The Unwanteds
(Libby/OverDrive eBook, Kindle)

Book Cover
Average Rating
Contributors
McMann, Lisa Author
Series
The Unwanteds volume 1
Published
Aladdin , 2011.
Status
Checked Out

Available Platforms

Libby/OverDrive
Titles may be read via Libby/OverDrive. Libby/OverDrive is a free app that allows users to borrow and read digital media from their local library, including ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. Users can access Libby/OverDrive through the Libby/OverDrive app or online. The app is available for Android and iOS devices.
Kindle
Titles may be read using Kindle devices or with the Kindle app.

Description

A riveting middlegrade dystopian novel from New York Times bestselling Wake author Lisa McMann that Kirkus Reviews calls “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.”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.

More Details

Format
eBook
Street Date
08/30/2011
Language
English
ISBN
9781442407701

Discover More

Also in this Series

  • The Unwanteds (The Unwanteds Volume 1) Cover
  • Island of silence (The Unwanteds Volume 2) Cover
  • Island of Fire (The Unwanteds Volume 3) Cover
  • Island of legends (The Unwanteds Volume 4) Cover
  • Island of shipwrecks (The Unwanteds Volume 5) Cover
  • Island of Graves (The Unwanteds Volume 6) Cover
  • Island of dragons (The Unwanteds Volume 7) Cover

Excerpt

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Author Notes

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Similar Series From Novelist

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for series you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
Art is the most powerful magic of all in both of these action-packed fantasy series with elaborate world building and twin protagonists. Matt and Emily (Hollow) conquer evil together while Aaron and Alex (Unwanteds) are pitted against each other. -- Stephen Ashley
These series have the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "magic" and "dragons."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "quest for magical items"; the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "magic," "siblings," and "imaginary kingdoms."
These series have the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "wizards" and "magic."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "fantasy fiction" and "epic fantasy"; and the subjects "wizards" and "magic."
These series have the theme "quest for magical items"; the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "wizards," "magic," and "siblings."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "to the rescue!"; the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "magic," "siblings," and "dragons."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "twin brothers," "magic," and "identical twin brothers."
These series have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subject "magic."

Similar Titles From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for titles you might like if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These books have the theme "academies of magic"; the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subject "child wizards."
These books have the theme "quest for magical items"; the genres "fantasy fiction" and "gateway fantasy"; and the subjects "magic," "thirteen-year-old boys," and "teenage boys."
These books have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the theme "quest for magical items"; the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "magic," "siblings," and "imaginary creatures."
Fans of magical school themed fantasies with intricate world building will enjoy both of these compelling reads. The school in Unwanteds focuses on the arts, while Greenwild touches on conservation and environmentalism. -- Stephen Ashley
These magical academy focused fantasies both feature elaborate world building and touch on issues like discrimination. The Unwanteds is a bit more whimsical than the more serious Marvellers. -- Stephen Ashley
When creativity is outlawed, talented artists turn to secret groups to practice their skills. Fantasy fans will be thrilled by the detailed world building and page-turning plots in both of these series openers. -- Rebecca Honeycutt
Both of these fantasies with intricate world building imagine worlds where magic users are unwelcome in society, though Alex (Unwanteds) gets to study magic in secret while Rook and Drift (Door) are forced to run. -- Stephen Ashley
These books have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subject "magic."
These books have the themes "academies of magic" and "to the rescue!"; the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "magic" and "imaginary kingdoms."
In both richly detailed fantasy novels, preteens who have extraordinary abilities are brought to a magical academy where they can practice and develop them. -- CJ Connor
In these elaborate fantasy worlds, music and visual art are used as magic spells. Both Unwanted's Alex and City's Mara lose their families at the beginning of their journeys, so they must create their own sense of home. -- Stephen Ashley
Creativity is a magical thing in the richly built worlds of these fantasy novels, where creative minded kids join a secret city with a focus on the arts (The Unwanteds) and enroll in a special music academy (Mystwick). -- Basia Wilson

Similar Authors From NoveList

NoveList provides detailed suggestions for other authors you might want to read if you enjoyed this book. Suggestions are based on recommendations from librarians and other contributors.
These authors' works have the subjects "twin sisters," "rescues," and "preteens."
These authors' works have the appeal factors creepy, and they have the genre "horror"; and the subjects "supernatural," "siblings," and "visions."
These authors' works have the subjects "twin brothers," "supernatural," and "twin sisters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the subjects "supernatural," "wizards," and "good and evil."
These authors' works have the subjects "supernatural," "twin sisters," and "islands."
These authors' works have the appeal factors amusing and world-building, and they have the subjects "superhuman abilities," "dragons," and "good and evil."
These authors' works have the genre "dystopian fiction"; the subjects "twin brothers," "supernatural," and "dystopias"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors creepy, and they have the subjects "twin brothers," "siblings," and "dragons"; and characters that are "well-developed characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors action-packed and world-building, and they have the genre "science fiction"; and the subject "dragons."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "fantasy fiction"; and the subjects "magic," "dragons," and "wizards."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genres "science fiction" and "dystopian fiction"; the subjects "siblings," "dystopias," and "kidnapping"; and characters that are "likeable characters."
These authors' works have the appeal factors world-building, and they have the genre "superhero stories"; and the subjects "supernatural," "supervillains," and "superheroes."

Published Reviews

Booklist Review

In her first novel for middle-grade readers, McMann (author of the Wake trilogy) explores the fate of a nation that values strength over creativity. Each year, the isolated, militaristic nation of Quill celebrates the Purge, in which 13-year-olds are divided into three categories: Wanteds, who train to serve in the Quillitary; Necessaries, who form the service class, which keeps the infrastructure running; and Unwanteds. Too artistic to be useful, Unwanteds are sent to perish in the Great Lake of Boiling Oil. Fortunately, Unwanteds are actually rescued by the mage Mr. Today, who has created Artime, a secret and safe world on the border of Quill. Here, Unwanteds can develop their artistic talents and become magical warriors. Quill, which brings to mind present-day North Korea, never rises above a land of caricatured evil, but McMann has fleshed out an interesting world in Artime, and the idea of previously doomed children discovering that they really are valuable will have immediate appeal for preteens. Fantasy readers will find enjoyment here.--Dean, Kara Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
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Publisher's Weekly Review

In her foray into middle-grade fiction, McMann (Cryer's Cross) delivers a fun mix of magic and science with a retro SF novel whose setting echoes classic artificial dystopias of the 1960s like Logan's Run and Make Room! Make Room! In the city of Quill, all signs of creativity are shunned, and any children who so much as sing or draw are declared "Unwanted" when they turn 13 and sent off to be killed. When Alex is culled from his family and sent to die, he is surprised to discover that the Unwanteds are actually taken to a hidden city called Artime, where they are not only trained in the traditional arts, but also in the magic that these arts unlock. McMann juggles a handful of point-of-view characters nicely (focusing largely on Alex), showing their fear and wonder as they learn more about their world. The subplots-including young romance and murderous conspiracies-are skillfully interwoven, and if some of Quill's harshness borders on caricature (the city makes Sparta seem decadent), it serves the story well. Ages 8-12. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
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School Library Journal Review

Gr 5-8-In the land of Quill, those who are "Wanted" blindly accept conformity and edicts that forbid creative activities. Other Quillans are consigned to be "Necessaries," individuals relegated to a lifetime of manual labor. The artistic, imaginative "Unwanteds" are slated for elimination during the annual purge of 13-year-olds, including Alex, whose twin brother Aaron is elevated to Wanted status during the same event. The Unwanteds are shackled and delivered to the Death Farm. Although their fate initially appears exceedingly grim, an amazing transformation occurs after the Quillan officials depart. The Death Farm is magically converted into a fantastical land called Artime, complete with hybrid talking animals, animated objects, and a benevolent mage. In this exotic land, the Unwanteds discover that creative talents are highly valued and nurtured to become a source of special powers. The only problem is that Artime will be destroyed if its existence is discovered, and there are those who can't resist attempting contact with Quill. Slow-paced initially, the action accelerates as the story unfolds. Alex and his Unwanted friends are sympathetic characters and the fanciful creatures of Artime add whimsy. Simon Jones's masterful narration of Lisa McMann's novel (Aladdin, 2011) enhances the visualization of the tale, and his variety of distinctive British voices brings alive the personality of each character. For libraries needing additional light dystopian fantasies for the middle grades.-Rebecca James, Currey Ingram Academy, Brentwood, TN (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Horn Book Review

Creativity is a death sentence in Quill, but unbeknownst to Quill's leaders, the locked execution area is actually Artimi, a magical world that nurtures purged citizens' talents. All the secrecy is catastrophically undone by Unwanted Alex, who desperately misses his Wanted twin. Quill is a caricatured dystopia, but Artimi sparkles with magic, action, and newly liberated teenage creativity. (c) Copyright 2012. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
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Kirkus Book Review

The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter in this middle-grade departure from McMann's string of paranormal mysteries with romance for young adults.On the day of Purge in totalitarian Quill, which is run by the High Priest Justine, 13-year-olds learn if they are deemed Wanted to attend the university, Necessary to tend the land or Unwanted and purged by execution. Without a good-bye from his Wanted identical brother Aaron, Alex Stowe and the other Unwanteds travel to the Death Farm. Instead of death, they meet the lush and magical world of Artim, kept secret from Justine by mage Marcus Today. In a third-person narration characterized by even pacing and whimsical inventions, Alex and his peers learn that their creativity threatened Justine's power. Surrounded by talking blackboards, transporting tubes and such fantastical creatures as an octagator (with the head of an alligator and body of an octopus) for instructors, the teens hone their drawing, music and acting skills while also wielding paintbrushes for invisibility spells and iambic pentameter to stun attackers during Magical Warrior Training, in preparation for battle against the Quillitary. As the youths explore fear, responsibility and free thinking, their spells may be used sooner than they think when Alex's twin bond is tested and rivals vie for Aaron's new position in Justine's government.Blending elements from two popular genres, this is sure to be a double hit. (Dystopian fantasy. 10-14)]] Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
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Booklist Reviews

In her first novel for middle-grade readers, McMann (author of the Wake trilogy) explores the fate of a nation that values strength over creativity. Each year, the isolated, militaristic nation of Quill celebrates the Purge, in which 13-year-olds are divided into three categories: Wanteds, who train to serve in the Quillitary; Necessaries, who form the service class, which keeps the infrastructure running; and Unwanteds. Too artistic to be useful, Unwanteds are sent to perish in the Great Lake of Boiling Oil. Fortunately, Unwanteds are actually rescued by the mage Mr. Today, who has created Artime, a secret and safe world on the border of Quill. Here, Unwanteds can develop their artistic talents and become magical warriors. Quill, which brings to mind present-day North Korea, never rises above a land of caricatured evil, but McMann has fleshed out an interesting world in Artime, and the idea of previously doomed children discovering that they really are valuable will have immediate appeal for preteens. Fantasy readers will find enjoyment here. Copyright 2011 Booklist Reviews.

Copyright 2011 Booklist Reviews.
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Publishers Weekly Reviews

In her foray into middle-grade fiction, McMann (Cryer's Cross) delivers a fun mix of magic and science with a retro SF novel whose setting echoes classic artificial dystopias of the 1960s like Logan's Run and Make Room! Make Room! In the city of Quill, all signs of creativity are shunned, and any children who so much as sing or draw are declared "Unwanted" when they turn 13 and sent off to be killed. When Alex is culled from his family and sent to die, he is surprised to discover that the Unwanteds are actually taken to a hidden city called Artimé, where they are not only trained in the traditional arts, but also in the magic that these arts unlock. McMann juggles a handful of point-of-view characters nicely (focusing largely on Alex), showing their fear and wonder as they learn more about their world. The subplots—including young romance and murderous conspiracies—are skillfully interwoven, and if some of Quill's harshness borders on caricature (the city makes Sparta seem decadent), it serves the story well. Ages 8–12. (Sept.)

[Page ]. Copyright 2010 PWxyz LLC

Copyright 2010 PWxyz LLC
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School Library Journal Reviews

Gr 4–7—A young teen leaves his mundane world for a school where he will learn magic under the direction of a kindly head master. A precocious girl reads extensively and thus discovers spells unknown to her friends. McMann takes these familiar elements and makes them her own through the creation of two realms. In the dystopian land of Quill, 13-year-old Alex is judged by society to be an Unwanted and is sentenced to be cast into the Lake of Burning Oil, which is hidden behind a gate that is unlocked but once a year. He is stunned when the Death Farmer reveals himself to be, in reality, a benign mage and, rather than face a painful death, Alex and the other Unwanteds are welcomed to the magical world of Artimé. There they are instructed in the arts, which are forbidden in Quill, and eventually learn magical skills. Alex can't stop thinking about his twin brother, who is living as a Wanted in Quill. Aaron is rising quickly at Wanted University and becomes a protégé of High Priest Justine. In Artimé, McMann has created a world of magical whimsy full of talking blackboards; intelligent statues; and spells that are sung, painted, and recited. There's never really a sense of menace as the Quillians are more mean-spirited than frightening, and their technology is pitiful. This is a good starter fantasy or dystopia without the darkness in titles for older readers.—Eric Norton, McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids, WI

[Page 111]. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

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Citations

APA Citation, 7th Edition (style guide)

McMann, L. (2011). The Unwanteds . Aladdin.

Chicago / Turabian - Author Date Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

McMann, Lisa. 2011. The Unwanteds. Aladdin.

Chicago / Turabian - Humanities (Notes and Bibliography) Citation, 17th Edition (style guide)

McMann, Lisa. The Unwanteds Aladdin, 2011.

Harvard Citation (style guide)

McMann, L. (2011). The unwanteds. Aladdin.

MLA Citation, 9th Edition (style guide)

McMann, Lisa. The Unwanteds Aladdin, 2011.

Note! Citations contain only title, author, edition, publisher, and year published. Citations should be used as a guideline and should be double checked for accuracy. Citation formats are based on standards as of August 2021.

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