Trouble Under Oz

Trouble Under Oz continues the adventures of Dorothy Gale's descendants in this sequel to The Emerald Wand of Oz. In this installment, Dori receives a call for help from Princess Ozma while her sister Em stays behind in the modern world. The story takes Dori deep into the Nome Kingdom on a diplomatic mission with Prince Inga to prevent an impending war. Their quest involves encounters with magical creatures including mermaids and invisible children, while facing challenges from an Iron Giant and other obstacles. This novel incorporates characters and settings from multiple classic L. Frank Baum Oz books, expanding the rich world established in the original series. The story runs parallel plots in both Oz and the modern world, as the sisters deal with their separate challenges. The book explores themes of family bonds, responsibility, and courage while balancing fantasy adventure with real-world emotional struggles. It continues the tradition of Oz stories while adding contemporary elements that connect to modern young readers.

Readers found this sequel accessible even without having read the first book. Many appreciated the growth of protagonist Emma and her nuanced relationships with family members, particularly her sister. Common praise: - Characters dealing with real problems alongside fantasy elements - Fast-paced adventure suitable for middle-grade readers - Clever incorporation of Oz mythology and characters Common criticisms: - Less complex than the first book - Some found the ending rushed - A few readers wanted more detail about the Oz world Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (116 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (12 ratings) Sample review: "The sister relationship felt authentic and the magical elements were fun, but I wanted more development of the side characters." - Goodreads reviewer Multiple readers noted the book works well as a standalone story while rewarding those familiar with both Oz canon and the previous book in the series.

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🌈 The original Oz series by L. Frank Baum contained 14 books, with dozens more added by other authors after his death. 🏰 Sherwood Smith wrote two Oz books in total - "The Emerald Wand of Oz" and "Trouble Under Oz" - both officially authorized by the Baum estate. 👑 The Nome Kingdom, featured prominently in this book, first appeared in Baum's "Ozma of Oz" (1907) as the underground realm of the Nome King. ✨ Sherwood Smith began her writing career at age 8, creating stories for her sister who was unable to read due to dyslexia. 🎭 The character of Princess Ozma has an intriguing history - she was originally a boy named Tip who was transformed into a girl by magic in Baum's second Oz book.