The Wicked Years #1-2

Wicked / Son of a Witch

... Show More
This unique volume combines two modern classics spun from the imagination of national bestselling author Gregory Maguire. Wicked, told from the perspective of Elphaba Thropp, the Wicked Witch of the West, gives the wildly entertaining prehistory of the Emerald City of Oz before the arrival of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tin Woodsman. The saga continues in Son of a Witch, the whimsical coming-of-age story of Liir, the Wicked Witch's secret son. Beautifully designed and illustrated, this volume makes the perfect gift for lovers of modern fantasy literature.

Wicked/Son of a Witch is part of Barnes & Noble’s series of quality leatherbound volumes. Each title in the series presents a classic work in an attractively designed edition bound in durable bonded leather. These books make elegant additions to any home library.

760 pages, Hardcover Boxed Set

First published October 3,2008

About the author

... Show More
Gregory Maguire is an American author, whose novels are revisionist retellings of children's stories (such as L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz into Wicked). He received his Ph.D. in English and American Literature from Tufts University, and his B.A. from the State University of New York at Albany. He was a professor and co-director at the Simmons College Center for the Study of Children's Literature from 1979-1985. In 1987 he co-founded Children's Literature New England (a non-profit educational charity).

Maguire has served as artist-in-residence at the Blue Mountain Center, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Hambidge Center. He lives in Concord, Massachusetts.


Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 97 votes)
5 stars
30(31%)
4 stars
38(39%)
3 stars
29(30%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
97 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
Wicked was truly an entertaining show. It delved much deeper into the realm of political drama than I had initially anticipated.

The storylines and character developments were engaging, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats throughout.

However, Son of a Witch was a bit of a letdown. I found it rather strange that the main character only managed to accomplish one thing.

Moreover, the way the play dealt with the power vacuum in Oz was not entirely satisfying. It left me with a sense of unfulfillment and a longing for a more comprehensive exploration of the consequences and implications.

Overall, while Wicked was a great success, Son of a Witch failed to live up to my expectations.
July 15,2025
... Show More
The original article seems to be lacking. Please provide the content of the article so that I can rewrite and expand it for you.

July 15,2025
... Show More

The power of a book is truly remarkable when it can make you cheer for the wicked witch and feel resentment towards the seemingly oh-so-innocent Dorothy Hale. This ability to turn traditional sympathies on their head is a testament to the author's skill in creating complex and engaging characters.


Before you go to see the play, it is highly recommended that you read the book. By doing so, you will gain a deeper understanding of the story, the characters, and the themes that are explored. You will also be able to appreciate the differences between the book and the play, and see how the story has been adapted for the stage.


Whether you choose to read the book or see the play first, you are in for a treat. Both offer a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you thinking long after you have finished. So don't hesitate - pick up the book or buy your tickets today and prepare to be transported to a world of magic, mystery, and adventure!

July 15,2025
... Show More
Unfortunately, the sequel to the amazing WICKED was not as good.

It was a bit harder to read and follow for me. The story seemed to lack the same charm and magic that the original had. The characters didn't develop as deeply as I had hoped, and the plot had some holes that made it less engaging.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. I was really looking forward to continuing the adventures of the wonderful characters from the first book. However, this sequel just didn't live up to my anticipation.

Despite its flaws, there were still some redeeming qualities. The writing was still quite good, and there were a few moments that made me smile. But overall, it wasn't the great sequel that I had been hoping for.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Wicked was truly a delightful experience. It had a charm and magic that captivated audiences.

However, Son of a Witch takes a much darker turn. The tone is more somber, and the story delves into deeper and more complex themes.

Despite this, it has been very good so far. The author has managed to create a new and engaging narrative that builds on the world established in Wicked.

The characters are well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat.

Overall, while Son of a Witch may be darker than its predecessor, it is still a worthy addition to the series and a must-read for fans of Wicked.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I purchased this book due to the fact that I had witnessed the musical Wicked in NY and instantly fell in love with it. I had the thought that this book would serve as an extended rendition of the musical. And indeed, I was right in that regard as it was an extended version, and one could clearly see the origins of various parts of the musical. However, this book failed to captivate my interest in the same way as the musical did. There were numerous extended story lines that didn't contribute any real value to the overall narrative. I was also taken aback to discover some of the sex scenes within the book, considering I had thought it was more of a young adult book.

Overall, it was still interesting, and it did manage to make me reminisce about the musical. I have the intention of reading parts 2 and 3 as well. It should be noted that this critique is solely for Wicked, and I will provide a separate critique for Son of a Witch.
July 15,2025
... Show More
**Original Article**: The importance of exercise cannot be emphasized enough. It helps keep our bodies healthy and strong. Regular exercise can also improve our mood and reduce stress.

**Expanded Article**:

The significance of exercise simply cannot be overstated. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health and strength of our bodies. When we engage in regular exercise, it has a profound impact on our overall well-being.

Not only does it enhance our physical condition, but it also has a remarkable effect on our mental state. Regular exercise has been proven to improve our mood, making us feel happier and more positive. It serves as a natural stress reliever, helping us to unwind and relax after a long and tiring day.

In conclusion, incorporating exercise into our daily routine is essential for leading a healthy and fulfilling life. We should make a conscious effort to find the time and motivation to engage in some form of physical activity on a regular basis.

July 15,2025
... Show More
This particular work did not receive favorable reviews. However, I, for one, truly enjoyed it.

There is a certain charm and allure to it that perhaps others failed to see.

I firmly hold the belief that Liir was indeed Elphaba’s son.

The way the story unfolds and the details provided seem to strongly suggest this connection.

Although some may argue otherwise, my conviction remains unwavering.

Liir’s actions, his character traits, and the circumstances surrounding him all point to this conclusion.

It is this aspect of the story that really captured my imagination and made me appreciate it even more.

Despite the lack of positive feedback from others, I will continue to cherish this work for its unique qualities and the interesting perspective it offers on the relationship between Liir and Elphaba.
Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.