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Oz #10
Rinkitink in Oz
"Rinkitink in Oz: Wherein is Recorded the Perilous Quest of Prince Inga of Pingaree and King Rinkitink in the Magical Isles that Lie Beyond the Borderland of Oz." is the tenth book in the Land of Oz series written by L. Frank Baum. Published on June 20, 1916, with full-color and black-and-white illustrations by artist John R. Neill, it is significant that no one from Oz appears in the book until its climax; this is due to Baum's having originally written most of the book as an original fantasy novel over ten years earlier, in 1905. Most of the action takes place on three islands – Pingaree, Regos, and Coregos – and within the Nome King's caverns. Since the original ruler of the nomes, Roquat – who later renamed himself Ruggedo, was deposed in 1914's "Tik-Tok of Oz", Baum had to cleverly rework the tale to accommodate his successor, the well-intentioned – but politically motivated – Kaliko.
The book was dedicated to the author's newborn grandson Robert Alison Baum, the first child of the author's second son Robert Stanton Baum
The book was dedicated to the author's newborn grandson Robert Alison Baum, the first child of the author's second son Robert Stanton Baum
318 pages, Hardcover
First published June 20, 1916
229 people are currently reading
7851 people want to read
About the author
L. Frank Baum
2,982 books2,722 followersalso wrote under the names:
* Edith van Dyne,
* Floyd Akers,
* Schuyler Staunton,
* John Estes Cooke,
* Suzanne Metcalf,
* Laura Bancroft,
* Louis F. Baum,
* Captain Hugh Fitzgerald
Lyman Frank Baum was an American author best known for his children's fantasy books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, part of a series. In addition to the 14 Oz books, Baum penned 41 other novels (not including four lost, unpublished novels), 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and at least 42 scripts. He made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen; the 1939 adaptation of the first Oz book became a landmark of 20th-century cinema.
Born and raised in Chittenango, New York, Baum moved west after an unsuccessful stint as a theater producer and playwright. He and his wife opened a store in South Dakota and he edited and published a newspaper. They then moved to Chicago, where he worked as a newspaper reporter and published children's literature, coming out with the first Oz book in 1900. While continuing his writing, among his final projects he sought to establish a film studio focused on children's films in Los Angeles, California.
His works anticipated such later commonplaces as television, augmented reality, laptop computers (The Master Key), wireless telephones (Tik-Tok of Oz), women in high-risk and action-heavy occupations (Mary Louise in the Country), and the ubiquity of advertising on clothing (Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work).
* Edith van Dyne,
* Floyd Akers,
* Schuyler Staunton,
* John Estes Cooke,
* Suzanne Metcalf,
* Laura Bancroft,
* Louis F. Baum,
* Captain Hugh Fitzgerald
Lyman Frank Baum was an American author best known for his children's fantasy books, particularly The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, part of a series. In addition to the 14 Oz books, Baum penned 41 other novels (not including four lost, unpublished novels), 83 short stories, over 200 poems, and at least 42 scripts. He made numerous attempts to bring his works to the stage and screen; the 1939 adaptation of the first Oz book became a landmark of 20th-century cinema.
Born and raised in Chittenango, New York, Baum moved west after an unsuccessful stint as a theater producer and playwright. He and his wife opened a store in South Dakota and he edited and published a newspaper. They then moved to Chicago, where he worked as a newspaper reporter and published children's literature, coming out with the first Oz book in 1900. While continuing his writing, among his final projects he sought to establish a film studio focused on children's films in Los Angeles, California.
His works anticipated such later commonplaces as television, augmented reality, laptop computers (The Master Key), wireless telephones (Tik-Tok of Oz), women in high-risk and action-heavy occupations (Mary Louise in the Country), and the ubiquity of advertising on clothing (Aunt Jane's Nieces at Work).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 355 reviews
November 25, 2018
This is my least favourite Oz book so far and part of the reason for that is because it blatantly wasn't intended to be an Oz book. There's no connection to Oz at all until the last couple of chapters when the Nome King is shoehorned in as an additional threat (a somewhat random 'end level boss' for those of you familiar with a certain type of video game) and then Dorothy, the Wizard and Glinda are brought in as an even more random deus ex machina to top things off. It's just clumsy writing.
The other reason I disliked this book is the titular Rinkitink. He is, hands down, the single most annoying character I've ever encountered in a work of fiction. He makes Jar Jar Binks look like Gandalf by comparison. Just two chapters into the book I could have cheerfully shot him in the face.
So, in the light of all this, why as many as three stars? Well, despite its downsides, this isn't a bad little adventure story up until the point the Oz elements are introduced. Prince Inga is a bit on the bland side as protagonists go but his intentions are honourable and he deserves a gold medal for putting up with Rinkitink for so long without murdering him in his sleep!
Also, the character of Bilbil the depressed, smart-mouthed, talking goat is fantastic. Genuinely hilarious, it's a real shame the character was stuck in such an otherwise lacklustre book.
Overall, two-and-a-half stars, rounded up.
The other reason I disliked this book is the titular Rinkitink. He is, hands down, the single most annoying character I've ever encountered in a work of fiction. He makes Jar Jar Binks look like Gandalf by comparison. Just two chapters into the book I could have cheerfully shot him in the face.
So, in the light of all this, why as many as three stars? Well, despite its downsides, this isn't a bad little adventure story up until the point the Oz elements are introduced. Prince Inga is a bit on the bland side as protagonists go but his intentions are honourable and he deserves a gold medal for putting up with Rinkitink for so long without murdering him in his sleep!
Also, the character of Bilbil the depressed, smart-mouthed, talking goat is fantastic. Genuinely hilarious, it's a real shame the character was stuck in such an otherwise lacklustre book.
Overall, two-and-a-half stars, rounded up.
June 17, 2016
This was my least favorite oz book so far review to come (maybe)
June 22, 2020
By far my favorite Oz book to date. The story and characters are original and don't rely on the standard Oz archetypes. An unlikey group of heroes consisiting of the jolly King Rinkitink, Bilbil the talking goat and young Prince Inga take off to rescue Inga's parents. This takes them to many different lands and ultimately pits them against Kaliko the nome king.
My one complaint is the sloppy inclusion of Dorothy & the Wizard. After follwing King Rinkitink and Prince Inga throughout the story I felt a little robbed to have Dorothy show up in time to save the day. I would have preferred to see Inga & Rinkitink outsmart the nome king rather than having the victory belong to Dorothy. I understand needing to bring the Land of Oz into the story, but that could have been done by simply having the travelers end up in Oz or even having Dorothy simply help Inga while still allowing him to be the hero of the book. He could have taken Kaliko with the help of Bilbil & Rinkitink. Overall this was a very good book and makes me want to read some of Baum's non-Oz fiction.
We discussed this series and many more on our Fantasy spotlight for the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
My one complaint is the sloppy inclusion of Dorothy & the Wizard. After follwing King Rinkitink and Prince Inga throughout the story I felt a little robbed to have Dorothy show up in time to save the day. I would have preferred to see Inga & Rinkitink outsmart the nome king rather than having the victory belong to Dorothy. I understand needing to bring the Land of Oz into the story, but that could have been done by simply having the travelers end up in Oz or even having Dorothy simply help Inga while still allowing him to be the hero of the book. He could have taken Kaliko with the help of Bilbil & Rinkitink. Overall this was a very good book and makes me want to read some of Baum's non-Oz fiction.
We discussed this series and many more on our Fantasy spotlight for the All the Books Show: https://soundcloud.com/allthebooks/ep...
April 21, 2024
Rinkitink is hardly in Oz. 2.5 stars.
March 18, 2022
This was such a cute book. Even if he didn't intend to write it as an Oz book, I think he linked the main story with Oz pretty well.
As usual, I don't know why it's names after Rinkitink. It's the story of Inga but I guess I'm used to this when it comes to Oz books. That said, I liked how Inga's character was built. For once there's a rational and a likeable character. Bilbil is also super cool. The storyline is simple and enjoyable. The end however was a bit off. I could never get used to all this blingy ends of Oz books.
Book #18 of 2022.
Book #10 of Oz series
As usual, I don't know why it's names after Rinkitink. It's the story of Inga but I guess I'm used to this when it comes to Oz books. That said, I liked how Inga's character was built. For once there's a rational and a likeable character. Bilbil is also super cool. The storyline is simple and enjoyable. The end however was a bit off. I could never get used to all this blingy ends of Oz books.
Book #18 of 2022.
Book #10 of Oz series
March 3, 2021
I suppose once you visit Oz, it’s hard to not want to come back. There’s something about the simplicity and imagination of a kind of fairytale that keeps drawing me back.
Originally I was “Narnia homesick” and picked up Oz as a similar’ish portal fantasy story and now 10 books later, here we are.
This one felt different. Apparently this story was not an Oz story at all, when Baum had originally written it. It was just a story that sat in his desk drawer. Given Oz popularity, he sort of re-wrote it and made it into an Oz tale and it shows.
For once, you will notice right out of the gate that you know absolutely no one here. Not even geographically. It feels and reads like a whole other story. (because it is). Eventually you will see a tie in to Oz, but it just did not feel quite right to me.
I still enjoyed it. It was a solid “light and relaxing read” and it very much has the Baum feel and style, so the odds are if you enjoy Oz style of storytelling this will be ok.
What I am interested in is if we will ever come back to these Islands or will this setting be left behind and forgotten in the future Oz books?
Will Rinkitink make a return?
Will anyone?
At this point, I’m pretty sure I am just going to chug along reading through apparently endless amount of Oz stories whenever I’m ready to kick back, relax and travel to a magical land with no bad endings.
Overall, however you will miss nothing at all by skipping this one. It really is not, at its core, a story of the land of Oz.
Roman
Originally I was “Narnia homesick” and picked up Oz as a similar’ish portal fantasy story and now 10 books later, here we are.
This one felt different. Apparently this story was not an Oz story at all, when Baum had originally written it. It was just a story that sat in his desk drawer. Given Oz popularity, he sort of re-wrote it and made it into an Oz tale and it shows.
For once, you will notice right out of the gate that you know absolutely no one here. Not even geographically. It feels and reads like a whole other story. (because it is). Eventually you will see a tie in to Oz, but it just did not feel quite right to me.
I still enjoyed it. It was a solid “light and relaxing read” and it very much has the Baum feel and style, so the odds are if you enjoy Oz style of storytelling this will be ok.
What I am interested in is if we will ever come back to these Islands or will this setting be left behind and forgotten in the future Oz books?
Will Rinkitink make a return?
Will anyone?
At this point, I’m pretty sure I am just going to chug along reading through apparently endless amount of Oz stories whenever I’m ready to kick back, relax and travel to a magical land with no bad endings.
Overall, however you will miss nothing at all by skipping this one. It really is not, at its core, a story of the land of Oz.
Roman
October 7, 2010
One of the best Oz books I've read yet! I read in the afterword that Baum actually intended this as a non-Oz book originally (no surprise, since the Oz part at the end seemed an afterthought and somewhat contrived).
It tells the story of Prince Inga, who rescues his parents and the people of his island nation with the help of three magic pearls. King Rinkitink is a funny character; I love his laugh.
I'm glad Baum decided to re-purpose this book into his Oz series—I'm sure many more people read it as a result.
It tells the story of Prince Inga, who rescues his parents and the people of his island nation with the help of three magic pearls. King Rinkitink is a funny character; I love his laugh.
I'm glad Baum decided to re-purpose this book into his Oz series—I'm sure many more people read it as a result.
July 30, 2018
Another fun adventure fairy tale from L. Frank Baum.
I even love the grumpy character of Bilbil the goat. He's so disgruntled, it's comical! However, I liked it best when Dorothy Gale finally entered the story -- I do miss her when she's not there.
Sometimes, I feel like the Oz stories may not be super interesting to youngsters nowadays, because it's just written in a older, different style. But then again, there are some laugh-out-loud moments, where the author has some real wit.
I even love the grumpy character of Bilbil the goat. He's so disgruntled, it's comical! However, I liked it best when Dorothy Gale finally entered the story -- I do miss her when she's not there.
Sometimes, I feel like the Oz stories may not be super interesting to youngsters nowadays, because it's just written in a older, different style. But then again, there are some laugh-out-loud moments, where the author has some real wit.
July 10, 2020
Check out my individual reviews on each book's main page!
November 10, 2019
De los libros de Oz, este se encuentra entre los que más me han gustado.
Aunque prácticamente podría ser un libro independiente.
Mis favoritos fueron Bilbil y Rinkitink, aunqur al principio me exaspera a un poco hee-hee-hee.
Aunque prácticamente podría ser un libro independiente.
Mis favoritos fueron Bilbil y Rinkitink, aunqur al principio me exaspera a un poco hee-hee-hee.
September 14, 2024
Prince Inga is warned by his father the king of the island of Pingaree to watch for invaders from Regos and Coregos, neighboring island, and keep three magical pearls close at hand to ward them off.
The invaders do come and destroy the island and take the king and most of the people captive. Inga is able to elude the invaders and, with help from his new friend King Rinkitink and Rinkitink's highly verbal goat Bilbil, he retrieves the magic pearls from their hiding place and sets off to rescue his people.
Quite fun!
The invaders do come and destroy the island and take the king and most of the people captive. Inga is able to elude the invaders and, with help from his new friend King Rinkitink and Rinkitink's highly verbal goat Bilbil, he retrieves the magic pearls from their hiding place and sets off to rescue his people.
Quite fun!
June 13, 2015
First, my dislikes about the book: snother misleading title, and another deus ex machina ending - but at least Baum is consistent. Rinkitink is an important character, and he does eventually wind up in Oz, but Prince Inga is the main protagonist who drives the plot and actually develops as a character. And I don't want to put any spoilers here, but if you've read any other Oz books, then you know that last-minute convenient saves by Glinda or Ozma are Baum's usual way of wrapping up a story.
Aside from those two issues (which, after reading so many Oz books, I think are just Baum's writing quirks), I loved this book. The story was different enough from other Oz stories to be refreshing, but still had all of the winsome fairytale charm that makes the Oz books so lovely. Also, there was a definite antagonist, giving Prince Inga a goal to strive for right from the get-go; this was a nice change from many of the Oz books which are basically a plot-less road-trip through Ozian oddities.
I would recommend this book to any lover of the Oz stories, and also to anyone who wants a good fairy tale story. Because most of the established characters like Dorothy, the Wizard, and Ozma don't show up till the very end, this book can easily be enjoyed by someone with no previous knowledge of any of Baum's other books.
Aside from those two issues (which, after reading so many Oz books, I think are just Baum's writing quirks), I loved this book. The story was different enough from other Oz stories to be refreshing, but still had all of the winsome fairytale charm that makes the Oz books so lovely. Also, there was a definite antagonist, giving Prince Inga a goal to strive for right from the get-go; this was a nice change from many of the Oz books which are basically a plot-less road-trip through Ozian oddities.
I would recommend this book to any lover of the Oz stories, and also to anyone who wants a good fairy tale story. Because most of the established characters like Dorothy, the Wizard, and Ozma don't show up till the very end, this book can easily be enjoyed by someone with no previous knowledge of any of Baum's other books.
January 27, 2022
This is one of Baum's best books, yet it is seriously marred by one wildly racist pair of sentences and one illustration towards the very end. It is really not something you'll want your child to read/hear/see. I am reading my daughter the Internet Archive's gorgeous scanned edition in PDF format, and I actually edited the two offending pages, by replacing the Tottenhot with a Hopper, and changing the line about "a lower form of man." I also removed an extraneous and racist reference to Romani people. If you want a copy of it, you can download this copy from my Google Drive. It does not change anything substantive. The racist bit was egregious and in no way important to the story.
Beware, though! Once Ruth Plumly Thompson takes over the series, the racism goes into overdrive. There are at least three of her books I will never read to my daughter.
Beware, though! Once Ruth Plumly Thompson takes over the series, the racism goes into overdrive. There are at least three of her books I will never read to my daughter.
August 21, 2024
Although this installment of the Oz books focuses on new characters, it was always a favorite of mine, and one I think of whenever I wear pointy shoes or wear my pearls.
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
https://perfectretort.blogspot.com/20...
May 27, 2020
When I read a Wizard of Oz story, I like to be reunited with the familiarity of the old gang.
This story was originally written unrelated to Oz.
L. Frank Baum re-wrote the ending to include several of characters from Oz and added it to the series.
This story was originally written unrelated to Oz.
L. Frank Baum re-wrote the ending to include several of characters from Oz and added it to the series.
February 3, 2022
Losing points for the very brief and random racist comment and for being shoehorned into Oz for no real reason
August 25, 2024
As I was looking through the other reviews for this book, it seems that everyone either loved or strongly disliked this book. I can understand why! It is very different from most of the books which have come along so far and at first, I was inclined toward the negative side. But the story grew on me, and I came to appreciate its many excellent quotes.
Rinkitink is a fat little king who has run away from his kingdom with his goat Bilbil to the island of Pingaree which is ruled by King Kitticut, his Queen and their son, Inga. Initially, we don't see how these characters have any connection to Oz, which is why some diehard Oz fans may not appreciate this book so much. Mr. Baum ties things in at the end, but until then we are dealing with a new land and a mostly (except for the Nome King) unknown cast.
As always, there are surprises, humor, good triumphing over evil and Oz coming to the rescue bringing more good souls into the wonderful Land of Oz. Now, on to The Lost Princess of Oz!
Rinkitink is a fat little king who has run away from his kingdom with his goat Bilbil to the island of Pingaree which is ruled by King Kitticut, his Queen and their son, Inga. Initially, we don't see how these characters have any connection to Oz, which is why some diehard Oz fans may not appreciate this book so much. Mr. Baum ties things in at the end, but until then we are dealing with a new land and a mostly (except for the Nome King) unknown cast.
As always, there are surprises, humor, good triumphing over evil and Oz coming to the rescue bringing more good souls into the wonderful Land of Oz. Now, on to The Lost Princess of Oz!
June 4, 2025
Starts slow and get wilder . I grew to really enjoy King Rinkitink and Inga and Bilbil.
The last third really sticks the landing.
Glindas magic sequence of transforming Bilbil to Prince Bobo was so clever with verisimilitude in world/Oz magic.
"First she transformed Bilbil the goat into a lamb, and this was done quite easily. Next she transformed the lamb into an ostrich, giving it two legs and feet instead of four. Then she tried to transform the ostrich into the original Prince Bobo, but this incantation was an utter failure. Glinda was not discour-aged, however, but by a powerful spell transformed the ostrich into a Tottenhot. Then the Tottenhot was transformed into a mifket, which was a great step in advance and, finally, Glinda transformed the mifket into a handsome young man, tall and shapely, who fell on his knees before the great Sorceress and gratefully kissed her hand, admitting that he had now recovered..."
The last third really sticks the landing.
Glindas magic sequence of transforming Bilbil to Prince Bobo was so clever with verisimilitude in world/Oz magic.
"First she transformed Bilbil the goat into a lamb, and this was done quite easily. Next she transformed the lamb into an ostrich, giving it two legs and feet instead of four. Then she tried to transform the ostrich into the original Prince Bobo, but this incantation was an utter failure. Glinda was not discour-aged, however, but by a powerful spell transformed the ostrich into a Tottenhot. Then the Tottenhot was transformed into a mifket, which was a great step in advance and, finally, Glinda transformed the mifket into a handsome young man, tall and shapely, who fell on his knees before the great Sorceress and gratefully kissed her hand, admitting that he had now recovered..."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2023
*audio book*
This one was adorable and among the more unique wizard of oz books... really loved the jolly king and grumpy goat!
This one was adorable and among the more unique wizard of oz books... really loved the jolly king and grumpy goat!
June 23, 2025
Rinkitink and Bilbil have the best relationship, AND Bilbil turned out to be a human after all, and not just a talking goat. Thank goodness.
June 5, 2019
Не знаю почему, но не смог поставить этой книге "единицу". Наверное, потому, что здесь хоть чуть-чуть было приключений и маленькая капелька неожиданных поворотов, а в остальном - L. Frank Baum так и не смог стать детским писателем, но также и писать книги не перестал (к сожалению!).
P.S. Мальчик в девочку, к счастью, не превратился, а вот злобный козел оказался в итоге прекрасным принцем (оказывается, бывает и такое!)
P.S. Мальчик в девочку, к счастью, не превратился, а вот злобный козел оказался в итоге прекрасным принцем (оказывается, бывает и такое!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2022
This is Baum at his best. I am tempted to say this is the best Oz book so far, because it has the most cohesive plot, engaging, witty dialogue, amazing characters, masterfully timed conflicts, and it does not have the weirdness and sometimes awkwardness of many of the other volumes. I read it on Kindle and highlighted a lot of lines that were wise or made me laugh. I was enthralled by the magical pearls and the adventures they cause, and I rooted heartily for Inga, who is a true prince: brave, loyal, humble, steadfast in adversity. I was hoping he and Zella would get together! Nikobob is a wise, admirable new character (although he and his wife put their poor Zella in a lot of danger), and Rinkitink and Bilbil provide hilarious bickering.
I could almost knock off one star for a couple things that kept the book from being perfect. Until near the end, this book felt "new," that is, without recycled plots and characters, which Baum tends to use. Then the nome king comes into the story, and many of the Oz books have already featured a nome king. Kaliko turned out to add humor, tension, and magic to the story so I did not ultimately mind him being there. Then Dorothy sees the whole thing in the magic mirror and intervenes with eggs. I understand that a large part of Oz is showing the power that sweet, innocent little girls can have, but after watching Inga go through so much hardship and show his mettle throughout it, I felt let down that Dorothy sweeps in and easily saves him and his family. Other than these complaints, the book was absolutely wonderful, the kind of fairy tale I love to read and wish I could write.
I can't help thinking that the frequent references to Rinkitink's corpulence would not be appreciated by some of today's readers, although it did not bother me and I found him to be a lovable character who shows himself to be worthy of respect, even though he is pretty ridiculous. Also, Queen Cor is described as having dark skin like a gypsy, and apparently she is the only darker skinned character. Baum only mentions it once and in the pictures she looks white, so it is not harped on, but it is another thing some readers might find issue with.
I also want to note that this book, and much of the Oz series, is another testimony that the "strong female figure," although treated as a concept that is newly becoming prominently included, is not actually new and goes as far back as the Bible. In this one, Cor, although evil, is the smartest and bravest in her kingdom. Zella goes through a dangerous forest all alone. Dorothy saves the prince by intimidating a powerful nome king. Moreover, Ozma and Glinda are the main rulers of Oz. I think Baum shows a lot of respect and admiration toward women.
I was feeling a little burned out with Oz after Tik Tok of Oz, then my interest was renewed with the rereading of Scarecrow of Oz, and now, after this volume, my enthusiasm has skyrocketed. I'm only afraid that the next installments can't possibly compare to this one.
I could almost knock off one star for a couple things that kept the book from being perfect. Until near the end, this book felt "new," that is, without recycled plots and characters, which Baum tends to use. Then the nome king comes into the story, and many of the Oz books have already featured a nome king. Kaliko turned out to add humor, tension, and magic to the story so I did not ultimately mind him being there. Then Dorothy sees the whole thing in the magic mirror and intervenes with eggs. I understand that a large part of Oz is showing the power that sweet, innocent little girls can have, but after watching Inga go through so much hardship and show his mettle throughout it, I felt let down that Dorothy sweeps in and easily saves him and his family. Other than these complaints, the book was absolutely wonderful, the kind of fairy tale I love to read and wish I could write.
I can't help thinking that the frequent references to Rinkitink's corpulence would not be appreciated by some of today's readers, although it did not bother me and I found him to be a lovable character who shows himself to be worthy of respect, even though he is pretty ridiculous. Also, Queen Cor is described as having dark skin like a gypsy, and apparently she is the only darker skinned character. Baum only mentions it once and in the pictures she looks white, so it is not harped on, but it is another thing some readers might find issue with.
I also want to note that this book, and much of the Oz series, is another testimony that the "strong female figure," although treated as a concept that is newly becoming prominently included, is not actually new and goes as far back as the Bible. In this one, Cor, although evil, is the smartest and bravest in her kingdom. Zella goes through a dangerous forest all alone. Dorothy saves the prince by intimidating a powerful nome king. Moreover, Ozma and Glinda are the main rulers of Oz. I think Baum shows a lot of respect and admiration toward women.
I was feeling a little burned out with Oz after Tik Tok of Oz, then my interest was renewed with the rereading of Scarecrow of Oz, and now, after this volume, my enthusiasm has skyrocketed. I'm only afraid that the next installments can't possibly compare to this one.
September 19, 2011
This is one of my favorites of the original Oz books. I love the idea of the Three Pearls and the characters of Prince Inga, Zella, Nikobob, King Rinkitink, and Bilbil the goat, as well as the depiction of Kaliko as the Nome King. There's actually some real dramatic tension during Prince Inga's multiple attempts to rescue his parents and their people from Regos and Coregos and especially when Prince Inga and Rinkitink are separated and challenged by the Nome King's magic!
I'm less enamored of Dorothy and the Wizard as the deus ex machina that swoop in at the end to make everything right with a basket of eggs and a well-placed foot-stamp or two, and the obligatory banquet in the second to last chapter where every personage of any standing in Oz makes an appearance.
The title is a bit disingenuous since Oz doesn't even come up until chapter 20 of 24, and I'm not sure why Rinkitink gets top billing over Prince Inga. But Oz was what was selling, so I'm sure that's why Mr. Baum threw them in at the end and Rinkitink is just a lot of fun to say!
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
I'm less enamored of Dorothy and the Wizard as the deus ex machina that swoop in at the end to make everything right with a basket of eggs and a well-placed foot-stamp or two, and the obligatory banquet in the second to last chapter where every personage of any standing in Oz makes an appearance.
The title is a bit disingenuous since Oz doesn't even come up until chapter 20 of 24, and I'm not sure why Rinkitink gets top billing over Prince Inga. But Oz was what was selling, so I'm sure that's why Mr. Baum threw them in at the end and Rinkitink is just a lot of fun to say!
For more book reviews, come visit my blog, Build Enough Bookshelves.
January 14, 2019
The ever expanding universe of the fairy kingdom of Oz continues in this book. We meet a few more brand new characters and revisit some existing. We get to see some new lands surrounding Oz proper, and we get to be a bit bored while doing it.
It had become apparent earlier in the series, but in this book it becomes painfully obvious that Baum has begun to write these books because they are popular, not because he really wants to. He keeps moving farther and farther away from Oz, and only brings the characters (Like Ozma) in to tie up his story lines.
It's fun to get to experience the Nome king again, and explore that world a bit more. In fact this was the absolute best part of the story, but ultimately this was a weak story int he cannon. I'm sure he will tie these characters in, in later stories (of which he only wrote a few more), but if you don't care that much, I would just skip this one.
It had become apparent earlier in the series, but in this book it becomes painfully obvious that Baum has begun to write these books because they are popular, not because he really wants to. He keeps moving farther and farther away from Oz, and only brings the characters (Like Ozma) in to tie up his story lines.
It's fun to get to experience the Nome king again, and explore that world a bit more. In fact this was the absolute best part of the story, but ultimately this was a weak story int he cannon. I'm sure he will tie these characters in, in later stories (of which he only wrote a few more), but if you don't care that much, I would just skip this one.
April 16, 2017
At this point my determination to finish the series is far greater than the joy I take from reading the books. This would actually be a good reason to stop reading them but I really want to see if there's still a great book left in the series.
I was especially disappointed by this book as it had hardly anything to do with Oz and the title is confusing as well. I guess I would much rather read something new about Oz than just having a random story about another place.
Nevertheless, some of the characters were likable and I liked the part about the three pearls a lot. Unfortunately, Rinkitink annoyed me way more than he should have which is why I settled for two stars in the end.
Nice but not necessary to read.
I was especially disappointed by this book as it had hardly anything to do with Oz and the title is confusing as well. I guess I would much rather read something new about Oz than just having a random story about another place.
Nevertheless, some of the characters were likable and I liked the part about the three pearls a lot. Unfortunately, Rinkitink annoyed me way more than he should have which is why I settled for two stars in the end.
Nice but not necessary to read.
May 29, 2017
One of my favourites and better than the last few. I liked the new characters and there was a real sense of adventure. I'm a bit tired of the way Dorothy, Ozma and Glinda always show up to save the day. Even though Inga and everyone were doing fine without them, they come along and steal the glory.
February 11, 2025
So this was a weird one. From the first fifty pages i was scratching my head thinking to myself "this...doesn't feel like an oz book". and considering that Oz characters don't show up until 87% of the way through the book yeah. it felt that way almost all the way through.
After reading this book, i read the afterword where it was like "oh yeah this didn't start as an oz book and he just slapped oz characters at the end" i was like "pfff. yeah. no kidding." I'll just say this. if you're expecting traverses through Oz and the usual fare you've expected from the previous 9 books, you're not going to find it in this one.
The idea of the story is fine. a fat old king, a talking goat, and a prince have to save the kingdom from an evil king and queen with the help of three magical pearls. The characters in itself are fine, but it suffers from "oops setback! okay they do a thing. OOPS SETBACK!" over and over again. it gets to the point where you get irritated at all the setbacks they get. it's definitely a one step forward two steps back book.
I would say the biggest complaint i have with the book is the shoehorning of the oz characters. they weren't really introduced in a.... natural way. it was more of a "Dorothy's farting around in oz and happens to look at her mirror and see stuff is going down and asks ozma if she can deux ex machina pop in and save the day" like, her assistance literally comes out of nowhere other than Frank needed to shoehorn in Oz characters. even according to the afterword and i quote "he turned to this unpublished manuscript and revised its ending so as to include dorothy, the wizard, and his other oz characters" so if you're reading this book and think the oz characters seem like a last minute inclusion, that's only because they were.
but enough of the fact that this really ISN'T an Oz book and more of an... Oz ADJACENT book, is it any good? Well, having a fat jolly king as a protagonist is pretty fun, and i liked the cranky goat, but as per usual, the young human character is as interesting as milk toast. This seems to be one of the major failings of Baum. He's GREAT at creating wacky characters such as scarecrows, glass cats, talking chickens, but he tried so hard to make the young human characters self-insertable that he makes them boring. The same can be said nowadays for anime and light novels. it's the problem with these kinds of characters. they're dull.
As for the villains, they get the worst possible resolution i've ever seen in an Oz book. We spend chapters and chapters with these two and we wonder what happened to them and dorothy shows up and goes "oh yeah. their ship sank offscreen. i read it in the oz book" and you're like "the hell?! THAT'S the entire resolution to this book's main villains? they get off-screen owned? wow..that's....certainly convenient." that probably irritated me more than anything in this book.
You can tell this isn't really an Oz book as there's a lot more references to violence in this one. Normally an Oz book doesn't really delve TOO much into violence, but this one seems extra mean spirited with fire pits, spears, and knives. kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. i come to Oz for whimsy and Oz stuff. not... people trying to stab people.
I wish i could say i enjoyed this one more than i did, but... i really didn't. in Frank's own introduction he says "i think you will find this story quite different from the other histories of oz" and yeah. that's very accurate. he even says "if i am permitted to write another oz book it will tell of some thrilling adventures by dorothy, betsy bobbins, trot, and the patchwork girl right in the land of oz". haha. it's like he's saying "guys. sorry this book isn't really that oz filled and whimsical. next time i PROMISE it will be like it usually is." it's like he knew.
I would say the biggest key thing is, if you just say "hey, this is a Frank baum book" it's fine. if you say it's an OZ book...it's not very good. it's BARELY an Oz book. i'll give this one a 2.5 rounded up to a 3. Didn't hate or dislike it, just feel a little... mislead and didn't feel the normal whimsy i do when reading these.
After reading this book, i read the afterword where it was like "oh yeah this didn't start as an oz book and he just slapped oz characters at the end" i was like "pfff. yeah. no kidding." I'll just say this. if you're expecting traverses through Oz and the usual fare you've expected from the previous 9 books, you're not going to find it in this one.
The idea of the story is fine. a fat old king, a talking goat, and a prince have to save the kingdom from an evil king and queen with the help of three magical pearls. The characters in itself are fine, but it suffers from "oops setback! okay they do a thing. OOPS SETBACK!" over and over again. it gets to the point where you get irritated at all the setbacks they get. it's definitely a one step forward two steps back book.
I would say the biggest complaint i have with the book is the shoehorning of the oz characters. they weren't really introduced in a.... natural way. it was more of a "Dorothy's farting around in oz and happens to look at her mirror and see stuff is going down and asks ozma if she can deux ex machina pop in and save the day" like, her assistance literally comes out of nowhere other than Frank needed to shoehorn in Oz characters. even according to the afterword and i quote "he turned to this unpublished manuscript and revised its ending so as to include dorothy, the wizard, and his other oz characters" so if you're reading this book and think the oz characters seem like a last minute inclusion, that's only because they were.
but enough of the fact that this really ISN'T an Oz book and more of an... Oz ADJACENT book, is it any good? Well, having a fat jolly king as a protagonist is pretty fun, and i liked the cranky goat, but as per usual, the young human character is as interesting as milk toast. This seems to be one of the major failings of Baum. He's GREAT at creating wacky characters such as scarecrows, glass cats, talking chickens, but he tried so hard to make the young human characters self-insertable that he makes them boring. The same can be said nowadays for anime and light novels. it's the problem with these kinds of characters. they're dull.
As for the villains, they get the worst possible resolution i've ever seen in an Oz book. We spend chapters and chapters with these two and we wonder what happened to them and dorothy shows up and goes "oh yeah. their ship sank offscreen. i read it in the oz book" and you're like "the hell?! THAT'S the entire resolution to this book's main villains? they get off-screen owned? wow..that's....certainly convenient." that probably irritated me more than anything in this book.
You can tell this isn't really an Oz book as there's a lot more references to violence in this one. Normally an Oz book doesn't really delve TOO much into violence, but this one seems extra mean spirited with fire pits, spears, and knives. kind of left a bad taste in my mouth. i come to Oz for whimsy and Oz stuff. not... people trying to stab people.
I wish i could say i enjoyed this one more than i did, but... i really didn't. in Frank's own introduction he says "i think you will find this story quite different from the other histories of oz" and yeah. that's very accurate. he even says "if i am permitted to write another oz book it will tell of some thrilling adventures by dorothy, betsy bobbins, trot, and the patchwork girl right in the land of oz". haha. it's like he's saying "guys. sorry this book isn't really that oz filled and whimsical. next time i PROMISE it will be like it usually is." it's like he knew.
I would say the biggest key thing is, if you just say "hey, this is a Frank baum book" it's fine. if you say it's an OZ book...it's not very good. it's BARELY an Oz book. i'll give this one a 2.5 rounded up to a 3. Didn't hate or dislike it, just feel a little... mislead and didn't feel the normal whimsy i do when reading these.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2023
This novel feels like L. Frank Baum decided he was going to suffice the kiddos by writing an Oz book without actually writing an Oz book, which I thought was genius. Oz is a pretty large world already, and in this book we actually spend 90% of our time in a land (or lands) just outside of the borders of Oz before finally jaunting over to Oz at the end just to remind the readers that, yes, this actually is still an Oz book. You can notice throughout this series that sometimes Baum's heart isn't totally in it, like he would rather be writing something else, something new. Yet because of the constant requests for more Oz books, he instead introduces these new worlds and characters and ideas of his and just adds these to land of Oz to keep his fans happy, and I think that's pretty cool. Also, Rinkitink and Bilbil are totally up there on my favorite characters list now!
June 24, 2021
Though this story did not directly involve the characters of Oz, it was a pleasant story of friends, and magic. This story also had more violence, greed, and selfishness than the precious books. When Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz show up, towards the end of the story, the main characters are able to resolve many conflicts. The twist at the end concerning Bill Bill the goat was unexpected and sweet. All in all, I liked this book!
February 24, 2022
When I first read this as a child, I was disappointed that it isn't really an Oz book - the recurring Oz characters only appear at the end. I was right - Baum's original version didn't have Oz in it at all, but he revised it, probably so that it could sell as an "Oz" book, which would make more money.
But on rereading it, I really enjoyed the adventure and characters. The plot set up is more serious and dark than most of Baum's books - Prince Inga's situation is truly terrible. Baum resolves it with his usual mix of humor, satire, pluck, magic, and a convenient deus ex machina resolution.
But on rereading it, I really enjoyed the adventure and characters. The plot set up is more serious and dark than most of Baum's books - Prince Inga's situation is truly terrible. Baum resolves it with his usual mix of humor, satire, pluck, magic, and a convenient deus ex machina resolution.
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