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Dorothy Must Die #2
The Wicked Will Rise
In this New York Times bestselling sequel to Dorothy Must Die, who is good—and who is actually Wicked? The Wicked Will Rise is perfect for fans of richly reimagined fairy tales and classic tales like Marissa Meyer’s Lunar Chronicles and Gregory Maguire’s Wicked.
My name is Amy Gumm—and I’m the other girl from Kansas. After a tornado swept through my trailer park, I ended up in Oz. But it wasn’t like the Oz I knew from books and movies. Dorothy had returned, but she was now a ruthless dictator. Glinda could no longer be called the Good Witch. And the Wicked Witches who were left? They’d joined forces as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and they wanted to recruit me.
My mission? Kill Dorothy. Except my job as assassin didn’t work out as planned. Dorothy is still alive. The Order has vanished. And the home I couldn’t wait to leave behind might be in danger.
Somehow, across a twisted and divided land, I have to find the Order, protect the true ruler of Oz, take Dorothy and her henchmen down—and try to figure out what I’m really doing here.
My name is Amy Gumm—and I’m the other girl from Kansas. After a tornado swept through my trailer park, I ended up in Oz. But it wasn’t like the Oz I knew from books and movies. Dorothy had returned, but she was now a ruthless dictator. Glinda could no longer be called the Good Witch. And the Wicked Witches who were left? They’d joined forces as the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, and they wanted to recruit me.
My mission? Kill Dorothy. Except my job as assassin didn’t work out as planned. Dorothy is still alive. The Order has vanished. And the home I couldn’t wait to leave behind might be in danger.
Somehow, across a twisted and divided land, I have to find the Order, protect the true ruler of Oz, take Dorothy and her henchmen down—and try to figure out what I’m really doing here.
320 pages, Paperback
First published March 31, 2015
About the author
Danielle Paige
35 books5,542 followersDanielle lives in NY. Before turning to YA, she worked in television & was nominated for several Daytime Emmy's. Dorothy Must Die is her first novel.
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Want to read
October 20, 2014It's such a shame that I will never read this book, given my love for the first.
Never, never, ever touching this with a 15-foot pole.
Never, never, ever touching this with a 15-foot pole.
April 23, 2015
Just read this book in one sitting, just like i did for the first! so amazing...... dying to get the third book! such a cliff hanger!
June 9, 2016
UPDATE#3: I'VE READ IT AND ITS ACTUALLY REAL GOOD SO I'LL LEAVE YOU WITH A LIL REVIEW LMAO.
Ok, ok, alright. This book was so much smaller than Dorothy Must Die, and of course Dorothy Must Die was slightly better, but it isn't THAT AS a disappointment like people say it is. I mean yeah, it was short and kinda rushed. But can we say CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT??
God, Amy's character development was actually real interesting in this book. omg, and unlike some people i think I loved it. I was unsure at first and at some parts, as I was like guurl, what even are you doing?! But then I understood what the author was going with it. And y'all need to admit it was actually unique.
So, Amy is neither good nor bad in this book. And that's what I like. She doesn't always make the right decisions and sometimes she screws up real bad, but she keeps fighting bc she is challenging HERSELF. And also its quite realistic as no people are completely on the good side or in the wicked side, and this just prooves it.
I don't know about y'all, but this sure happens to me; when I'm reading a book or something and this character is having a fight and has a chance to kill the creature or something real fiercely and they are blinded by rage, I'm on the back like "YAS GIRL YOU GO, GO BEST FRIEND THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND THAT'S MY BESTFRIEND RIP HIS ASS APART" And I'm like 100% on their side, but when a thought comes to their head like "No, this is not good." I'm left like disappointed ya know? Idk, every character needs a wicked and a good side, a balance. Not always being a super goodie goodie "I put everyone before myself" Idk, its weird, and I know it shouldn't be like that or idk, but what I'm trying to say is that is quite interesting Amy has a wicked side, and actually shows it ya know?
Lmao, I don't even know if it just happens to me, i think it does. Sorry, ignore that.
But either way, final thoughts: I was highly entertained with this book, I mean it might not be the best written and best paced book of them all. But it kept me turning the pages so that counts, I guess.
Also, the plot in this book wasn't really written?? I mean I don't have any idea where the plot is going or what EVEN is the plot, there's still SO MANY questions and they just keep bringing more and more without answers. But at least It kept me entertained. And I'm talking about me laughing out loud and biting my fingernails whenever i read something. I swear.
And finally, the ending. I srsly needed to re-read the ending like 4 times. Is2g. It was all thrown at us like a rock, and omg, what EVEN. God, still, I can't even understand it.
Anyways, I overall enjoyed it, its not like its unbearable, and I read it in one seating so yeah;
4 real wicked stars toAmy's wickedness and fierceness, to Dorothy Gale, To Glinda The Good, Mombi, Queen Lulu, Oz, The Wizard, That Ending, For the laughs & the overall enjoyment.
(4 stars probs just for the last 100 pages) (Oh look, just like Dorothy Must Die) (The Endings, man, The Endings) (Is it bad all my faves were the wicked ones?? omg)
-1 stars to Nox, that intro, Pete, Ozma, Nox, Ollie, Wingless Ones, Nox, Those Rainbows Shits and did I say Nox?
UPDATE#2: its finally out and im pumped to read this WOO.
UPDATE#1:
I have mixed feelings about reading this because all of the drama surrounding the author, but I've came to a conclusion that I actually read a book for its content not if the author is good or bad.
Even though it does actually counts if the author if the author misbehaves, does it really matter? First of all, It wasn't even HER deal she just like agreed to the other author's idea. By the way, that doesn't mean that I also agree because I completely don't, I think it is foolish and unreasonable.
But also, you all are judging her in one single opinion she had, and completely ignoring her actual writing skills (which is why im here for), this is her book and it doesn't matter what kind of publicist she has or her life besides it, because I couldn't care less.But also that's everyones deal if they want to support the author as an AUTHOR or a series as a SERIES, see the difference.
I like to think, that's why we all are here for, the actual content. We rate a book for its content not the author, we read a book for its content not for the author, so I don't see the logic of people hating in this book before even reading it.
But at the end of the day, every person is different and can see this situation different, some people might think the author's personality and ideals are more important than the actual book, and thats alright.
I'm just stating my opinion and saying that i would read this book, because I truly enjoyed the first one and I have no reasons to not keep reading the series.
Ok, ok, alright. This book was so much smaller than Dorothy Must Die, and of course Dorothy Must Die was slightly better, but it isn't THAT AS a disappointment like people say it is. I mean yeah, it was short and kinda rushed. But can we say CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT??
God, Amy's character development was actually real interesting in this book. omg, and unlike some people i think I loved it. I was unsure at first and at some parts, as I was like guurl, what even are you doing?! But then I understood what the author was going with it. And y'all need to admit it was actually unique.
So, Amy is neither good nor bad in this book. And that's what I like. She doesn't always make the right decisions and sometimes she screws up real bad, but she keeps fighting bc she is challenging HERSELF. And also its quite realistic as no people are completely on the good side or in the wicked side, and this just prooves it.
I don't know about y'all, but this sure happens to me; when I'm reading a book or something and this character is having a fight and has a chance to kill the creature or something real fiercely and they are blinded by rage, I'm on the back like "YAS GIRL YOU GO, GO BEST FRIEND THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND THAT'S MY BESTFRIEND RIP HIS ASS APART" And I'm like 100% on their side, but when a thought comes to their head like "No, this is not good." I'm left like disappointed ya know? Idk, every character needs a wicked and a good side, a balance. Not always being a super goodie goodie "I put everyone before myself" Idk, its weird, and I know it shouldn't be like that or idk, but what I'm trying to say is that is quite interesting Amy has a wicked side, and actually shows it ya know?
Lmao, I don't even know if it just happens to me, i think it does. Sorry, ignore that.
But either way, final thoughts: I was highly entertained with this book, I mean it might not be the best written and best paced book of them all. But it kept me turning the pages so that counts, I guess.
Also, the plot in this book wasn't really written?? I mean I don't have any idea where the plot is going or what EVEN is the plot, there's still SO MANY questions and they just keep bringing more and more without answers. But at least It kept me entertained. And I'm talking about me laughing out loud and biting my fingernails whenever i read something. I swear.
And finally, the ending. I srsly needed to re-read the ending like 4 times. Is2g. It was all thrown at us like a rock, and omg, what EVEN. God, still, I can't even understand it.
Anyways, I overall enjoyed it, its not like its unbearable, and I read it in one seating so yeah;
4 real wicked stars toAmy's wickedness and fierceness, to Dorothy Gale, To Glinda The Good, Mombi, Queen Lulu, Oz, The Wizard, That Ending, For the laughs & the overall enjoyment.
(4 stars probs just for the last 100 pages) (Oh look, just like Dorothy Must Die) (The Endings, man, The Endings) (Is it bad all my faves were the wicked ones?? omg)
-1 stars to Nox, that intro, Pete, Ozma, Nox, Ollie, Wingless Ones, Nox, Those Rainbows Shits and did I say Nox?
UPDATE#2: its finally out and im pumped to read this WOO.
UPDATE#1:
I have mixed feelings about reading this because all of the drama surrounding the author, but I've came to a conclusion that I actually read a book for its content not if the author is good or bad.
Even though it does actually counts if the author if the author misbehaves, does it really matter? First of all, It wasn't even HER deal she just like agreed to the other author's idea. By the way, that doesn't mean that I also agree because I completely don't, I think it is foolish and unreasonable.
But also, you all are judging her in one single opinion she had, and completely ignoring her actual writing skills (which is why im here for), this is her book and it doesn't matter what kind of publicist she has or her life besides it, because I couldn't care less.But also that's everyones deal if they want to support the author as an AUTHOR or a series as a SERIES, see the difference.
I like to think, that's why we all are here for, the actual content. We rate a book for its content not the author, we read a book for its content not for the author, so I don't see the logic of people hating in this book before even reading it.
But at the end of the day, every person is different and can see this situation different, some people might think the author's personality and ideals are more important than the actual book, and thats alright.
I'm just stating my opinion and saying that i would read this book, because I truly enjoyed the first one and I have no reasons to not keep reading the series.
April 5, 2015
This book was utter shit. It felt like I was reading a completely different story from the first book, what the actual fuck? What a waste of 293 pages. If you liked the first book DON'T read this, just save yourself the disappointment.
May 20, 2015
Evil will always catch up with you. That's why you have to get to it first.
Murder, magic and unicorns... Throw in a sassy female lead and an à la Wonderland version of Oz, and you've got The Wicked Will Rise.
Remember when I said I really disliked the humor in Dorothy Must Die? I'm happy to say that this book was a thousand times less annoying. Amy's feisty attitude in this book was a lot more realistic, and I felt like the things she said were things I could have said myself in certain situations, and you get this fantastic feeling when you see yourself in a character, even just a bit. She made snide comments and snarky remarks all the time--another bad habit I could totally relate to.
It wasn't just Amy that I found more realistic, but also how most of the characters acted under pressure. You know how insane it is when characters are still able to think straight during life-or-death situations? Yeah, it's crazy. I appreciated how the characters here acted the way I would've in those times: going insane or making stupid choices. It may sound weird to like it when characters make some idiotic decisions, but it's refreshing to not be baffled by seemingly "perfect" characters. I like them flawed, thanks.
While I approve of how the characters reacted, I didn't love most of the characters (and their relationships) as in general. A lot of them seemed inconsistent, or hot-and-cold to say the least. Like for example, one minute Nox is being sappy and sweet, and the next minute he's being a sissy. It's a bit frustrating.
The romance was really bothersome as well. This book would be a thousand times better and more irritating without it. Honestly, 90% of my eye rolls in this book were because of the romance. It was just completely unnecessary, and there was no chemistry between them at all. Plus, I don't want to read about Amy constantly pining for Nox and thinking about him even in the most dire situations.
Oh, there's also a sort-of love triangle but not really... I can't go into details, but that aspect of the book was really awkward as well.
Once you've traveled to the darker side of the rainbow, you've reached the end of the line.
But if there's one reason you have to read this book, definitely do it for the fantastic and whimsical world-building. Paige did a fantastic job re-imagining Oz and giving it such magical twists. And really, I was sold on the mere mention of unicorns (because unicorns are fabulous).
We delved deeper into Oz--both it's happier and darker parts, so there was a nice balance of settings. I love descriptive imagery, and Paige definitely nailed that. I just want to live in this crazy version of Oz forever. Or I just really want a unicorn.
death. What I liked about it was that there were a lot of smaller battle scenes scattered out throughout the book, and then there's a really big one during the climax.
The ending of this book was also spot-on. I have to say that I wasn't expecting all the twists that came around in the end. It's going to give you that whoa, why didn't I think of that? feeling. And then you just keep turning the pages and you suddenly realize that the book's over.
I would recommend The Wicked Will Rise to anyone looking for a unique take on The Wizard of Oz--a more action-packed and creative version of it, and who wouldn't mind a few mildly annoying bits.
There's also a giveaway and book photography session for this on my blog, Deadly Darlings! This is also featured in my first Tumblr post, if you want to check it out.
actual rating: 3.5 stars
October 28, 2020
A dark Wizard of Oz retelling seemed like the perfect read for the Halloween season.
While I loved this series years ago, I’m enjoying it a lot less this time around.
The Wicked Will Rise is definitely a slight step down from Dorothy Must Die. In terms of storyline, I found things less interesting since we didn’t see as much of the integral villains like the lion, tinman, scarecrow or Dorothy.
Character development improved a lot this book. Nox, Pete and Ozma all received more attention to detail, which I’m grateful for. New character additions like Polychrome and Bright were awesome as well! I still really enjoy this band of characters, and will likely be re-reading the last two books in the series!
While I loved this series years ago, I’m enjoying it a lot less this time around.
The Wicked Will Rise is definitely a slight step down from Dorothy Must Die. In terms of storyline, I found things less interesting since we didn’t see as much of the integral villains like the lion, tinman, scarecrow or Dorothy.
Character development improved a lot this book. Nox, Pete and Ozma all received more attention to detail, which I’m grateful for. New character additions like Polychrome and Bright were awesome as well! I still really enjoy this band of characters, and will likely be re-reading the last two books in the series!
June 4, 2024
The re-imagining of the land of Oz is outstanding. The names and personalities remained the same, but everything else turned upside down. It is fun and exciting seeing what surprises lurks as I flip from page to page.
Amy Gumm failed, yet again to kill evil Dorothy, letting down the order. On her way to the wingless monkeys, she found and fought the Lion, collected his courage, and sent him cowardly scrambling back to Dorothy. Amy still needed to find the Scarecrow's brain, but then what? She has no plan to end Dorothy’s reign of terror, and there was no clear path to doing that with no allies because the wingless monkeys wanted no part of the war.
Dorothy is still alive, which means I need to move on to the next book to find out more. So far, the series is moving along well. 3.5 stars.
Amy Gumm failed, yet again to kill evil Dorothy, letting down the order. On her way to the wingless monkeys, she found and fought the Lion, collected his courage, and sent him cowardly scrambling back to Dorothy. Amy still needed to find the Scarecrow's brain, but then what? She has no plan to end Dorothy’s reign of terror, and there was no clear path to doing that with no allies because the wingless monkeys wanted no part of the war.
Dorothy is still alive, which means I need to move on to the next book to find out more. So far, the series is moving along well. 3.5 stars.
August 26, 2022
the level of vitriol i have for this book...
may just be my villain origin story. this may be what made me the hater you see today.
aw, look at me. all nostalgic.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago but not really
may just be my villain origin story. this may be what made me the hater you see today.
aw, look at me. all nostalgic.
part of a series i'm doing in which i review books i read a long time ago but not really
Shelved as 'will-never-read'
August 28, 2016Kind of ironic that the person she's defending basically said, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog too!"
August 11, 2015
*4.5 Stars*
When you claim your name, what will it be?
I think there’s a certain standard in which second books are expected to live up to. In no way is it fair, because, especially with me, the first book in a series is always leagues above the rest-it’s just the way it is. When I fall in love with a series, it’s no light thing. I become obsessed and nothing is likely to please me any time soon. That being said-I have high standards. After devouring a 100% 5 star book, I want the same superiority of action and angst in book two. Sadly, though, this rarely happens. And I’m just going to come right out and say it: Compared to book one-a now absolute favorite of mine-this book paled in comparison.
Some people spend their whole lives searching for the one thing that they can do to say, I changed the world. I had found that thing. I might not be able to accomplish it, but I was going to die trying. So call me selfish.
Second books aren’t all bad, though. They get a bad rap, sure, but there are many good things that come from them, as well. Sometimes it’s the opposite, actually. There have been a few times when the second book by far outshines its predecessor and makes up for boring build-ups with no results. In this case, though, I definitely was missing….something. And while that’s not always a problem, it was in this case-for me.
It was frustrating that everyone was so convinced that I had this great potential to be evil, when all I’d done was show up, get thrown in the dungeon by Dorothy, and then follow the Order’s instructions pretty much exactly. I’d fought for what I thought was right. For what I believed in. And now even people like Lulu-people who were supposed to be on the same side as me-seemed suspicious of me because of it. It all felt a little unfair.
One: The action. My God I missed the action. There was plenty, I suppose, but the level of intensity was severely lacking based on what I know this author can do. For example, in book one, not every scene was full of fights and battles, but there was just this level of dread with each passing chapter that brought forth a sense of doom and foreboding that made you feel as though something terrible could happen at any minute….whereas in this story it was all build up. It was book two hell, if I’m being honest. With all that foreboding and dread in book one, when a battle scene would actually happen, it was like when you poke a hole in a balloon-it was as though this pressure that had been pressing down on your chest was finally released and you could just breathe, because it had finally happened. But it was so intense that you didn’t care if you were breathing at all, anyway, because wasn’t this exactly what you’d been waiting for? It was the sweetest of evils. In this book, while the action scenes were epic in their own right, they were few and far between and I almost felt….sad….when they happened because I knew there wasn’t much left of the book….and I never felt my breath release like I wanted. Which brings me to my next point.
I may not have known how I was doing it, but every time I rose back up, reshaping myself into my own form, I knew what I was doing when I was under there. I was touching the darkness.
Two: The length. Talk about wanting to cry…I almost started bawling-no joke-when I saw how short this book was. It was barely even (if at all) half the length of the first book. And the first book was The perfect length, by the way. It was perfect because of how wonderfully paced everything was-every little part had ample time to unwind, to grow, to pull you deeper-you never wanted to stop reading. Never once did it feel rushed, overdone, drawn out, NOTHING. I fell hard and I fell fast and I fell deeper under it’s spell-I STILL think about book one and my heart STILL goes into overdrive as my stomach simultaneously drops out of the bottom of me. This is the biggest downfall for book two, I have to say. The chapters were way too short. You would just start to get into a scene and then it would be over and we would have to move on. There were times where it was nicely paced, but most of the time it didn’t feel…quite right….which was shocking to me after seeing how amazing book one’s pacing was. And, if I’m being completely honest, I’m pretty bitter about the length of this book. I love this author, this series, for life, but I feel cheated. I was ecstatic to pick up book two, only to find out that we were getting such a short story. And I know I know, this is a bridge book for the final story…but never has a book felt like a literal bridge before-because this is exactly what this is-bridging to the fanatical last story (I will be a happy little lark when book three comes out, but, for now, let me just pout).
Despite what I’d said to Dorothy’s Fantasm in the Fog of Doubt, and as wicked as I knew I could be when I had to, I had one weakness: kindness.
And kindness is a weakness. I can see that now. But it’s a weakness I’m still not sure I’d want to give up entirely.
Three: The World Building. I didn’t think I’d ever say this in a review because I really could give two shits less but…..I wanted more. I don’t know what but…more. It was great, it was wonderful but...yeah. That’s all.
All over the place, when you looked a little more closely, traces of the city’s former grandeur remained. Amidst all the wreckage, the streets had a sheen that I realized was coming from millions of scattered jewels-emeralds, obviously, but diamonds and rubies and amethysts, too. Here and there, pools of gold melted and then hardened again, like puddles lingering after a thunderstorm.
Four: The romance. Believe me when I wholeheartedly say-I LIVE FOR NOX AND AMY’S RELATIONSHIP. I ship them so hard-Especially Nox. He is just…ugh. But that’s why this is [partially] in the negative category. I wanted more. There-I SAID IT. I really, truly, wholeheartedly, needed more. I craved it, I ached for it, and when it finally was within in my clutches, it felt like it was over too soon. See reason two above-I am still a pissy pink elephant about this. Every little bit of the romance was perfection. Well…or Nox was. But I think I’m going to put him in his own little category….just because I can. My point? The romance, while exactly what I wanted, inexplicably Just. Wasn’t. Enough.
It was like I was entering a world of shadows. I wasn’t sure how I was doing it, and I wasn’t sure where I was going when I disappeared like that-only that wherever it was, it was cold and foreign and deadly silent. From down there, everything was hazy and slow-motion, and I was outside reality, looking up into it from the darkness like gazing up through a layer of black, muddy water.
So, as you can see, while I love this story, it had detrimental issues that stunted my enjoyment. And isn’t that the best way to describe a short story? Choppy, stunted, without the growth I so desperately needed? But here comes my favorite part: The GOOD.
Once upon a time a girl named Amy Gumm had come to Oz on a tornado. She had fought hard; she had been loyal and fierce. She had done things she’d never in a million years imagined that she would.
One: Amy. Amy might possibly be my favorite heroine ever-at the moment. I think this second book sold her a little short, if I’m being completely honest, but I can’t forget how epic she was in the first….and how epic she continues to be. She’s in the midst of an internal battle within herself that continues to confuse and conflict her. She has conquered the use of magic by learning from Nox and the rest of the order from book one….but this is exactly how it all started with Dorothy, isn’t it? She got a taste of the power, and then it wasn’t enough. She wanted more and more and more…until eventually ruling an entire kingdom wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough to control everyone, she needed them to fear and worship her, as well. And now the dark magic is making it’s way to Amy, and she struggles to stifle it with each new battle and after every new hard decision is made. She is becoming someone she doesn’t recognize….and I loved every minute of her internal conflicts. And perhaps the brightest point of her life, her most grounded ally, is the adorable warlock, Nox.
She had been both good and wicked and everything in between. She had been both at once, too, until it was very hard for her to even tell the difference anymore.
Two: Nox. My beautiful, messy-haired boy, Nox. He is just so wonderful. I absolutely adored him-from book one until now he has left such a mark on my heart. I can hardly think about this series without getting all mushy and sighing when I think about this poor orphaned boy who fights for the only thing he has ever known to strive for-his freedom from Dorothy. But what he doesn’t know? What happens after. Who will he become? What will he do? What will his purpose be? We get to see a more vulnerable side to Nox in this book, and I devoured each and every moment he was a part of. I almost would go so far as to say I didn’t think he was treated the way he should have been…I’m very protective of my boy. A beacon of light for Amy’s impending darkness, her voice of reason, and her greatest ally and friend. Nox, just like in book one, stole the show. I am obsessed with him and CANNOT WAIT for more of him in book three-I need his HEA.
My last glimpse of Nox back in the city kept flashing through my mind: his dark, always-messy hair, his broad shoulders and skinny, sinewy arms. The determined tilt of his jaw, and that look of almost arrogant pride. The anger that was always coiled deep in his chest finally ready to burst out and strike down everything that stood in his way, all of it to save Oz, the home that he loved.
No, not just that. To save me, too.
Three: The villains. I love these guys. They are complex. They back up what they say. They do what’s best for THEM. They are truly evil. You don’t get false threats with any of them-They say what they mean and they mean what they say. You will feel the pain. You will hurt. You will be upset by what they do-they sugar coat nothing. They are the true definition of evil…and they blur the lines of hate/like/love-because they are truly addicting in their ruthlessness. Wicked-Wickeder-Wickedest-who would you want to go up against? I’m not so sure.
"I. Know. Who. I. AM,” I said again, more confidently this time with each word bringing forth every bit of the power, the rage, and-yeah-the wickedness, that had been building inside of me since I was just a little girl. “And I’m willing to fight for it.”
Four: Everything I don’t have time to mention. The beautiful descriptions. The amazing world and everything that pulls me so deeply out of reality-when I’m in this world, there’s no where else I’d rather be. That’s so hard to achieve these days. The writing-it’s so amazing. How every little detail matters. Amy’s inner monologues. The vivid imagination that goes into each and every moment….the list goes on and on. There is no end to how engrossing this series is.
The rainbows washed over me. It was like I was being spun in some Willy Wonka version of a washing machine. A neon palette swirled around me as I tumbled: hot pink, electric blue, candy-apple red, grape-soda purple, and every color imaginable in between, all of them zooming downward into infinity in a twisting, death-defying flume, carrying me faster than even seemed possible.
So, while this was not what I wanted it to be, I still loved it. I love this series, this world, these characters-I am obsessed with them. Be it good or evil, each and every character is so addicting. We even get more of the lovable Pete in this one!! And, in a super weird way, I get so excited when Dorothy appears. She is so sickeningly sweet…it’s endearing. She might even be my favorite villain EVER. Amy’s journey is one that I can’t seem to get out of my head, and she and Nox’s relationship brings me to a whole new level of fangirling. Maybe that’s why I had so many things I was disappointed about…I just needed so much more of what I loved, and I didn’t get it. So, without making this even longer than it really is, just know that I am going CRAZY knowing I have to wait for book three. It might just kill me…but it’s one of those wonderful pains-you know it’s worth the wait.
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When you claim your name, what will it be?
I think there’s a certain standard in which second books are expected to live up to. In no way is it fair, because, especially with me, the first book in a series is always leagues above the rest-it’s just the way it is. When I fall in love with a series, it’s no light thing. I become obsessed and nothing is likely to please me any time soon. That being said-I have high standards. After devouring a 100% 5 star book, I want the same superiority of action and angst in book two. Sadly, though, this rarely happens. And I’m just going to come right out and say it: Compared to book one-a now absolute favorite of mine-this book paled in comparison.
Some people spend their whole lives searching for the one thing that they can do to say, I changed the world. I had found that thing. I might not be able to accomplish it, but I was going to die trying. So call me selfish.
Second books aren’t all bad, though. They get a bad rap, sure, but there are many good things that come from them, as well. Sometimes it’s the opposite, actually. There have been a few times when the second book by far outshines its predecessor and makes up for boring build-ups with no results. In this case, though, I definitely was missing….something. And while that’s not always a problem, it was in this case-for me.
It was frustrating that everyone was so convinced that I had this great potential to be evil, when all I’d done was show up, get thrown in the dungeon by Dorothy, and then follow the Order’s instructions pretty much exactly. I’d fought for what I thought was right. For what I believed in. And now even people like Lulu-people who were supposed to be on the same side as me-seemed suspicious of me because of it. It all felt a little unfair.
One: The action. My God I missed the action. There was plenty, I suppose, but the level of intensity was severely lacking based on what I know this author can do. For example, in book one, not every scene was full of fights and battles, but there was just this level of dread with each passing chapter that brought forth a sense of doom and foreboding that made you feel as though something terrible could happen at any minute….whereas in this story it was all build up. It was book two hell, if I’m being honest. With all that foreboding and dread in book one, when a battle scene would actually happen, it was like when you poke a hole in a balloon-it was as though this pressure that had been pressing down on your chest was finally released and you could just breathe, because it had finally happened. But it was so intense that you didn’t care if you were breathing at all, anyway, because wasn’t this exactly what you’d been waiting for? It was the sweetest of evils. In this book, while the action scenes were epic in their own right, they were few and far between and I almost felt….sad….when they happened because I knew there wasn’t much left of the book….and I never felt my breath release like I wanted. Which brings me to my next point.
I may not have known how I was doing it, but every time I rose back up, reshaping myself into my own form, I knew what I was doing when I was under there. I was touching the darkness.
Two: The length. Talk about wanting to cry…I almost started bawling-no joke-when I saw how short this book was. It was barely even (if at all) half the length of the first book. And the first book was The perfect length, by the way. It was perfect because of how wonderfully paced everything was-every little part had ample time to unwind, to grow, to pull you deeper-you never wanted to stop reading. Never once did it feel rushed, overdone, drawn out, NOTHING. I fell hard and I fell fast and I fell deeper under it’s spell-I STILL think about book one and my heart STILL goes into overdrive as my stomach simultaneously drops out of the bottom of me. This is the biggest downfall for book two, I have to say. The chapters were way too short. You would just start to get into a scene and then it would be over and we would have to move on. There were times where it was nicely paced, but most of the time it didn’t feel…quite right….which was shocking to me after seeing how amazing book one’s pacing was. And, if I’m being completely honest, I’m pretty bitter about the length of this book. I love this author, this series, for life, but I feel cheated. I was ecstatic to pick up book two, only to find out that we were getting such a short story. And I know I know, this is a bridge book for the final story…but never has a book felt like a literal bridge before-because this is exactly what this is-bridging to the fanatical last story (I will be a happy little lark when book three comes out, but, for now, let me just pout).
Despite what I’d said to Dorothy’s Fantasm in the Fog of Doubt, and as wicked as I knew I could be when I had to, I had one weakness: kindness.
And kindness is a weakness. I can see that now. But it’s a weakness I’m still not sure I’d want to give up entirely.
Three: The World Building. I didn’t think I’d ever say this in a review because I really could give two shits less but…..I wanted more. I don’t know what but…more. It was great, it was wonderful but...yeah. That’s all.
All over the place, when you looked a little more closely, traces of the city’s former grandeur remained. Amidst all the wreckage, the streets had a sheen that I realized was coming from millions of scattered jewels-emeralds, obviously, but diamonds and rubies and amethysts, too. Here and there, pools of gold melted and then hardened again, like puddles lingering after a thunderstorm.
Four: The romance. Believe me when I wholeheartedly say-I LIVE FOR NOX AND AMY’S RELATIONSHIP. I ship them so hard-Especially Nox. He is just…ugh. But that’s why this is [partially] in the negative category. I wanted more. There-I SAID IT. I really, truly, wholeheartedly, needed more. I craved it, I ached for it, and when it finally was within in my clutches, it felt like it was over too soon. See reason two above-I am still a pissy pink elephant about this. Every little bit of the romance was perfection. Well…or Nox was. But I think I’m going to put him in his own little category….just because I can. My point? The romance, while exactly what I wanted, inexplicably Just. Wasn’t. Enough.
It was like I was entering a world of shadows. I wasn’t sure how I was doing it, and I wasn’t sure where I was going when I disappeared like that-only that wherever it was, it was cold and foreign and deadly silent. From down there, everything was hazy and slow-motion, and I was outside reality, looking up into it from the darkness like gazing up through a layer of black, muddy water.
So, as you can see, while I love this story, it had detrimental issues that stunted my enjoyment. And isn’t that the best way to describe a short story? Choppy, stunted, without the growth I so desperately needed? But here comes my favorite part: The GOOD.
Once upon a time a girl named Amy Gumm had come to Oz on a tornado. She had fought hard; she had been loyal and fierce. She had done things she’d never in a million years imagined that she would.
One: Amy. Amy might possibly be my favorite heroine ever-at the moment. I think this second book sold her a little short, if I’m being completely honest, but I can’t forget how epic she was in the first….and how epic she continues to be. She’s in the midst of an internal battle within herself that continues to confuse and conflict her. She has conquered the use of magic by learning from Nox and the rest of the order from book one….but this is exactly how it all started with Dorothy, isn’t it? She got a taste of the power, and then it wasn’t enough. She wanted more and more and more…until eventually ruling an entire kingdom wasn’t enough. It wasn’t enough to control everyone, she needed them to fear and worship her, as well. And now the dark magic is making it’s way to Amy, and she struggles to stifle it with each new battle and after every new hard decision is made. She is becoming someone she doesn’t recognize….and I loved every minute of her internal conflicts. And perhaps the brightest point of her life, her most grounded ally, is the adorable warlock, Nox.
She had been both good and wicked and everything in between. She had been both at once, too, until it was very hard for her to even tell the difference anymore.
Two: Nox. My beautiful, messy-haired boy, Nox. He is just so wonderful. I absolutely adored him-from book one until now he has left such a mark on my heart. I can hardly think about this series without getting all mushy and sighing when I think about this poor orphaned boy who fights for the only thing he has ever known to strive for-his freedom from Dorothy. But what he doesn’t know? What happens after. Who will he become? What will he do? What will his purpose be? We get to see a more vulnerable side to Nox in this book, and I devoured each and every moment he was a part of. I almost would go so far as to say I didn’t think he was treated the way he should have been…I’m very protective of my boy. A beacon of light for Amy’s impending darkness, her voice of reason, and her greatest ally and friend. Nox, just like in book one, stole the show. I am obsessed with him and CANNOT WAIT for more of him in book three-I need his HEA.
My last glimpse of Nox back in the city kept flashing through my mind: his dark, always-messy hair, his broad shoulders and skinny, sinewy arms. The determined tilt of his jaw, and that look of almost arrogant pride. The anger that was always coiled deep in his chest finally ready to burst out and strike down everything that stood in his way, all of it to save Oz, the home that he loved.
No, not just that. To save me, too.
Three: The villains. I love these guys. They are complex. They back up what they say. They do what’s best for THEM. They are truly evil. You don’t get false threats with any of them-They say what they mean and they mean what they say. You will feel the pain. You will hurt. You will be upset by what they do-they sugar coat nothing. They are the true definition of evil…and they blur the lines of hate/like/love-because they are truly addicting in their ruthlessness. Wicked-Wickeder-Wickedest-who would you want to go up against? I’m not so sure.
"I. Know. Who. I. AM,” I said again, more confidently this time with each word bringing forth every bit of the power, the rage, and-yeah-the wickedness, that had been building inside of me since I was just a little girl. “And I’m willing to fight for it.”
Four: Everything I don’t have time to mention. The beautiful descriptions. The amazing world and everything that pulls me so deeply out of reality-when I’m in this world, there’s no where else I’d rather be. That’s so hard to achieve these days. The writing-it’s so amazing. How every little detail matters. Amy’s inner monologues. The vivid imagination that goes into each and every moment….the list goes on and on. There is no end to how engrossing this series is.
The rainbows washed over me. It was like I was being spun in some Willy Wonka version of a washing machine. A neon palette swirled around me as I tumbled: hot pink, electric blue, candy-apple red, grape-soda purple, and every color imaginable in between, all of them zooming downward into infinity in a twisting, death-defying flume, carrying me faster than even seemed possible.
So, while this was not what I wanted it to be, I still loved it. I love this series, this world, these characters-I am obsessed with them. Be it good or evil, each and every character is so addicting. We even get more of the lovable Pete in this one!! And, in a super weird way, I get so excited when Dorothy appears. She is so sickeningly sweet…it’s endearing. She might even be my favorite villain EVER. Amy’s journey is one that I can’t seem to get out of my head, and she and Nox’s relationship brings me to a whole new level of fangirling. Maybe that’s why I had so many things I was disappointed about…I just needed so much more of what I loved, and I didn’t get it. So, without making this even longer than it really is, just know that I am going CRAZY knowing I have to wait for book three. It might just kill me…but it’s one of those wonderful pains-you know it’s worth the wait.
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April 4, 2015
Didn't care much for the sequel. It had a serious case of second-book syndrome. First one was so much better. This story could be wrapped up in two books, not 3. But that's just what I think.
June 2, 2020
This is my third time around reading this book and my thoughts remain the same, I freaking LOVED it!!! Dorothy Must Die was utterly amazing but The Wicked Will Rise is on a whole other level! This book is nonstop action and twists and turns the whole way through. I really love this re-telling, it's really just absolutely perfect. I've also grown to really love the characters, and most of all, grown to love the delicious wickedness of this series and how it just turns everything about the story you know upside down and creates something so damn WICKED!
March 26, 2017
3.5
Realmente este segundo libro me gustó más que el primero.
Realmente este segundo libro me gustó más que el primero.
April 12, 2015
Well crap. That was boring.
That’s my exact thought as I read the last phrases of the book.
I cringed.
What the hell did I just read? By those words, I don’t mean what-the-hell-did-I-just-read-it-was-too-awesome-and-shocking. Rather it was what-the-hell-is-this-nothing-makes-sense-and-it-was-too-boring-to-comprehend!Maybe it’s just me. But really, I can’t appreciate much of this.
The first book, Dorothy Must Die, wasn’t really a great book for me. I didn’t feel excitement and inclination on it; I didn’t find myself to be attached to the world and characters of the book. I thought that by reading the sequel, I might like the whole series. But, no. I guess nothing changed.
Boring main character.
Shallow problems.
Slow plot
I don’t think much towards Amy Gumm , the main character of the story. She was a character that no matter what you do, you can’t just like her nor hate her. Technically, I don’t care about her. The author tried to make her a funny character, the sarcastic, head-strong, quite wicked ones. Amy was supposed to be amusing , sarcastic, snarky, and kick-ass. It turned out, she just seemed to be annoying, sarcastic, always complaining I give her the kick-ass part, alright. But overall, meh.
I almost DNFed this one. I was tempted, really, since I was just skimming it. What’s the point really when all they have to do is to kill Dorothy which they always failed to do so?
That’s too petty, right? Why bother lengthening the story if you’re not going to introduce something more interesting?
The whole book is just full of Amy’s ‘trying to know what she is’ (which was obvious ever since), slipping through darkness (pfft, old school).
Of course, what little appreciation I give this book is towards the gory, twisted events and setting and to the writing. I liked how the author made the fairy-tale setting of Oz, not dark, but more of twisted and bloody and horrible.
I’m not disappointed. What do I have to be disappointed with if I never expected anything great?
That’s my exact thought as I read the last phrases of the book.
“Rise, little witch,” Glamora said. “Take your place among us.”
I stepped forward.
I cringed.
What the hell did I just read? By those words, I don’t mean what-the-hell-did-I-just-read-it-was-too-awesome-and-shocking. Rather it was what-the-hell-is-this-nothing-makes-sense-and-it-was-too-boring-to-comprehend!Maybe it’s just me. But really, I can’t appreciate much of this.
The first book, Dorothy Must Die, wasn’t really a great book for me. I didn’t feel excitement and inclination on it; I didn’t find myself to be attached to the world and characters of the book. I thought that by reading the sequel, I might like the whole series. But, no. I guess nothing changed.
Boring main character.
Shallow problems.
Slow plot
I don’t think much towards Amy Gumm , the main character of the story. She was a character that no matter what you do, you can’t just like her nor hate her. Technically, I don’t care about her. The author tried to make her a funny character, the sarcastic, head-strong, quite wicked ones. Amy was supposed to be amusing , sarcastic, snarky, and kick-ass. It turned out, she just seemed to be annoying, sarcastic, always complaining I give her the kick-ass part, alright. But overall, meh.
I almost DNFed this one. I was tempted, really, since I was just skimming it. What’s the point really when all they have to do is to kill Dorothy which they always failed to do so?
That’s too petty, right? Why bother lengthening the story if you’re not going to introduce something more interesting?
The whole book is just full of Amy’s ‘trying to know what she is’ (which was obvious ever since), slipping through darkness (pfft, old school).
Of course, what little appreciation I give this book is towards the gory, twisted events and setting and to the writing. I liked how the author made the fairy-tale setting of Oz, not dark, but more of twisted and bloody and horrible.
But there was nothing I could do. The spell was quick. In an explosion of blood, guts, and glitter, the Wizard was no more.
I’m not disappointed. What do I have to be disappointed with if I never expected anything great?
November 22, 2019
Full Review on my blog!
The first book was a bit more entertaining, but I still really enjoyed this one! This was a great sequel!
One of the things that I really love about The Wicked Will Rise is how strong the main character, Amy Gumm, is. Amy Gumm is a really good heroine. Flawed, as expected but I really saw her develop in this book; discovering more about herself, and realizing who she is and who she will become. I loved how she went through with what she believed in. I know, I know that probably sounds stupid but still …. :c Amy has these amazing powers that are connected to darkness, and didn’t try to stop using them, but rather welcomed them and she tried her best to control it.
I love the relationship between Amy and Nox, I liked how the story didn’t revolve around them which was nice; it was literally perfect.
Throughout the beginning of the book, it seems like all is going according to plan. Get the Tin Man’s heart, the Lion’s tail, and the Scarecrow’s brain before she can properly kill Dorothy, restore the magic to Oz, right? Wrong. When the reader least expects it, BAMMM! Major plot twist. This isn’t a typical plot twist that will surprise you and then you’ll get over it in a few minutes. No, no, no! The plot twists in this series so far are very powerful, and amazing and will make you LOVE the series!
I know this book seems really short, but it’s jam-packed with suspense and action. Danielle Paige does an amazing job describing Oz. I absolutely LOVEEEE how she includes the same landmarks, like the yellow brick road, the Emerald City, which really makes reading so enjoyable. What makes this book even better is the character development, an improved story line and more plot twists.
I REALLY, REALLY LOVED THIS SEQUEL. Y'all should definitely check this series out! I highly recommend it!
Check out my reviews of the rest of this series!
Dorothy Must Die
The Wicked Will Rise
Yellow Brick War
The End of Oz
_____________________________
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The first book was a bit more entertaining, but I still really enjoyed this one! This was a great sequel!
One of the things that I really love about The Wicked Will Rise is how strong the main character, Amy Gumm, is. Amy Gumm is a really good heroine. Flawed, as expected but I really saw her develop in this book; discovering more about herself, and realizing who she is and who she will become. I loved how she went through with what she believed in. I know, I know that probably sounds stupid but still …. :c Amy has these amazing powers that are connected to darkness, and didn’t try to stop using them, but rather welcomed them and she tried her best to control it.
I love the relationship between Amy and Nox, I liked how the story didn’t revolve around them which was nice; it was literally perfect.
Throughout the beginning of the book, it seems like all is going according to plan. Get the Tin Man’s heart, the Lion’s tail, and the Scarecrow’s brain before she can properly kill Dorothy, restore the magic to Oz, right? Wrong. When the reader least expects it, BAMMM! Major plot twist. This isn’t a typical plot twist that will surprise you and then you’ll get over it in a few minutes. No, no, no! The plot twists in this series so far are very powerful, and amazing and will make you LOVE the series!
I know this book seems really short, but it’s jam-packed with suspense and action. Danielle Paige does an amazing job describing Oz. I absolutely LOVEEEE how she includes the same landmarks, like the yellow brick road, the Emerald City, which really makes reading so enjoyable. What makes this book even better is the character development, an improved story line and more plot twists.
I REALLY, REALLY LOVED THIS SEQUEL. Y'all should definitely check this series out! I highly recommend it!
Check out my reviews of the rest of this series!
Dorothy Must Die
The Wicked Will Rise
Yellow Brick War
The End of Oz
_____________________________
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August 20, 2016
http://www.theguardian.com/books/2014...
There's the article about Hale that everyone has been talking about. And it's not going to prevent me from reading this book.
Yes, she took it waaaay too far, but Danielle Paige did nothing wrong, She gave her support to her, big deal! Fans stalk authors all the time, and harass them. Hale shouldn't have done what she did. Daniella simply said it was something all authors wished they could do, that doesn't mean she'll do it, or wants to mow down the rights of bloggers.
I really liked Dorothy Must Die and not reading the sequel because of this is dumb. I hope the rest of you read it when it comes out too.
There's the article about Hale that everyone has been talking about. And it's not going to prevent me from reading this book.
Yes, she took it waaaay too far, but Danielle Paige did nothing wrong, She gave her support to her, big deal! Fans stalk authors all the time, and harass them. Hale shouldn't have done what she did. Daniella simply said it was something all authors wished they could do, that doesn't mean she'll do it, or wants to mow down the rights of bloggers.
I really liked Dorothy Must Die and not reading the sequel because of this is dumb. I hope the rest of you read it when it comes out too.
Read
November 15, 2014It should be a no-brainer that I should avoid reading this book. The author is a supporter of HaleToTheNo. I shouldn't even give this book the time of day.
And yet and yet and yet. >_< Fuck, man, I really loved DMD. I don't know what to do.
And yet and yet and yet. >_< Fuck, man, I really loved DMD. I don't know what to do.
July 4, 2015
I read Dorothy Must Die over a year ago, shortly after it was released. I really liked it and I was so curious to see what happened next in Amy's story. I wasn't sure what to expect and I think that was a good thing.
The Wicked Will Rise jumps right into the story where the first book left off. There wasn't any recap and even though I remembered a lot from the first book, I was a little lost and confused for the first 30 pages of this book.
The Wicked Will Rise was a lot weirder than the first book. There's so much crazy that happens and at times it felt a little too bizarre.
This book was completely different from Dorothy Must Die. I didn't like the direction that Amy's character went in at all. I liked her in the first book but she was so different in this one. I was so surprised by this that I never really recovered. I kind of hated her at times.
I honestly think this series could have gotten without this book. It was so much shorter then the first book and it felt like a lot of nothing was happening. It felt a little rushed, like the author was trying to hurry to reach her deadline.
Overall, I didn't like this book was much as the first one but I still enjoyed reading it. This series has such a crazy, amazing concept and I'm excited to see what the next book holds. I do hope the next book is better but this one wasn't horrible by all means.
The Wicked Will Rise jumps right into the story where the first book left off. There wasn't any recap and even though I remembered a lot from the first book, I was a little lost and confused for the first 30 pages of this book.
The Wicked Will Rise was a lot weirder than the first book. There's so much crazy that happens and at times it felt a little too bizarre.
This book was completely different from Dorothy Must Die. I didn't like the direction that Amy's character went in at all. I liked her in the first book but she was so different in this one. I was so surprised by this that I never really recovered. I kind of hated her at times.
I honestly think this series could have gotten without this book. It was so much shorter then the first book and it felt like a lot of nothing was happening. It felt a little rushed, like the author was trying to hurry to reach her deadline.
Overall, I didn't like this book was much as the first one but I still enjoyed reading it. This series has such a crazy, amazing concept and I'm excited to see what the next book holds. I do hope the next book is better but this one wasn't horrible by all means.
May 20, 2015
Well I hate it when books end this way.
How you ask?
Like you're reading, and you're finally into it, and you can finally feel the passion and emotion guiding the characters, and you turn the next page to know what happens next, and BAM! Back ads.
Talk about anti climatic.
1.5.14:
2015?
Not like I have any other option.
How you ask?
Like you're reading, and you're finally into it, and you can finally feel the passion and emotion guiding the characters, and you turn the next page to know what happens next, and BAM! Back ads.
Talk about anti climatic.
1.5.14:
2015?
Not like I have any other option.
April 27, 2018
This was still an enjoyable read....but it was also frustrating.
I liked being reunited with old characters whom I did really enjoy the first time I read it, but I have to say:
This book was all over the place.
Whilst we did get to explore more of Oz and therefore, more characters, EVERYTHING was rushed. A battle would occur and be over in what felt like 2 seconds. The writing was really repetitive throughout and it got to a point where I was skimming some of the pages because it was so repetitive.
The setting would change so drastically and I found that a plot twist from Amy, amongst other ‘twists’, to be so random?? It came out of the blue and ‘suddenly’ (a word Paige is quite fond of using pretty much all the time) she accepted what has happened which made me role my eyes as this basically sums up the whole of this sequel.
This, unlike the first novel, really lacked any sense of atmosphere and the characters felt 2D, if even that much which was disappointing to say the least.
Dorothy and Glinda literally spoke like two basic white girls at Starbucks, if you’ve read this book I hope you know what I mean. They became super annoying halfway through and I don’t know if it’s the writing style that makes a good chunk of this book lack wow factor in everything or if I simply find the characters irritating.
I don’t like the romance. At. All. I could rant about that but I don’t want this review to be miles long.
It’s interesting to see a reader’s taste change between rereads, I read this on 2016 and almost ANY books I read would be 5 stars no matter how much I enjoyed it.
I am still feeling optimistic about rereading The Yellow Brick War and then finally getting closure with The End Of Oz, but I’ve heard that the ending is ‘quite convenient’ which never sounds good when having the same feeling since the second book.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, the book did fly by due to its rushed content and some of my personal enjoyment too, but I have to say this was a bit of a let down and fingers crossed The Yellow Brick War will be better!
I liked being reunited with old characters whom I did really enjoy the first time I read it, but I have to say:
This book was all over the place.
Whilst we did get to explore more of Oz and therefore, more characters, EVERYTHING was rushed. A battle would occur and be over in what felt like 2 seconds. The writing was really repetitive throughout and it got to a point where I was skimming some of the pages because it was so repetitive.
The setting would change so drastically and I found that a plot twist from Amy, amongst other ‘twists’, to be so random?? It came out of the blue and ‘suddenly’ (a word Paige is quite fond of using pretty much all the time) she accepted what has happened which made me role my eyes as this basically sums up the whole of this sequel.
This, unlike the first novel, really lacked any sense of atmosphere and the characters felt 2D, if even that much which was disappointing to say the least.
Dorothy and Glinda literally spoke like two basic white girls at Starbucks, if you’ve read this book I hope you know what I mean. They became super annoying halfway through and I don’t know if it’s the writing style that makes a good chunk of this book lack wow factor in everything or if I simply find the characters irritating.
I don’t like the romance. At. All. I could rant about that but I don’t want this review to be miles long.
It’s interesting to see a reader’s taste change between rereads, I read this on 2016 and almost ANY books I read would be 5 stars no matter how much I enjoyed it.
I am still feeling optimistic about rereading The Yellow Brick War and then finally getting closure with The End Of Oz, but I’ve heard that the ending is ‘quite convenient’ which never sounds good when having the same feeling since the second book.
Overall it was an enjoyable read, the book did fly by due to its rushed content and some of my personal enjoyment too, but I have to say this was a bit of a let down and fingers crossed The Yellow Brick War will be better!
January 3, 2021
WOW!!! What an amazing sequel. I loved how it picked up exactly after how the first book ended. I loved the characters. I loved the storyline. I literally loved EVERYTHING about this book and I mean EVERYTHING. It's all kind of AWESOMENESS.
February 7, 2017
Das hier ist eine ziemlich subjektive Bewertung, aber das Buch war für mich einfach langweilig. Ich hab es nach dem ersten Band echt versucht, aber was diese Charaktere, diese ganze Geschichte angeht, lässt sich das leicht zusammenfassen: Ist mir alles egal. Im Englischen sagt man so schön: I don't care. Das ist etwas sehr subjektives, aber gleichzeitig das schlimmste, was einem beim Lesen passieren kann.
April 8, 2022
yes, i sure did read the second book. yes, despite finding a multitude of flaws in the first one.
there's honestly something comforting about reading predictable, poorly-written trash. because the writing is really so bad. it's not engaging, and amy has no agency. we kind of just float through oz and watch as things happen to her, but she doesn't do much. her passive character matches the passive writing style.
and yet i love exploring all the magic of the oz setting, and i love how the series doesn't shy away from gritty violence. this book really takes things up a notch, and starts off with some gruesome gore immediately.
and there's some beautiful dreamy oz imagery. like an ocean of flowers, blossoms rolling together in waves. and like amy's dream of ozma regaining her power and dramatically growing black butterfly wings. i enjoyed the magic, despite the poor writing.
and the writing is really so bad.
an actual line from our protagonist:
damn. so edgy 🙃
there's also a really strange passage where a side character kinda sorta comes out as gay. and i say kinda sorta because pete doesn't actually say it. he implies it, and straight-ass amy dramatically says something like "does that mean..." and he shrugs and says "i guess." oof, it feels so dated (yet this book came out in 2015)! amy follows this up with a reflection about how pete is so handsome but "there had always been something missing - a distance between us that had always been hard to pin down." what the fuck?? do straight people really think this kind of shit? is the implication that there's an inherent distance between amy and anyone who doesn't want to fuck her?? i was so weirded out by this.
not a good read, but an entertaining one that doesn't require too much brainpower!!
there's honestly something comforting about reading predictable, poorly-written trash. because the writing is really so bad. it's not engaging, and amy has no agency. we kind of just float through oz and watch as things happen to her, but she doesn't do much. her passive character matches the passive writing style.
and yet i love exploring all the magic of the oz setting, and i love how the series doesn't shy away from gritty violence. this book really takes things up a notch, and starts off with some gruesome gore immediately.
and there's some beautiful dreamy oz imagery. like an ocean of flowers, blossoms rolling together in waves. and like amy's dream of ozma regaining her power and dramatically growing black butterfly wings. i enjoyed the magic, despite the poor writing.
and the writing is really so bad.
an actual line from our protagonist:
If you think I'm pretty now, you should see me when I'm splattered with blood and entrails. I'm a ruthless killer, you know.
damn. so edgy 🙃
there's also a really strange passage where a side character kinda sorta comes out as gay. and i say kinda sorta because pete doesn't actually say it. he implies it, and straight-ass amy dramatically says something like "does that mean..." and he shrugs and says "i guess." oof, it feels so dated (yet this book came out in 2015)! amy follows this up with a reflection about how pete is so handsome but "there had always been something missing - a distance between us that had always been hard to pin down." what the fuck?? do straight people really think this kind of shit? is the implication that there's an inherent distance between amy and anyone who doesn't want to fuck her?? i was so weirded out by this.
not a good read, but an entertaining one that doesn't require too much brainpower!!
March 3, 2021
Full Review on The Candid Cover
Returning to Danielle Paige’s Oz never felt so good! Amy Gumm is back as a strong and sassy main character who knows how to fight. Also, the setting of Oz is so familiar, yet completely different from what you imagined. Finally, the plot is filled with so many twists and turns you will be furiously turning the pages to find out what happens next!
One of the things that I really love about The Wicked Will Rise is how strong the main character, Amy Gumm, is. Sometimes in young adult literature, female main characters are portrayed as weak and defenseless. Amy is definitely not one of those characters. She has attitude and knows how to fight for what she wants! The YA genre needs more books like this to support females and inspire strength within girls.
The method that Danielle Paige uses to describe Oz, in this retelling of The Wizard of Oz, is so fantastic! I absolutely adore how the same landmarks are included, such as the infamous yellow brick road, which makes reading so relatable and enjoyable. Danielle Paige gives the reader a sense of familiarity and then crushes those childhood memories with Oz’s new dark and scary setting. Retellings that take the same setting, but turn it completely upside-down are so wickedly good!
Another amazing component to The Wicked Will Rise is its unpredictable plot. Throughout the beginning of the book, it seems like all is going according to plan. Find Dorothy, kill her, restore the magic to Oz, right? Wrong. When the reader least expects it, BAM! Major plot twist. This isn’t the typical plot twist that will surprise the reader and then they’ll get over it after a few minutes. The plot twists in these books are so powerful that they will cause readers to put the book down and process what just happened in the book. You will have to read the book to see for yourself what I’m talking about!
This book seems short, but really, it is jam-packed with suspense and action. If you are a fan of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, I highly recommend The Wicked Will Rise to you! Of course, read the first book, Dorothy Must Die, before picking up The Wicked Will Rise.
Returning to Danielle Paige’s Oz never felt so good! Amy Gumm is back as a strong and sassy main character who knows how to fight. Also, the setting of Oz is so familiar, yet completely different from what you imagined. Finally, the plot is filled with so many twists and turns you will be furiously turning the pages to find out what happens next!
One of the things that I really love about The Wicked Will Rise is how strong the main character, Amy Gumm, is. Sometimes in young adult literature, female main characters are portrayed as weak and defenseless. Amy is definitely not one of those characters. She has attitude and knows how to fight for what she wants! The YA genre needs more books like this to support females and inspire strength within girls.
The method that Danielle Paige uses to describe Oz, in this retelling of The Wizard of Oz, is so fantastic! I absolutely adore how the same landmarks are included, such as the infamous yellow brick road, which makes reading so relatable and enjoyable. Danielle Paige gives the reader a sense of familiarity and then crushes those childhood memories with Oz’s new dark and scary setting. Retellings that take the same setting, but turn it completely upside-down are so wickedly good!
Another amazing component to The Wicked Will Rise is its unpredictable plot. Throughout the beginning of the book, it seems like all is going according to plan. Find Dorothy, kill her, restore the magic to Oz, right? Wrong. When the reader least expects it, BAM! Major plot twist. This isn’t the typical plot twist that will surprise the reader and then they’ll get over it after a few minutes. The plot twists in these books are so powerful that they will cause readers to put the book down and process what just happened in the book. You will have to read the book to see for yourself what I’m talking about!
This book seems short, but really, it is jam-packed with suspense and action. If you are a fan of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, I highly recommend The Wicked Will Rise to you! Of course, read the first book, Dorothy Must Die, before picking up The Wicked Will Rise.
June 7, 2016
Did I really just read a book about Amy going to two different places, and stopping there for a few days? This felt like the most passive sequel I've ever read, but at least the setting was rich and a love triangle was avoided! Huzzah!
Also, one of her mission was 'Find Dorothy' but I'm pretty sure Dorothy found her, just sayin'.
Also, one of her mission was 'Find Dorothy' but I'm pretty sure Dorothy found her, just sayin'.
February 7, 2018
W T F DID I JUST READ
Shelved as 'never-ever-ever-reading-this'
October 21, 2014This breaks my heart because I really loved the first book. But I just can't.
Plus, there are more books in the sea.
Plus, there are more books in the sea.
September 16, 2024
Cu totul altceva față de volumul 1. Din păcate, nu s-a ridicat la nivelul așteptărilor create de precedenta carte. O acțiune mult mai lentă, prea puțină intrigă, parca autoarea a obosit după primul volum. M-am și oprit la un moment dat ca să mă conving că nu a scris altcineva cartea asta, pentru că nici stilul nu pare același.
Apoi am descoperit că aici e un alt traducător. Posibil să fie și ăsta motivul, pentru că limbajul diferă foarte mult. Aici e mult mai... libertin și de multe ori sarcastic. Am simțit în unele momente că e chiar o parodie după "Vrăjitorul din Oz". Păcat. A tras cartea în jos. 🫤
Am simțit la final că am nevoie de continuare. Din păcate, la noi nu s-au mai tradus următoarele două volume din serie, nici celelalte 8 nuvele care preced povestea. 😔
Apoi am descoperit că aici e un alt traducător. Posibil să fie și ăsta motivul, pentru că limbajul diferă foarte mult. Aici e mult mai... libertin și de multe ori sarcastic. Am simțit în unele momente că e chiar o parodie după "Vrăjitorul din Oz". Păcat. A tras cartea în jos. 🫤
Am simțit la final că am nevoie de continuare. Din păcate, la noi nu s-au mai tradus următoarele două volume din serie, nici celelalte 8 nuvele care preced povestea. 😔
February 15, 2017
En realidad un 3,75*
«Cuando lanzas un hechizo la magia se vuelve parte de ti. Y, depende de quién eres, cambia. Y en ese momento yo había cambiado.»
RESEÑA -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
«Cuando lanzas un hechizo la magia se vuelve parte de ti. Y, depende de quién eres, cambia. Y en ese momento yo había cambiado.»
RESEÑA -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
June 1, 2016
I just wasn't impressed... Meh... Can't keep beating a dead horse. Just think these three books should've ended up being just one... Considering all the ramblings that have no reason to really be in there.
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