If You Love Wicked the Musical and Are Pumped for the Movie, Read These Books!
While we count down the days until we see the movie , I’ve been thinking about ways to keep that Wicked magic alive. If you're obsessed with the musical’s themes—friendship, power, misunderstood villains, and a little bit of rebellion—I’ve got you covered. Here are six books you need to read if you love Wicked.
BOOKS
Sofia
11/9/20243 min read
1. “Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister” by Gregory Maguire
Okay, let’s start with the obvious. If you loved Wicked, why not dive into more of Gregory Maguire’s work? This time, he’s reimagining Cinderella from the perspective of the “ugly” stepsisters. It’s full of complex characters, lush storytelling, and the same kind of “what if the villain wasn’t so bad?” vibe that we adore.
Every villain has their side of the story.
2. “Spinning Silver” by Naomi Novik
Ever wondered what would happen if fairy tales got a Wicked-style glow-up? Enter Spinning Silver. Naomi Novik takes Rumpelstiltskin and gives us a world of frost and magic, with powerful, flawed women at the center. It’s about finding strength in impossible circumstances—just like our girl Elphaba.
Strength comes from rewriting your own narrative.
3. “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Found family vibes and morally gray characters? Yes, please! If you’re a fan of Wicked, you’ll totally vibe with Six of Crows. Just like Elphaba and Glinda, Kaz Brekker and his crew of misfits are all outsiders in their own way, struggling to carve out a place for themselves in a world that doesn’t always understand them. Six of Crows is full of morally complex characters who are just trying to survive in a harsh, unforgiving world—and it’s these complexities that make both the crew and the characters of Wicked so compelling.
Even the broken can become heroes.
4. “Wicked Saints” by Emily A. Duncan
Dark magic? Check. Complicated, morally gray characters? Double check. Wicked Saints is for fans of Wicked who want a darker, edgier fantasy. It follows a girl with a divine gift, a prince with a secret, and a rebel with nothing to lose. Think: Elphaba energy meets dark academia vibes.
Even the darkest paths can lead to redemption.
5. “The Priory of the Orange Tree” by Samantha Shannon
If you’re into big, epic stories with strong women and DRAGONS (hello, Oz references!), this one’s for you. The world-building is insane, and the themes of love, duty, and rebellion will totally remind you of Elphaba’s journey. Plus, it’s a doorstopper of a book, so it’ll keep you busy while we wait for the movie!
Legends are born when women stand against the odds.
So, Why These Books?
All of these stories share what makes Wicked so special: they reimagine familiar tales, give us messy, lovable characters, and make us question what it really means to be “good” or “evil.” They’re perfect for filling that Elphaba-shaped hole in your heart until the movie arrives. Happy reading!