How to Read the ‘Wicked’ Books in Order

The book that started it all: Wicked, published in 1995, is inspired by L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book and its film adaptation. The story follows Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, throughout her life.

In the sequel to Wicked, Son of a Witch follows Elphaba and Fiyero’s son, Liir, over ten years of his life (from ages 14 to 24).

Maguire once again returns to Oz, and this time turns his attentions to the Cowardly Lion, known as Brrr in his retelling. Chronologically, it’s set about eight years after Son of a Witch.

Out of Oz is the fourth and final excursion “across a darker, richer, more complex landscape of ‘the magical land of Oz,'” per the publisher, from the POV of Elphaba’s granddaughter, Rain.

Elphie is a prequel about Elphaba, set 30 years before the events of Wicked. Per the publisher, “The novel reveals how young Elphaba, marked from birth by her green skin, navigates a world shaped by her mother’s promiscuity and her father’s piety. It touches upon her early encounters with the marginalized Animal populations of Oz, her struggles with familial jealousy, and her educational adventures leading to Shiz University where she meets the charismatic Galinda.”

If you’re looking to get all the books in one set, this box set has Wicked (although, not the movie tie-in cover) along with Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz.

If you’re more of a kindle person, this Wicked Years collection bundles the four novels for a discounted price.