Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Read

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Libby

Our reviews and ratings are 100% unbiased, but as an Amazon Associate, Screenwise earns an affiliate fee if you buy a book or game by clicking one of our links. We don't get any credit if you just Google it instead :)

Screenwise Verdict

Here's the thing: this is a legitimately brilliant book—intellectually rich, imaginatively bold, and beautifully written. Philip Pullman wasn't wrong to call it astonishing. Maguire took a children's story and transformed it into a sophisticated exploration of fascism, prejudice, and moral complexity that respects adult readers' intelligence.

But if your kid loved the movie and wants to read the book? Hard no. This isn't a case of 'oh, it's a bit more mature'—this is a completely different beast. We're talking explicit sexual content (including truly weird interspecies stuff), sexual assault, drugs, prostitution, and violence. Multiple parent reviewers and the author himself confirm: this was written for adults, full stop.

The cultural confusion here is real. Millions of families have seen the musical. Kids are obsessed with Elphaba. The movie just came out. And then there's this dark, twisted, tragic novel sitting on shelves with a cover that doesn't scream 'ADULTS ONLY.' Parents need to know: the book and the musical are cousins at best, not siblings.

For adults who want smart fantasy that grapples with real political and philosophical questions? This delivers. For anyone under 18? Keep them with the soundtrack.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults (18+). Despite the connection to the beloved musical, the novel contains explicit sexual content, assault, drugs, and emotionally dark themes that are inappropriate for teens. Even mature 17-year-olds should approach with caution.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

Contains explicit sexual content including interspecies encounters, sexual assault, prostitution, drug use, and heavy violence. The novel is a tragedy exploring dark themes of prejudice, political corruption, and moral ambiguity. While it models some positive values around standing up for the marginalized, the execution involves deeply mature and disturbing content that is emotionally heavy and inappropriate for younger readers.

Imaginative

88

A genuinely brilliant reimagining of Oz that takes a beloved world and transforms it into something entirely new and complex. Maguire's worldbuilding is sophisticated, exploring political systems, animal rights, religious institutions, and moral philosophy through a fantasy lens. The premise of telling the Wicked Witch's origin story was groundbreaking when published and remains clever. Phillip Pullman called it 'an astonishing achievement' in inhabiting and enlarging another writer's world.

Safe

15

Multiple parent sources and the author himself confirm this contains explicit sexual content (including twisted interspecies encounters), sexual assault, drug use, alcohol abuse, prostitution, violence, and emotionally dark themes. Common Sense Media and parent reviewers across platforms unanimously warn this is not for children or young teens. The gap between the family-friendly musical/movie and this adult novel is massive and could blindside parents.

Enriching

78

For mature readers, this is intellectually substantial—exploring themes of fascism, scapegoating, environmental destruction, religious hypocrisy, and what it means to be labeled 'wicked' by society. It challenges readers to question authority, consider perspective, and grapple with moral complexity. The LA Times called it 'the best fantasy novel of ideas' since Dune. However, the heavy content and tragic arc make it emotionally draining rather than uplifting.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuinely sophisticated worldbuilding that transforms Oz into a complex political landscape exploring fascism, prejudice, and moral ambiguity
Intellectually meaty—tackles animal rights, religious corruption, environmental destruction, and what it means to be labeled 'evil' by those in power
Elphaba is a compelling, tragic protagonist who challenges readers to question authority and consider multiple perspectives
Literary achievement that Philip Pullman praised as 'astonishing'—it's rare to see fantasy this thoughtful and well-crafted
For adults who loved the musical, this offers a darker, more nuanced origin story that respects your intelligence

⚠

What to Watch For

Explicit sexual content including interspecies encounters, sexual assault, and prostitution—this is not euphemistic, it's graphic
Drug use, alcohol abuse, violence, and emotionally heavy themes throughout
This is a TRAGEDY, not the bittersweet musical—expect darkness, moral complexity, and no easy answers
The gap between this and the family-friendly movie/musical is enormous—kids who loved the show will NOT be ready for this book
Dense literary prose that requires patience and maturity to appreciate

Conversation Starters

"How does society decide who's 'wicked' and who's 'good'? Can you think of examples where the official story might be wrong?"
"Elphaba fights for Animal rights even when it costs her everything. When is it worth standing up for what's right, even if you lose?"
"The book shows how fascism takes hold through small compromises. What warning signs should we watch for in our own world?"
"Why do you think Maguire chose to tell the villain's side of the story? Does understanding someone's backstory excuse their actions?"
"The Wizard uses propaganda and scapegoating to maintain power. How do leaders today use similar tactics?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic

Writing about Wicked Gregory Maguire? Put this WISE score on your site