There are three
categories of people in Quill: Wanteds (strong and important), Necessaries
(they keep everyone fed and take care of maintenance), and Unwanteds (people
who have shown creativity). When the day of the purge comes, Alex Stowe is upset
because he has long guessed that he is going to be purged as an Unwanted. His
twin brother, Aaron, is a Wanted. Alex can’t believe they will be separated. Unfortunately,
all of the Unwanteds are going to be eliminated because of various things they
have done wrong in their lives. Alex drew in the sand, another girl strung
words together in a way that wasn’t speaking, another girl told stories, and
the list goes on and on. Quill is not a place for such behavior! When the bus takes the Unwanteds to the place
they will be eliminated, they are introduced to a world unlike any they have
ever seen. A world in which creativity, dancing, singing, music and all of the
arts are not only expected, but embraced. The amazing Mr. Today is a magician
who has created Artime, a vibrant world, where just about anything is possible,
unless the people of Quill ever find out about it. But who would tell? Is it possible for a world like this to live
and prosper while Quill is so miserable right next door? Would it be better for
Alex to have his twin right there with him? Is it possible to sever the ties
between twins? What will happen if the head of Quill finds out about this
world? Reading this book will make your imagination soar!
When I read The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann I didn't have any idea what to expect. I really enjoyed the world she created in Artime and think it would be fun to spend some time there. Magical spells and
creativity blend some of my favorite things! I liked that the characters all
seemed very real, not only did they have things I could connect to, but they
also had traits that I might not of liked very much, making them seem all the
more realistic. There were parts of this book that I didn't want to continue
reading because I was afraid of what was going to happen. I did keep reading of
course because I also needed to know what happened. There is definitely a lot
of suspense! I would recommend this book to kids in fourth grade and up who
like books about other worlds and fantasy adventures. This is my first book by
this author but I did notice this was part of a series, and I'm definitely
curious about the rest of them!
Has
anyone else read The Unwanteds? Or
have you got another book by Lisa McMann? We'd love to hear your thoughts!
Happy reading!
~L
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This sounds like a lot of fun! And I completely understand that feeling of not wanting to go on because you know something bad's going to happen :)
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- It was a fantastic book! The tough parts made me realize just how much I was enjoying it because I was afraid of what was going to happen. ~L
DeleteYAY :D Awesome review. <3 I love it. And omg. Been ages since I read this book, but I adore it. And I loved the next two books in this 7-book series. Cannot wait for all the rest :D It is such a good middle grade story. And heartbreaking too. Ack. Hope you will love the next books too :)
ReplyDeleteCarina- So glad to hear you loved this one too! Awesome to know that you loved the next books too. I can't wait to read them! Such a well-written world and story. :)
DeleteIt sounds like a fascinating world the author created.
ReplyDeleteM Pax- It is a very cool and interesting world for sure! :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read this. I don't read a lot of fantasy, but my granddaughter might like it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteRosi- I think your granddaughter will love this one! :) ~L
DeleteDefinitely one of the Necessaries even if I'm lacking in culinary skills. This sounds like a fun read but given the categorisation of people one that I think will be thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteTracy- Definitely a book that makes you think and fun too! :) ~L
DeleteI'd not heard of this book. It sounds interesting. I know what you mean about not wanting to read on, anticipating what might happen. :)
ReplyDeleteKaren- Glad to introduce you to The Unwanteds. A book that is definitely worth the read. :) ~L
DeleteI haven't read the book but your post makes me want to. It sounds fascinating. And my maiden name is Stowe. You don't see that in many books. Must be a sign. :) If I get a copy I'll pass it on to my gr-granddaughter who loves to read.
ReplyDeleteBeverly- I am glad the post made you want to read this one. With your maiden name you will have to read The Unwanteds! I am sure your granddaughter will enjoy this one too. :) ~L
DeleteThanks for the review and for introducing it to us. I'm always on the lookout for new MG books.
ReplyDeleteLee- You are welcome! A great setting and plot. :) ~L
DeleteWhat a sad world it would be without all the creative, artistic people!
ReplyDeleteSherry- I couldn't agree more! :) ~L
DeleteLove the cover of it! I hadn't heard of the book before, but it sounds fantastic. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteCherie- The cover definitely catches the reader's eye. It is a book I recommend to those who enjoy fantasy. :) ~L
DeleteI've read this author before but not this book. I haven't heard of this one. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteKelly- This was my first book by this author, but I plan to read more. :) ~L
DeleteSounds kind of mystical.
ReplyDeleteLady Lilith- Yes, it is! :) ~L
DeleteOh dear, why are creative people categorised under The Unwanteds? And yet the world is named 'Quill' ... lol. I haven't read this but I'll check out the book soon. Have a student who might enjoy this. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteClaudine- I noticed that about the name of the world too! It would be a sad place with all the creative people. They definitely get the better world in this book. :) I hope your student enjoys it if you are able to find it. ~L
DeleteHave you read Piers Anthony's Xanth novels? The premise is similar, though sort of the other way around. Everyone is Xanth has a magic power. Those who don't are exiled. A Spell for Chameleon is the first book - highly recommended.
ReplyDeleteThe Armchair Squid- I have not read the novels you recommended- but I just added them to my list. Sounds like a series I will enjoy! :) Thanks for sharing! ~L
DeleteHeidi- After reading this one I will definitely read more of her books! :) ~L
ReplyDelete