Reviews

The End of Oz by Danielle Paige

caszriel's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 Stars

~I received a copy from HarperCollins NZ and willingly reviewed it~

Initial thoughts: I didn't really think this book is a true conclusion to the series. In some ways, yes, some ways, definitely not. The action and adventure is exciting, and Amy's romance is a roller coaster ride.
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Amy Gumm is the other girl from Kansas. After leaving Dorothy under a collapsing palace, her next mission is to kill the Nome King. Alongside Nox and former bully Madison Pendleton, the Yellow Brick Road transports them to Ev where they'll need everything they have to restore Oz. Many trials will test them to see if they are truly ready to save Oz.

"'Hi, Amy,' she said. Her grotesque grin had suddenly transformed into a joyful snarl. 'Are you going to kill me now?'"

The theme of books one to three is mainly 'kill Dorothy', while The End of Oz focuses much more on other subjects, such as the downfall of the Nome King, gaining a princess's trust, explaining the magical world to Amy's old tormentor, and why of course, relationship drama. Honestly? I didn't expect that Amy and Nox would be so big a part of the book when previously they'd been minuscule at the most. Sure, I love it, but the element of romance just seems strange when the focus has always been war/violence oriented.

"The air around us held still.
Then the world fell apart."


Sacrifices must be mad if Oz is to be returned to its former glory. This section of the book is bittersweet and conflicting, but all turns out to be okay. This quote really makes you think. All the goals you aspire for, they can become impossible moments after you've achieved them. It makes you wonder if all that hard work was pointless, a constant uphill battle. So why try?

"When she took a last step forward, the magic from our shoes rippled like she was wading through water."

Amy/Dorothy's shoes are a crucial part of the ending, something which makes me wonder why Danielle Paige chose to end the series in such an uncertain way, an ending which tells us nothing about the future, or what is to become of our beloved characters. To me, the element of wonder is exciting and all but this series is extremely definite and the ending should've been the same way. You like Oz? This is definitely the right series for you.

emilymcgarr's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.25

shellysbookcorner's review against another edition

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2.0

Typical case of the series got popular and the author didn't end it when they should have. First 100 pages were so slow and boring. Story finally picks up and we get to the final showdown and talk about let down. So disappointed with the ways things unfolded.

jordana_b_bookish's review against another edition

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3.0

It was a conclusion..... not the one that this series deserved tho. I was really exited for this but the series really went down hill after 'The Wicked Will Rise'. I was also very mad with the last chapter.

booknerd777's review against another edition

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5.0

This book was really good! It was a great conclusion. I'm glad I finished this series but I'm also sad that it's over, I need more. I haven't read the novellas but I'll get to them some day :)
Read my full review here http://booknerd777.blogspot.com/2017/04/book-review-end-of-oz.html

lisxjayne's review against another edition

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5.0

From other reviews i've read, it seems a lot of people dislike this book and thought Danielle milked the series. I however, completely disagree, I loved each of the 4 books.

I loved the dual perspectives in this book, showing us a whole new side to Dorothy. I especially appreciated the way we saw events from both Amy and Dorothys point of view, and seeing them both figure things out and watch everything click into place was just so satisfying. It amazed me how well Danielle managed to create such a distinction between Amy and Dorothys voices, while showing us just how similar they were at the same time.

Character development in this series is insane, and watching all of the characters change and mature over the course of the 4 books was such a lovely experience. Each character has their own voice, personality, and background enabling you to submerg yourself into their lives.

I still have many questions about the land of Oz itself (which I hope will be answered in the novellas) and I found the whole mystery aspect of it so inticing, almost magical.

Personally, i found the ending to be exactly what I wanted it to be; full of action, twisting and turning at every corner and leaving you wishing there was more.

joker_girl's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

rebbemcc's review

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3.0

The ending felt rushed, but overall a suitable ending to the series.

hannchilada's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

chandraleereads's review against another edition

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5.0

I loved this series so so so much and the final book is no exception! I loved The Wizard of Oz as a kid and I am beyond delighted to have this alternate lens into the world! I had given the first three books 4.5/5 stars, because I felt like I needed to finish the series before I could give full fives with confidence, but now fives will be given! Thank you Danielle Paige for writing this perfect series for an Oz fan like me!