L. Frank Baum, the genius behind Oz, takes us to a different magical land with this one. 'The Enchanted Island of Yew' is a charming, standalone fairy tale that feels both familiar and fresh.

The Story

A fairy, tired of her endless, perfect existence, convinces three mortals to transform her into a human for a single year. She emerges as Prince Marvel, a brave and handsome knight. With no time to waste, Marvel sets off across the island of Yew, righting wrongs and having wild encounters. He battles a two-headed giant, escapes a wicked witch, and helps a kingdom trapped by a silly law. The whole adventure is a race against the clock, as Marvel tries to do as much good as possible before his year is up and his magic fades away.

Why You Should Read It

What I love about this book is its playful heart. It's not a heavy epic; it's a joyous parade of fairy tale tropes done right. Prince Marvel is a fantastic character—powerful but on a secret timer, noble but with a fairy's mischievous sparkle. The story asks clever questions about identity and purpose without ever getting preachy. Is it better to be powerful and immortal, or mortal and able to truly make a difference? Baum wraps these ideas in a package of pure, imaginative fun.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick-me-up for anyone who loves classic fantasy but wants something shorter than a trilogy. It's ideal for young readers ready for chapter books, and equally delightful for adults who enjoy a clever, well-told fairy tale. If you've ever wondered what Baum wrote outside of Oz, this is a wonderful place to start. It's a sweet, swift adventure that leaves you smiling.