (well...they're not all people, but you know what I mean) clash and collide, and yet they all need each other in some way and they manage to make this ragtag group of theirs work.
There are some revelations that I thought were very well-done and unexpected, and I especially appreciated how the author handled the new information Rain learns of regarding her own life and past. And now I'm even more curious to see where the story goes next, as she begins the next leg of her own personal journey.
I will say this one was not quite as strong for me as the first book. There were a few parts that dragged a bit and then a few others that I wish had been given more time. But still very strong for a middle book.
HA HA EVERYTHING IS FINE HERE IN THE USA HA HA HA WE'RE ALL GOOD HA HA IT'S TOTALLY FINE THAT WE'RE ONLY ONE DAY IN AND I ALREADY WANT TO DIVE INTO A VOLCANO HA HA HA HA HA HA
Anyway. I really liked being back with these characters. Maguire has a knack for writing characters you shouldn't really like but you still do, even if you're not sure why. Following along with the journey they set out on was engaging and kept me hooked, because unlike in some books, I felt like I had no idea what would happen or how things might go. All of the different personalities (well...they're not all people, but you know what I mean) clash and collide, and yet they all need each other in some way and they manage to make this ragtag group of theirs work.
There are some revelations that I thought were very well-done and unexpected, and I especially appreciated how the author handled the new information Rain learns of regarding her own life and past. And now I'm even more curious to see where the story goes next, as she begins the next leg of her own personal journey.
I will say this one was not quite as strong for me as the first book. There were a few parts that dragged a bit and then a few others that I wish had been given more time. But still very strong for a middle book.
November 26, 2022
I won this book in a goodreads giveaway! So immediately I went to my library and borrowed the first book in the series, The Brides of Maracoor, and read it. Then I read this book, the one I won.
I liked both of these books. They have a nice mix of strange new places, people engaged in weird activities, sassiness, and mythological creatures that show up without an excess of explanation. Rain, the green-skinned girl on the cover of both books (the grand-daughter of Elphaba from the Wicked series), and the hapless Lucikles seem to have the most-developed characters in both books. I assume it is no coincidence that Lucikles's name might seem to be "Luckless" if I read it too fast.
There are some questions I hope will be answered when the next book comes out. Looking forward to that!
I liked both of these books. They have a nice mix of strange new places, people engaged in weird activities, sassiness, and mythological creatures that show up without an excess of explanation. Rain, the green-skinned girl on the cover of both books (the grand-daughter of Elphaba from the Wicked series), and the hapless Lucikles seem to have the most-developed characters in both books. I assume it is no coincidence that Lucikles's name might seem to be "Luckless" if I read it too fast.
There are some questions I hope will be answered when the next book comes out. Looking forward to that!
September 27, 2024
Rain, the granddaughter of Elphaba Thrope, and Cossy, the youngest of the seven Brides of Maracoor who has been found guilty of murder, are able to escape from prison and flee the capital city of Maracoor with the asisistance of the flying monkeys sent from Oz by Rain's father Lir. All of this is happeing just as the city is falling under siege.
They are not alone in fleeing as Lucikles also ends up on the run with his family. He was the officer who brought charges against both Rain and Cossy. As the chaos spreads throughout Maracoor, safety is harder and harder to find and the fabric of reality starts to break down, allowing for creatures of myth and lore to make its way into Maracoor.
In attempt to try and make it back to Oz, Rain, Cossy, and their traveling companions set out on a journey to meet the Oracle of Maracoor, who may have the ability to help them find a way home. The question is wheter or not the oracle can truly help and whether they will find safety or home again.
This was an interesting read, though I found the first book in the trilogy to be stronger. There was a nice suprise at the end that really helped round out not just this trilogy, but the previous series, as well.
They are not alone in fleeing as Lucikles also ends up on the run with his family. He was the officer who brought charges against both Rain and Cossy. As the chaos spreads throughout Maracoor, safety is harder and harder to find and the fabric of reality starts to break down, allowing for creatures of myth and lore to make its way into Maracoor.
In attempt to try and make it back to Oz, Rain, Cossy, and their traveling companions set out on a journey to meet the Oracle of Maracoor, who may have the ability to help them find a way home. The question is wheter or not the oracle can truly help and whether they will find safety or home again.
This was an interesting read, though I found the first book in the trilogy to be stronger. There was a nice suprise at the end that really helped round out not just this trilogy, but the previous series, as well.
September 9, 2023
I haven’t read the first book in the series yet, but received this on in a GoodReads giveaway. The author fills in enough of the background that I didn’t even realize there was a book before it that I’d missed, and I liked this one enough that I will absolutely go back and read the first one.
That old charlatan, the “Wizard of Oz” turns out to be the oracle in this book. When he tried to leave Oz, this is where he lands. That kind of bothered me, but not as much as it bothered poor Rain, who finds out what his relationship was to Elphaba, and is to her. By the end of the book he’s almost redeemed himself, but not quite.
I enjoyed the book, but I feel like it lacked something. More detail? More depth? I’m not sure. When I’m reading fantasy, a genre I don’t read much of, I’m never sure what to expect, or what readers of the genre require.
As I said, I will read the first book in the series, and I guess that might give me some of the detail and depth I’m looking for. If there is a third or installment, I’ll read that, too. The narrative, at least what I’ve read in the second installment, feels incomplete.
That old charlatan, the “Wizard of Oz” turns out to be the oracle in this book. When he tried to leave Oz, this is where he lands. That kind of bothered me, but not as much as it bothered poor Rain, who finds out what his relationship was to Elphaba, and is to her. By the end of the book he’s almost redeemed himself, but not quite.
I enjoyed the book, but I feel like it lacked something. More detail? More depth? I’m not sure. When I’m reading fantasy, a genre I don’t read much of, I’m never sure what to expect, or what readers of the genre require.
As I said, I will read the first book in the series, and I guess that might give me some of the detail and depth I’m looking for. If there is a third or installment, I’ll read that, too. The narrative, at least what I’ve read in the second installment, feels incomplete.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2022
I was thrilled to find myself reading about the quest of the Company of the Scarab bringing back childhood memories of another literary quest. The Oracle of Maracoor picks up with Rain, the green skinned young woman from Oz, her goose protector, Izcanary, and Cossy, the child-bride convicted of murder. hoping to escape their imprisonment. So many beloved characters or their descendants return in this second installment of the Another Day trilogy.
Flying monkeys aid in Rain and Cossy's escape and provide air-coverage for them throughout their journey. Cossy leaves behind the brides of Maracoor Spot and puts her trust in Rain to help her find safety. Rain still suffering from amnesia attempts to help Cossy out of the besieged city of Maracoor. Along their route, the two find themselves with unlikely traveling companions who are carrying The Fist of Maracoor. The group sets out to find the Oracle of Maracoor to obtain guidance as to what to do with this dangerous object.
If you are a fan of The Wizard of Oz and or Wicked, this series will delight you.
Flying monkeys aid in Rain and Cossy's escape and provide air-coverage for them throughout their journey. Cossy leaves behind the brides of Maracoor Spot and puts her trust in Rain to help her find safety. Rain still suffering from amnesia attempts to help Cossy out of the besieged city of Maracoor. Along their route, the two find themselves with unlikely traveling companions who are carrying The Fist of Maracoor. The group sets out to find the Oracle of Maracoor to obtain guidance as to what to do with this dangerous object.
If you are a fan of The Wizard of Oz and or Wicked, this series will delight you.
December 7, 2022
I rated this book the same as the previous one in the series. I liked this book a bit better because we get to learn more about Maracoor, but there is very little tension and no stakes. Even the big reveal was a bit lackluster due to how the characters reacted to it (which wasn't much honestly). I felt like the voices of the characters changed from the previous book. Cossy went from a sheltered curious but naive girl who wants to make friends and be loved to a snarky petulant brat. Iskinaary went from Rain's protective adviser to a snarky distempered fowl. As the characters band together to rid Maracoor of the dangerous Fist of Mara, they don't form a loveable band of misfits because they're too busy undermining and sniping at each other. There are few revealing character moments or dangerous situations that would allow for character/relationship development. I felt like Lucikles had more depth as a character than Rain, which isn't saying much, because all of the characters were underdeveloped.
I received a free copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
I received a free copy from a Goodreads giveaway.
January 22, 2023
I listened to this book on Libby. Which means it was free and I could do it while driving. Which is the only reason I was able to get through it. I listened to this book in the sincere hopes that it would redeem the first book I. It’s series since the first book seemed to focus solely on setting up the character’s and never really delivered any arch. Keeping in mind that with audiobooks the person reading the book can impact the way the story is received, I found the story was very slow moving and did not capture my attention. This book was better than it’s predecessor in my opinion but I still felt like it took an entire book to get what I would normally expect to get in the first couple chapters. I’m not usually a very difficult person to entertain. If you look at my reviews they are primarily 5 stars because as long as I enjoyed the read/listen and was able to immerse myself in the world I appreciate the author for distracting me from reality. In this case I just didn’t get drawn in. I would not have finished if it weren’t for my hour long drive to work every day.
June 12, 2023
The Oracle of Maracoor continues the story of Rain, the granddaughter of the Wicked Witch of the West. The story opens with Rain and Cossy, a 10-year-old felon, breaking out of prison while the city is being invaded. Lucikles, their arresting officer, his family, and others retreat for safety, only to find themselves in a magical land filled with mythic creatures. The rest of the book takes the crew on a Tolkien-esque quest to seek the oracle while in possession of a magical artifact.
The book pairs a group of unlikely travel companions across an unfamiliar land, only to discover the oracle isn't what they expected. Much like the first book in this trilogy, the strength of the storytelling is the characterization as the distinctive personalities of all characters (even the small roles of the creatures) are more enjoyable than the cryptic elements behind the artifact or the quest.
The book doesn't feel complete, but rather part of a larger story that stops at a logical point, as if it was a manuscript split into two to cut for length.
The book pairs a group of unlikely travel companions across an unfamiliar land, only to discover the oracle isn't what they expected. Much like the first book in this trilogy, the strength of the storytelling is the characterization as the distinctive personalities of all characters (even the small roles of the creatures) are more enjoyable than the cryptic elements behind the artifact or the quest.
The book doesn't feel complete, but rather part of a larger story that stops at a logical point, as if it was a manuscript split into two to cut for length.
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