The Lost King of Oz

The Lost King of Oz, published in 1925, is the nineteenth installment in the Oz series and the fifth written by Ruth Plumly Thompson following L. Frank Baum's death. The story centers on Old Mombi, the former Wicked Witch of the North, who works as a cook in Kimbaloo and encounters a mysterious figure from Oz's past. The narrative follows multiple threads, including the search for Pastoria, the long-lost king of Oz and father of Princess Ozma. Thompson builds upon a brief mention of Pastoria in Baum's earlier work, expanding it into a full quest that involves enchantments, transformations, and forgotten identities. The book features a mix of familiar Oz characters and new additions, including Snip, a young boy from Kimbaloo who becomes entangled in the adventure against his will. The story takes readers through various regions of Oz, including the unusual realm of Blankenburg, home to invisible inhabitants. This installment exemplifies Thompson's approach to the Oz series, taking small details from Baum's original works and developing them into complete narratives that explore themes of identity, power, and the complex history of the Land of Oz.

Readers view this as a mid-tier Oz book, with most finding it entertaining but not outstanding among Thompson's contributions to the series. Readers appreciated: - The character development of Mombi - The humor and wordplay - Fast-paced adventure elements - Creative new characters like Snip and Pajuka Common criticisms: - Plot feels scattered and disconnected - Too many separate storylines that don't mesh well - Some character actions seem illogical - Less memorable than other Thompson Oz books Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (121 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) One reader noted: "Thompson's imagination shines through, but the story structure needs work." Another commented: "Mombi's backstory adds depth to the series mythology." The book ranks in the middle range among Thompson's 19 Oz books according to fan polls on the International Wizard of Oz Club forums.

Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum This book continues the Oz series with Dorothy's return to the magical realm where she encounters new companions and must rescue the royal family of Ev from the Nome King.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles by Julie Andrews Edwards Three siblings journey to a hidden magical kingdom to help its ruler save the realm from extinction.

The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster A boy travels through a mysterious tollbooth to the Lands Beyond, where he must restore harmony between two feuding kingdoms of words and numbers.

The House of Magic by Edward Eager Four children discover their new house contains magic that sends them on adventures through time and space.

The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander An assistant pig-keeper embarks on a quest across a Welsh-inspired fantasy realm to stop an evil king and his supernatural warriors.

★ The Lost King of Oz (1925) was Thompson's nineteenth Oz book, written after she took over the series following L. Frank Baum's death in 1919. ★ King Pastoria, who appears in this book, was only briefly mentioned in Baum's original series as Ozma's father who was deposed by the Wizard of Oz. ★ Ruth Plumly Thompson wrote 19 Oz books in total, more than original creator L. Frank Baum, who wrote 14 books in the series. ★ The character of Mombi first appeared in Baum's The Marvelous Land of Oz (1904), where she was responsible for hiding Princess Ozma's true identity. ★ Thompson created the Land of Kimbaloo specifically for this book, adding to the already vast geography of Oz that includes four primary countries: Munchkin Country, Winkie Country, Gillikin Country, and Quadling Country.