The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
The Unwanteds #1
Aladdin – August 30,
2011
400 pages –Children’s
Fiction, fantasy
Facebook: yes
Twitter: @lisa_mcmann
Source: Louisville Free Public Library
I
wasn’t really sure what to expect from The
Unwanteds. I had read one of McMann’s older YA novels (part of a series
that I need to get back to) and I liked the cover. To be honest, this probably
would have stayed on my TBR list if I hadn’t gotten #2 to review. (Nothing against this book, but trying to
focus on reviews more than “fun” reading.) But I really enjoyed this one. I can’t say that I was sitting on the edge of
my seat with excitement. But, I was definitely into the story and it was a
world that I was able to slide into easily. This is mean for children and I can
see how they would be drawn to Artime.
This
was a pretty quick read for me. I loved that this wasn’t necessarily a light
and fluffly read. Alex and Aaron’s story
had some meat to it, and I am sure that there is stuff that the first book didn’t
go into. The characters didn’t seem like they were completely alive, I mean
there was enough to picture them but they were missing a little bit of
something. Depth! That’s the word I’m looking for. Now I loved the story, and
it’s one that I will recommend to people looking for children’s books with
substance and fun. I’ll even have this
in my library when I start teaching. But it felt like it was an introduction to
the characters, it really felt like the beginning. There’s a very good reason
for that – it is the first book. I only mention that because the story reads as
if it could be a stand –alone and I don’t want readers to expect that whole
character arc where the characters have gone from point a to point b and have
grown in the process. Don’t get me wrong, all of the characters grow,
especially Alex and Aaron. Even though this could be a stand-alone, it leaves
you wanting more. You want to know what happens next in their life and you want
to know more about the characters (good and bad) because you start caring about
them. But all of that is not necessary to enjoy the story –to stay in the here
and now.
(Sorry
for the tangent) There’s an assortment of characters – both good and bad. Alex
and Aaron share the magic of being twins. When they end up on opposing sides
they discover that they don’t really know each other as well as they thought
that they did. This is such a new
experience for Samheed, Lani, Meghan and the rest of the newly Unwanteds. But
we get to experience it with them and that makes it even more magical.
Recommendation:
This was a quick and fun read. I think it was an excellent pick for older
elementary students, especially those who don’t particularly enjoy reading.
What’s Next?
Island of Silence
4 Stars ****
Always Shine,
Starr K
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