Wicked author Gregory Maguire will release a new prequel to his four-book The Wizard of Oz–inspired series October 1.

Titled Elphie: A Wicked Childhood, it is expected that the novel will center on the early life of Elphaba Thropp before her journey to Shiz University, although details are currently sparse. Currently available for preorder, the 272-page book will be distributed by William Morrow, an imprint of Harper Collins.

This will be Maguire's 8th novel set in the Oz universe, narratively preceding his initial four-book series, as well as the sequel trilogy Maracoor, which centers on the life and times of Elphaba's granddaughter, Rain.

Additionally, a new collector's edition of Wicked (the source material for the Broadway musical) will be released in the lead-up to Part One of the movie musical adaptation of Wicked, hitting movie theatres November 25. The collector's edition will be joined by a movie tie-in edition, as well a box set of the original four novels, including Wicked, Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men, and Out of Oz. All will be released September 24.

Covers for Elphie, the collectors edition, the movie tie-in edition, and the box set have not yet been officially released.

For more information, visit HarperCollins.com.