Here’s an exclusive look at an exciting early chapter from Dorothy Must Die sequel, The Wicked Will Rise – and an interview with author Danielle Paige.

The second chapter of The Wicked Will Rise opens with death-defying heights, narrator Amy’s trademark deadpan narration, and a few very familiar characters. Readers can find chapter one at MTV, and an exclusive discussion with Danielle Paige right below the chapter.

Interview with Danielle Paige

How was writing The Wicked Will Rise different from writing Dorothy Must Die?

I started The Wicked Will Rise in the middle of touring for Dorothy Must Die. So I got to experience all the reader love while I was writing. I don’t know how much that affected the process, but Amy does begin book two much stronger than we’ve ever seen her.

Did anything surprise you about writing a sequel?

I began my career writing soaps, so I am used to writing stories without end. But knowing that Dorothy is a trilogy, I am already feeling a little sad about the prospect of only having one more chapter in Oz! I love this world and its characters!

Where will readers find Amy at the start of the book?

She’s literally suspended in air! She’s escaping the big battle with Dorothy and The Tin Woodsman and the Wingless are taking her away to safety. Despite her tough Kansas uprising, in Dorothy Must Die, Amy was very much subject to the wills of others. In The Wicked Will Rise she’s really come into her own with her magic and really figuring out what she wants. She’s still got her mission, but she’s taking control of how it plays out.

What elements of Oz do readers get to explore in The Wicked Will Rise?

The beauty of Oz is that there are so many characters and lands to explore and play with that Baum created and I get to origami into what I want. I also really love when I can create someone wholly new who fits into my Oz.

There’s Rainbow Falls, which I’ve been describing it as magical Coachella and it’s run by Polychrome, the flower child of Oz.

And we get to go home with Ollie and the other Wingless and meet their leader. The fierce and funny Queen Lulu. She’s wary of Amy at first because Amy’s from Kansas and the last girl from Kansas did not do Oz any favors.

What new parts of Amy as a character do readers explore in the book?

Amy’s exploring her dark side a little bit. Okay, more than a little bit. And on a more personal note, she’s exploring her relationship with Nox which I love. Bringing together two characters who are so strong in other ways, but are total novices at love is just my favorite thing.

Which would you pick: Heart, brains, courage, or ruby slippers?

Oh, tough call! The shoe-lover in me wants those slippers! All the pretty and the magic! Or I’d go for heart. Because I think whatever your journey you can’t make it through without it. (Or, Because I think whatever color your road is you can’t make it through without it.)

For more information…

Learn more about all things Dorothy Must Die at EpicReads.com, and follow Danielle on Twitter at @DanielleMPaige for all her latest literary updates!

The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige hits bookshelves near you on March 31.