No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5) by Danielle Paige - Ashley's Review

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Title: No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5)
Author: Danielle Paige
Year Published: 2013

Paul's Review

Synopsis: After returning to Kansas, Dorothy Gale has realized that the dreary fields of Kansas don’t compare to the vibrant landscapes of Oz. And although she’s happy to be reunited with Aunt Em, she misses her friends from the yellow brick road. But most of all, Dorothy misses the fame and the adventure. In Kansas she’s just another prairie girl, but in Oz she was a hero. So Dorothy is willing to do anything to get back, because there really is no place like Oz. But returning to the land she left comes at a price, and after Dorothy is through with it, Oz will never be the same.

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Review: I love the Oz books, and I love when there are retellings of things that happen in Oz. I think it's one of my favorite classics to read new and interesting spins on, because the world is so vast and there are so many ways it can be changed into something new and exciting. This novella was no different, and might even be one of my favorites! 

Dorothy is always portrayed as being the hero - she killed the Witches and restored peace to Oz, and all of the residents of Oz love her for that. In this novella though, she's not the sweet little girl from Kansas that everyone remembers. She's actually kind of a jerk for most of the book, and I actually liked that about her. Especially since the next book is called Dorothy Must Die.... I'm pretty glad that I'm not sure whether or not I should actually like Dorothy. 

One of my favorite parts about this novella was all of the references to the originial book series. Ozma is really important in the books, and it makes sense that she's the ruler at the time that this novella is taking place. Other fans of the series may notice that the Saw-Horse, Polychrome, and the porcelain dolls (among other inhabitants of Oz) make appearance or are mentioned, which is pretty neat. And Dorothy's slippers stick to the original story in terms of their color, although she does receive a special gift on her sixteenth birthday that will make bring back memories of the original movie. 

I really enjoyed this novel, and I'm excited to see what will happen to Oz as the story continues in the rest of the Dorothy Must Die series! I think I want to read a few more Oz books before I read Dorothy Must Die though so that I can pick up on all of the subtle references and know who the characters and places are from the original books. I would definitely recommend this novella to anyone who is thinking about reading Dorothy Must Die and to any fans of The Wizard of Oz, be it the movie or the books. A 5/5! 

--Ashley

No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5) - Paul's Review

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads 

Title: No Place Like Oz (Dorothy Must Die #0.5)
Author: Danielle Paige
Year Published: 2013

Synopsis: After returning to Kansas, Dorothy Gale has realized that the dreary fields of Kansas don’t compare to the vibrant landscapes of Oz. And although she’s happy to be reunited with Aunt Em, she misses her friends from the yellow brick road. But most of all, Dorothy misses the fame and the adventure. In Kansas she’s just another prairie girl, but in Oz she was a hero. So Dorothy is willing to do anything to get back, because there really is no place like Oz. But returning to the land she left comes at a price, and after Dorothy is through with it, Oz will never be the same.

Dorothy Must Die UPCOMING RELEASE DATE 

Tuesday April 1, 2014

Review: No Place Like Oz is more than just a novella with added content to attach to a full fledged novel. It is almost 200 pages and a complete story on its own. After finishing this novella, I immediately pre-ordered Dorothy Must Die. I was intrigued by the upcoming book already just based on the hype and the source material, but this novella has got me completely hooked. 

The famous Dorothy Gale is back in Kansas and life just isn't what it used to be now that she knows there's a whole world of magic out there, just over the rainbow, out of reach. She receives a mysterious gift on her 16th birthday and finds herself on a whole new adventure. I won't spoil the story any more than that, but the places this story goes are wonderful.  

No matter your familiarity with Oz, you will enjoy the magic in this novella. For those diehard Oz fans, characters from the original books make appearances. And for those who have only seen the movie, you may be slightly confused by some name changes and subtle differences, but all the differences are explained in the context of the book to allow easy access for those unfamiliar with L. Frank Baum's books. There weren't ruby slippers in the original novel. The silver shoes were made more vibrant to showcase the revolutionary technicolor of the 1939 film. 

If you are a fan of retellings or continuations of classic tales, I think you'll like this. There are some darker themes in this than the source material. It seems like the first full book in the series will continue that darker feel. If you are planning on reading Dorothy Must Die on its release, I suggest checking out this novella first. I give this novella a 5/5. 

--PAUL