In this sequel to Wicked, Liir is found broken and unconscious and taken in and tended by the Cloister of Saint Glinda. The Superior Maunt chooses the silent novice Candle to watch over Liir, and her music brings him back to life.

The next section of the book explains about the attack on Liir. He had set off for the Emerald City in search of his half-sister Nor, imprisoned by the Wizard’s forces. After initial attempts, he’s discouraged and joins the Home Guard to hide. After years in the Guard, Liir is sent with a unit to Quadling country. Disappointed with the situation in the area, the Commander gives orders to attack a village, which stirs up a local war, and Liir deserts. He’s asked to attend a Conference of the Birds and determines to go because it is what Elphaba would have done. He’s attacked on the way. After he heals at the Cloister, he’s drawn into political events. The Wizard is gone, and management of Oz is worse than ever.

Like Elphaba in Wicked, Liir is drawn to political intrigue, and others assume he has more power or magic than he has. He has Elphaba’s broom and cape after all, and he can fly the broom. They both oppose current regimes and work as rebels. They both feel inferior to the situation yet persevere, and they both disappoint those relying on them.

Through much of the story Liir obsesses over his connection with Elphaba – whether or not he’s her son, her lack of affection or maternal relations. Like the disappearance of Nor, there is no conclusion, though there is innuendo for both. I think part of the answer for both is that it doesn’t really matter. Is Nor behind the Elhpaba Lives? Maybe. I like that injection, by the way, since there was so much discussion about whether or not Elphaba really died in Wicked. The point is he needed to get on with life instead of obsessing. He could live as Elphaba would, no matter the connection. If Nor has survived through everything, likely she can still survive.

Candle kept me going through a good part of the story. Who is she? I thought at one point she was possibly Nor. I don’t know, but she is intriguing.

I like Maguire’s different take on the Land of Oz. I also like his literary style of writing. It gives the work a sense of importance. I like Elphaba’s character better, though. But Son of a Witch is a reasonable continuation of the Land of Oz.

I am glad I found out about this series recently instead of when it was new, since it was 10 years in between books. Onward to A Lion Among Men.