Helpful Score: 8
Everytime I start one of Gregory Maguire's books, I am reminded that his style takes some getting used to. Once with the flow, however, I am happily on a new adventure. I loved Wicked, and liked Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men is a worthy addition to the series. I would agree that nothing is resolved in the books. Questions are posed that I expect--and hope--will be answered in the next installment. That is how the original OZ books struck me, as well. Each book a little more about the old characters and a slew of new ones to look forward to learning more. Anyone who has read the series so far, and enjoyed it, is probably asking what exactly did happen to the Scarecrow after he left the limelight....or was it the Scarecrow at all?
Helpful Score: 6
Much like the protagonist of the story, the Cowardly Lion, this novel seemed to meander about with no clear direction. By the end of the story I was left feeling that there was no resolution at all, only more questions about the characters of the last two novels. I did not find Brrr or Yackle to be interesting at all, rather I was much more interested in the other minor characters (who, for those yet to read it, may or may not actually be "minor" in relation to the overall story arc). I like Gregory Maquire's style, and because of that, I have given this story 4 stars. His "take" on the Oz mythos is both original and interesting. But where Wicked started out with the question of what is evil, A Lion Among Men doesn't seem to have a question at all. Read it to be complete, but don't expect much more than that.
Helpful Score: 3
The book was so ...... boring It took me FOREVER to read it and I LOVED the other two.
This was NOTHING like what I had hoped it to be. Trust me.. save your money this was ... a waste of mine.
This was NOTHING like what I had hoped it to be. Trust me.. save your money this was ... a waste of mine.
Helpful Score: 2
Nice continuation of the Wicked series, although not as good as Wicked or Son of a Witch. It does, however, leave me wanting more and looking forward to the next book in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
I'm always conflicted when an author takes liberties with fairy tales. The Lion is such a pathetic character, and with a little more humor, he'd be a brother to Eeyore. Nothing is resolved, but the Clock of the Time Dragon tells us more than in previous stories. I did not love it, but I did not hate it either. I think my love for the Wizard of Oz will always get me to read anything that might hint to the story.
Helpful Score: 1
I had no idea this book was coming out, so imagine my surprise when I see in the airport a book that I *think* is a Gregory Maguire book. And then how happy I am to find it is a continuation of the Wicked storylines!
Of all the Wizard of Oz characters, the Cowardly Lion was one of the ones that was least interesting to me. However, that didnt stop me from immediately buying and reading this book. It starts out kind of slow, and I admit that the switching from time and character was a bit frustrating at first. I would feel like I was just getting into a story and then bam! different character.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://dorolerium.com/?p=151
Of all the Wizard of Oz characters, the Cowardly Lion was one of the ones that was least interesting to me. However, that didnt stop me from immediately buying and reading this book. It starts out kind of slow, and I admit that the switching from time and character was a bit frustrating at first. I would feel like I was just getting into a story and then bam! different character.
To read the rest of my review, please visit:
http://dorolerium.com/?p=151
Helpful Score: 1
The best of the "Wicked Years" series!
This was my favorite so far in the Wicked series, but maybe it's because these characters have become friends and creatures I care about. Maguire is an environment weaver of sights and sounds that are so detailed and creative and unique. Maguire writes from a very male voice for me, yet I still keep reading him. There has got to be something about him, and I think it's the vision and wonderful details that he depicts. Recommend.
I love Gregory Maguire and am amazed at his imagination and depth of character development. He reveals just enough about his characters to make me want more and then leaves me hanging for more! It's maddening, but I love his writing and this series!!!
The third installment of the Wicked series is much better than the second ("Son of a Witch"). "A Lion Among Men," in my opinion, is an instant classic that is just as good as "Wicked" with many surprises.
This is the third book in Gregory Maguire's "Wicked Years" series of Oz-revisionist novels, and is also probably the least. That's not to say it's a bad book - far from it - but it just doesn't seem to have the momentum that the first two installments had. This story focuses on the character of Brr, the Cowardly Lion, who is now working for the Emperor of Oz and has been dispatched to interview a mysterious female figure who always seemed to be present in Elphaba's life (Elphaba, of course, being the Wicked Witch of the West of the first book). The purposes behind this interview process are slowly revealed, and as part of the bargain Brr is forced to tell his own backstory, which of course is interesting and actually quite sad. I came to like Brr a lot, and definitely felt for him because, as repeated several times in the novel, his lot in life seemed definitely unlucky. However, that is the main problem with the narrative - there is simply too much repeating of scenes, sentences, and events from the first two books to qualify this tale as a total triumph. Ultimately, though, the book is worth the read if you're a fan of the first two novels, and by the end of "A Lion Among Men", several questions are answered but so, of course, new ones are asked. I hope Maguire continues his Oz series, because the dark tapestry of brooding characters, political machinations, and fantasy adventure he's created is nothing short of engaging.
It is a good story but feels like it's just a book that is meant to connect two good stories...it's a little slow and definitely ends with the signal that another, much more riveting story will be on its way.
My least favorite of the Wicked Books so far. I guess the cowardly Lion doesn't really have an interesting backstory to tell (?)
I felt this book was a lot slower read than the first two. It filled in quite a bit of detail, but was a bit tedious to read.
Just finished this enjoyable book by Gregory Maguire which I rate at 3.5 stars. The tale captures the personality of the Cowardly Lion in a delightful and whimsical way. I felt sorry for this poor fellow as he rambled about trying to find a place where he fit. No one seemed to understand his quiet and peace loving nature. It's an entertaining and fun read that focuses on this beloved character and the last in the series that I've finally read.
This is the follow up of the other two books written by Gregory Maguire. In this book you find anwers to some of the questions you have from t previous readings. the main character in this book and some kind of detective is Brr the "Coward lion."
Of the 3 books in the series I liked this one the least. Seemed to drag on and I didn't feel for the lion as I did for the Witch and the son. Became confusing at times but again like the other books great description of the settings.
Having read all of three of the Wicked books, I found that this one was the most difficult to get through. I wasn't that interested in the Lion's story in the first place, and all I kept thinking was, "When the heck is Liir going to show up and save this story??" I am glad I read it, however, because I still love the world of Oz. I just hope that the next one (if there will be one) will be a lot better than this one.
Ashley Ziegler (ashleyslibrary) reviewed A Lion Among Men (Wicked Years, Bk 3) on + 15 more book reviews
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
I thought the Cowardly Lion was very relatable and I very much so enjoyed Yackle's major role since she has been my favorite character since Wicked.
After reading Son of A Witch and HATING it, this was an amazing book and made it more worth getting through.
Seriously, this was my favorite book in the Wicked years thus far. Cannot wait to read Out of Oz.
I thought the Cowardly Lion was very relatable and I very much so enjoyed Yackle's major role since she has been my favorite character since Wicked.
After reading Son of A Witch and HATING it, this was an amazing book and made it more worth getting through.
Seriously, this was my favorite book in the Wicked years thus far. Cannot wait to read Out of Oz.
