Read Wicked Series Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on April 25, 2026

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The Wicked series, written by Gregory Maguire, is an imaginative and thought-provoking retelling of the world of The Wizard of Oz. It offers a darker, more complex perspective on the beloved characters from L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Through its multilayered characters, intricate world-building, and deep philosophical themes, the series reimagines a familiar story into a rich, captivating saga that explores morality, identity, and power.

What sets the Wicked series apart from other reimaginings of Oz is its profound narrative depth. Maguire’s version is less about whimsical adventure and more about complex social issues, political dynamics, and the consequences of personal choices. With a delicate mix of fantasy, political intrigue, and social critique, the series invites readers to reexamine their assumptions about good and evil.

This exploration into the Wicked series is for both longtime fans of the books and newcomers seeking to discover a darker, more nuanced side to a classic tale. Whether you’re considering diving into the books or are just curious about their unique storytelling approach, this breakdown will guide you through the essential details of the series, its reading order, and why it might-or might not-be the next great addition to your reading list.

List Of Wicked Series Books In Order

More On Wicked Series Books In Chronological Order

1. Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (1995)

Ah, *Wicked*! This is the one that started it all. Set in the land of Oz, the novel follows the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and offers a backstory for this much-feared character we all thought we knew from *The Wizard of Oz*. But, oh, Elphaba is far from one-dimensional! The book dives deep into her life, her struggles with her identity, and her complex relationships with her family and the world around her. It’s a reimagining of a classic tale that questions the nature of good and evil, all set against a politically charged backdrop that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew about Oz.

2. Son of a Witch (2005)

So, you think you’ve got a handle on Oz now, huh? Well, get ready for the next chapter! *Son of a Witch* picks up right after *Wicked* and follows Elphaba’s son, Liir, who’s grappling with his legacy and his place in the world. It’s a lot darker, with Liir trying to understand who he is without his mother to guide him. There’s a lot of tension in the political and magical realms, and Liir gets caught up in it all, while still searching for his own path. There’s heartache, hope, and some serious soul-searching. If you loved the first book’s moral complexity, this one will keep you hooked with its own deep dive into the gray areas of life.

3. A Lion Among Men (2008)

Okay, we’re still deep in the weeds of Oz, but now we’re getting to the *lion* of the story, literally! This one’s about Brrr, the Cowardly Lion from *The Wizard of Oz*. The book takes us through his backstory, showing how he became the character we all recognize. His journey isn’t as simple as a lion trying to find courage. Oh no, there’s intrigue, politics, and plenty of morally ambiguous choices. *A Lion Among Men* is a slower burn, really diving deep into the philosophy and political landscape of Oz. Brrr’s journey is about trying to understand who he is and why things in Oz are the way they are. It’s a thinking person’s book, for sure!

4. Out of Oz (2011)

The final book of the series, and oh, it’s a bittersweet ride. *Out of Oz* brings everything to a head, tying together all the threads from the previous books. It’s chaotic, emotional, and downright wild at times. The story picks up with the continuing turmoil in Oz, and the characters-both new and old-are all entangled in the fate of the land. The book is about endings and beginnings, change, and the consequences of the past. It’s an epic conclusion, full of magic, action, and heartbreak. If you’ve made it this far, you’ll be invested in the fate of Oz and its characters. It’s both a satisfying and tragic end to a complex saga.

Background On The Wicked Series Books

The Wicked series began with the publication of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West in 1995. This first novel introduced readers to a re-imagined Oz, one that was filled with political intrigue, social division, and complex characters. The story primarily focuses on Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and provides a detailed account of her life, her origins, and the events that led to her becoming the iconic figure of the classic Oz mythos.

Maguire’s retelling is steeped in allegory, addressing issues such as prejudice, political corruption, and the nature of power. Through Elphaba’s perspective, we begin to understand the complexities of the characters we once thought of as ’good’ or ’evil’-such as Glinda the Good Witch, Dorothy, and the Wizard himself-revealing them as flawed, multidimensional individuals rather than simple archetypes.

The success of Wicked led to a larger Wicked series, with four additional books exploring various aspects of the world of Oz and its inhabitants. Each book in the series stands on its own in some respects, but they are intricately interconnected, and reading them in order allows for a fuller understanding of the evolving narrative and its themes.

• Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West (1995)

  This novel is the foundation of the series, providing the backstory to Elphaba and the political world of Oz, challenging perceptions of good and evil.

• Son Of A Witch (2005)

  This sequel follows Elphaba’s son, Liir, as he grapples with the legacy of his mother’s actions and attempts to carve his own path in a world still reeling from her death. The book explores themes of personal identity and legacy.

• A Lion Among Men (2008)

  This third installment shifts focus to Brrr, the Cowardly Lion, exploring his journey of self-discovery and his complex relationship with both the Wizard and Elphaba. The story touches on themes of courage, fear, and the nature of monstrosity.

• Out Of Oz (2011)

  The final book of the series brings the story full circle, exploring the ultimate resolution of Oz’s political and social conflicts. It examines the consequences of the actions of its characters and the enduring question of whether redemption is truly possible.

• The Wicked Years Novella Collection (2021)

  A collection of novellas set within the world of Wicked, adding further depth to the series with additional character-driven tales.

Each of these books contributes to a broader narrative that reflects not just the evolution of the Oz world but also the complex moral questions at its core.

Reading Order Explained

The Wicked series is primarily a collection of five novels, but it also includes supplemental novellas that add extra layers to the story. While the books can be read in a variety of ways, there is a recommended reading order that enhances the narrative experience.

1. Wicked: The Life And Times Of The Wicked Witch Of The West

   This is the starting point of the series, setting up the story, the world of Oz, and the transformation of Elphaba from a misunderstood, rebellious child into the Wicked Witch of the West. It’s the essential piece that provides the philosophical and moral groundwork for the entire series.

2. Son Of A Witch

   Picking up where Wicked left off, Son of a Witch follows Elphaba’s son, Liir, as he tries to find his own identity in a post-Elphaba Oz. This book expands the world of Oz and gives readers a deeper understanding of the consequences of Elphaba’s choices.

3. A Lion Among Men

   This novel shifts the perspective from Elphaba’s legacy to the Cowardly Lion, Brrr. It delves deeper into his character and explores the concepts of bravery, self-perception, and self-doubt. This book is more introspective and less focused on the political backdrop compared to its predecessors.

4. Out Of Oz

   The final book in the series brings resolution to the complex storylines introduced in the earlier books. It also provides closure to the central conflicts within Oz, while continuing to explore the nature of leadership, redemption, and the impact of past actions on future generations.

5. The Wicked Years Novella Collection

   After finishing the main novels, the novellas serve as an enriching addition to the Wicked universe. These stories provide further context and character development for various figures in Oz, including some who were only briefly touched upon in the novels.

This chronological order of reading will allow readers to fully appreciate the characters’ development and the political and philosophical shifts in Oz as it moves from one book to the next. Starting with Wicked and following the story through to Out of Oz creates a natural progression that underscores the central themes of the series.

What I Like About The Series?

What makes the Wicked series stand out is its ability to transform a simple fairytale into a profound exploration of morality and human nature. Maguire’s Oz is not a world of black-and-white morality, but a rich tapestry of grays where the motivations of every character are complex and multifaceted. The series asks tough questions about power, prejudice, and the cost of rebellion, encouraging readers to reconsider what they know about ’good’ and “evil”.

The characters, particularly Elphaba, are deeply human. Elphaba’s journey is one of constant conflict-internally as she grapples with her ideals, and externally as she faces the harsh reality of a world that doesn’t understand her. Her transformation from misunderstood idealist to the feared Wicked Witch is heartbreaking, poignant, and relatable. Maguire allows readers to see her as both a victim of circumstance and an active participant in her own fate, making her one of the most compelling characters in contemporary fiction.

Another aspect I appreciate is Maguire’s ability to make the fantastical feel grounded. While Oz is a magical world filled with witches, wizards, and talking animals, Maguire incorporates real-world issues like corruption, social inequality, and environmental degradation into the narrative, making it feel relevant and timely despite its fantastical setting.

Finally, the depth of the world-building in the Wicked series is impressive. Every corner of Oz feels lived-in, with its own politics, history, and culture. Maguire takes the time to explore not only the characters but the societies they inhabit, making Oz feel like a fully realized world, not just a whimsical backdrop for a fairy tale.

Should You Read Wicked Series Books In Order?

Yes, reading the Wicked series in order is highly recommended. Each book builds on the foundation established in Wicked, and the characters evolve and change in significant ways across the series. While each novel can be enjoyed on its own to a certain extent, the emotional resonance and thematic depth are greatly enhanced when read in sequence.

The interconnectedness of the characters’ journeys and the development of the world of Oz demand a chronological approach. For example, Son of a Witch picks up right after Wicked and deals with the aftermath of Elphaba’s actions, while A Lion Among Men continues the story by focusing on a different character’s perspective, allowing for a broader understanding of the series’ central themes.

If you read out of order, you may miss key character developments, plot points, and thematic threads that tie the series together. For the best experience and to fully appreciate the depth of Maguire’s world, starting with Wicked and following the reading order is the ideal approach.