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A Wholesome Romance in Oz #1
Into a Wicked World: A Clean & Wholesome Romantic Reimagining of The Wizard of Oz
Lions, and tigers, and an emotionally unavailable woodsman, oh my.
When Dorothy Gale said she wanted to get as far away from her narcissistic mother as she possibly could, she didn’t mean an entirely new world altogether. Mystically transported to the Land of Oz, the Kansas college student must navigate the dangers of angry trees, poisonous poppies, and wicked witches, all on her quest to find the Wizard who might be able to get her home.
It doesn’t take Dorothy long to assemble a group of unlikely allies—including a talkative-yet-naïve scarecrow, a princely lionman, and a woodsman whose looks are as sharp as the magical axe on his hip. But when the seemingly cold-hearted woodsman escorting Dorothy through Oz begins to warm her own heart, she starts wanting more than just a return trip to Kansas.
Enchanted by a curse that has earned him the nickname Tinman, Nick Chopper just wants to live his lonely life safe in the Blue Forest with the nonjudgmental Fighting Trees and the occasional trip into town for some Munchkin desserts. But his routine is about to be blown away when Glinda the Good orders him to escort a whirlwind of a woman, who has just flown in from a faraway land, to the bustling Emerald City.
Every moment with Dorothy makes his curse harder and harder to bear. But being around her starts to feel worth the pain, and Nick slowly begins to hope that Dorothy will find that home is where the tin heart is…
When Dorothy Gale said she wanted to get as far away from her narcissistic mother as she possibly could, she didn’t mean an entirely new world altogether. Mystically transported to the Land of Oz, the Kansas college student must navigate the dangers of angry trees, poisonous poppies, and wicked witches, all on her quest to find the Wizard who might be able to get her home.
It doesn’t take Dorothy long to assemble a group of unlikely allies—including a talkative-yet-naïve scarecrow, a princely lionman, and a woodsman whose looks are as sharp as the magical axe on his hip. But when the seemingly cold-hearted woodsman escorting Dorothy through Oz begins to warm her own heart, she starts wanting more than just a return trip to Kansas.
Enchanted by a curse that has earned him the nickname Tinman, Nick Chopper just wants to live his lonely life safe in the Blue Forest with the nonjudgmental Fighting Trees and the occasional trip into town for some Munchkin desserts. But his routine is about to be blown away when Glinda the Good orders him to escort a whirlwind of a woman, who has just flown in from a faraway land, to the bustling Emerald City.
Every moment with Dorothy makes his curse harder and harder to bear. But being around her starts to feel worth the pain, and Nick slowly begins to hope that Dorothy will find that home is where the tin heart is…
- GenresFantasyRomanceRetellings
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 4, 2024
168 people are currently reading
3433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 1, 2024
A modern re-twisting of the original Frank Baum novel that stays authentic to the characters while giving them more depth and personality; say less. I love all things Oz and would absolutely live there without hesitation.
Each character of the book has a great backstory that thoroughly adds to the story. Each character truly came alive and not in the way of the 1939 film. I could see each character in my mind but they were so much more alive than even the movie made them. Nick Chopper is the perfect first love interest and his need to have a heart. But only, he has a heart he just can't express his feelings. Instead, he shows his feelings in so many other ways that I was in love with him long before Dorothy. The only thing missing was the oil can, but I can let it slide.
Dorothy is so much more grown up in this story and I love it. I love that she is the sunshine to Nick's grumpy exterior and takes in Oz in all of its glory. I enjoy her kindness and willingness to help and be inclusive. This book was also a breath of fresh air in that while the main characters could truly not communicate about certain things they still managed to have a relationship and be understanding. Dorothy's shoes being silver is my most favorite call back to the original book.
If you enjoy a clean, sweet romance book this is the one for you. I cannot wait for the next one! Glinda and the Wizard … sold!
* I received this book as a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Each character of the book has a great backstory that thoroughly adds to the story. Each character truly came alive and not in the way of the 1939 film. I could see each character in my mind but they were so much more alive than even the movie made them. Nick Chopper is the perfect first love interest and his need to have a heart. But only, he has a heart he just can't express his feelings. Instead, he shows his feelings in so many other ways that I was in love with him long before Dorothy. The only thing missing was the oil can, but I can let it slide.
Dorothy is so much more grown up in this story and I love it. I love that she is the sunshine to Nick's grumpy exterior and takes in Oz in all of its glory. I enjoy her kindness and willingness to help and be inclusive. This book was also a breath of fresh air in that while the main characters could truly not communicate about certain things they still managed to have a relationship and be understanding. Dorothy's shoes being silver is my most favorite call back to the original book.
If you enjoy a clean, sweet romance book this is the one for you. I cannot wait for the next one! Glinda and the Wizard … sold!
* I received this book as a free ARC in exchange for an honest review*
June 8, 2024
”Oops. You seem to have fallen there. Let me just help you get up… Goodness, what hard biceps you have. All the better to carry me to the Emerald City with.”
For starters, I am a HUGE Wizard of Oz fan! So when the opportunity presented itself for me to get my hands on a copy I absolutely took it. However, this does mean I had extremely high expectations going into this book, and let me tell you, this book exceeded all of them!
One of my favorite things was Dorothy’s internal monologue. It was funny, relatable, and gave me “intrusive thoughts” vibes. Each of these characters have the most accurate, unique, and beautifully crafted personalities. Currently Lionel’s is the most heart breaking yet inspiring. Treated like a monster yet is the most genuine, gently being that values all life. Dorothy is a selfless spit fire, she cares deeply and is empathetic towards others yet cross her or someone she cares about and you’ll find her immediately on the defense. Straw is so innocent, naive, and highly uncoordinated, however, he is brave, loving, and has an extremely useful knack for math. Finally, Nick, the ultimate green flag with his acts of service.
Overall, I loved this book. It was a phenomenal modern twist of the original Wizard of Oz. I thought the backstories given to each character not only gave life and insight to their personalities but was absolutely brilliant. If you’re a “WOO” fan like myself, you may think, “oh this is following the original, I know what happens next.” But trust me, I was pleasantly surprised with every page turn. Which brings to me pace, I felt that the story not only moved at my ideal pace, but there was also something going on in every chapter to hold my attention. No long, drawn out lulls that result in overwhelming plot twist love bombing at the end. I was engaged and throughly satisfied from start to finish. This story gave me all the feelings, from the OMG’s to the AWEE’s to the throat burning tears that spilled from my eyes. The books pulled so many emotions from me. Also, if you’re cheeky like me and love a good pun, then you’ve come to the right book. So many silly little puns, a couple had me laughing out loud.
This is a must read for any Wizard of Oz fans, especially if you enjoy a sweet, clean fantasy romance.
Thank you, Jordan Riley Swan and BookSiren, for a complimentary e-copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
For starters, I am a HUGE Wizard of Oz fan! So when the opportunity presented itself for me to get my hands on a copy I absolutely took it. However, this does mean I had extremely high expectations going into this book, and let me tell you, this book exceeded all of them!
One of my favorite things was Dorothy’s internal monologue. It was funny, relatable, and gave me “intrusive thoughts” vibes. Each of these characters have the most accurate, unique, and beautifully crafted personalities. Currently Lionel’s is the most heart breaking yet inspiring. Treated like a monster yet is the most genuine, gently being that values all life. Dorothy is a selfless spit fire, she cares deeply and is empathetic towards others yet cross her or someone she cares about and you’ll find her immediately on the defense. Straw is so innocent, naive, and highly uncoordinated, however, he is brave, loving, and has an extremely useful knack for math. Finally, Nick, the ultimate green flag with his acts of service.
Overall, I loved this book. It was a phenomenal modern twist of the original Wizard of Oz. I thought the backstories given to each character not only gave life and insight to their personalities but was absolutely brilliant. If you’re a “WOO” fan like myself, you may think, “oh this is following the original, I know what happens next.” But trust me, I was pleasantly surprised with every page turn. Which brings to me pace, I felt that the story not only moved at my ideal pace, but there was also something going on in every chapter to hold my attention. No long, drawn out lulls that result in overwhelming plot twist love bombing at the end. I was engaged and throughly satisfied from start to finish. This story gave me all the feelings, from the OMG’s to the AWEE’s to the throat burning tears that spilled from my eyes. The books pulled so many emotions from me. Also, if you’re cheeky like me and love a good pun, then you’ve come to the right book. So many silly little puns, a couple had me laughing out loud.
This is a must read for any Wizard of Oz fans, especially if you enjoy a sweet, clean fantasy romance.
Thank you, Jordan Riley Swan and BookSiren, for a complimentary e-copy. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2024
Into a Wicked World: A Romance in Oz book 1 Jordan Riley Swan is the first in a YA romance series that retells the Wizard of Oz story in a more modern way.
Dorothy is attending college in Kansas while staying at her Aunt Em And Uncle Henry's farm. She wants to be a marine biologist and avoid her narcissistic mother. She is brave, tough, and has a great sense of humor.
Nick was cursed to show no emotion or turn to steel after rejecting a young Wicked Witch of the West.
When Dorothy comes via tornado and accidentally kills the witch's sister Nick reluctantly agrees to help her down the yellow brick road. I liked how he took one look at Dorothy and thought that would be trouble for his curse
Straw was great as comic relief as the Scare Crow.
Prince Lionel was not my favorite character and I felt he was only there to fulfill the Cowardly Lion character.
The story has enough twists and turns that I enjoyed it and enough nostalgia that I wanted to watch the old movie. This book was sweet and I enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dorothy is attending college in Kansas while staying at her Aunt Em And Uncle Henry's farm. She wants to be a marine biologist and avoid her narcissistic mother. She is brave, tough, and has a great sense of humor.
Nick was cursed to show no emotion or turn to steel after rejecting a young Wicked Witch of the West.
When Dorothy comes via tornado and accidentally kills the witch's sister Nick reluctantly agrees to help her down the yellow brick road. I liked how he took one look at Dorothy and thought that would be trouble for his curse
Straw was great as comic relief as the Scare Crow.
Prince Lionel was not my favorite character and I felt he was only there to fulfill the Cowardly Lion character.
The story has enough twists and turns that I enjoyed it and enough nostalgia that I wanted to watch the old movie. This book was sweet and I enjoyed it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 7, 2024
Wizard of Oz retelling with loveable characters
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I definitely enjoyed this book. It was my first Wizard of Oz retelling, and I honestly was not disappointed.
The writing was strong.
The characters were well developed.
The storyline was strong and followed parts of the original story very nicely.
Loved the added elements that set this story apart.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝. “𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
It starts out strong with how Nick gets turned into the tin man. I'm not sure I could survive as long as he did without showing a hint of emotions.
𝐈’𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐞. 𝐈’𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧, 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐲. 𝐈’𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.
The scarecrow, bless his heart, was a top favorite character of mine. He was the one in the group who made them all at ease. Was able to ease the tension when things got a little dicey.
The Cowardly Lion, whose story was sad. Yet, he was as brave as anyone else in the book. Loved him. What he went through throughout the book had my heart hurting for him.
Dorothy was definitely a strong-willed character. I enjoyed how she didn't let anything deter her for too long.
𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥—𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫.
❤️ Retelling (Wizard of Oz)
❤️ Clean Romance
❤️ Fantasy Romance
❤️ GrumpyxSunshine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
I definitely enjoyed this book. It was my first Wizard of Oz retelling, and I honestly was not disappointed.
The writing was strong.
The characters were well developed.
The storyline was strong and followed parts of the original story very nicely.
Loved the added elements that set this story apart.
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐫𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝-𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡,” 𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐚𝐢𝐝. “𝐈’𝐝 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
It starts out strong with how Nick gets turned into the tin man. I'm not sure I could survive as long as he did without showing a hint of emotions.
𝐈’𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧, 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐞. 𝐈’𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫, 𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧, 𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐥, 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐲. 𝐈’𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞, 𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐥 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐲. 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐝𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭.
The scarecrow, bless his heart, was a top favorite character of mine. He was the one in the group who made them all at ease. Was able to ease the tension when things got a little dicey.
The Cowardly Lion, whose story was sad. Yet, he was as brave as anyone else in the book. Loved him. What he went through throughout the book had my heart hurting for him.
Dorothy was definitely a strong-willed character. I enjoyed how she didn't let anything deter her for too long.
𝐇𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐥𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐦𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡, 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧—𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐚𝐥𝐥—𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐞, 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫.
❤️ Retelling (Wizard of Oz)
❤️ Clean Romance
❤️ Fantasy Romance
❤️ GrumpyxSunshine
May 5, 2024
This book is absolutely perfect for mega fans of the Wizard of Oz! It keeps the core of classic characters and then expands on their personalities and ups the adventures. You might anticipate what's happening, but if your looking for a melting - wrong person! I totally love the older version of Dorothy with her glib thoughts and words that weave some newer cultural references in them! Lional is not cowardly, and Straw is delightful! Ah, Nick! Who'd have thought what his backstory was with the Wicked Witch of the West known as Zolesha. I will definitely read any book that's part of this series! I did receive a Book Sirens ARC.
June 6, 2024
4.15
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a fresh retake on a retelling of the classic story the Wizard of Oz. At first glance it didn't really interest me. However, the book expanded on each of the iconic character's Curses. I faintly remember each of the characters but only distinctly remembered Dorothy, and I am so glad that the author made them three-dimensional. The romance, although some circumstances prevented our main love pair from communicating how they truly feel to each other, they acted maturely, and acted with a lot of consideration towards each other. The magic system, although not as fleshed out as you would expect compared to a high fantasy, it was beautifully explained! I definitely recommend this book for a cozy romantic and comedic adventure between familiar characters that have grown and become more than you would expect
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review
This was a fresh retake on a retelling of the classic story the Wizard of Oz. At first glance it didn't really interest me. However, the book expanded on each of the iconic character's Curses. I faintly remember each of the characters but only distinctly remembered Dorothy, and I am so glad that the author made them three-dimensional. The romance, although some circumstances prevented our main love pair from communicating how they truly feel to each other, they acted maturely, and acted with a lot of consideration towards each other. The magic system, although not as fleshed out as you would expect compared to a high fantasy, it was beautifully explained! I definitely recommend this book for a cozy romantic and comedic adventure between familiar characters that have grown and become more than you would expect
June 18, 2024
I found "Into a Wicked World (A Romance in Oz Book 1)" by Jordan Riley Swan to be an enjoyable read overall. The character development was particularly strong, and I appreciated how the story cleverly incorporated elements from various Oz books and movies. However, the chapters felt a bit lengthy, and the story lacked some depth. While it was entertaining, it didn't completely captivate me. Nonetheless, it's a fun retelling for fans of the Oz universe.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 7, 2024
This book was great! Really liked the twist on the Wizard of Oz. I’m very much looking forward to the next book in the series. I wanted more romance but the world building made up for it. Looking forward to more romance than world building in the second book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 22, 2025
This lived up to it's title: a clean & wholesome romantic retelling of The Wizard of Oz. I admit, I liked it better than L. Frank Baum's original story. The characters were far more intricate in this story and the romance was a joy to read.
I am immediately reading Book 2!
I am immediately reading Book 2!
May 17, 2024
2.75 rounded up
May 15, 2024
Into a Wicked World was a great retelling of Wizard of Oz. This imaginative story created a vivid and enchanting world filled with our beloved characters, including the Straw, Nick, and Lional. In this modern version, Dorothy is plagued by her narcissistic mother's demand for money after her father dies. She is whisked to the land of Oz while trying to escape her mother. She runs into the cast of characters on their way to the Emerald City.
This retelling was an exciting take on the story and was different enough to keep me wanting to know more. The back story of the Wicked Witch and the Tinman's storyline was creative and set the plot. The writing was fun and humorous. This book was a light-hearted fantasy with a touch of romance. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a journey into the land of Oz.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.
This retelling was an exciting take on the story and was different enough to keep me wanting to know more. The back story of the Wicked Witch and the Tinman's storyline was creative and set the plot. The writing was fun and humorous. This book was a light-hearted fantasy with a touch of romance. It is a must-read for anyone seeking a journey into the land of Oz.
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for the opportunity.
April 10, 2025
“He’d become like that compass of hers, and she was the north. Though, also like that compass, he was currently spinning wildly.”
Oh my do I love a good romantasy retelling, and this one is a winner. Much like her L. Frank Baum counterpart, Dot arrives in Oz, accidentally squishing the Wicked Witch of the East, gets her sneakers replaced by (actually quite comfortable) silver shoes. She sets off on the yellow brick road with a recently animated scarecrow & a mysteriously metallic, surly lumberjack.
Nick Chopper for his part has been cursed by the Wicked Witch of the West to slowly turn to tin each time he shows emotion - and the newly arrived Dorothy is going to challenge his outwardly stoic disposition!
This book was a delight. Dot & Nick were an awesome pair, equal measures kind, silly, awkward & sarcastic. The puns they throw around on their walk are absolute gold! While I initially stumbled over the fluffy descriptive prose, I was quickly hooked on the storyline and gobbled it up!
If you like slow burn, cozy, adventurous retellings then definitely take a shot at this book - you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Oh my do I love a good romantasy retelling, and this one is a winner. Much like her L. Frank Baum counterpart, Dot arrives in Oz, accidentally squishing the Wicked Witch of the East, gets her sneakers replaced by (actually quite comfortable) silver shoes. She sets off on the yellow brick road with a recently animated scarecrow & a mysteriously metallic, surly lumberjack.
Nick Chopper for his part has been cursed by the Wicked Witch of the West to slowly turn to tin each time he shows emotion - and the newly arrived Dorothy is going to challenge his outwardly stoic disposition!
This book was a delight. Dot & Nick were an awesome pair, equal measures kind, silly, awkward & sarcastic. The puns they throw around on their walk are absolute gold! While I initially stumbled over the fluffy descriptive prose, I was quickly hooked on the storyline and gobbled it up!
If you like slow burn, cozy, adventurous retellings then definitely take a shot at this book - you won’t be disappointed!
Thank you to BookSirens for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 2, 2024
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Jordan Riley Swan after having read "Through An Emerald Gale". So when this book came up for review, I was happy to take a look, or a read as the case may be. First of all, it's important to know that the "Romance in Oz" series, of which this is the first book, is not associated with the "Snowfall In Oz" series. That series' first book is "Through An Emerald Gale". They are not at all related to each other.
In this book, Dorothy Gale is a teen who's living with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em to escape her gold-digging mother, who's after the trust money left to Dorothy by her father on his death. After her mother threatens to have Dorothy's beloved dog, Toto, put down when he bites her (barely), Dorothy storms out to the barn and works on the old boat she's trying to restore to get her mind off it. Then suddenly, she's summoned to Oz through a tornado, boat and all and crashes down into the middle of a duel between Zolesha, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her sister, East, versus Glinda the Good Witch of the North. The houseboat flattens East and leaves Dorothy with silver heels magically attached to her feet, and a quest to the Emerald City laid out before her and three familiar companions.
As they roam the Yellow Brick Road, sparks start to fly between Dorothy and Nick, a magically cursed woodsman who can't show any emotion or his muscles, bones and skin will turn to metal. But meeting Dorothy leaves Nick wishing for the first time in years that his curse can be broken. As they face dangers and oddities together with a Scarecrow called Straw and a lionman called Lional, trying to track down the wand that brought Dorothy from Kansas, Dorothy begins to wonder if she even wants to go home, and Nick begins to wonder if his curse will ever allow him to be the man he wants to be for Dorothy.
This book is a sweet romance with all the fun and familiar trappings of Oz as well as some new fun, and explanations for things that appear in the original L. Frank Baum book. Dorothy and Nick make a fun and engaging couple to follow. Nick's tragic backstory left me hoping that the poor boy would be able to break his curse and live happily ever after with Dorothy. The first in a series, not everything gets wrapped up by the end of the book, leaving room for further sequels. I'm sure when the rest of this line comes out, I'll be as happy to read it as I will the rest of the "Snowfall in Oz" series.
4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to BookSirens, Story Garden, and Jordan Riley Swan for the free advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
In this book, Dorothy Gale is a teen who's living with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em to escape her gold-digging mother, who's after the trust money left to Dorothy by her father on his death. After her mother threatens to have Dorothy's beloved dog, Toto, put down when he bites her (barely), Dorothy storms out to the barn and works on the old boat she's trying to restore to get her mind off it. Then suddenly, she's summoned to Oz through a tornado, boat and all and crashes down into the middle of a duel between Zolesha, the Wicked Witch of the West, and her sister, East, versus Glinda the Good Witch of the North. The houseboat flattens East and leaves Dorothy with silver heels magically attached to her feet, and a quest to the Emerald City laid out before her and three familiar companions.
As they roam the Yellow Brick Road, sparks start to fly between Dorothy and Nick, a magically cursed woodsman who can't show any emotion or his muscles, bones and skin will turn to metal. But meeting Dorothy leaves Nick wishing for the first time in years that his curse can be broken. As they face dangers and oddities together with a Scarecrow called Straw and a lionman called Lional, trying to track down the wand that brought Dorothy from Kansas, Dorothy begins to wonder if she even wants to go home, and Nick begins to wonder if his curse will ever allow him to be the man he wants to be for Dorothy.
This book is a sweet romance with all the fun and familiar trappings of Oz as well as some new fun, and explanations for things that appear in the original L. Frank Baum book. Dorothy and Nick make a fun and engaging couple to follow. Nick's tragic backstory left me hoping that the poor boy would be able to break his curse and live happily ever after with Dorothy. The first in a series, not everything gets wrapped up by the end of the book, leaving room for further sequels. I'm sure when the rest of this line comes out, I'll be as happy to read it as I will the rest of the "Snowfall in Oz" series.
4 out of 5 stars. Thank you to BookSirens, Story Garden, and Jordan Riley Swan for the free advanced reader copy. This is a voluntary review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
May 18, 2024
"Into a Wicked World" by Jordan Riley Swan is a captivating modern retelling of the beloved classic, "The Wizard of Oz." With a fresh and contemporary twist, this novel breathes new life into familiar characters while introducing new dynamics and emotional depth.
The story begins with Dorothy Gale who finds herself mystically transported to the Land of Oz after wishing to escape her narcissistic mother. Instead of a traditional house, Dorothy arrives in Oz via a houseboat, immediately setting the stage for a unique journey. As she navigates the dangers of angry trees, poisonous poppies, and wicked witches, Dorothy assembles a group of unlikely allies, including a talkative scarecrow, a princely lionman, and Nick Chopper—the emotionally unavailable woodsman known as the Tinman, cursed to live a life devoid of emotions or risk becoming a tin statue.
What sets this retelling apart is the way Swan modernizes the characters and setting while preserving their essential charm. Dorothy's journey is not just about returning home but also about self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places. Her interactions with Nick, whose curse becomes increasingly unbearable in her presence, add a layer of poignant romance that enriches the narrative.
The author's care in maintaining the authenticity and lovability of each character is evident. The unique voices of the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Nick Chopper shine through, making the story both familiar and refreshingly new. The humor and light-heartedness of the writing make the book a delightful read, while the imaginative backstories of the Wicked Witch and the Tinman add depth and intrigue.
However, it is worth noting that the inclusion of occasional curse words might detract from the story for some readers, myself included, despite the overall lighthearted feel of the retelling. This element may not be to everyone's taste, and I would have enjoyed the book more without it.
Overall, "Into a Wicked World" is a fun and enchanting story that will make lovers of "The Wizard of Oz" feel nostalgic while offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Swan's imaginative world-building and character development create a vivid and memorable journey down the yellow-brick road.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story begins with Dorothy Gale who finds herself mystically transported to the Land of Oz after wishing to escape her narcissistic mother. Instead of a traditional house, Dorothy arrives in Oz via a houseboat, immediately setting the stage for a unique journey. As she navigates the dangers of angry trees, poisonous poppies, and wicked witches, Dorothy assembles a group of unlikely allies, including a talkative scarecrow, a princely lionman, and Nick Chopper—the emotionally unavailable woodsman known as the Tinman, cursed to live a life devoid of emotions or risk becoming a tin statue.
What sets this retelling apart is the way Swan modernizes the characters and setting while preserving their essential charm. Dorothy's journey is not just about returning home but also about self-discovery and finding love in unexpected places. Her interactions with Nick, whose curse becomes increasingly unbearable in her presence, add a layer of poignant romance that enriches the narrative.
The author's care in maintaining the authenticity and lovability of each character is evident. The unique voices of the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and Nick Chopper shine through, making the story both familiar and refreshingly new. The humor and light-heartedness of the writing make the book a delightful read, while the imaginative backstories of the Wicked Witch and the Tinman add depth and intrigue.
However, it is worth noting that the inclusion of occasional curse words might detract from the story for some readers, myself included, despite the overall lighthearted feel of the retelling. This element may not be to everyone's taste, and I would have enjoyed the book more without it.
Overall, "Into a Wicked World" is a fun and enchanting story that will make lovers of "The Wizard of Oz" feel nostalgic while offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Swan's imaginative world-building and character development create a vivid and memorable journey down the yellow-brick road.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2024
Nicholas Chopper rejected Zolesha when they were 16 years old. Zolesha was the apprentice to Glinda the Good Witch. His reason is because she has no heart. In front of Glinda, Zolesha was sweet as can be but behind her back, Zolesha was mean and bitter to others.
Nick was trying to court Melinda the milkmaid so Zolesha cursed her. She reversed the curse after Nick yelled at her but the damage was done. Melinda ran away sobbing. Zolesha decided to put a curse on Nick. Whenever he shows an emotion, it will show on his body. His flesh will become metal. If he hides his emotions, the shiny metal skin will recede but never completely go away. It was 8 years ago that Nick was cursed.
Dorothy Gale is 24 and living in Kansas. She grew up in San Francisco but spent summers at the Gale farm with her Aunt Emma and Uncle Henry. For college, she decided to go to Wichita State and live at the farm. Her father died a year ago. Her mother visits Dorothy because she wants 50 percent of her husband’s portion of the Gale trust. That is not possible because Dorothy’s grandfather put a caveat that no money could go to anyone that married into the family. Only the Gale family gets the trust. So, Dorothy inherited her father’s share of the trust and if something happens to Dorothy, her Aunt Emma gets the money. Her mother is not happy.
To escape her mother, Dorothy and her dog Toto are in the barn working on an old houseboat she named the Kansas Folly. As a tornado hits, they go hide in the bottom of the houseboat. It lands in a strange cornfield next to a winding road of yellow brick. It seems to have landed on the Wicked Witch of the East and killed her. Glinda saves Dorothy from Zolesha who is now known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy is now wearing the Wicked Witch of the East’s silver shoes. Glinda has just enough magic to bring the scarecrow to life to help Dorothy. She sends the scarecrow and Nick with Dorothy to see the Wizard of Oz while Glinda goes back to her palace to regain her strength. They meet Lionel as they are traveling. Lionel has also been cursed by Zolesha.
Wow, another great adventure plus a budding romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nick was trying to court Melinda the milkmaid so Zolesha cursed her. She reversed the curse after Nick yelled at her but the damage was done. Melinda ran away sobbing. Zolesha decided to put a curse on Nick. Whenever he shows an emotion, it will show on his body. His flesh will become metal. If he hides his emotions, the shiny metal skin will recede but never completely go away. It was 8 years ago that Nick was cursed.
Dorothy Gale is 24 and living in Kansas. She grew up in San Francisco but spent summers at the Gale farm with her Aunt Emma and Uncle Henry. For college, she decided to go to Wichita State and live at the farm. Her father died a year ago. Her mother visits Dorothy because she wants 50 percent of her husband’s portion of the Gale trust. That is not possible because Dorothy’s grandfather put a caveat that no money could go to anyone that married into the family. Only the Gale family gets the trust. So, Dorothy inherited her father’s share of the trust and if something happens to Dorothy, her Aunt Emma gets the money. Her mother is not happy.
To escape her mother, Dorothy and her dog Toto are in the barn working on an old houseboat she named the Kansas Folly. As a tornado hits, they go hide in the bottom of the houseboat. It lands in a strange cornfield next to a winding road of yellow brick. It seems to have landed on the Wicked Witch of the East and killed her. Glinda saves Dorothy from Zolesha who is now known as the Wicked Witch of the West. Dorothy is now wearing the Wicked Witch of the East’s silver shoes. Glinda has just enough magic to bring the scarecrow to life to help Dorothy. She sends the scarecrow and Nick with Dorothy to see the Wizard of Oz while Glinda goes back to her palace to regain her strength. They meet Lionel as they are traveling. Lionel has also been cursed by Zolesha.
Wow, another great adventure plus a budding romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2024
Into a Wicked World offers a refreshing and inventive retelling of The Wizard of Oz, bringing a modern twist to the timeless classic. The story reimagines Dorothy's journey, beginning with her struggles against her demanding, narcissistic mother following her father's death. Seeking an escape from her harsh reality, Dorothy is transported to the Land of Oz, where she meets a colorful cast of characters, all on their way to the Emerald City.
What sets this retelling apart is its originality and creativity. The novel dives deeper into the motivations and backstories of characters like the Wicked Witch, giving readers a new perspective on their roles and actions. The author skillfully blends familiar elements with new twists, making the story feel both nostalgic and fresh. The pacing is well-executed, with enough surprises and action to keep readers engaged.
The writing is engaging and lively, striking a perfect balance between humor, adventure, and a touch of romance. The vivid descriptions of Oz bring the setting to life, making it easy to visualize the enchanting world the characters inhabit. Dorothy's growth as she navigates her challenges and forms bonds with her companions adds emotional depth to the story, making her journey relatable and inspiring.
Into a Wicked World is an enjoyable read that will appeal to both fans of the original Wizard of Oz and newcomers alike. It's a light-hearted yet thought-provoking exploration of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. If you're looking for a book that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved tale, this one is definitely worth picking up.
What sets this retelling apart is its originality and creativity. The novel dives deeper into the motivations and backstories of characters like the Wicked Witch, giving readers a new perspective on their roles and actions. The author skillfully blends familiar elements with new twists, making the story feel both nostalgic and fresh. The pacing is well-executed, with enough surprises and action to keep readers engaged.
The writing is engaging and lively, striking a perfect balance between humor, adventure, and a touch of romance. The vivid descriptions of Oz bring the setting to life, making it easy to visualize the enchanting world the characters inhabit. Dorothy's growth as she navigates her challenges and forms bonds with her companions adds emotional depth to the story, making her journey relatable and inspiring.
Into a Wicked World is an enjoyable read that will appeal to both fans of the original Wizard of Oz and newcomers alike. It's a light-hearted yet thought-provoking exploration of courage, friendship, and self-discovery. If you're looking for a book that offers a fresh perspective on a beloved tale, this one is definitely worth picking up.
June 17, 2024
Publishing date: 04.05.2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: If you could eat a rollercoaster, this would be exaclty it, lots of ups and lots of downs
The book left me: Wanting the next one, thank you
Negatives:
Lots and lots of filler and "explaining"
Insta attraction
Positives:
Straw <3
Good character dynamics between everyone
One bed trope
Features:
All the usual characters from the original tale, one bed trope
Why did I choose this one?
Stunning cover, wanted a little romance at the time, and I have just barely read/watched oz content before so I wanted a little dive back into the classic
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In between. Had a tendency to drag the first 50-60%, and then it got a little better. I might also have been in a little slump the first part of the book. The final 25% I devoured in a single evening, I had to know what would happen next.
What was the vibe and mood?
Very quest like. Changing scenery brought with it different moods for each place, and a different kind of tension for each. It wasn't as romantic as I wanted, but I think it helped a little that the romance took second place in terms of priority and storytelling
Final ranking and star rating?
B tier, 4 stars. An alright romance, and I am only docking the final star becasue of the very slow start and the filler. I wanted to like this more, but it was only okay in my book. I am however looking very much forward to the next book
Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: If you could eat a rollercoaster, this would be exaclty it, lots of ups and lots of downs
The book left me: Wanting the next one, thank you
Negatives:
Lots and lots of filler and "explaining"
Insta attraction
Positives:
Straw <3
Good character dynamics between everyone
One bed trope
Features:
All the usual characters from the original tale, one bed trope
Why did I choose this one?
Stunning cover, wanted a little romance at the time, and I have just barely read/watched oz content before so I wanted a little dive back into the classic
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In between. Had a tendency to drag the first 50-60%, and then it got a little better. I might also have been in a little slump the first part of the book. The final 25% I devoured in a single evening, I had to know what would happen next.
What was the vibe and mood?
Very quest like. Changing scenery brought with it different moods for each place, and a different kind of tension for each. It wasn't as romantic as I wanted, but I think it helped a little that the romance took second place in terms of priority and storytelling
Final ranking and star rating?
B tier, 4 stars. An alright romance, and I am only docking the final star becasue of the very slow start and the filler. I wanted to like this more, but it was only okay in my book. I am however looking very much forward to the next book
June 18, 2024
"Dot…Such a small word for such a huge danger." Dorothy Gale has arrived in Oz as the force of nature that she is! This story follows the familiar story line of the Wizard of Oz that we all know but, gives it a modern twist. When Dot, as her friends call her, finds herself stranded in Oz, Glinda the Good Witch tasks Nick, aka The Tinman, to accompany Dot to the Emerald City.
Nick refuses at first, spending time with this otherworldly beauty can't be good for him. Years ago, he dismissed the affections of the Wicked Witch of the East, and she cursed him so that he will turn to metal anytime he shows any emotion. Through the years he's learned to keep any emotions at bay but, he knows the moment he lays eyes on Dorothy that, like the tornado she rode in on, she is a whirlwind of a woman that will likely be the death of him.
As Nick and Dot (and Toto of course!) travel the yellow brick road, they acquire new friends along the way. The easily distracted but lovable Straw, the regal and not so cowardly Prince Lional and others, friend and foe. Through their journey Nick maintains his cold exterior pretty well but, Dorothy starts to see the little nuances in his expressions and the way he shows he cares in other ways, maybe he's not so cold-hearted after all.
I seem to have found myself in my fantasy retelling era recently! I found this story so charming and the romance between Dot and Nick very sweet. I am looking forward to more of this series with the story of Glinda and the Wizard up next.
Nick refuses at first, spending time with this otherworldly beauty can't be good for him. Years ago, he dismissed the affections of the Wicked Witch of the East, and she cursed him so that he will turn to metal anytime he shows any emotion. Through the years he's learned to keep any emotions at bay but, he knows the moment he lays eyes on Dorothy that, like the tornado she rode in on, she is a whirlwind of a woman that will likely be the death of him.
As Nick and Dot (and Toto of course!) travel the yellow brick road, they acquire new friends along the way. The easily distracted but lovable Straw, the regal and not so cowardly Prince Lional and others, friend and foe. Through their journey Nick maintains his cold exterior pretty well but, Dorothy starts to see the little nuances in his expressions and the way he shows he cares in other ways, maybe he's not so cold-hearted after all.
I seem to have found myself in my fantasy retelling era recently! I found this story so charming and the romance between Dot and Nick very sweet. I am looking forward to more of this series with the story of Glinda and the Wizard up next.
May 12, 2024
There are a few fairytales that I hold near and dear to my heart - "The Wizard of Oz" being one of them. "Into A Wicked World" is modern-retelling of a childhood favorite. I loved the details that made it more contemporary than the original story, such as the fact that Dorothy is a student at Kansas State University. She enters Oz in a houseboat versus a house and meets Nick, aka "The Tin Man," who is Cursed to have no emotions or suffer the consequences of a life as a tin statue. Dorothy also meets other characters that we all know and love, like the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. Each character's unique voice really shines in this story. The author was very careful in modernizing the classic to keep each character authentic, while also maintaining their lovability. All in all, this was a very enjoyable read and detailed enough to really make me feel like I was on the yellow-brick road with Dorothy and her companions.
I feel like the book could be improved by drastically reducing the amount of hyphenated words throughout. Each page (sometimes a single paragraph) contains 2-5 word combinations and I found it to be distracting. For example, "her river-water snort was nothing compared to the stomach-aching, rib-tickling, face-twisting hysterics."
Overall, "Into A Wicked World" is a fun story that will make lovers of "The Wizard of Oz" feel nostalgic and take them back to their childhoods in a wonderful way!
I feel like the book could be improved by drastically reducing the amount of hyphenated words throughout. Each page (sometimes a single paragraph) contains 2-5 word combinations and I found it to be distracting. For example, "her river-water snort was nothing compared to the stomach-aching, rib-tickling, face-twisting hysterics."
Overall, "Into A Wicked World" is a fun story that will make lovers of "The Wizard of Oz" feel nostalgic and take them back to their childhoods in a wonderful way!
September 7, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was intrigued by this Oz retelling as it seemed to be a more modernized retelling. While that may be, I found the characters to all be flat but Nick (a.k.a. the Tinman). Nick's character was the only one that kept me going through and finishing the book. The way he was cursed and how the magic works in the books was the most thoughtful part of all the story. Dorothy was the sterotypical farm girl (wanting to study marine biology seemed odd) that was just going with the flow and stumbling on the issues at hand. I had wished more depth to the scarecrow (but at least he was good at math). The character adjustment for Lionel I did enjoy but I wished to have had more of a character build for him.
Maybe it's because the story is a retelling, but I figured out the resolutions before the characters did so it made the story less exciting. I wanted to like the love story of Nick and Dot but it felt rushed and sadly cliche. I won't be continuing the series but hope Isaac gets the lesson he deserves!
I was intrigued by this Oz retelling as it seemed to be a more modernized retelling. While that may be, I found the characters to all be flat but Nick (a.k.a. the Tinman). Nick's character was the only one that kept me going through and finishing the book. The way he was cursed and how the magic works in the books was the most thoughtful part of all the story. Dorothy was the sterotypical farm girl (wanting to study marine biology seemed odd) that was just going with the flow and stumbling on the issues at hand. I had wished more depth to the scarecrow (but at least he was good at math). The character adjustment for Lionel I did enjoy but I wished to have had more of a character build for him.
Maybe it's because the story is a retelling, but I figured out the resolutions before the characters did so it made the story less exciting. I wanted to like the love story of Nick and Dot but it felt rushed and sadly cliche. I won't be continuing the series but hope Isaac gets the lesson he deserves!
May 19, 2024
This was such a fun re-telling, and it whirls you off to the land of Oz. First, I must admit I'm a huge fan of the original Oz book series, so I was excited to see where this new spin would take me. A lot of the familiar characters are there (that fans of the movie will recognize), but they're a little different, and have more depth to them than the movie gives. We get to see new facets that aren't present in the books, and I love how Dorothy is a college student from the modern world. She's a lot different from the little girl in the books, and a lot more sassy (which I absolutely adore about her). Honestly, the hardest part of reading this was reaching the end. The world was brought to life just as vividly as it is in my memories, with a few changes, but it was so fun to explore through this new lens. Cannot recommend this enough, and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next in this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 25, 2024
There is not one book that I’ve read written by this author that I did not enjoy immensely. The imagination of this author is so incredibly fun. I wish these books were in audiobook because I would love to see the characters come alive through the interpretation of a great narrator.
The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite movies when I was growing up and I really enjoyed the twist in this story. Not everyone is as seems and it just makes everything so much more intriguing because you never know what’s going to happen.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
The Wizard of Oz has always been one of my favorite movies when I was growing up and I really enjoyed the twist in this story. Not everyone is as seems and it just makes everything so much more intriguing because you never know what’s going to happen.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free, and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.
July 1, 2024
A cute and adorable Wizard of Oz retelling that’s easy to read and leaves a smile on your face as well as wondering what comes next in book two.
A handsome tinman, the sweetest scarecrow you could ever imagine, and a polite prince lion aiding a Dorothy from our modern world as she treks through this magical and wondrous new world of Oz. This book touches on all of the original Oz with its own little bits that make it unique but still manage to retain the overall feel of the original story. Definitely a good read if you want something short and easy to break up all those heavy hitting fantasy books.
A handsome tinman, the sweetest scarecrow you could ever imagine, and a polite prince lion aiding a Dorothy from our modern world as she treks through this magical and wondrous new world of Oz. This book touches on all of the original Oz with its own little bits that make it unique but still manage to retain the overall feel of the original story. Definitely a good read if you want something short and easy to break up all those heavy hitting fantasy books.
July 4, 2024
This story follows the familiar story line of the Wizard of Oz that we all know but, gives it a modern twist. I found this story so charming and the romance between Dot and Nick very sweet. I thought the backstories given to each character not only gave life and insight to their personalities but was absolutely brilliant. The story has enough twists and turns that I enjoyed it and enough nostalgia that I wanted to watch the old movie. This book was sweet and I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to more of this series with the story of Glinda and the Wizard up next. This is a must read for any Wizard of Oz fans, especially if you enjoy a sweet, clean fantasy romance.
September 17, 2024
Thanks to BookSirens for this ARC. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I really enjoyed the reimagined world of Oz and look forward to reading more books about Oz.
I only had a couple issues with the plot as something would be said to clue Dorothy in since she was in ear shot, but didn’t “hear” it to respond to it sooner.
I love how each character has a developed story that you hope to find out what happened next to them and if their issues had been resolved.
The ending made me want more of Dorothy and Nick, as well to find out what happened with Glinda and the Wizard.
I really enjoyed the reimagined world of Oz and look forward to reading more books about Oz.
I only had a couple issues with the plot as something would be said to clue Dorothy in since she was in ear shot, but didn’t “hear” it to respond to it sooner.
I love how each character has a developed story that you hope to find out what happened next to them and if their issues had been resolved.
The ending made me want more of Dorothy and Nick, as well to find out what happened with Glinda and the Wizard.
June 12, 2024
As a huge fan of the Wizard of Oz, I was really looking forward to reading this retelling of one of my favorite stories and I was not disappointed. It was cool to have Dorothy a little older and into one of the men from her posse. I also liked that it stayed faithful to the vibe of the story I like so much. It is really about the relationships and in this case the romance. Things stay PG and in this case I was really glad.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2024
I loved this book. It was the perfect blend of original ideas and homages to Baum's original. As someone who was raised on the Oz stories, I immensely enjoyed this book.
Oz came alive along with the familiar characters. The idea of Curses and Blessings, the banter between the characters, how adorable the romance was, all of it was absolutely perfect.
I'm excited to read the next book as well as any other Oz-based adventures from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oz came alive along with the familiar characters. The idea of Curses and Blessings, the banter between the characters, how adorable the romance was, all of it was absolutely perfect.
I'm excited to read the next book as well as any other Oz-based adventures from this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
This enchanting tale is a masterful blend of adventure, romance, and the timeless magic of Oz. The author's vivid imagination brings to life a world where courage, heart, and intelligence take center stage. Dorothy's journey is both thrilling and heartwarming, with each character adding depth and charm to the story. The developing romance between Dorothy and Nick is beautifully woven, making you root for them at every turn. A must-read for fans of fantasy and romance alike!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 20, 2024
This book is perfect for any Wizard of Oz fans. It has all of the classic charecters, but with new twists, and expands on their stories. The author is amazing with the details of Oz and the descriptions of the charecters.I love the romance between Dorothy and Nick, but do wish there had been a little more. This adventure through Oz will definitely keep you on your toes. Just when you think you know what's going to happen a curve ball is thrown. I can't wait to see where the next book takes us.
June 12, 2024
As someone who is an Oz collector, I found this book to be quite enjoyable overall. It takes the familiar Oz lore and storyline and shifts it ever so slightly. There are myriad nods to the original Baum novel with the same underlying lessons and morals. Overall I would call it an Oz interpretation for today’s youth. Definitely more of a YA read (at least if you’re an adult like me). The romance is VERY PG. really though, I’m quite happy with the read!
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