A review by paperrhino
Rinkitink in Oz by L. Frank Baum

4.0

Once again, Baum produced an excellent child's novel. I believe one can see the maturation of Baum as a writer as one progresses though the Oz books because this book had a much better story arc than most of his previous works. However, his love of deus ex machina to solve the story's main conflicts at the end still remains a sore point for me.

Rinkitink in Oz almost has nothing to do with Oz whatsoever for the vast majority of the book. Instead it takes place on islands in the ocean that surrounds the countries that border on the deathly desert that surrounds Oz. When characters from Oz do show up in the story it feels hastily thrown in. Personally I think the story would have been better if Oz didn't play a role at all.

If you enjoyed the Oz books thus far, you will likely enjoy this one. The pace of the story is good and there is plenty of action to keep the attention.