Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz

Readers generally praise the book's imaginative and inventive qualities, highlighting L. Frank Baum's unique creativity in depicting strange underground lands and their inhabitants. Many found the various new creatures and settings, such as vegetable people, glass cities, and wooden gargoyles, to be delightfully zany and memorable. The adventure itself was considered engaging by some, with its twists and turns, and the return of Dorothy and the Wizard, along with a reunion with other beloved Oz characters at the story's conclusion, was a welcome aspect for long-time fans of the series. Some appreciated Dorothy's unflappable and sensible nature, as well as moments of humor and enjoyable dialogue.

However, a significant number of reviewers expressed disappointment with the book's narrative structure, often describing it as a series of disconnected episodes rather than a cohesive plot. Many noted a perceived lack of the "magic" present in earlier installments, finding the pacing slow and the ending somewhat lackluster or anticlimactic. A major point of contention was the numerous inconsistencies with previously established lore and character details from earlier Oz books, particularly concerning the Wizard's past actions and Dorothy's supposed means of contacting Ozma. New characters introduced, such as the horse Jim and the cat Eureka, were frequently criticized as annoying or unlikeable, and some found Dorothy's characterization to be bossy or even problematic.

Overall, opinions on this installment are mixed, with many readers finding it to be a less compelling entry in the Oz series compared to its predecessors. Despite its flaws in plotting and continuity, the book is likely to appeal most to dedicated fans of the Oz series who wish to experience every adventure and reunite with their favorite characters. It may also be enjoyed by readers, particularly younger audiences, who appreciate imaginative world-building and whimsical scenarios over tightly structured narratives and consistent lore.