Editorial Content for The Oracle of Maracoor
Contributors
Reviewer (text)
Gregory Maguire surely had no idea that his novel WICKED would become a global phenomenon. Not only did it spawn a handful of successful sequels, it also was the impetus for the Broadway musical of the same name that has thrilled and inspired millions of theatergoers.
Maguire’s latest novel, THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR, is the second installment in his trilogy, Another Day, which kicked off last year with THE BRIDES OF MARACOOR. It marks the return of Rain, the green-skinned granddaughter of Elphaba (aka the Wicked Witch of the West).
"Gregory Maguire once again has created an awe-inspiring work of fantasy that takes on the Oz stories and improves on them through expansion of new characters, places and ideas."
The strange land of Maracoor exists across the sea from Oz, a place to which Rain longs to return. To do that, she must escape Maracoor, which is currently under threat of attack. Additionally, she is in league with Cossy, a 10-year-old felon convicted of murder. Rain and Cossy are able to break out of prison with the aid of a few flying monkeys, the first of which was created by Elphaba.
On the run and seeking answers, the girls have been told that they will require the assistance of the great soothsayer known as the Oracle of Maracoor. Finding this individual will not be easy, especially in an unknown land. They will need a myriad of people and fantastical creatures guiding them in much the same way as Dorothy’s trio of colleagues once upon a time led her on a journey to the Emerald City to meet the Wizard of Oz, who also might be able to help.
Cossy is scrappy, but Rain has forgotten much of her witch upbringing. She realizes that it will take her reigniting her broom powers and reclaiming her identity if they are to be successful in their mission. They are accompanied by everything from a flying goose called Iskinaary to wolf-like man beasts, owls with human faces and a series of humans from Maracoor. One advantage Rain does have is the gift that she was given at the start of her journey, the Fist of Mara, an arcane artifact that has immeasurable power and makes those around it barren.
Before this epic adventure is over, Rain finally will realize her place as the Witch of Maracoor, which happens to be the title of the saga’s concluding entry. Gregory Maguire once again has created an awe-inspiring work of fantasy that takes on the Oz stories and improves on them through expansion of new characters, places and ideas. It all makes for an engaging read and welcome time spent in a place that feels simultaneously strange and eerily familiar.
Teaser
THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR continues the story of Elphaba’s green-skinned granddaughter, Rain. That strange land, Maracoor --- across the ocean from Oz --- is beset by an invading army. In the mayhem, Rain and Cossy, a child felon, break out of prison. Helped by a few flying monkeys, they struggle to escape the city before it falls under siege. Their arresting officer, Lucikles, also retreats with his family to a highland redoubt. But safety eludes them all. Chaos thunders upon them in the form of warriors, refugees and brigands. The very fabric of reality loosens, liberating creatures of myth and legend. Cued in by secrets known only to the most highly placed members of the royal court, Rain and her companions hunt the fabled Oracle of Maracoor for guidance and soothsaying.
Promo
THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR continues the story of Elphaba’s green-skinned granddaughter, Rain. That strange land, Maracoor --- across the ocean from Oz --- is beset by an invading army. In the mayhem, Rain and Cossy, a child felon, break out of prison. Helped by a few flying monkeys, they struggle to escape the city before it falls under siege. Their arresting officer, Lucikles, also retreats with his family to a highland redoubt. But safety eludes them all. Chaos thunders upon them in the form of warriors, refugees and brigands. The very fabric of reality loosens, liberating creatures of myth and legend. Cued in by secrets known only to the most highly placed members of the royal court, Rain and her companions hunt the fabled Oracle of Maracoor for guidance and soothsaying.
About the Book
Multimillion-copy bestselling author Gregory Maguire brings us the enchanting second novel in the series Another Day, returning to the world he first created in WICKED.
THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR, the second in the trilogy called Another Day, continues the story of Elphaba’s green-skinned granddaughter, Rain. That strange land, Maracoor --- across the ocean from Oz --- is beset by an invading army. In the mayhem, Rain and Cossy, a child felon, break out of prison. Helped by a few flying monkeys, they struggle to escape the city before it falls under siege. Their arresting officer, Lucikles, also retreats with his family to a highland redoubt. But safety eludes them all. Chaos thunders upon them in the form of warriors, refugees and brigands. The very fabric of reality loosens, liberating creatures of myth and legend --- huge blue wolves, harpies and giants made of the very landscape.
Cued in by secrets known only to the most highly placed members of the royal court, Rain and her companions hunt the fabled Oracle of Maracoor for guidance and soothsaying. Rain has to recover her forgotten past if she is to consider returning home. Cossy, the 10-year-old convicted of murder, must become invisible to avoid being taken into custody again. Meanwhile, the Fist of Mara, an arcane artifact that renders all around it barren, hammers against human lives. If the reclusive Oracle should spin a prophecy, might the desperate wicked years promise another day, one less perilous?
Audiobook available, read by Debra Wise
