The Oz Series

by L. Frank Baum
The Oz Series cover
Good Books rating 4.12
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  • ID: 79
  • Added: 2025-09-02
  • Updated: 2025-09-02
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
mixed 3.50

Reviewers had mixed opinions on 'The Magic of Oz', with some praising the adventurous and lighthearted nature of the series, while others found the plot disjointed and lacking cohesion. The Glass Cat was a standout character for many, adding humor and charm to the stories. Some reviewers appreciated the return of beloved characters like the Cowardly Lion, while others found certain characters unlikable and the plot weak compared to other books in the series.

Reviewers of 'The Magic of Oz' had varied experiences with the book. Some found it to be a fun and adventurous read, enjoying the lighthearted tone and the return of beloved characters like the Cowardly Lion. The Glass Cat was particularly praised for adding humor and charm to the stories. However, others felt that the plot was disjointed and lacked cohesion, making it one of the weaker entries in the series. The Nome King's plan and its humorous backfire were highlighted as entertaining elements. Some reviewers also noted that certain characters, like Kiki Aru, were unlikable and detracted from the overall enjoyment. Despite these criticisms, many agreed that the book was still entertaining and a fun read, especially for fans of the series.

Quick quotes

    I love the Glass Cat so much. Like, you guys. It's such an unrepentant little bastard.

    This was a typical Oz novel. The premise of the novel is that all the charactrs are planning birthday surprises for Ozma, and the novel recounts their adventures while obtaining the best surprises.

    Definitely suffered a bit being read directly after _The Emerald City of Oz_, [in my estimation](https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/242836087) one of the series' strongest, as this late installation — one of the few I'd never read before — felt particularly weak.

reddit.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
nostalgic 4.50

Scott Bradfield reflects on the enduring influence of L. Frank Baum's Oz series, particularly 'The Patchwork Girl of Oz,' which he received as a child. The book's imaginative landscapes and characters captivated him, and the personal dedication from his mother added a special significance. The review also touches on the author's attempts to reconnect with his mother's childhood through the stories she loved.

Scott Bradfield's review of the Oz series by L. Frank Baum is a heartfelt reflection on the impact these books had on his life. He recalls receiving 'The Patchwork Girl of Oz' as a child and being immediately captivated by its imaginative characters and landscapes. The book's influence was profound, not just for its storytelling but also for the personal connection it provided to his mother, who shared her love for the series with him. Bradfield also delves into his own childhood memories, trying to piece together his mother's life through the stories and mementos she left behind. The review highlights the emotional resonance of the Oz books, which transcended mere entertainment to become a bridge between generations.

Quick quotes

    The writing was way above my comprehension level, but as anyone who enjoys reading knows, comprehension isn’t what good fiction is remotely about. It’s about going along for the ride, even when you aren’t entirely certain how the ride works, or where you’re going until you get there.

    For me, the most significant aspect of every Oz book I ever read as a child — or later reread to my son several decades later — was never simply the stories and characters they conveyed. Rather, they resounded with visions of my mother’s childhood in San Francisco, a landscape as far away and interesting to my youthful imagination as the color-coordinated kingdoms of the Winkies, Quadlings, Gillikins, and Munchkins.

    The high point of each day was the afternoon when I came inside to watch Popeye cartoons on a small black-and-white television, a show that Grandma considered a bad influence because one of its subsidiary characters, Wimpy, was always welching on debts.

blog.mugglenet.com · Unknown · 2025-09-17
delightful 4.50

The reviewer praises L. Frank Baum's 'The Marvelous Land of Oz' for its humor, wordplay, and deeper themes, highlighting the illustrations by John R. Neill that brought Oz to life. They appreciate Baum's ability to balance adult humor with accessibility for young readers, as well as his exploration of feminist ideas and social commentary.

The reviewer is excited to discuss 'The Marvelous Land of Oz', the second book in the Oz series, which they believe truly establishes the series. They appreciate the historical context and the transition from Denslow's whimsical illustrations to Neill's more detailed and realistic style, which they find more engaging. The reviewer enjoys Baum's use of wordplay and humor, which is accessible to both adults and children. They also note the feminist themes and social commentary in the book, particularly the portrayal of women taking charge and the critique of male rulers. Overall, the reviewer finds the book to be a delightful and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    I love the whimsy of Denslow’s illustrations, it’s Neill who brought Oz to life for me. It’s because of him that I fell in love with the characters and the magic of Oz.

    Baum was very careful to make sure that his ‘adult’ humor never left any of his young readers feeling they had missed something, or that a joke was being told over their heads.

    In addition to humor and absurdity, Baum frequently pauses to consider deeper ideas, in this world where strange beings can be brought to life with some magic powder and a few words.

lareviewofbooks.org · Unknown · 2019-10-12
enchanting 4.00

The Oz series by Frank Baum is often overlooked in fantasy discussions but holds significant historical value as early examples of the genre. While the initial book is well-known, the series maintains a charming and imaginative quality throughout.

The Oz series, particularly those written by L. Frank Baum, is a treasure trove of early fantasy literature that often gets overshadowed by more contemporary works. The series is noted for its imaginative storytelling and whimsical characters, which have left a lasting impact on the genre. While the first book, 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,' is the most famous, the subsequent books continue to deliver the same enchanting charm and creativity. The series is a must-read for those interested in the roots of fantasy literature and the evolution of the genre. The reviewer appreciates the series for its historical significance and the joy it brings to readers, making it a valuable addition to any fantasy enthusiast's library.

Quick quotes

    The Oz series is a pretty early example of fantasy

    I hardly ever hear about the Oz series on here, even though I suppose it's fantasy

    The series maintains a charming and imaginative quality throughout.

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