Release Date: September 1, 2025

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Retelling

Set in the magical land of Oz, The Other Road reimagines the classic tale with a darker, more introspective twist. At its core, the book explores themes of identity, redemption, and the blurred line between villainy and virtue.

Synopsis

The story begins moments after the Wicked Witch of the East is presumed dead, crushed by Dorothy’s house. As Munchkin Land celebrates its newfound freedom, an unexpected turn of events shakes their joy—the witch is alive but suffering from amnesia. Stripped of her iconic ruby slippers and unsure of her past, she sets out on a quest for answers.

The witch’s journey leads her down the forgotten and ominous Red Brick Road, a path shrouded in mystery and danger. Along the way, she encounters fragments of her identity, remnants of her relationships, and the weight of her perceived wickedness. Meanwhile, the Munchkins, wary of her return, grapple with their own fears and moral dilemmas about forgiveness and vengeance.

Tone and Atmosphere

The novel maintains an eerie and introspective tone, blending moments of magic with emotional tension. Unlike the vibrant optimism of the original Wizard of Oz, this retelling ventures into the shadows of Oz, exploring its hidden paths and untold stories. The Red Brick Road becomes a metaphor for the witch’s fractured mind and uncertain future.

Major Themes

1. Identity and Redemption: The witch’s amnesia offers her a chance to confront who she was and question whether she is bound to her past.

2. Morality and Perspective: The story delves into how narratives of good and evil are constructed and how perceptions can shape reality.

3. The Consequences of Power: As she learns about her former life, the witch confronts the costs of wielding power without accountability.

4. Courage and Hope: Both the witch and the Munchkins must summon courage—she to face the truth, and they to reconcile their fear with the possibility of change.