Mika T. (totheark) reviewed on 9/6/2011 + 15 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

A great premise, but hard to muddle through at times.
(this is going to be pretty short)

This book is good. I won't say it isn't. It just wasn't my cup of tea this time around. I feel like it was too removed from the greatness that was Wicked - the dialogue felt stilted, the characters lackluster, the plot hard to get through compared with the former book. This book falls unfortunate victim to the old malady of 'sequelitis.' As a standalone, it's interesting enough, and well-done in its own way. But in the shadow of Wicked, it just doesn't please me as much.

Gregory Maguire is an excellent writer. In spite of what I felt were weakened characters and awkward dialogue, the main character Liir still managed to connect to me. I felt engaged it certain points by him, or intrigued by other characters. The main problem is the long dumps of boring or no action - I continually felt myself wanting to put the book down.

The story is just as sad and heart-breaking as the first, the perspective as woe-begotten as the former. It's well done, but heart-rending.

If you enjoyed Wicked, by all means, pick up this book. For the attentive and dedicated reader, it will engage and inspire. If you're feeling ADD, I recommend leaving it until you're ready to get focused. :)

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