Let me start by saying this: Ozma of Oz is the book that solidified my love for the Oz series. Frank Baum’s third installment isn’t just a sequel—it’s a whirlwind of creativity, danger, and characters so vivid they leap off the page. If you’re on the fence about diving into this classic, let me break down why it’s worth your time.

The Plot: Dorothy’s back, and this time, she’s stranded in the mysterious Land of Ev after a storm tosses her ashore in a chicken coop (yes, really). From eerie Wheelers to a head-swapping princess and a treacherous Nome King, the stakes feel higher than ever. Baum’s knack for suspense had me white-knuckling my copy—especially during the Nome King’s deadly guessing game. It’s like watching a high-stakes chess match where the pieces are alive.

The Characters: Dorothy remains the heart of it all—resourceful, morally grounded, but refreshingly human (she complains about wet clothes just like we would). Billina the hen is a scene-stealer with her sassy debates about ethics and bug-eating. And Tiktok? A literal wind-up robot with programmed knowledge—mind-blowing for 1907! Princess Langwidere, though, is my favorite new addition. Thirty heads with different personalities? Pure genius. Her vanity and apathy make her oddly relatable (we’ve all had days where we just want to switch heads).

The Weakness: Okay, the title’s misleading. Ozma barely shows up until later, and she’s not the focus. But honestly? You won’t care once you’re knee-deep in flying sofas and talking chickens.

Why It Matters: Beyond being a rollicking adventure, Ozma of Oz quietly champions strong female leads in an era when that was radical. From Dorothy to ruling princesses (flawed or not), women drive the narrative—though Jinjur’s ‘happily ever after’ with cows feels dated. Also, Tiktok predates modern robotics; nerds like me geek out over that.

Final Verdict: If you loved Wizard of Oz but craved more depth (and quirkiness), this delivers. It’s darker than its predecessors yet brimming with whimsy. Perfect for fantasy lovers or anyone who enjoys stories where danger wears a smile. Pro tip: Watch ‘Return to Oz’ afterward—it borrows heavily from this book!