Wicked, Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, Out of Oz, Series 4 BOOKS IN 1, By Maguire Gregory

"Wicked" by Gregory Maguire is a New York Times bestseller that reimagines the world of Oz from a darker, more complex perspective. Serving as the inspiration for the Tony-winning musical and soon to be a major motion picture starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this novel is a rich commentary on societal issues, wrapped in a fantastical narrative.

Set years before Dorothy's arrival in Oz, the story centers on Elphaba, a green-skinned girl born into a world rife with superstition, magic, and oppression. As she grows up in a land plagued by natural disasters and political corruption, Elphaba's intelligence and determination set her apart. At Shiz University, she becomes part of a group of promising young citizens, yet she quickly realizes that Oz is no utopia. The Wizard's secret police enforce a regime that threatens the existence of Animals—creatures with the ability to think and speak—whom Elphaba is determined to protect.

Maguire’s Oz is a place of moral ambiguity, where Elphaba's journey from misunderstood outcast to the infamous Wicked Witch of the West is marked by sorrow, resistance, and unexpected heroism. The novel blends elements of magical realism, mythopoeic fantasy, and epic sagas, creating a narrative that challenges our perceptions of good and evil. With its intricate world-building and deep moral questions, "Wicked" offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on a beloved classic, making it a novel that resonates long after the final page is turned. 📚❤️