I just finished reading the third book in the Wicked Years series. A Lion Among Men, by Gregory Maguire, takes us through the years and experiences of both Sir Brrr (aka the Cowardly Lion) and Yackle (the strange and mysterious old woman on the edges of Elphaba's life). Most of the book takes place in memories or flashbacks after Brrr comes to the Convent of Saint Glinda to interview Yackle. Once different images of the past have been discovered by each of the characters, we come into the world of the present in Oz.
Things are not well in the land of Oz. A fierce battle is expected to take place on the very site of the mauntery between the EC (Loyal Oz under the rule of the Emperor Apostle Shell) and the Munchkinlanders. The "guests" of the mauntery must flee before they are taken hostage.
There are many twists, as befits Mr. Maguire's prose, and a lot of metaphor and imagery. I enjoy this installment, although it is probably my least favorite. But now, it's on to the final installment...
