The Unwanteds - Book Review - Travis Time

Title ~ The Unwanteds
Series ~ Unwanteds #1
Author ~ Lisa McMann
Release Date ~ August 30, 2011
Age Group ~ Middle Grade
Publisher ~ Aladdin
Source ~ Lisa McMann









*This is a Travis Time Review by my 9-year-old brother*

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 occurence 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

The Unwanteds is a dystopian book with magic. It’s not just everyday magic either. It’s artistic magic that you can control with your mind. If I had that sort of creative magic, I would be coming up with some really awesome spells against the bad guys. Things like turning them into chickens and making them dance around with their feathers painted in neon rainbow colors. See what I mean! Awesome spells.

The main characters in The Unwanteds are twin brothers named Aaron and Alex. When they turn thirteen, their lives are changed forever. Aaron is declared to be a Wanted, so he stays in Quill. Alex is chosen as an Unwanted and he is taken to Artime where he expects to be killed. This happens way at the beginning of the book. It made me sad that they were going to be apart. I didn’t even want to keep reading. But my sister said “Keep Reading! KEEP READING TRAVIS! It will be worth it!” She was right!

When Alex gets to Artime, he finds out that it is really a cool place where he can use his imagination. Everything is backwards to what I thought it was going to be. I really liked the mansion that seems to go on forever. And I liked all the magical training using music and art. And then something happens that leads up to an epic battle between the Wanteds and the Unwanteds.

The Unwanteds is EXCITING to read because of all the ACTION. I like that the main characters are brothers, but they are so different from each other. There is a big conflict between them because they are separated. Great books need a great conflict and The Unwanteds has that.

It only took me a few days to read The Unwanteds because I liked it so much. I even stayed up late at night to finish it because it was that good.  Melina thought that was funny.  I am waiting for book two.  Hurry book two!

RATING

5 Loved

COVER COMMENTS

WOW! It’s such a cool cover! I like the colors and the mansion in the background. The cover is all full of action!