The Unwanteds - Book Review

Title ~ The Unwanteds
Series ~ Single Title
Author ~ Lisa McMann
Release Date ~ August 30, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Simon and Schuster
Source ~ Lisa McMann

GOODREADS SUMMARY

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

REVIEW

There are only two paths that your life can take when you grow up in Quill. You can be chosen to stay in Quill, where the sky is gray and the days are full of despair. Worse yet, you can be chosen to go to Artime, which is described as a death farm where you will die a hideous death. Now, picture twins who are separated by opposite fates. Aaron is a Wanted and will stay in Quill. Alex is an Unwanted and will go to Artime.

If that isn’t enough, it turns out that Artime isn’t really a death camp after all. It is a magical land of artistry where children live a dream-like existence. My favorite example was when Alex made his clay figures come to life to playfully prank his friends. In Artime, Alex grows to be thoughtful and kind. He sometimes becomes melancholy when thinking of Aaron’s unpleasant fate and this made me especially fond of him.

Back in Quill, Aaron is rather cold and critical. Who can blame him? Alex is taught to forget his brother. He lives in an awful place where there is no real hope. The differences between the two boys are as striking as the difference between Quill and the real Artime. I like how Lisa McMann makes these comparisons part of the story.

One day, the boys find themselves involved in a struggle between all the opposing forces. It’s Artime vs Quill, good vs evil, Alex vs Aaron. The magical battle that ensues had me holding my breath and the ultimate results had me stunned.

WOW! The Unwanteds is a marvelous and magical adventure I didn’t want to end. THIS is what middle grade is all about. 

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

It’s Simber, the stone griffin that presides over Artime. Oh, and Alex’s flying paper dragons that can breathe fire! I love all the action in this cover.