I truly adored this book. It presented a completely different aspect of what was initially thought, unveiling a character who was far more complex than meets the eye. I firmly believe that nothing is ever as straightforward as it seems on the surface. In fact, there are always two or more sides to every story.

This book made me reflect deeply on the people I encounter or catch a brief glimpse of during a particular life event or a specific season of their lives. Often, we form a certain opinion of them based on that limited interaction. However, as the old saying goes, "You can never judge a book by its cover." We should always strive to look beyond the obvious and try to understand the true essence of a person or a situation.

Just like the character in the book, there may be hidden depths and emotions that we are not aware of. By keeping an open mind and being willing to explore different perspectives, we can gain a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of the world around us.

This book has taught me the importance of not jumping to conclusions and of being more empathetic and understanding towards others. It has truly been an eye-opening experience.

I truly adored the first half of Wicked. It had me completely hooked and addicted.

However, as the story progressed, it all seemed to fall apart. The writing, I must admit, was superb. There was no denying that. But the problem was that there were simply too many questions raised and almost no answers provided.

I decided to read this book because I have a deep love for the West End show. But to my disappointment, it was nothing like the show at all. I had this feeling that it could have been an absolute masterpiece, one of those books that make you laugh out loud one moment and cry your eyes out the next.

Unfortunately, instead of achieving that, it just ended up frustrating me. Nevertheless, I am still glad that I read it. I did have some liking for it. It just wasn't what I had hoped and expected it to be. I wanted so much more for Elphaba. So very much more, but the author seemed to deny her that.

It's a real pity that the book didn't live up to its full potential.

Introducing Liir, an adolescent boy with a tragic past. He was last seen hiding in the shadows of the castle after Dorothy did away with the Witch. Bruised and comatose, he was left for dead in a gully, his spirit as shattered as his form. However, his life takes a turn when he is tended to at the Cloister of Satin Glinda by the silent novice named Candle. With her remarkable musical gifts, Candle wills him back to life. Her gentle melodies and nurturing presence slowly bring Liir back from the brink of death. As he recovers, he begins to find a glimmer of hope in the midst of his despair. Candle's care and the peaceful environment of the cloister start to heal his physical and emotional wounds. Liir's journey from the brink of death to a newfound lease on life is a testament to the power of love and the human spirit.

I would rather read the sewers chapter of Les Misérables ten times than read this again. This statement emphasizes the strong aversion or dissatisfaction one feels towards a particular text or piece of writing. The sewers chapter of Les Misérables, although perhaps not the most glamorous or exciting part of the novel, is still a significant and well-written section. By comparing the act of reading it ten times to reading the other text just once, it implies that the latter is of such poor quality or uninteresting nature that it is almost unbearable. It could be that the language is dull, the plot is unengaging, or the ideas presented are not thought-provoking. Whatever the reason, the person making this statement has clearly formed a negative opinion and would much prefer to revisit a known and respected piece of literature rather than endure the experience of reading this again.

I have already completed the first book, "Wicked", in this collector's edition.

"Wicked" is an extremely long book, and the font in this particular edition is rather small. As a result, it took me a considerable amount of time to finish it.

Despite the fact that some parts of the story have a slightly dark nature, I truly relished it. Reading the beginning of this childhood story that I adored, as an adult, was most definitely worthwhile.

I have a plan to commence reading "Son of a Witch" shortly. It will be interesting to see how this continuation of the story unfolds and what new adventures and characters it will introduce.

I am looking forward to delving into the next installment and further exploring the magical world that has been created.

Wicked is truly a remarkable and strange adaptation that exists parallel to the original tale penned by L. Frank Baum. It is a book specifically tailored for adults, as it contains elements such as swear words, violence, and sex, yet all presented in a tasteful manner. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and the unique spin it offers on a classic tale. Wicked delves deep into the life of the Wicked Witch of the West, starting from her birth and continuing until shortly after her demise. It is evident that with the inclusion of Dorothy, this text is not part of Baum's original story.

Son of a Witch, on the other hand, overlaps with Wicked and follows the journey of Liij, a boy whom many believe to be the son of Elphaba. In this tale, Liij attempts to save his supposed half-sister and discover his place in the world. While this story was perhaps less fluid at times and a bit challenging to follow, I still relished the overall journey. The characters and their struggles added depth and complexity to the overall narrative, making it an engaging read.

Both of these books offer a fresh and exciting take on the familiar world of Oz, and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a unique and thought-provoking read.

I didn't love this book as much as I had initially expected.

I had thought that the musical was truly outstanding, and I really enjoyed the character of the Ugly Stepsister.

However, this book just didn't seem to interest me.

I found certain parts of it to be rather tedious, and whenever I picked it up again after a break, I often had to go back and re-read those sections.

It's not that the book was terrible, but it just didn't have the same charm and appeal for me as the musical did.

Maybe it was the way the story was told or the writing style, but for whatever reason, this book just didn't manage to capture my attention and hold it throughout.

I'm still glad I gave it a try, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

The Greatest Books I've Ever Read!!!

I have been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. Over the years, I have come across numerous books that have left a lasting impact on me. However, there are a few that stand out as the greatest.

One such book is "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. This classic novel explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in a small Southern town. The characters are well-developed and the story is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.

Another book that I consider to be one of the greatest is "1984" by George Orwell. This dystopian novel描绘了 a future society where the government has complete control over every aspect of people's lives. The book is a powerful warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of protecting our freedoms.

In conclusion, these are just a few of the greatest books I've ever read. Each one has taught me something valuable and has made me a better person. I highly recommend them to anyone who loves to read.

It never engaged me.

This was truly unfortunate because I had been eagerly looking forward to reading it.

I had high hopes that it would capture my interest and draw me into its pages.

However, from the very beginning, I found myself unable to connect with the content.

The story or the ideas presented just didn't seem to resonate with me.

It was as if there was a barrier between me and the text, preventing me from fully immersing myself in it.

Despite my initial anticipation, I quickly realized that this was not going to be the engaging read that I had hoped for.

It left me feeling a bit disappointed, but also reminded me that not every book or piece of writing is going to appeal to everyone.

Sometimes, we have to accept that certain things just don't click with us, no matter how much we might have wanted them to.

A bit tame compared to Wicked. This statement implies that there is something else, namely Wicked, which is considered more intense, exciting, or perhaps even a bit wild. However, the thing being described as "a bit tame" still has its own qualities and charm. It might not have the same level of drama or edginess as Wicked, but it could offer a different kind of experience. Maybe it's more subdued in its approach, yet still manages to engage and interest the audience. It could be a story, a performance, or any other form of art that doesn't rely on shock value or over-the-top antics. Instead, it might focus on more subtle aspects such as character development, beautiful scenery, or a touching storyline. In conclusion, while it may not be as bold as Wicked, it can still hold its own and provide a worthwhile experience for those who are willing to look beyond the surface.

I didn't actually finish "Son of a Witch" as it was just too uninteresting to get into.

There were indeed some problems with "Wicked", but at least it had enough entertainment value to keep me engaged and get through it. However, with "Son of a Witch", I simply couldn't understand what was happening.

The story seemed to lack a clear direction and the characters didn't draw me in. It felt like a disjointed mess, and I found myself losing interest quickly.

I had high hopes for "Son of a Witch" after enjoying "Wicked" to some extent, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. Maybe I'll give it another try someday, but for now, I'm moving on to other books.

After a long and arduous struggle, I finally managed to complete this two-in-one volume. It has truly been a remarkable journey, not entirely in line with my initial expectations, but I am overjoyed to have finished it. So, here is a comprehensive review of both books for you to enjoy!

REVIEW FOR WICKED:

I first discovered Wicked through the TV series Glee. They performed one of its songs, Defying Gravity, and I was instantly captivated. This sparked my curiosity to read the book, as seeing the musical was simply not an option. It took me over 10 years, but thanks to a friend who lent me this volume, I was finally able to delve into the story.

It should be noted that I have never read the original The Wizard of Oz book, nor do I remember much of what the film was like. To be honest, as far as musicals go, it's not my favorite piece. That being said, I absolutely loved this rendition of their villain.

My first impression upon reading the book was its unique use of language. It combines old, fairy tale-like words with modern-day humor. Executed perfectly, it is able to tell a story that is as old as time, yet add a touch of realism with today's wit. Brilliantly done, I must say.

The story also didn't begin where I thought it would. With no prior knowledge of the plot, I had assumed something entirely different. I thought Elphie would be much closer to Galinda/Glinda, based on the song I mentioned earlier. Now, however, I can't even picture a scene in which that song would be performed. That being said, I do adore the friendship they have, although it now feels almost bittersweet. Besides those two, I also have a soft spot for Boq, especially in the way Elphie interacts with him. It's quite endearing.

What I didn't expect from this book was its depth of political themes, so different from the The Wizard of Oz I remember. Various scenes and storylines require a deeper understanding of how the world works, in other words, it's not at all suitable for children. I would argue that it's a much more fitting retelling for adults, especially those who believe there's more to the story of the Witch.

The ending, in particular, felt a bit abrupt to me. We all know how the Witch's story ends, as we've seen it in The Wizard of Oz, but the events leading up to it didn't build up enough to make it truly satisfying. Or perhaps I was hoping for a bit more drama than was provided.

REVIEW FOR SON OF A WITCH:

I never actually planned on reading this book, but since it was bundled with Wicked, I saw no reason not to. After reading Wicked, I was more eager to read this sequel. The story follows the boy Liir, who may or may not be Elphaba's descendant.

This story doesn't really allow for much chemistry among the characters, as loneliness and the feeling of not belonging are the essence of what makes Liir such a unique character. It doesn't follow a chronological storyline, jumping back and forth in time, but I found this added to the story's interest. However, if you're looking for a lot of nostalgia from this sequel, I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, as there aren't many old characters involved.

Overall, I found the stories quite interesting, although they were rather tedious to read at times. There were many parts that seemed to go nowhere, and the story didn't quite come full circle, which was disappointing to me. It does have that adult fairy-tale feel, which I found enjoyable to read. However, if you're easily bored and not a fan of fantasies, I wouldn't recommend this book.