I think this author is not for me. I can also recognize that there will always be a struggle reading books movies are based on when there is such a strong following of the very changed movie/stage adaptation.

I've read Wicked and it wasn't my favorite, but I was really excited to read a prequel and learn more about Elphie. That said, the plot was underwhelming, and you really don't learn a whole lot that you didn't already know from the previous book. I would recommend this author to those who have seen the musical or watched the movie. A fresh mind might really enjoy this world and Maquire's form of story telling.

A deep, introspective look at young Elphaba’s struggles and formative moments, full of brooding and internal drama—rich in character but light on plot, so don’t expect any major action.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As a long time Wicked super fan, I was honored to receive this as an ARC. Being able to connect with Elphaba through this coming of age story was a way to further connect with Elphaba and understand the person she becomes throughout Wicked and the rest of that series.

I'm not sure why I requested this book when I know this author isn't for me. I'm obsessed with the Broadway musical Wicked and I've tried so many time over the years to read the book Wicked and every time I just can't get into it. The writing is too dry for me and just isn't for me. I want it to be so bad because the thoughts are so good and I just feel like it would give more depth to Wicked, especially with the movie out and the new one releasing in a few months, but this book and author just aren't for me, I'll stick to the broadway show or the movie.

Meh, I was expecting more but what we got was Elphaba's life from birth to enrollment into Shiv. Her unexpected talent saved the family on more than one occasion and highlighted Nessa Rose and Shell as the brat siblings they were. Also brought up her first encounter with talking animals and how much more superior she was compared to the rest of her family. Read April 16-19,2025

I loved Wicked with every fiber of my being but truly what the hell was the point of this book. It feels almost identical to the initial novel, and I found that there were very few new pieces of information except for random details thrown in. Someone who never read Wicked would love this, but as someone well acquainted with the universe, this was a waste of a read. 2⭐️

*Thank you again to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I unfortunately did not finish this. This isn't pleasurable to read. It almost seems intentional, as if the author is challenging the reader to stay with Elphaba on her journey but making the prose confusing and choppy. I may finish this one day but now is not the time. Thanks to Netgalley and William Morrow for allowing me the opportunity to read this ARC.

I just couldn’t get into it.
I’m a fan of wicked, but the books may not be for me.
Maybe I’ll give them another go in the future.

This book fills in the gap that Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West left between Elphaba’s infancy and her arrival at Shiz University. Maguire offers glimpses into Elphaba’s life at ages three, seven, ten, and thirteen, and highlights pivotal moments that were only referenced in the original book, such as the death of her mother in childbirth and her father’s dogged quest to make amends with the family of their murdered Quadling friend, Some of these sections were incredibly slow. I did find myself frustrated at time with the pacing. This I think could be a downside for my students. Overall it was an okay read, but I think it would take a dedicated fan to stick with it for my YA readers and some adults.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ebook to preview.

Amazing book, Maguire's writing captivates the reader into grasping such Wonderfull information the world building makes it seem as if im in the movie itself! overall the plot was helpful knowing the past series, it serves as a stand alone novel that can be read in order, if you choose. Overall the best book yet made me cry tears.

I haven’t read the full series for these yet but this was a solid intro and readable just by itself without the others.
I HAVE watched all the oz and wicked movies so maybe that helped a bit but otherwise I think it’s ok.
It’s such a tragic story actually seeing the morally grey of Elphies character and how she’s not as bad but turned bad.

obviously i am obsessed with the musical and i am happy to say this book was amazing! I don’t want too give too much away but just know elphie is a little darker throughout the books ;)

I’ve loved Wicked for years, but Elphie didn’t pull me in the same way. Framing Elphaba’s childhood should have been a chance to deepen her origin story, but much of the narrative felt like a slow march toward familiar territory without adding much new insight. The pacing dragged, and while there are flashes of Maguire’s signature wit and inventiveness, they’re buried under long stretches that felt more like filler than character-building.

The world of Oz remains rich and strange, but here the magic felt muted. For me, the emotional core—what made young Elphaba compelling—never fully landed. This will likely appeal more to completists who want every possible detail of her backstory, but as a standalone read, it left me wanting more energy, more depth, and more of the spark that made Wicked unforgettable.

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was not one of my favorite reads. It was not terrible just wasn’t for me. I think someone who enjoys Wicked will definitely love it!

This is a heartwarming fantasy novel about a spirited young girl, Elphie, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and adventure. Along the way, she faces challenges that help her grow, uncover hidden truths about her past, and learn the true meaning of courage and friendship. The story combines magic and adventure and gives us a sight into Elphabas childhood.

The first books in the Wicked Series spoke to my very soul. For whatever reason this one didn't. Likely I am just old now or something.

The Kindle highlighting function went to work during this book because I highlighted any foreshadowing for future Elphaba. While this book didn’t add much more information, I loved reading Elphaba’s journey to where we start off at Shiz. I also loved the whimsical writing style

A thoughtful, introspective addition to the Wicked Years series that deepens Elphaba’s origin story. However, I felt it lacked a strong standalone arc, functioning more as supplemental lore than a full narrative.

This book was really confusing and hard to follow I tried so hard to love it but couldn’t. It’s nice but was too many details I couldn’t keep the storyline straight.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book, but it was a struggle. I remember reading Wicked many years ago and feeling the same way and hoped that this time around I would love this, but I did not. The narrative started off in a spot that did not make much sense and it took a while to acclimatize to where the book was taking place and what was happening. I did enjoy the little nods to events that occur in Wicked as those were fun moments. It was also so sad to see how Elphie was treated as a child and it is no wonder she turned out how she did.