The Wicked Series Books by Gregory Maguire in Order

If you’re excited about the upcoming Wicked movie, you’re not alone! With the movie adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s beloved Wicked series on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into the magical world of Oz with the Wicked Series books before it hits the big screen.

Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Elphaba’s story or new to the Wicked Years series, here’s a guide to get you started on your Wicked reading journey—and what to explore if you can’t get enough!

1. Start with the First Novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Gregory Maguire’s first book in the Wicked Years series reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic The Wizard of Oz, but from the perspective of the misunderstood Elphaba.

Set in a land of ancient magics and political intrigue, this urban fantasy is darker and deeper than Baum’s original, diving into the intergenerational feud between good and evil, as well as Elphaba’s personal struggles.

Maguire explores themes of power, identity, and the pressure of being someone with unnatural ability.

If you’re fascinated by the story of elphaba, Wicked is a great starting point. It paints her not as a wicked witch but as a misunderstood, complex character with a dark legacy of witches behind her.

2. Continue with the Second Book Son of a Witch

The second book in the Wicked Years series, Son of a Witch, picks up where Wicked left off, shifting focus to Liir, Elphaba’s son. Liir grapples with his mother’s legacy, trying to carve his own path in a land still dealing with the aftermath of the Wizard’s reign. This book blends high school themes like identity and belonging with urban fantasy elements. If you’re interested in second chances, identity exploration, and the personal information behind legacy struggles, this is a must-read.

3. A Lion Among Men The Cowardly Lion’s Story

In the third book of the series, A Lion Among Men, we explore the Cowardly Lion’s life. Caught between the intergenerational feud of witches and powerful figures in Oz, the Cowardly Lion is burdened with uncovering the truth about Oz’s brutal murder history. Here, readers delve into the complexities of personal loyalty and the hands of the creatures that shape the future.

If you loved the Cowardly Lion’s presence in The Wizard of Oz, this is an insightful tale about the only thing standing between Oz and chaos.

4. Out of Oz The Epic Finale

The final book in the Wicked Years series, Out of Oz, brings all the threads together as Oz once again faces upheaval. Following the next generation in Oz, this book tackles dangerous secrets, dark magic, and the personal legacies of familiar characters. If you’re looking for closure on Elphaba’s story, Out of Oz delivers a satisfying conclusion, rich with new adults, privacy policy-like political tensions, and a stream of broken hearts.

The Wicked series by Gregory Maguire reshaped our understanding of the world of Oz and remains a staple in fantasy fiction. With the upcoming Wicked movie release, now is the best time to revisit these novels or dive into them for the first time. These books are the best possible fiction reference information for any fan of witches, ancient magics, and intergenerational conflict.

If you’re drawn to the rich complexity, reimagined characters, and moral grayness found in the wicked series novels, here are some book recommendations based on similar elements of dark fantasy, reimagined classics, and characters navigating morally ambiguous worlds—not just books with “Wicked” in the title!

1. The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

If you loved Wicked’s themes of witchcraft, rebellion, and the exploration of power, this is a perfect next read. Set in an alternate 1893, the story follows three sisters who join the suffragist movement to bring witchcraft back into the world. It’s a blend of historical fiction, feminist themes, and magic.

2. Circe by Madeline Miller

A masterful retelling of the story of Circe, the famous witch from The Odyssey. Like Wicked, Circe dives into the life of a misunderstood female character from mythology, turning her into a fully fleshed-out figure of power and vulnerability. This novel explores identity, exile, and transformation.

3. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

Uprooted is a dark fairy tale that takes familiar tropes and turns them into something fresh and unexpected, similar to how Wicked reimagines the world of Oz. The protagonist, Agnieszka, is chosen by a powerful wizard to fight the evil lurking in the enchanted forest near her village.

4. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Though not directly related to magic, this novel is perfect for those who love a bit of mystery and dark atmosphere. Set in post-WWII Barcelona, the story revolves around a young boy who discovers a book that leads him into a world of intrigue, danger, and forgotten secrets.

5. The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker

This novel intertwines the lives of two magical beings in early 20th-century New York—Chava, a golem made from clay, and Ahmad, a jinni born from fire. It explores themes of identity, belonging, and the clash of cultures in a way reminiscent of how Wicked explores the relationship between Elphaba and her society.

8. The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

For fans of dark fairy tales and twisted narratives, The Hazel Wood is a modern take on grim fairy tales. The protagonist, Alice, embarks on a journey into her grandmother’s dark, magical world after her mother goes missing. It shares Wicked‘s sense of magic intertwined with danger.

9. Nancy Holder’s Wicked Witch & Curse : If you’re into witchcraft, Nancy Holder’s books are perfect for you. Her Wicked series deals with witches and magic while blending modern storytelling. Old Ivy Morgan and a newspaper editor get tangled in ancient magics in these urban fantasy adventures.

If you’re as excited for the Wicked movie as we are, don’t miss out on our favorite Wicked T-shirts and sweatshirts! Whether you’re team Elphaba or Glinda, this limited edition wicked collection has something magical for every fan.

Ink&Imagining readers can use WICKEDFAN for $10 off any purchase of $50 or more and get ready to enjoy Wicked I comfort and style!

Let us know in the comments: Which Wicked character are you most excited to see in the new movie?