The Unwanteds

The Unwanteds

By Lisa McMann

144 ratings 202 reviews 135 followers
Book 1 of 7 in the  The Unwanteds Series
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
Grades 4 - 8Grades 4 - 7n/a5.768014
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.
Publisher: Aladdin
ISBN-13: 9781442407695
ISBN-10: 1442407697
Published on 7/10/2012
Binding: Paperback
Number of pages: 416

Book Reviews (195)

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is book is really good with a twist of regular magic stereotypes. It is where all creativity is shamed except for in the Lake of Boiling Oil. The characters are really funny and engaging.

This is an amazing book! Boys and girls from Quill who are dubbed "Unwanted" due to either their creative, artistic personality or musical talents, are sent to their death. But what they don't know is that the Lake of Boiling Oil isn't as much of a death sentence as it seems...

Alex and Aaron are twins, but they may soon be separated. In Quill, every 13 year old gets sorted. You're either Wanted (smart and athletic) or you're Unwanted (the creative and artistic teens). The sorting deems Aaron Wanted and Alex, Unwanted. Even though this was the prediction, Alex can't help but feel disappointed and scared as he trudges to his death with the other Unwanteds. But the turnout is the exact opposite of what Alex expected. The death camp actually turns out to be... Artime, the world of wonder and creativity! As this world is unknown to the people of Quill, no one suspects a thing. The Unwanteds experience amazing marvels and feel at home with all of the interesting and appealing lessons being taught. But will there be a cross between lands, concerning Alex and Aaron? And what will happen if the whole town of Quill finds out about Artime?! I absolutely love this epic book, and I have voted for it for numerous book awards! 5/5 stars!!

This book was amazing. From the twin idea, to Quill to the wanted, necessary and unwanted, the magic of this book will make Harry Potter, Divergent and Hunger Game fans explode with excitement!

The Unwanteds is a book set in Quill, a dystopian world. Every year the 13-year olds of the city are sorted. The stongest and intelligent (Wanteds) are sent to the university, while the creative and imaginative (Unwanteds) are taken to an extermination camp and killed. Everyone expects Alex to be sent to his death and his twin Aaron to be sent to the university, and their predictions almost come true. Aaron is deemed a Wanted, and Alex an Unwanted. However when Alex and the other Unwanteds are ushered into the gates of their death camp, they find that they are not to be put to death at all, but instead join another world where all the Unwanteds take refugee. They form a school, and learn how to increase their talents and learn magic. However Alex is determined to let Aaron know he is alive, and he wants to bring his brother over away from the cruelty of Quill. Will Alex fit into his new home? Will he keep his bond strong with Aaron? Will the good magic be able to reign over evil? I absolutely love this book! There were twists and turns, and so many surprises! I recommend this book to middle grade ages and up. Probably the best minimum age is 11 or 12, since there are many action scenes, with some violence. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.

boi boi

how many books are going to be in the unwanteds quests

Hi everyone! I'm the author of The Unwanteds series and the new Unwanteds Quests series. I'll be around through the end of April to chat and answer questions. A little about me: I grew up in Michigan, but now I live in Arizona, and that's where I started writing books about 13 years ago. I have a husband and two kids (they are 23 and 20), and two indoor cats. We have one outdoor cat at the moment--they sort of come and go. :) Our house backs up to a small mountain and we live in a desert-like place, so there are lots of cool animals that walk through my backyard, like javelinas and coyotes. Luckily they are on the other side of a fence. I got the idea for The Unwanteds from my kids when they 12 and 9. Let me know if you'd like to hear that story! I'd love to know who your all-time favorite character is from the Unwanteds -- or from any book you've read.

This is a great book i got the series for Christmas and i love it

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