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arcielle's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nicoleyu's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
nicnels's review against another edition
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
jlswitchblades's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
i started rereading TWY in 2021? 22? and thrifted the 3rd and 4th books. I've been very go and stop and almost lost interest in this book but it rallied in the end tying it back to elphaba and co. enough to make me want to complete the series!
protoman21's review against another edition
2.0
I don't know why I keep reading the books in this series. I guess I am loyal to a fault. Most of the story I didn't care for, and the few parts that were interesting didn't really thrill me since I didn't care about any of the characters. I really hope this is the end, but it doesn't seem like it to me, and I am afraid if another book is written I will be compelled to read it!
pbraue13's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful portrayal of a lost, broken, and powerless soul through a whimsical and hopeful lense. Loved hearing the Cowardly Lions origin story (Brrr is the perfect name for him) and it has a bearing on the rest of the series! We learn more about the Grimmerie and the secrets of Oz! Also love the glass cat! Could have done without the animal sex scenes though, lol. Otherwise loved loved loved it!
sraev19's review against another edition
2.0
I was eager to dive into this story after finishing Son of a Witch to see what followed from its cliffhanger, but A Lion Among Men turned out to be a big letdown.
While this book does follow the events of the previous one, it has very little relation to it. Maguire turns his attention to the Cowardly Lion and Yackle, and through flashbacks we learn about their histories, how the Lion came to be Cowardly, and just who Yackle is.
These past events range from mildly interesting or humorous to straight-up boring, and with regards to the Lion, they’re not really relevant. The Lion’s role in Maguire’s series is minimal, and the one defining moment he did have—being taken as a cub by Dr. Nikidik for experimentation in class— isn’t elaborated on much or shown to have affected him in a profound way.
Maguire’s attempt at character development thus falls flat. We get another whiny, passive, cowardly character who doesn’t have a lot of agency. The Lion was a catalyst for Elphaba’s journey in Wicked, and here his presence helps Yackle finish hers, but all the while he doesn’t do much of anything himself.
As with the previous two books in the series, A Lion Among Men is a rough read. The beginning did not pick up where I was expecting it to, and the flashbacks dragged on without adding anything meaningful. It’s not until the last few dozen pages that Maguire tries to bring us full circle and reward us for slogging through the Lion’s and Yackle’s backstories.
The payoff, of course, is another cliffhanger. Yet this time I’m left decidedly disappointed. I feel like I’d been jumping through hoops to get to the big finale for no reason other than to make the end seem worthwhile. It was a whole lot of busywork. Maguire could have saved everyone the trouble and led with the ending.
I’m going to read the next book for completion’s sake and a twisted sense of curiosity: How much worse can it get?
While this book does follow the events of the previous one, it has very little relation to it. Maguire turns his attention to the Cowardly Lion and Yackle, and through flashbacks we learn about their histories, how the Lion came to be Cowardly, and just who Yackle is.
These past events range from mildly interesting or humorous to straight-up boring, and with regards to the Lion, they’re not really relevant. The Lion’s role in Maguire’s series is minimal, and the one defining moment he did have
Maguire’s attempt at character development thus falls flat. We get another whiny, passive, cowardly character who doesn’t have a lot of agency. The Lion was a catalyst for Elphaba’s journey in Wicked, and here his presence helps Yackle finish hers, but all the while he doesn’t do much of anything himself.
As with the previous two books in the series, A Lion Among Men is a rough read. The beginning did not pick up where I was expecting it to, and the flashbacks dragged on without adding anything meaningful. It’s not until the last few dozen pages that Maguire tries to bring us full circle and reward us for slogging through the Lion’s and Yackle’s backstories.
The payoff, of course, is another cliffhanger. Yet this time I’m left decidedly disappointed. I feel like I’d been jumping through hoops to get to the big finale for no reason other than to make the end seem worthwhile. It was a whole lot of busywork. Maguire could have saved everyone the trouble and led with the ending.
I’m going to read the next book for completion’s sake and a twisted sense of curiosity: How much worse can it get?
essiewakeman's review against another edition
2.0
Doesn't live up to the previous books at all. It really felt to me like the Oz story was being milked for all it was worth and it was generally just not a very enjoyable book.