BookBrief
Yellow Brick War cover
Archivist's Choice

Yellow Brick War

Danielle Paige (2016)

Genre

Fantasy / Young Adult / Romance

Reading Time

270 min

Key Themes

See below

Track Your Reading

Sign in to track this book

In a twisted Oz where good is wicked and Dorothy is the enemy, Amy Gumm must embrace her role as an assassin to stop the former hero from destroying both Oz and Kansas before she's trapped forever.

Synopsis

In "Yellow Brick War," Amy Gumm, a Kansas girl swept into a dark, twisted Oz, faces consequences after her failed attempt to assassinate Dorothy. The portal between Oz and Kansas is open, threatening both worlds. Oz has become a menacing land where good is wicked and wicked is good, thanks to Dorothy's corruption by magic. Amy, now an assassin, forms an alliance with the remaining good forces, including Nox, to stop Dorothy. They journey through Oz's dangerous places, encountering the Witches of the North and South, and eventually venturing into the Nome King's domain. As Kansas falls under siege, Amy sees her home threatened, which increases her resolve. The Heart of Oz is revealed, and Dorothy's pursuit, coupled with the Nome King's betrayal, puts everyone in danger. The Wizard makes a sacrifice to revive Ozma, leading to a battle for control of the portal. In a final stand, Amy confronts Dorothy and closes the portal, severing the connection between the worlds and saving both Kansas and Oz from Dorothy's destructive influence, though at a great personal cost.
Reading time
270 min
Difficulty
Medium
Pacing
Fast
Mood
Dark, Suspenseful, Action-packed, Romantic
✓ Read this if...
You enjoy dark retellings of classic fairytales, strong female protagonists, and stories with high stakes and a blend of fantasy, action, and romance.
✗ Skip this if...
You prefer lighthearted fantasy, are sensitive to darker themes or violence, or dislike morally ambiguous characters.

Plot Summary

The Aftermath and the Portal to Kansas

After her failed attempt to kill Dorothy, Amy Gumm is in the ruins of the Emerald City, saved by Nox. The portal connecting Oz and Kansas has opened, allowing Ozian creatures to spill into Amy's hometown, Juniper Creek. Amy feels guilty about the deaths of Gert and other members of the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked, believing her failure caused the crisis. She is determined to close the portal and stop Dorothy from conquering both worlds. The situation is bad; Ozma’s magic is failing, and the balance of power is shifting. Amy feels the weight of her choices and the responsibility to protect her loved ones in both places.

A Desperate Alliance and a Journey to the Land of the Nome King

Amy, Nox, and the Wizard of Oz form an alliance. The Wizard, stripped of much of his power by Dorothy, reveals that the only way to close the portal and stop Dorothy is to find the 'Heart of Oz,' a powerful magical artifact rumored to be hidden in the Nome King's underground realm. This means a journey through Oz's desolate places, which are more dangerous because of Dorothy's magic. Their mission is full of danger; they must avoid Dorothy's forces and navigate the terrain while dealing with their own mistrust and past problems.

Kansas Under Siege and a Glimpse of Home

Using the portal, Amy, Nox, and the Wizard briefly return to Kansas. Amy finds Juniper Creek in chaos, with Ozian creatures like winged monkeys and fighting trees terrorizing her hometown. She reunites with her mother, who is struggling to survive, and learns that Dorothy's influence is spreading, manipulating the minds of Kansas residents. This experience of Dorothy's destruction in her home strengthens Amy's resolve to stop her. She realizes that Dorothy is a threat not just to Oz, but to everything she cares about in Kansas, making her mission more personal and urgent.

Encountering the Witches of the North and South

Before entering the Nome King's domain, Amy, Nox, and the Wizard seek out the Witches of the North and South for information. The Witch of the North, in Gillikin Country, is wary but gives clues about the Heart of Oz and its connection to Oz's original magic. The Witch of the South, in Quadling Country, offers a more direct, but dangerous, path, emphasizing the sacrifices needed to use such power. These encounters deepen Amy's understanding of Oz's ancient magic and the true stakes of her quest, showing that the Heart of Oz is not just an object, but the essence of the land itself.

Into the Nome King's Domain

Amy, Nox, and the Wizard go into the dark, winding tunnels of the Nome King's kingdom. The Nome King, a powerful, ancient being, is hostile, seeing them as intruders. His domain is full of traps, illusions, and his rock-like subjects, the Nomes. The group must navigate passages, solve riddles, and avoid the Nome King's attempts to trick and imprison them. This part of the journey tests their wits and their fragile alliance, forcing them to rely on each other against overwhelming odds and the Nome King's desire to keep the Heart of Oz for himself.

The Reveal of the Heart of Oz

After overcoming the Nome King's challenges, Amy reaches the chamber where the Heart of Oz is kept. It is not a jewel or a single artifact, but a pulsating, living essence connected to Oz's magic. Through visions and ancient lore revealed by the Nome King, Amy learns that the Heart of Oz is linked to Princess Ozma, the rightful ruler of Oz, who was imprisoned by the Wicked Witch of the East. The Heart's weakening reflects Ozma's diminished state, and its restoration is key to healing Oz and closing the portal. This changes Amy's understanding of her mission, moving beyond just stopping Dorothy to restoring Oz to its rightful balance.

Dorothy's Pursuit and the Nome King's Betrayal

Dorothy, pursuing Amy and the Heart of Oz, tracks them into the Nome King's underground kingdom. A battle erupts between Dorothy's forces and Amy's group, complicating their escape. During the chaos, the Nome King tries to seize the Heart of Oz for himself, betraying his earlier promises. Amy and her allies must fight off Dorothy's minions and the Nome King's treachery, making their escape difficult. This confrontation shows Dorothy's growing power and her determination to control all magic, reinforcing the urgency of Amy's quest.

The Wizard's Sacrifice and Ozma's Revival

As Dorothy's forces close in, the Wizard of Oz, seeing Amy's potential and Dorothy's threat, makes a sacrifice. He uses his remaining magic to create a diversion, allowing Amy and Nox to escape with the Heart of Oz. His act of bravery is a redemption for his past mistakes and shows his belief in Amy. With the Heart of Oz, Amy connects with its magic, beginning the process of reviving Princess Ozma. This act is important, as Ozma's return is essential for restoring Oz's magic and closing the portal.

The Battle for the Portal

Amy, Nox, and the newly revived (though still weak) Ozma, along with other remnants of the Revolutionary Order, meet at the portal, which continues to bleed magic and chaos into Kansas. A battle ensues, with Dorothy and her allies, including the transformed Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, determined to keep the portal open and merge the worlds under her rule. Amy must use her skills and courage, battling not only Dorothy's minions but also her own doubts. The fate of both Oz and Kansas is at stake, with the portal at the center of their conflict.

Dorothy's Last Stand and the Portal's Closure

In a final confrontation, Amy faces Dorothy one-on-one. Dorothy, fueled by dark magic and a desire for absolute power, is a strong opponent. Amy, drawing on her friends' strength and the Heart of Oz's lingering magic (channeled by Ozma), outwits and overpowers Dorothy. With Dorothy defeated, Amy, with Ozma's guidance, focuses her will and Oz's combined magic to close the portal between worlds. This act saves both Oz and Kansas from further destruction, but leaves Amy exhausted and changed. The closure of the portal marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, leaving Amy with a choice about her future.

Principal Figures

Amy Gumm

The Protagonist

Amy evolves from a guilt-ridden, hesitant assassin to a determined leader, accepting her power and responsibility to save two worlds.

Nox

The Supporting

Nox continues his path of redemption, fully committing to fighting for good and his love for Amy, overcoming his past demons.

Dorothy Gale

The Antagonist

Dorothy's ambition and power grow unchecked, leading to her ultimate defeat and the thwarting of her plans for galactic domination.

The Wizard of Oz

The Supporting

The Wizard moves from self-preservation to self-sacrifice, finding redemption for his past deceptions through aiding Amy.

Princess Ozma

The Supporting

Ozma is revived from her magical imprisonment, beginning the process of reclaiming her rightful place and restoring Oz's magic.

The Nome King

The Supporting

The Nome King remains largely unchanged, driven by self-interest and a desire for power, serving as a recurring obstacle.

Scarecrow

The Supporting

The Scarecrow's corruption deepens under Dorothy's influence, solidifying his role as a dangerous enforcer.

Tin Woodman

The Supporting

The Tin Woodman's corruption solidifies, turning him into an even more formidable and heartless minion for Dorothy.

Cowardly Lion

The Supporting

The Cowardly Lion's transformation into a savage beast under Dorothy's control is complete, making him a formidable foe.

Amy's Mom

The Mentioned

She remains a constant, vulnerable figure, representing what Amy is fighting to protect in Kansas.

Themes & Insights

Guilt and Redemption

Amy Gumm feels guilty about her failed assassination attempt on Dorothy and the deaths of her allies. This guilt drives her actions, making her determined to fix her mistakes and save both Oz and Kansas. The Wizard of Oz also seeks redemption for his past deceptions, sacrificing himself. Nox, too, deals with his past as one of Dorothy's enforcers, seeking redemption through his loyalty to Amy and the cause of good. This theme explores the burden of past errors and the journey to make amends.

“Every death, every broken piece of Oz, was a weight on my shoulders, a reminder of my failure.”

Amy Gumm (narrator)

The Corrupting Nature of Power

Dorothy Gale is an example of power's corrupting influence. Once a hero, she has become a tyrannical sorceress, driven by a desire for control over both Oz and Kansas. Her dark magic twists not only the land but also the minds and bodies of her former friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion. The Nome King's greed for the Heart of Oz also shows this theme, demonstrating how even a powerful, ancient being can be consumed by the pursuit of more power. The book questions the morality of wielding immense power and its potential for destruction.

“Power wasn't just about what you could do; it was about what it could do to you.”

Amy Gumm (narrator)

Identity and Belonging

Amy Gumm struggles with her identity, torn between her ordinary life in Kansas and her dangerous role in Oz. She questions where she belongs and if she can fulfill her destiny. The portal blurs the lines between her two worlds, forcing her to confront which world she is fighting for and where her loyalties lie. This theme also appears in Nox's struggle with his past as a Winged Monkey under Dorothy, seeking to create a new identity free from her influence.

“I was a girl from Kansas, but Oz had seeped into my bones, changing me, challenging me, making me wonder if I could ever truly go home again.”

Amy Gumm (narrator)

Sacrifice and Selflessness

Sacrifice is central to the story, especially in the Wizard of Oz's actions. After a lifetime of self-preservation, he makes a selfless sacrifice to protect Amy and ensure her mission's success, finding redemption in his final act. Amy constantly makes personal sacrifices, risking her life and her chance to return home for the greater good of both Oz and Kansas. The deaths of Gert and other members of the Revolutionary Order also show the ultimate sacrifice made in the fight against tyranny, emphasizing the high stakes of their war.

“Some choices cost everything, but sometimes, everything was exactly what needed to be given.”

The Wizard of Oz

Plot Devices & Literary Techniques

The Portal Between Worlds

A physical and symbolic gateway connecting Oz and Kansas, driving the central conflict.

The portal serves as the primary plot device, directly linking the two worlds. Its uncontrolled opening by Dorothy allows Ozian creatures to invade Kansas, escalating the conflict and making Amy's mission more urgent and personal. Symbolically, it represents the blurring of boundaries between Amy's ordinary life and her extraordinary destiny, forcing her to confront the impact of Oz on her home. Closing the portal becomes the ultimate goal, signifying the restoration of balance and the separation of her two lives.

The Heart of Oz

A powerful magical artifact essential for restoring Oz's magic and its rightful ruler.

The Heart of Oz is a classic MacGuffin, driving the quest for Amy and her allies. It is not a mere object but the living essence of Oz's magic, intrinsically linked to Princess Ozma. Its weakening reflects Oz's decline under Dorothy's rule, and its restoration is crucial for healing the land and bringing back its true ruler. The journey to find and utilize it propels much of the plot, leading Amy through various dangers and revelations about Oz's history and true power.

The Corrupted Companions

Dorothy's former friends, twisted by dark magic, serving as tragic antagonists.

The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion, once Dorothy's loyal friends, are now corrupted by her dark magic and serve as formidable, tragic antagonists. This device highlights the extent of Dorothy's malevolence and the corrupting nature of her power. Their transformation adds a layer of pathos to the conflict, as Amy must fight against beings who were once symbols of hope and friendship, now twisted into instruments of tyranny. They serve as a constant reminder of what Dorothy has become and what she is capable of doing to others.

The Prophecy of the Chosen One

The underlying belief that Amy is destined to save Oz, shaping her journey.

While not explicitly stated as a 'prophecy' in every instance, the narrative positions Amy as a 'chosen one' – the only one capable of stopping Dorothy. This device places immense pressure on Amy, fueling her guilt over past failures but also providing a framework for her development. It justifies the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her arrival in Oz and her unique ability to confront Dorothy, driving her reluctant acceptance of her destiny and her ultimate empowerment.

Critical analysis

Notable Quotes

Being a princess isn't a fairy tale. It's a war.

Amy's realization about her new role in Oz.

Sometimes the right choice is the one that breaks your heart.

Amy grappling with difficult decisions that impact her relationships.

Home isn't a place, it's a feeling. And sometimes that feeling is gone.

Amy reflecting on her displaced life and the loss of her old world.

Fear can be a weapon, but so can hope.

Amy considering the psychological aspects of the ongoing conflict.

You can't save everyone, but you have to try to save someone.

Amy's internal struggle with the overwhelming scale of the war.

Magic is just science we don't understand yet.

A character's philosophical take on the nature of magic in Oz.

The greatest battles are often fought within ourselves.

Amy dealing with her inner demons and conflicting loyalties.

Love isn't supposed to be easy, especially when the world is ending.

Amy and Nox's complicated romantic relationship amidst the war.

Sometimes the monster isn't the one with the fangs, but the one with the smile.

Amy's growing distrust of seemingly benevolent figures.

A leader doesn't just make decisions; they inspire hope.

Amy learning what it truly means to lead her people.

The past always finds a way to catch up to you, especially in Oz.

Amy confronting the lingering effects of past events and decisions.

Even the strongest walls can crumble, if you find the right weakness.

Amy strategizing against the seemingly impenetrable defenses of her enemies.

You don't need a yellow brick road to find your way; sometimes you just need to believe.

Amy's journey of self-reliance and finding her own path.

Quiz

Test Your Knowledge

Ready to see how well you understood this book? Take our interactive quiz with 10 questions.

10
Questions
~5
Minutes
?
Best Score

Key Questions (FAQ)

"Yellow Brick War" is the third book in the Dorothy Must Die series, continuing the story of Amy Gumm, a Kansas girl swept into a dark, twisted Oz. Amy is tasked with assassinating Dorothy, who has become a tyrannical ruler, to save both Oz and Kansas from her destructive magic. The book focuses on the escalating war between the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked and Dorothy's forces, with the portal between worlds now open.

About the author

Danielle Paige

Danielle Paige is a "New York Times" bestselling author of young adult fantasy novels. She is best known for her Dorothy Must Die series, which reimagines "The Wizard of Oz." Her other notable works include "The End of Oz," "Yellow Brick War," "The Wicked Will Rise," and "Stealing Snow."