Books Like...

'Son of a Witch' by Gregory Maguire is a sequel to 'Wicked' that follows Liir, the son of the Wicked Witch of the West, as he navigates through his life in the land of Oz. The book delves into Liir's struggles, his search for his mother, and his interactions with various characters from the original Oz book, portraying a dark side of human nature and the complexities of the world created by Maguire. The narrative style of the book includes flashbacks to Liir's earlier life and explores themes of corruption, identity, and the impact of characters like Glinda and the Scarecrow in Liir's journey.

The opinions on 'Son of a Witch' highlight mixed feelings among readers, with some finding the book a worthy continuation of the series that offers a deeper look into the world of Oz and the character of Liir. However, others express disappointment in the plot development, characterization, and the unresolved nature of the story, leading to varied reactions towards Maguire's storytelling and the overall impact of the book on readers.

'Mirror Mirror' by Gregory Maguire is a retelling of the classic fairy tale Snow White, set in 16th-century Italy with Lucretia Borgia playing the role of the evil stepmother. The book combines elements of magic and history, blending the fantastical with real-life historical personalities like the Borgias. The story follows a dark, gritty, and more realistic version of the Snow White tale, incorporating political intrigue, supernatural events, and a unique twist on the traditional characters.

The writing style in 'Mirror Mirror' is described as rich, inventive, and at times dense by readers. Gregory Maguire's prose is praised for being unique and creative, with a focus on detail and historical references. The book is noted for its dark and morbid tone, engaging storytelling, and the author's ability to weave fantasy elements with real historical events seamlessly.

A retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale from the perspective of one of the stepsisters, set in 17th-century Holland during the tulip times. The story sheds new light on the characters, presenting them as real people rather than fairy tale stereotypes. The book explores themes of beauty, love, and the complexities of human nature, offering a fresh and engaging take on a well-known story.

"A Lion Among Men" by Gregory Maguire is the third installment in 'The Wicked Years' series and focuses on the character of the Cowardly Lion, also known as Brrr. The story follows Brrr's journey to find his family and his struggles to be accepted in a society where Animals are discriminated against. Through flashbacks and present-day encounters, the book delves into Brrr's past, his meeting with Dorothy, and his search for self-discovery in a world filled with intolerance.

The narrative of "A Lion Among Men" is a mix of backstory on the Cowardly Lion and present-day actions that provide insight into the character's past and personality. also introduces new characters like Yackle and explores the relationships between various characters from the previous books in 'The Wicked Years' series. The writing style blends elements of fantasy, introspection, and political intrigue, creating a complex and compelling narrative that adds depth to the overall story arc of the series.

In "A Wild Winter Swan" by Gregory Maguire, the story revolves around a teenage girl named Laura living in the Upper East Side of Manhattan in 1962. Laura's life is full of struggles, both socially and academically, as she navigates through a marginalized existence. One wintery night, a mysterious boy with a wing appears on her icy window ledge, resembling a character from a fairy tale. Laura takes on the role of caring for the boy, concealing him despite close calls of discovery. The narrative unfolds with a blend of Laura's day-to-day musings, her familial relationships, and the enigmatic presence of the swan boy, leading to a journey of self-discovery and transformation for Laura.

The writing style of Gregory Maguire in "A Wild Winter Swan" is engaging and delightful, with the use of infatuating literary techniques that compel readers to immerse themselves in the story. Through clever dialogue and intricate storytelling, Maguire masterfully weaves a tale that turns traditional fairy tales on their heads, exploring themes of love, friendship, imagination, and the power of storytelling. The book delves into Laura's struggles, her interactions with the swan boy, and the impact of fantasy on her journey towards self-realization.

'Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West' by Gregory Maguire offers a unique perspective on the classic story of The Wizard of Oz, delving into the life of the supposed villain, the Wicked Witch of the West, named Elphaba. The narrative reimagines the well-known tale, exploring themes of morality, religious zealotry, human behavior, and the nature of good and evil. Through a dark and sometimes sexually explicit tone, the book provides a complex and intricate storyline that challenges readers' perceptions of traditional fairy tales.

The author, Gregory Maguire, skillfully weaves a tale that captivates adult readers by delving into the personalities of fairy tale characters, offering a fantasy world that blurs the lines between childhood memories and adult realities. is characterized by its imaginative storytelling, clever twists on familiar characters, and a narrative that goes beyond the surface story of Oz, delving into deeper themes and character motivations that resonate with readers on a philosophical level.

Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell is a science fiction romance novel that follows the story of Tennal and Surit as they navigate a complex relationship in a universe filled with politics, mind games, and space adventures. The book seamlessly blends sci-fi elements with romance, delivering a satisfying plot with unexpected twists that keep readers engaged. The characters, Tennal and Surit, are portrayed as a sweet couple, with deep musings on themes of self-destructive behavior and personal growth.

The writing style of Everina Maxwell in Ocean's Echo has been praised for its ability to weave politics into romances, creating a compelling narrative that captures the readers' attention. The world-building in the novel is excellent, immersing readers in a universe filled with mystery and intrigue, while also exploring the concept of 'two souls becoming one' in a poetic and thought-provoking manner.

'A Single Man' by Christopher Isherwood is a poignant novella that delves into a day in the life of George, a gay Englishman living in California in 1962. The story follows George as he navigates through his seemingly normal day while dealing with the profound grief and rage stemming from the sudden death of his longtime partner, Jim. Isherwood's writing style is described as graceful, beautiful, and intimate, capturing George's inner turmoil and emotions with depth and authenticity. The book offers a character study that explores themes of loss, loneliness, aging, and the challenges of living as a minority in society.

Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake follows the story of Delilah returning to her hometown to photograph her stepsister Astrid's wedding, where she finds herself entangled in family drama but drawn to Claire, one of Astrid's bridesmaids. The book delves into themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery, portraying complex characters dealing with past traumas and exploring their identities. The narrative is filled with humor, romance, and emotional depth, capturing the dynamics between the characters in a small town setting.

Deerskin by Robin McKinley is a dark and powerful retelling of the fairy tale Donkeyskin, focusing on the story of Princess Lissar who is subjected to a horrific trauma at the hands of her own father. The novel delves into themes of abuse, survival, recovery, and self-healing as Lissar embarks on a journey of escape and redemption with her loyal hound, Ash, by her side. The writing style is described as lyrical, dreamlike, and at times, nightmarish, weaving together elements of fantasy, mythology, and raw emotion to create a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human resilience and the healing power of love.