Have a Heart

 So I guess I should preface the post with saying, I love the Wizard of Oz. Gregory Maguire is a fabulous fantasy fiction writer. Wicked has inspired millions and recreated the Wizard of Oz for an entire generation. A Lion Among Men  is the third of four books surrounding an atypical world of Oz.  For those of you that have read LL Balm version of Oz be prepared everything is not shiny and emerald green. Maguire creates a world of government corruption, war, famine, and hard times throughout all three books. Magic and mystery surround the familiar characters but their story is not always the same.

If you are just getting started this is a series that has to be read in order. Wicked, Son of Witch, A Lion Among Men and finally Out of Oz. Wicked is my favorite and a true classic. Son of a Witch is good and gives you a closer look at Dorthy and some of your favorites from the classic movie. A Lion Among Men however is shaping up to be my least favorite.

A Lion Among Men follows the cub,Brr, that Elphaba saves at Shiz University through his long life throughout Oz. Brr turns out to be the same cowardly lion that helps Dorthy defeat Elphaba years later.  Through his long pursuits he searches for the links to his past and his long connection with the Wicked Witch.

After starting to write this, I realize I cannot write to much about this without giving away to much about this great series. The Lion is not written to be a favorite character in this portrayal. He is cowardly and leaves those he cares for many times. Many questions are left unanswered and many stones unturned.

In the end, the coming of the fourth book will be the salvation for the series. I will read the last book next month. Until then Happy Reading!

Photo credit: Goodreads

( I had to make a quick swap for Maus II to the Alchemist because of  a book delay)