If you have not heard of WICKED, then you have been living under a rock for the past two decades. Gregory Maguire’s novel, which dealt with events in L. Frank Baum’s Land of Oz well before Dorothy arrived from Kansas via a twister, was brilliant in concept from start to finish. But it was when the story leapt from the page and onto the Broadway stage that WICKED became the cultural powerhouse that it is today. The award-winning musical has been seen by millions and is about to spawn a film version. This worldwide acclaim put Maguire on the map and instilled in him the desire to revisit Oz several more times.

"THE WITCH OF MARACOOR is like sweet candy for fantasy fans and those who adore anything having to do with Oz. Maguire does not disappoint either group, and I can only hope that this is not his last trip to this wonderful land."

THE WITCH OF MARACOOR is the final installment in a trilogy that continues the tale of Elphaba. It is set in the future following the events of THE WIZARD OF OZ and features a new central character, Rainary Ko, Elphaba’s granddaughter. In the previous two books, THE BRIDES OF MARACOOR and THE ORACLE OF MARACOOR, Rain was sent on a reluctant journey where she lost sight of what she was seeking, along with much of her memory.

In this third entry, Rain’s memory is coming back, and the narrative sets up an eventual return to Oz. With her green skin and witchy powers, Rain has been tabbed the Witch of Maracoor --- at least until she figures out who she really is. The name came from her familiar, Iskinaary, a flying goose. While Rain and Iskinaary are aboard a pirate ship, they realize the entire time that they are meant to be heading to their true home.

Rain makes the best of it and befriends others aboard the vessel, including Lucikles, who appears to have feelings for her. Iskinaary recalls the times being with Rain’s family, including the praise of her departed grandmother. This all comes to a head when Rain eventually comes back to Oz and reunites with the father she had all but completely forgotten. He has longed for her return for over a year, yet he knows in his heart that she still has things to do and will leave him once again.

Before Rain moves on, she experiences a face-to-face with her late grandmother, which is a highlight of the novel. The chat with Elphaba is quite an epiphany for Rain, and she even questions why Elphaba disappeared. Following this revelation, Rain ventures off once again knowing that there is still unfinished business to take care of. This will allow her to finally discover who she is and what it means to be a witch from Oz.

THE WITCH OF MARACOOR is like sweet candy for fantasy fans and those who adore anything having to do with Oz. Maguire does not disappoint either group, and I can only hope that this is not his last trip to this wonderful land.