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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This is one of the best books I have ever read in my whole life!!!!!!

I loved this book! I was hanging on every word! I was surprised at the climax, yet it seemed fitting. I can't wait for the next book!

This book was, in a way, like The Giver. Once the people of Quill have reached a certain age, they get sent to one of the three parts of the island. There are the Wanteds, the normal people, and the Unwanteds. Well, when Alex is sent to the Death Farm, which is where the Unwanteds-who are creative-go to be killed. But instead there is a land called Artime, where the Unwanteds learn how to use their creativeness properly. But when Artime gets discovered by an evil enemy, all the Unwanteds are going to have to fight to the death to save their precious home.

I LLLOOOVVVEEE this book. This book reminds me of Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. This book starts in Quill. When you are 13, you are sorted. The strong, intelligent, and in my view, BOR-INGGG people go to the University. while the strange, different, and how I feel, AWE-SSOOMMEEEE people go to their deaths. They are put on the back of a jeep and brought to their worst nightmares. Well, not their nightmares physically, but you know what I mean. You do, right? Their worst nightmare is the executioner. But who knows....on the other side of the executioner's mask might not be their worst nightmare... Join Alex, (the unwanted) and Aaron, (the wanted) on an action packed, colorful, adventure from Quill, to a place where creativity is possible, where magic is shaped into your will by art or music, and where you will always be safe from Quill...... or so you think.

You make this book sound like me that makes me want to get it already!!!!!!!!!

The Unwanteds is a book set in Quill, a dystopian world. Every year the 13-year olds are sorted. The stongest and intelligent Wanteds are sent to the university, while the creative and imaginative Unwanteds are 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 kids 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.

I think that this is one of the best books I have ever read. Really good book if you think about it I personally think that this book would probably be good if it had a lot more thought to it and that probably it could do some more work and some stuff to make it more interesting than it already is itself it could also use some more thought to it because it is interesting just not enough really.

I think that this is one of the best books I have ever read.

Quite possibly the best book I've ever read! I'm already finished with all seven books, and even though it gets a bit depressing after the first few books, you won't want to stop reading!

A perfect mix of wonder and story, this book is very underrated and I highly recommend it, I couldn't put it down!

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