Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire (2005, Hardcover)

You won't believe the ending...this sequel to Wicked is an awesome edition to the World of OZ L. Frank Baum's Oz is a long way away from this darker more disturbing Oz. Some old favorites from Oz are still about in this novel, Dorothy, the Scarecrow and the Tinman return with a little more attitude than they had in The Wizard of OZ.
The Witch's son Lir heads out on his own adventures. The conflicts he faces are interesting and the plot twists are clever and inventive. I found this book better than Wicked but it left me with a sad feeling when it was over. Perhaps, I was more attached and I was much older when I read Son of A Witch. The point being, as the book shares, as you age, you gain insight, as does Lir.
The twists and turns will keep you reading well into the night. Keep an eye out for that green-skinned witch---you never know when she may return. I loved this book!

This book is the sequel to Wicked and continues the story of the "Wicked Witch of the West" after her death through the continuing life of her son, Lir. Although the storyline continues to be very deep and dark, I found it to be a surprisingly easy read (much less emphasis on politics) and the flow between the ending of Wicked and the beginning of this book is excellent. There are many references to things that happened in Wicked throughout this book as Lir reflects back on his childhood. It is therefore a MUST that you read Wicked before reading this- without that background information many things about the storyline will not make sense.

There are two things I found very enjoyable about this book. For one, the writing allows for much comparison between the personalities of Elphaba and Lir and how the differences play out when their characters were faced with similar situations. While Elphaba was very focused and purpose driven, Lir tends to plod through life, very unaware of self, allowing things to happen to him rather than trying to affect change. I also found it interesting to observe how Lir's feelings about Elphaba evolve through his reflections of her from childhood into adulthood. By the end of the book he has a much better understanding of who Elphaba was/what she stood for and ultimately gains a better understanding of who HE is.

Now for what I DIDN'T LIKE-- I was VERY disappointed by the way the book ends. There was very little, if any, resolution. Although Lir gains a better understanding of himself, little else about the plot is resolved- including the premise under which the book begins, Lir's search for his half-sister, Nor. There is also very little explanation of what happened to other main characters in this book. At the end they are just gone... I am wondering if there will be a 3rd book?? Otherwise, I will just feel cheated...

I love the book wicked which is all about the life and ties of the wicked witch of the west. This is a very fun sequal to that book feturing Elphaba's son liir and his life. ou get to see him grow from a wet blaket into a man that elphaba would be prod to admit was her son. follow liir on his jurneys ashe leaves Kiamo Ko with his mothers assassins Dorthy, The lion, The scarcrow, and the tin woodsman. Join him in the gaurd as he marches on quadling country. Cry for him when he is nearly murdeed by the emporers evil winged dragons, and grip th edge of your seet as candle plays her domingon to save his life! -- Read this book, But rad wicked first!!!

Whether you found Liir to be an interesting character in the first book or not you should definitely read this sequel. As a whiny, chubby, and lazy boy that followed Elphaba around in "Wicked," this book is focuses on Liir from the time Elphaba is killed until the time he is a grown man looking at a family of his own. Many of the characters from the first book reappear such as Glinda, Nor, Mother Yackle, the Superior Maunt, Commander Cherrystone, Oatsie, Christery, Nanny, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, Princess Nastoya, and Liir (of course). Also along the way come many new and interesting characters and more information about Elphaba and the legacy that she left behind. Many questions are answered in this book, including the most important, was Liir really Elphaba's son?

I loved Wicked, both the book and the musical, I also love this sequel, Son of a Witch! Wonderful use of language, brings you right into Oz, like you are right there! I am going crazy waiting for next year's sequel!

I loved both Wicked and Son of a Witch. I love the idea of the dark underbelly to OZ and the whole "what is evil" premise behind the books. This book takes place after the death of Elphaba and is the story of Liir, her son. Parts of it, particularly the part where Liir is in the military take a while to get where they're going but all in all I thought this was a great book. I loved the way things that happened in the first book that you may have completely forgotten about or thought would have no bearing at all come back in Son of a Witch with some important consequences. I liked the end and thought it put a nice wrap on the two books. The only thing I probably didn't like about this and/or both books is not getting a better explanation of who and what Yackle and Candle are. I haven't read any of Mr. Maguire's other books but I fully intend to now. He's a very witty and imaginative writer with very good writing skill.

This is the sequel to Wicked. After reading Wicked, which was disappointing, I decided to read the sequel. Although I don't care for Gregory Maguire's writing, He still captivated me into reading this book. Good for him! This book was even harder to get through than Wicked. It is almost daunting and boring to read. I could only read a couple of chapters at a time. But I must give the author credit,
the characters captivated me enough to make it to the end. I just had to find out. Even though I am beginning to loath this author's style, I can't wait to read his interpretation of the Lion!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But I will get it at the library. I don't think I would spend the money to own it.

This book was amazing. I bought Wicked and Son of a Witch together after seeing the broadway show. They are different from the show, which gives you a whole new experience when you read it. I highly recommend this book if you love hearing the back story to your favorite fairy tales.

I enjoyed the book a lot. I had read Wicked (bought on ebay also) and saw the show and found out this was the next book. I started reading it the day I got it and finished it in 3 days. I next gave it to my co-worker who read it - she liked it also. I am recommending it to all my family and friends. It was a great buy.

i love the whole wizard of oz story line. i really loved wicked..the story was fantastic. It was great to see what happens to the other characters in the story . especially liir. You also got to learn more about Elphaba . She is fantastic. Gregory Maguire is a very clever story teller and I will definately purchase more of heis books.

I loved reading Wicked and I loved reading Son of a Witch. I was really disappointed when I finished because I didn't want it to end. It is a great story all the way to the end. I couldn't stop reading it. I won't spoil it for anyone, I will just say it is a must read for anyone who enjoyed Wicked. It is just as good and very well written. Gregory Maguire knows how to write a good book. I really got into the lives of Liir and Candle, and it's too bad Elphaba was gone because I loved reading about her too in Wicked. Everyone should read Son of a Witch!

Was a good purchase. No dislike. I bought it because I read the first book, Wicked, and saw the musical and wanted to continue the saga.

I have read other Macguire books they are great this one is no exception. It isn't your childhood OZ!!

This book is a fabulous sequel to Wicked. I absolutely love it!! "Elphaba lives!!" I bought this one because I already owned the 1st edition of Wicked and A Lion Among Men, so I decided I wanted the whole 1st edition collection. It's one of my all time favorite series and thought it deserved to have a special place in my library. :) Also, the seller was great. My book arrived within a couple of days and he is accross the country from me. :)

Very Good Book!
I liked WICKED But I REALLY REALLY liked SON OF A WITCH.
I am hoping that McGuire will be adding to this story because I am hooked and want more!!!

There was a small cut on the front jacket cover, but for the price it was no big deal to me. Besides, I knew my sister would love the book I bought her for Chrsitmas. Thanks.

I was very happy about how quickly I received my book, I was also happy with the description. It was clear and honest.

Not what you expect at all. You have to know the basic story before you start to understand very different from what you expect

Great time delivery! Good condition! Fast service. THank you. I was anticipating the arrival since i have just gotten done reading Wicked, and wanted to know what happens to Liir.

I ordered the book as sequal to Wicked, the seller sent immediately- I received withing 3 days of order- FAST! Thw book I bought from some one else took 2 weeks! Thank you for prompt service.

i liked how it started just after the other left off..and went into detail about the boys life..alittle less of a political drama than the first, which i liked, but definitely more perverted in some sections. Good well rounded adult book though! definitely kept me reading! good book!

I love how fast it got to me. It was a Christmas present and it was here within 2 or 2 days after paying for it. I was really impressed. I would for sure buy from him again!
Thanks for the service!

I saw the Broadway Play "Wicked" and loved it. I saw this book at the theatre but was to expensive so when I saw it on ebay I bought it. so far it is a read!