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Summary: Further adventures of Dorothy
Review: "Ozma of Oz," by L. Frank Baum, continues the adventures of Dorothy. In this installment in the series, Dorothy is blown off a ship and is washed ashore on the magical Land of Ev. With the help of some magical beings, she attempts to rescue the bewitched royal family of Ev from the Nome King.You should really read "The Marvelous Land of Oz" before "Ozma," since this book reads very much like a follow-up to "Land." The plot of "Land" is briefly summarized and otherwise referred to. A number of characters from "Land" also reappear in "Ozma": the Saw-Horse, Ozma (of course!), etc. "Ozma" is full of fun, fantastic characters. Tiktok, the mechanical man, is an interesting complementary character for Baum's Tin Woodman. But my favorite character in "Ozma" is probably Billina, the feisty talking hen. She's funny, smart and heroic. "Ozma" is further proof of Baum's genius as a storyteller of the realm of the fantastic.
Rating:
Summary: The return of Dorothy. Gotta love it!
Review: After Baum's success with the first book, he penned the sequel "The Marvelous Land of Oz". It was a decent book, but it was missing one important element. Dorothy. He corrects that oversight in this one, and the book (and the rest of the series) is all the better for it. Dorothy makes her second trip to Oz, this time with her chicken Billina (don't worry, Toto would also return in later volumes) and the action is non-stop. If you planned on reading the series and had a tough time getting through book 2, don't stop. They keep getting better and better as Baum develops into a first-rate author. Read them in order and don't stop until you've finished book 14 (and then even dip into the books by other authors, none are as inspired as Baum's, but some of them are pretty good). And if you've read all the Oz books and are looking for other titles that are just as magical and just as inspired, try the Chronicles of Narnia, King Fortis the Brave or Abarat. All will introduce you to other magical worlds that are every bit as fun to visit as Oz.
Rating:
Summary: The return of Dorothy. Gotta love it!
Review: After Baum's success with the first book, he penned the sequel "The Marvelous Land of Oz". It was a decent book, but it was missing one important element. Dorothy. He corrects that oversight in this one, and the book (and the rest of the series) is all the better for it. Dorothy makes her second trip to Oz, this time with her chicken Billina (don't worry, Toto would also return in later volumes) and the action is non-stop. If you planned on reading the series and had a tough time getting through book 2, don't stop. They keep getting better and better as Baum develops into a first-rate author. Read them in order and don't stop until you've finished book 14 (and then even dip into the books by other authors, none are as inspired as Baum's, but some of them are pretty good). And if you've read all the Oz books and are looking for other titles that are just as magical and just as inspired, try the Chronicles of Narnia, King Fortis the Brave or Abarat. All will introduce you to other magical worlds that are every bit as fun to visit as Oz.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite of the Series
Review: All of Baum's Oz books were enjoyable, but this one was unquestionably my favorite. It seems somehow different from the others in numerous ways. Humor was prominent in many of the books, but in this book the humor was somewhat subdued. Also, the sense of danger and menace was quite profound, from Dorothy's initial shipwreck to being chased by the Wheelers to the battle of wits with the Nome King. The Nome King, incidentally, is protrayed as cunnning and (for the most part) subdued. This makes his presence as the villian very intriguing, much moreso (in my opinion) than when he is protrayed as a bellowing buffoon (as in book 8). Other enjoyable elements are the introduction of the fiesty and clever Billina (my favorite Oz character), and the enchantment of the major characters by the Nome King. In later books Ozma is an almost god-like figure who seems unscathable, and often acts as a deux ex machina. In this book, however, we see her in a moment of rare vulnerability, whic makes her much more interesting in my opinion. I found all of Baum's Oz books to be enjoyable in some way, but the drama and tension of "Ozma of Oz" was never quite matched, and it remains my favorite of the series.
Rating:
Summary: My Favorite of the Series
Review: All of Baum's Oz books were enjoyable, but this one was unquestionably my favorite. It seems somehow different from the others in numerous ways. Humor was prominent in many of the books, but in this book the humor was somewhat subdued. Also, the sense of danger and menace was quite profound, from Dorothy's initial shipwreck to being chased by the Wheelers to the battle of wits with the Nome King. The Nome King, incidentally, is protrayed as cunnning and (for the most part) subdued. This makes his presence as the villian very intriguing, much moreso (in my opinion) than when he is protrayed as a bellowing buffoon (as in book 8). Other enjoyable elements are the introduction of the fiesty and clever Billina (my favorite Oz character), and the enchantment of the major characters by the Nome King. In later books Ozma is an almost god-like figure who seems unscathable, and often acts as a deux ex machina. In this book, however, we see her in a moment of rare vulnerability, whic makes her much more interesting in my opinion. I found all of Baum's Oz books to be enjoyable in some way, but the drama and tension of "Ozma of Oz" was never quite matched, and it remains my favorite of the series.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely book
Review: Firstly, if you are new to the Oz series, read The Marvelous Land of Oz before reading this book. Marvelous Land of Oz is what directly follows the original, infamous Oz book.
Believe me they just keep getting better.
This is a lovely book to read aloud to children of all ages. I highly reccomend all of the Oz books for their amusing, imaginitve characters(in this book, The Wheelings and Billinia are introduced) , their fantastical situations (trees with lunch boxes full of food, talking chickens, a shipwreak, all in this one), sweet plot and storylines. These books still stand the test of time (written over 100 years ago!)for good reason.
This book really sets the tone for the rest of the books to follow and in my opinion the best. A must read for every family.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely book
Review: Firstly, if you are new to the Oz series, read The Marvelous Land of Oz before reading this book. Marvelous Land of Oz is what directly follows the original, infamous Oz book.
Believe me they just keep getting better.
This is a lovely book to read aloud to children of all ages. I highly reccomend all of the Oz books for their amusing, imaginitve characters(in this book, The Wheelings and Billinia are introduced) , their fantastical situations (trees with lunch boxes full of food, talking chickens, a shipwreak, all in this one), sweet plot and storylines. These books still stand the test of time (written over 100 years ago!)for good reason.
This book really sets the tone for the rest of the books to follow and in my opinion the best. A must read for every family.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book
Review: I agree with the other reviewers. I first read this book in grade school and it is my favorite Oz book. I still re-read it from time to time, twenty years later. It's a great book for kids or adults who like fantasy. One caveat: just like the Grimm fairy tales, the Oz books are a lot more violent than many modern kids stories. The main characters are often threatened with gruesome violence (though it never comes to pass). I find this refreshing but parents might want to read the stories with their children so they can talk about it.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Oz Book Ever Written!
Review: I first read this book when I was four (with the help of my dad) and I still love it just as passionately. Baum's Oz books are enjoyable for both children and adults.
Rating:
Summary: These books are awesome.
Review: I just love this books. So much imagination! I read this book back in first grade. I read a lot that year, and no book stuck in my mind like this one did. I have remembered the story for years, because it is so original. I recently checked it out in the library to re-read it, and it was every bit as good. I recommend this book to all ages, L. Frank is da Baum! :)
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