After the whirlwind of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, L. Frank Baum brings Dorothy Gale back for another incredible journey. This time, a sea voyage with her Uncle Henry goes terribly wrong, and Dorothy washes ashore in the fantastical Land of Ev. Her only companion is Billina, a sassy, newly talkative yellow hen. They soon learn that Ev is under the thumb of the Nome King, a gruff and powerful ruler who has enchanted the land's rightful royal family, turning Queen Evanna and her children into decorative objects hidden in his underground palace.

The Story

Dorothy's goal is simple: free the royal family. Her path gets a major boost when her old pals from Oz sail into Ev on a magnificent machine—the Sawhorse-drawn chariot of Oz. Princess Ozma, now the wise and beloved ruler of Oz, has come to help, bringing along the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and a whole crew of familiar faces. The confrontation with the Nome King is a battle of wits, not weapons. He challenges them to a game: they must wander through his vast treasure rooms and guess which ornaments are the enchanted royals. Each person gets one guess. Guess right, and the person is restored. Guess wrong, and they join the collection. The tension is real as Dorothy, Ozma, and their friends navigate this beautiful but deadly puzzle, relying on cleverness, loyalty, and a few unexpected hints from Billina the chicken to outsmart a truly formidable foe.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a blast. Baum's imagination is in full swing here, introducing wonderful new characters like the mechanical man Tik-Tok and the fiercely loyal Billina, who might just be my favorite character in the whole series. The story moves at a great clip, full of humor and genuine peril. What I love most is how it centers on clever problem-solving and the strength of friendship. Dorothy isn't just waiting to be rescued; she's right in the thick of the action, making smart choices. Ozma, too, shines as a compassionate and brave leader. It's a story that respects its young heroes (and heroines) and delivers a fantastic adventure that feels both classic and fresh.

Final Verdict

Ozma of Oz is perfect for anyone who loved the magic of the first book but wants to see the world expand. It's a must-read for fans of classic fantasy, clever girls who save the day, and stories where the underdog (or under-chicken) gets to be the real hero. If you're looking for a quick, delightful, and inventive escape, this third Oz book is a hidden gem waiting on the shelf.