I, like many others, fell under the guise that this would have some direct connection to either the 1939 film, which was only somewhat referenced, or that it would hold some closeness to the Broadway adaptation. Perhaps I should have done a bit more research. The part of the play in the book is maybe 13% of the book and that’s if you skipped the “vulgarities and less family friendly parts”. As an adult I imagine with a card or Apple account it’s a bit childish to be so squeamish, but there are for sure some parts that make me think something should have mentioned some of the somewhat disturbing parts before sealing the deal and finalizing the purchase.

Regardless, I was nearly incapable of keeping super strong interest and thumbing non-stop. To say the least the plot was thickened for some form of backstory but it was boring for the most part. I certainly couldn’t put into a plot diagram where the exposition ends, the rising actions start, and certainly not where the climax is, although the whole book felt like a conflict… of whether to put it down permanently. Maybe I just overlooked but it also lost my attention for three months of picking up and putting down. I know I am pleased I didn’t get the whole series because it’s not often crossed my mind to DNF

I wasn’t really sure of this book at first but it sucked me and kept me flicking the pages from right to left for a week. It’s different and worth a read.

For all the reviews saying that it was not like to musical or they read/listened to it, because they love the musical. Please note that this book came long before the musical was created. The themes in the book, deal with sexuality, rape, xenophobia, and at times is very political.

This is not a companion piece to the musical. The musical is similar in a lot of aspects however, some of the more graphic contact has been removed and edited for a more family-friendly audience. For that matter, it is not even a companion piece to the movie because it takes place prior to the events in the movie.

Go into it with an open mind and heart and you’ll enjoy the ride!

Do not go into reading this expecting it to be like the musical. It is completely different. But it is absolutely fantastic. It deals with sexuality, good versus evil, individualism, politics and everything else under the sun in a powerful way. Maguire’s writing style is so unique and addictive. Probably not for everyone though: definitely not light reading. I would 100% recommend at least sampling this book though, it’s one of my new favorites!!

I was so looking forward to reading the back story. Unfortunately, it is nothing like the stage musical at all. The verbiage is very difficult to understand and the story often times doesn’t make much sense. I was looking forward to reading a series, but I’m gonna have to spare myself the trouble of trying to get through another McGuire novel.

I bought this book because I wanted to know what all the hubbub was with the stage play; which I have yet to experience. Otherwise, I am coming from the love of the 1939 movie, ‘The Wizard Of Oz’.

If the author was trying to create something new, that much was a success. But, taking characters we all have known since the 1939 movie and giving them altogether different characteristics and sidling up to any parallels to well known actions or activities and acting like an alternate reality has occurred without warning the reader to expect, and, changing those well known outcomes - it’s hard to accept.

This book is full of descriptive sexual exploits and the gamut of spectrum dealing with politics. The Wizard is described as a tyrant who wants and needs to proliferate his reach. There are new characters that seem to be more at the frontlines than one would expect.

Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West, was so far removed from the movie screen character; more demure than anything, even if she (sparsely) shows anger. She is hardly seen as the boisterous evil witch of the screen. She takes on the role of victim more than all other character traits. Be prepared to look up a plethora of words and sit through so much rambling.

Honestly, hard as it was, I finished the first book hoping to find some spell or magic to say that something would cause the books characters to be whisked backwards in time, at some point to start again, so the story would have to realign with the activities of the movie. Instead, it was a doubling down to conclude in its own right; which was very disappointing overall.

In the end, this book gives me no interest in continuing with the rest of the series. Again, this is coming from one who has only known of the movie version of the story to base this review on.

I could not put it down! I could feel all the emotion felt. Made my heart pound. Cried. Loved the wicked witch. Only wish Fierro and Elphaba were together in the end. I saw the WICKED play this year for the first time. Bought the musical show album. I listen driving to work daily. I always loved the Wizard of Oz growing up since 1960. Thank you for the books . Cannot wait to start on SON OF A WITCH...

i love wicked the musical and i like this book a little bit worse than wicked the musical

This book is not at all what I expected from growing to love the play. The characters all meet a very unhappy end. I like something happy to look forward to in a novel and this book didn't provide that for me. The language in which Maguire writes can be hard to follow at times. The story was definitely very inventive and had a lot going on, but it was too political for my taste. I wouldn't really recommend this book. It was alright, not great and not horrible, if that makes sense.

I thought it was the best book ever

This book is amazing! I'll never be able to watch "Wizard of Oz" the same way again.

Wicked shows the interesting point of elphaba(AKA the wicked witch of the west ) and maguires view on oz. I enjoyed this book, but didn't think it was 5 star worthy, because of some unneeded sexual content and strong language.

I honestly hated how hard it was for me to get the whole picture. The language was annoying. I used the dictionary a lot during reading this. I ended up using the spark notes to understand everything. Idk... To each is own.

Why can't we get the book which has the maps? Which is the other cover... Please make it available ... That would be great!

This is the most amazing book before you see wicked the musical helps you understand it read it love it

Not at all what I expected. At the beginning of each chapter the author overly embellished the description of each location. It was actually painful to read up to 5 paragraphs of rambling made up words and other words that sounded like he sat with a thesaurus to come p with 10 cent words.

As for the plot, if you saw the Broadway show Wicked do not red this book. You will be let down. The play is loosely based on this novel. And the Broadway show had a better plot.

The ending was the major let down. Basically the ended the story with a quick ending and left so many unresolved questions that were really not important to the storyline.

Don't bother reading this book....just see the play, you will be much happier.

I've never come across an app or book that was unavailable for purchase...fix please!!

There's no point in reading this when theres better versions of the book. And plus the author is putting even more pages to the book in this version.

I just love this book! <3

This book is amazing it explains all the Unexpected confusions truthfully part 1of the book lost my interest because it's background and a set up for the glorious story it turns out to be so buy this book and just a heads up this book is cheaper here than in stores by 7 dollars just 4 paperback

I love the play,hope I will love the books. I suggest to those who read the first to continue the series with Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Man. Long live the Witch!!!!!!!!! Maybe I'll try deifying gravity......................

What a wonderful take on the characters of the Wizard of Oz! Hard to put down! Sad when it was over!

Encore, Bravo!

Thank you so much for stories that us not too grownup people can get lost in.

This has become one of my favorites!

I have read this book 4 times in 3 years and I can't wait until I go buy the forth one. I wouldn't recommend that anyone under 5th grade read it though.

Saw the musical on broardway then read the book then saw it again! Wish for wicked 2,3,4 and beyond. Want it as a movie

This is one of my favorite books ever, it is great, but be forewarned, it is an adult book, and far less kid-friendly than the musical.

I saw the play and if the book is any thing like it you will love it as much as i do

Buyers beware! The e-book is without the maps! I contacted Apple and they confirmed it. If that's important to you then hold off buying.

Loved reading every page!! This is a great read I would recommend it to anyone. I'm seeing the play at the end of the month and wanted to get a better understanding of the story!! I fell in love!!

It started with watching the musical and falling in love so I read the book. Well written, creative, and over all... Magnificent!!!!

Wow....i didnt kno tht the musical wicked was origanaly a book...ive nvr seen it but i really want to! If only this book played the songs(:

A great read, especially for someone familiar with the film of "The Wizard of Oz" and not the original book.

Aside from being a little confusing, it is a fun read.

I've re-read Wicked once a year since I first got it about 12 years ago. Every time, I discover another layer of meaning depending on my frame of mind. The first time through, it was just a fun new twist on my favorite story. Now I pick up on layers about racism, religious tension, true friendship, and on and on...

I've read at least a hundred other books since the first time I read this one, and still nothing compares.

I recently discovered this author, Gregory Maguire, and have fallen in love with his style. Wicked gives a totally different perspective of the Wicked Witch, her sister, the other wicked witch and the good witch, Glinda, and how the three of them became witches through turn of events in their lives. Couldn't put this book down!

Now reading Confessions of an Ugly Step-sister (Cinderella). Have purchased the authors other books and can't wait to dive into Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, the third book in the Wicked series, and Leaping Beauty.

The author ranks as one of my favorite. Amazing storytelling! Such depth in his characters.