A review by larissadistler
A Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire

4.0

When compared to "Wicked" and "Son of a Witch," this book, honestly is not as good. It is not as well crafted, but don't get me wrong I enjoyed it. I love the world of Oz that Maguire has created. I love his characters. Admittedly, at first I didn't like Brrr, the cowardly Lion, bus as I kept reading I grew almost fond of him.

I do think the way this part of the story is executed is very interesting. It's almost like a companion novel as opposed to a part of the direct story, but at the same time it's not at all. It's not directly a retelling of events from the first two books in the series, but more of a stepping stone told through the eyes of characters who were previously minor.

When the Wizard told the Lion that he really had courage all along was he suddenly and miraculously courageous? Or did it take some time for the message to sink in? Where did the oracle, Yackle, come from? Is she really as omnipresent as she seems or was she just as confused as the rest of us? What is the purpose of the Clock of the Time Dragon?

Throughout "A Lion Among Men," all sorts of things integral to the series at large are revealed, but through somewhat unexpected channels. On the whole, it was an enjoyable tome.