L. Frank Baum sends Dorothy Gale on her third published adventure, but this time, she doesn't get there by cyclone. While visiting family in California, a massive earthquake opens a chasm, swallowing Dorothy, her cousin Zeb, their horse Jim, and her kitten Eureka. They fall straight into the fantastical, underground Land of the Mangaboos—a silent, beautiful race of vegetable people who live in a glass city.

The Story

In this strange world, plants rule and outsiders are not welcome. The Mangaboos immediately declare the surface-dwellers a public nuisance. Just as a trial is about to begin, another surface-dweller comes crashing down: the Wizard of Oz himself, finally returning in his balloon! Reunited, Dorothy and the Wizard must lead their little group to safety. Their journey to find a way home takes them through a series of bizarre, connected kingdoms. They escape the Mangaboos only to be trapped in a valley of invisible, deadly bears. Next, they navigate a forest of fighting, living trees and encounter a city of wooden gargoyles. Every step is a fight for survival, made trickier by the constant bickering between the proud horse Jim and the mischievous kitten Eureka. Their quest becomes a desperate search for an exit back to the world of sunshine, facing one impossible challenge after another.

Why You Should Read It

This book feels different from the first Oz stories. It's darker, quicker, and packed with wild ideas. The underground setting lets Baum's imagination run completely free, creating societies that are wonderfully odd and sometimes sinister. The heart of the story, though, is the group itself. This isn't a quest with loyal companions; it's a grumpy, funny, makeshift family. Zeb is a great addition—a practical, down-to-earth kid who balances Dorothy's optimism. The real scene-stealer is the Wizard. We finally see him without his tricks, relying on real (if small) magic and his wits. He's flawed, resourceful, and deeply loyal, making him a far more interesting character here than the humbug from the first book.

Final Verdict

This is the perfect Oz book for readers who like their fantasy with an edge of danger and a big dose of the bizarre. It's for those who wondered what the Wizard did after he floated away and for anyone who enjoys a chaotic, underground adventure story. While it ends with the classic Oz comfort, the journey there is one of Baum's most inventive and suspenseful. If you're ready to see a different, slightly weirder side of Oz, grab this book and take the plunge.