The phrase The Wicked series can refer to multiple book collections, so it is important to clarify which series you mean. Two high-profile series use this framing: Gregory Maguire’s revisionist Oz novels that inspired the musical Wicked, and Sarah J. Maas’s fantasy romance series known as the Wicked Lovely series. This guide covers both to give you a complete, verified answer. We detail main novels, companion books, publication years, and what to read next so you can build your reading plan with confidence.
Gregory Maguire’s The Wicked Years
Core Novels and Order
Gregory Maguire’s The Wicked Years reimagines L. Frank Baum’s Oz from the perspective of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl. The series comprises four novels, each a distinct, stand-alone work. While they follow a roughly chronological arc, each can be read independently depending on your interests.
| Book | Publication Year | Focus | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wicked: The Life and Times of the Good Witch of the West | 1995 | Elphaba’s formative years at Shiz and her moral awakening | The foundational novel that inspired the musical |
| Son of a Witch | 2005 | Liir’s journey after Wicked | A direct sequel focused on a secondary character |
| A Lion Among Men | 2008 | Briar’s story and the intersecting fates in Oz | Part of a planned but later delayed trilogy |
| Out of Oz | 2011 | The conclusion, set during and after the original Oz novels | Begun earlier but published after Maguire’s other work |
Because these novels are thematically linked but narratively distinct, readers often choose to follow the chronological order (Wicked → Son of a Witch → A Lion Among Men → Out of Oz) or start with Wicked alone if they are focused on the musical adaptation. Maguire has indicated that the four books together form the intended arc of The Wicked Years.
Sarah J. Maas’s Wicked Lovely Series
Main Series and Reading Order
Sarah J. Maas’s Wicked Lovely series is a bestselling fantasy romance about faerie courts, bargains, and a mortal girl drawn into a dangerous magical world. It originated as a standalone novel and expanded into a multi-book sequence across several imprints.
- Wicked Lovely (2007): A standalone contemporary fantasy that launched the series.
- Ink Exchange (2008): A sequel/companion focusing on a different protagonist connected to the first book’s world.
- Fragile Eternity (2009) and Radiant Shadows (2010): Twin novellas set in the same court, best read together.
- Silently Falling (2011): A short story collection that includes new material and previously published stories, useful for context but not required for the main plot arc.
The main series arc can be experienced through Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and the pair Fragile Eternity + Radiant Shadows. Additional companion stories and novellas expand the world but are optional for first-time readers.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Attribute | The Wicked Years (Maguire) | Wicked Lovely (Maas) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Core Novels | 4 | 1 primary standalone + 2 closely paired novellas + companion novella/stories |
| Genre | Literary fantasy / revisionist Oz | Urban fantasy / romance |
| Publication Span | 1995–2011 | 2007–2011 |
| Series Finale Status | Concluded with Out of Oz (2011) | Open-ended; later works (e.g., A Court of Thorns and Roses) exist in a shared universe but are not direct sequels |
| Adaptation Presence | Musical Wicked (major stage and screen adaptations) | Limited direct adaptations; cultural influence on fandom and tropes |
Which Series Do You Mean?
If you are asking how many books are in the series titled The Wicked Years, the answer is four core novels. If you are asking about the Wicked Lovely universe, the answer centers on one flagship novel with two closely paired novellas and several companion stories, often grouped as a loose series. Confirming which universe you refer to is the most reliable way to narrow down count expectations and reading plans.
Reading Plan Recommendations
For The Wicked Years
- Start with Wicked: The Life and Times of the Good Witch of the West for the richest experience.
- Follow with Son of a Witch and A Lion Among Men to see the converging narratives.
- Conclude with Out of Oz for the resolution and broader Oz history.
For Wicked Lovely
- Read Wicked Lovely to establish the world and key characters.
- Continue with Ink Exchange for a connected but distinct perspective.
- Read Fragile Eternity and Radiant Shadows together to complete the major arc.
- Optional: Explore Silently Falling for additional backstory and side stories.
Availability and Formats
Both series are widely available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats. Many libraries carry multiple volumes, and abridged or special editions occasionally appear. Publication years listed above reflect first edition dates; reissues may include author notes, updated maps, or revised text. Check retailer or library catalogs for current availability and bundled editions that may affect how you purchase or borrow the series.
Final Verdict on The Book Count
The most common use of The Wicked series refers to Gregory Maguire’s four-book The Wicked Years. If the question how many books are in The Wicked series is about this set, the answer is four. For Sarah J. Maas’s Wicked Lovely, the core sequence can be summarized as one flagship novel with companion novellas and stories that expand rather than continue the main plot. Either way, you now have the definitive counts, publication windows, and recommended paths to finish whichever journey you choose.