What do you think?
Rate this book
O.Z. Diggs VII #1
O.Z. Diggs Himself Out
O.Z. Diggs Himself Out, is an adult fantasy novel that couples Southern literature with Oz fantasy in a satirical travelogue.
A cursed seventh generation descendant of the wonderful Wizard of Oz, O.Z. Diggs VII, can longer mention that he is from that magic family as part of a curse from the Wicked Witch of the West before she died. O.Z. Diggs VII, an eccentric storyteller with rainbow-dyed hair and who was once reluctant to use magic, has been in Boone, N.C. as a displaced Ozian-turned-Southerner and goes on a quest throughout the Southeastern, Eastern, and Midwestern United States to regain his magical roots. He does this through finding pieces of his ancestor's wizarding costume he left behind, and even using the Cowardly Lion staff which was left to him.
O.Z. Diggs VII contacts and meets the Society of the Walking Cane, a group of senior citizen good wizards and witches from Oz who are incognito as a walking group with their walking canes being their disguised staffs. But he also discovers a group of evil witches and wizards called the Society of the Stitches, so-named for stitched red symbols on their clothing. The Society of the Stitches will stop at nothing to keep O.Z. Diggs VII from breaking his curse and returning to Oz. Not only this, but the annoying Nomes of Oz (gnome-like creatures who love jewels they claim they made) are on their way to the United States to reclaim their jewels and cause mischief. Even with the help of some new fantastic friends, can O.Z. Diggs figure out how to stop the Society of the Stitches and the evil Nomes as well as break his curse? O.Z. Diggs VII becomes so much more than his Southern identity and background. He shows that anyone can transcend both!
This often funny, sometimes dark, whimsical trip down American highways will beckon readers young, and young-at-heart, to once again...follow the Yellow Brick Road!
A cursed seventh generation descendant of the wonderful Wizard of Oz, O.Z. Diggs VII, can longer mention that he is from that magic family as part of a curse from the Wicked Witch of the West before she died. O.Z. Diggs VII, an eccentric storyteller with rainbow-dyed hair and who was once reluctant to use magic, has been in Boone, N.C. as a displaced Ozian-turned-Southerner and goes on a quest throughout the Southeastern, Eastern, and Midwestern United States to regain his magical roots. He does this through finding pieces of his ancestor's wizarding costume he left behind, and even using the Cowardly Lion staff which was left to him.
O.Z. Diggs VII contacts and meets the Society of the Walking Cane, a group of senior citizen good wizards and witches from Oz who are incognito as a walking group with their walking canes being their disguised staffs. But he also discovers a group of evil witches and wizards called the Society of the Stitches, so-named for stitched red symbols on their clothing. The Society of the Stitches will stop at nothing to keep O.Z. Diggs VII from breaking his curse and returning to Oz. Not only this, but the annoying Nomes of Oz (gnome-like creatures who love jewels they claim they made) are on their way to the United States to reclaim their jewels and cause mischief. Even with the help of some new fantastic friends, can O.Z. Diggs figure out how to stop the Society of the Stitches and the evil Nomes as well as break his curse? O.Z. Diggs VII becomes so much more than his Southern identity and background. He shows that anyone can transcend both!
This often funny, sometimes dark, whimsical trip down American highways will beckon readers young, and young-at-heart, to once again...follow the Yellow Brick Road!
218 pages, Paperback
Published March 21, 2018
20 people want to read
About the author
Ron Baxley Jr.
13 books10 followersRon Baxley, Jr., a teacher and instructor of over a decade, has been a published Oz author for 16 years
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 1, 2018
O.Z. Diggs the seventh, descendent of Oz the Great and Terrible Wizard, like all male heirs in his family, was cursed by the wicked witch of the West. Or so the story which had been passed through many generations had been told. He was the storyteller now, and the last of his line, fated by the witch's curse to never produce an heir. But he does think he has found a way out. In order to break the curse and thus allow himself and his family to return to Oz, he must be recognised as a descendent of his distant relative. Things seem to be in motion, he has come across one of the magical staffs owned by Oz, and through it he received a message about a band of good wizards and witches that were cast also from Oz. They call themselves the Society of the Walking Cane, and he is certain they can help him. But as is always the case, there are those of good, and those of evil, and those of evil will stop at nothing to ensure the witch's curse remains in place. Can he break the curse, or is he fated to be the end of his line, find out in Ron Baxley, Jr's O.Z. Diggs Himself Out.
O.Z. Diggs himself out is a spin off of the popular Wizard of Oz, focusing around the distant descendants of the original Wizard, and a curse bestowed upon his line. Ron Baxley, Jr. writes in an imaginative first person perspective style which along side a serious plot has elements of humour, and darker humour to it. As stated in the book, the lines between the real adventure, and that immortalised through the story have been altered, this allows Ron Baxley, Jr. to take something familiar and turns it to their own devises. There is a lot to like about this story, adventure, scene building, it definitely fits quite nicely into the fantasy genre, and will appeal to that audience. Imaginative, fun, and enjoyable O.Z. Diggs Himself Out makes for an entertaining read whether you're a fan of the Wizard of Oz or not.
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
O.Z. Diggs himself out is a spin off of the popular Wizard of Oz, focusing around the distant descendants of the original Wizard, and a curse bestowed upon his line. Ron Baxley, Jr. writes in an imaginative first person perspective style which along side a serious plot has elements of humour, and darker humour to it. As stated in the book, the lines between the real adventure, and that immortalised through the story have been altered, this allows Ron Baxley, Jr. to take something familiar and turns it to their own devises. There is a lot to like about this story, adventure, scene building, it definitely fits quite nicely into the fantasy genre, and will appeal to that audience. Imaginative, fun, and enjoyable O.Z. Diggs Himself Out makes for an entertaining read whether you're a fan of the Wizard of Oz or not.
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
October 20, 2019
Fantasy lovers will relish the adventures of O.Z. Diggs the Seventh as he tries to reclaim his ancestral place in the Land of Oz. The Wicked Witch of the West had placed a curse on his line before melting into nothing but an evil memory: they are sent into exile. O.Z. the Seventh is the last of the line, which will fade away unless he can find a way for them to return to Oz. This begins his quest, as he searches for his own yellow brick road.
Ron Baxley, Jr., has created a word in which O.Z. and his fellow travelers move from place to place with ease, encountering obstacles and foes at every turn. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper odyssey without companions. Among these are Ziggy Zig-Zags, his Corgi, who serves as a conscience and warning system; the Cowardly Lion; and the Society of the Walking Cane. O.Z. also has a weapon: a Cowardly Lion staff, which keeps him from having to face the journey's perils unarmed.
O.Z. and his companions travel from the mountains of western North Carolina to a showdown in Ionia, Michigan, against a gathering of witches and warlocks. In the end, of course, good triumphs and O.Z. redeems his family's claim to return from the Out World to Oz.
While not usually a fantasy lover, I couldn't help finding the ways in which the author taps the rich vein of Oz lore to be a rich source of entertainment. I can heartily recommend Ron's craftsmanship to the reader.
Ron Baxley, Jr., has created a word in which O.Z. and his fellow travelers move from place to place with ease, encountering obstacles and foes at every turn. Of course, it wouldn't be a proper odyssey without companions. Among these are Ziggy Zig-Zags, his Corgi, who serves as a conscience and warning system; the Cowardly Lion; and the Society of the Walking Cane. O.Z. also has a weapon: a Cowardly Lion staff, which keeps him from having to face the journey's perils unarmed.
O.Z. and his companions travel from the mountains of western North Carolina to a showdown in Ionia, Michigan, against a gathering of witches and warlocks. In the end, of course, good triumphs and O.Z. redeems his family's claim to return from the Out World to Oz.
While not usually a fantasy lover, I couldn't help finding the ways in which the author taps the rich vein of Oz lore to be a rich source of entertainment. I can heartily recommend Ron's craftsmanship to the reader.
February 11, 2019
I must say I really dig “Oz Diggs Himself Out”. As a fan of the original fourteen canonized books of The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. I came across this book “Oz Diggs Himself Out” and decided to give it a try. I am so glad that I did. It was apparent from the very beginning, the talented author Ron Baxley Jr. created a truly unique masterpiece. I felt as if I was a guest and travel companion to OZ Diggs the seventh and his dog Ziggy. The real world and Oz world are blended perfectly. From the “Mayberry Days in Mt. Airy, NC, the old mill in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, to the Battle of Ionia, Michigan and everywhere in between. I read or should I say journeyed on with great anticipation. If you are searching for a good book that is so fresh it will never go stale, then look no further than to Ron Baxley Jr. and his book “O.Z. Diggs Himself Out”. Tin Roof....Tin Woodsman....Rusted, and will the real Aunt Bea please stand up. Don’t know what I’m talking about? Read the book and take a fun journey.
May 1, 2018
Rox Baxley's book about the great-x4 grandson of the great and terrible Oz is a book that contains the perfect balance of humor and emotion. Ron's comedic tale introduces those new to Oz with places familiar to those who are well-versed to the Baum books, but these references are given an emotional and relatable tone as the author weaves his own life experiences into the characters, making them life-like and believable. The protagonist, O.Z. Diggs, can relate to those who have struggled with identity, loss, and family expectations while bringing to light other issues facing American life such as racism and homophobia. The supporting characters make the story as well such as Ziggy the corgi (a reference to one of other Baxley's works), R.U.S.E., an enchanted snail that serves as an interpreter for animal and human characters alike, and the Cowardly Lion, who reminds us that there are many times in life you have to be brave, even when you are at your most terrified. Ron Baxley reminds us through "O.Z. Diggs Himself Out" that there are many struggles in life, but we just have be brave and face them straight on with brains, heart, and your friends at your side.
December 23, 2019
I received a copy of this book to review for my podcast.
This was a fun YA read! Ron's writing style is a bit like Lemony Snicket's, in that he enjoys puns and wordplay. Ron also has a clear love for the original Oz source material and does his best to respect what has already been established, while adding his own characters to the story.
The story itself follows OZ Diggs the Seventh, the son of a cursed family line who cannot return to Oz due to the Wicked Witch's magic from long ago. It is up to him to break the family curse and allow him and his family to return to the land of Oz.
During his preparation for the final confrontation, Diggs travels across America in a very Percy Jackson-esque journey, encountering hippy wizards, redneck elves, non-human translators, and more along the way. There is also a meta quality to the story, when Diggs is joined by a character from a different book by Ron, but it only adds to the magic of the story.
My only real complaint with the book is that there are a few grammatical errors but nothing that is truly distracting from the story itself. It was still an entertaining, action-packed read that touches on the themes of family, love, and learning how to improve yourself. This would be a great read for teens who love fantasy and/or the original Oz series.
This was a fun YA read! Ron's writing style is a bit like Lemony Snicket's, in that he enjoys puns and wordplay. Ron also has a clear love for the original Oz source material and does his best to respect what has already been established, while adding his own characters to the story.
The story itself follows OZ Diggs the Seventh, the son of a cursed family line who cannot return to Oz due to the Wicked Witch's magic from long ago. It is up to him to break the family curse and allow him and his family to return to the land of Oz.
During his preparation for the final confrontation, Diggs travels across America in a very Percy Jackson-esque journey, encountering hippy wizards, redneck elves, non-human translators, and more along the way. There is also a meta quality to the story, when Diggs is joined by a character from a different book by Ron, but it only adds to the magic of the story.
My only real complaint with the book is that there are a few grammatical errors but nothing that is truly distracting from the story itself. It was still an entertaining, action-packed read that touches on the themes of family, love, and learning how to improve yourself. This would be a great read for teens who love fantasy and/or the original Oz series.
February 22, 2019
To borrow a phrase from the book, the most unreal and real I have ever read.
May 26, 2018
Ron Baxley Jr. Is the author of an entertaining and sensational new book entitled 'O.Z. Diggs Himself Out.' O.Z. Diggs Himself Out is based off of the classic Wizard of Oz book series by Lyman Frank Baum. Author and fan of the Oz series, Ron Baxley Jr. took to writing and has published several different Oz books among others. However, O.Z. Diggs Himself Out happens to be his best work by far. His creativity is sensational in this fantastic tale about a curse on the Wizard of Oz's male family line set by the Wicked Witch of the West many, many years ago. This serious yet enchanting and adventurous tale is told in first person perspective of a descendant of the humbug wizard himself as the protagonist of the story. By far this storyline was deliciously inviting, imaginative and simply creative. Fans will just adore the fantasy within. Wizard of Oz fans alongside fans of Ron Baxley Jr. himself will be magically taken with this novel and enjoy every moment of this well written fanciful story. If anything this story tests the strengths of the writer and Ron Baxley Jr definitely rises to the top with his new book.
August 3, 2021
As a life long lover of the land of Oz, this book did not disappoint! It has it all, very colorful characters, a beautiful story and plenty of action. I cannot wait until the next book!
February 28, 2024
"O.Z. Diggs Himself Out (O.Z. Diggs VII)" by Ron Baxley Jr. is a captivating spin-off that delves into the legacy of Oz the Great and Terrible Wizard, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved universe of the Wizard of Oz. Baxley Jr. crafts a narrative that is both a homage to the original and a unique tale in its own right, exploring themes of destiny, heritage, and the eternal battle between good and evil.
The protagonist, O.Z. Diggs the seventh, is burdened with a family curse believed to have been cast by the wicked witch of the West. His journey to break this curse and reclaim his family's rightful place in Oz is fraught with challenges, magic, and a cast of characters that add depth and intrigue to the story. Baxley Jr.'s imaginative storytelling is complemented by a blend of humor and darker elements, creating a rich tapestry that engages readers from start to finish.
What sets this book apart is its ability to intertwine the familiar with the new. Baxley Jr. skillfully alters the lines between the classic tale and his own narrative, allowing for creative freedom while still honoring the source material. The inclusion of the Society of the Walking Cane introduces a new layer to the Oz mythology, expanding the universe in exciting ways.
"O.Z. Diggs Himself Out" is a testament to Baxley Jr.'s ability to navigate the fantasy genre with originality and flair. Fans of the Wizard of Oz will find this book both nostalgic and refreshing, while newcomers will be drawn into the rich world-building and compelling plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an imaginative, enjoyable read that pays tribute to a classic while boldly charting its own course. Ron Baxley Jr.'s work is a delightful addition to the Oz legacy, promising adventure, magic, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.
The protagonist, O.Z. Diggs the seventh, is burdened with a family curse believed to have been cast by the wicked witch of the West. His journey to break this curse and reclaim his family's rightful place in Oz is fraught with challenges, magic, and a cast of characters that add depth and intrigue to the story. Baxley Jr.'s imaginative storytelling is complemented by a blend of humor and darker elements, creating a rich tapestry that engages readers from start to finish.
What sets this book apart is its ability to intertwine the familiar with the new. Baxley Jr. skillfully alters the lines between the classic tale and his own narrative, allowing for creative freedom while still honoring the source material. The inclusion of the Society of the Walking Cane introduces a new layer to the Oz mythology, expanding the universe in exciting ways.
"O.Z. Diggs Himself Out" is a testament to Baxley Jr.'s ability to navigate the fantasy genre with originality and flair. Fans of the Wizard of Oz will find this book both nostalgic and refreshing, while newcomers will be drawn into the rich world-building and compelling plot. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an imaginative, enjoyable read that pays tribute to a classic while boldly charting its own course. Ron Baxley Jr.'s work is a delightful addition to the Oz legacy, promising adventure, magic, and the timeless struggle between light and darkness.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews