Title:

The Oracle of Maracoor

Author:

Gregory Maguire

Category:

Fantasy / Science Fiction

Rating:

Date Reviewed:

December 10, 2023
was disappointed by The Oracle of Maracoor. The first book in the trilogy was an interesting tale full of plots and mysteries. But this second book of the "Another Day" trilogy seems like it is padded. It is 269 pages long, but about 30 of those pages are blank or are chapter titles. Three-book-series often suffer from the "middle book of a trilogy" curse, where some authors just move their pawns aimlessly over the board, setting things up for the big climax in the final book of the trilogy. Maguire appears to have fallen into that trap. The Oracle of Maracoor is divided into two parts. The first part seems especially drawn out. Maguire moves his characters from the city of Maracoor Crown to Zephana's farm, and takes his sweet time getting everyone there. The second part livens the story up a bit, as the major character all set out to find the Oracle of Maracoor. There is a bit of adventure, but the visit to the Oracle was not enthralling.

My major complaint is that Maguire reveals nothing about the magical item known as the Fist of Mara. What is this magical artifact? Why is the invading army of Skedelanders so desperate to possess it? How can it be destroyed? Should it be destroyed? The Oracle was supposed reveal at least some answers, but he provides little information. The reader does learn some information about why Rain flew away from Oz, but it sounds like this information was included in the previous four book series "The Wicked Years", so loyal readers of Maguire won't learn anything new in that regard (I have only read the first book, Wicked, and that was so long ago I don't recall it too well.)

The Oracle of Maracoor picks up immediately where The Brides of Maracoor ended. A storm batters the city of Maracoor Crown. The fleet of marauding Skelelanders returns, causing everyone to flee. In the ensuing panic, Rain and Cossy escape from the gaol, accompanied by four flying monkeys and Iskinaary the talking Goose. (I am not sure what the purpose of including the flying monkeys was, perhaps Maguire just wanted to remind his readers that this story is set in the world of Oz). They escape through the gates of the city just before they are barred. The big farmer carrying a sack of pomegranates offers to have Rain accompany them up onto the farms of the high plateau, but Rain and Iskinaary decline because they think that they are heading to the coast so they can find a way to embark for Oz. Of course, all of these characters end up at the farm.

Maguire does a good job of characterization. Everyone has a believable personality, they are all interesting. Though for some reason, I liked Rain and Cossy more in the first book than I did in this one. I just wish Maguire would give these characters more to do.

The final book of the trilogy is The Witch of Maracoor. I assume Maguire will finally lay all of his closely held plot-cards on the table and there will be adventure and excitement. At least, I expect that there will be some explanations.