74 pages • 2 hours read
The Unwanteds
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Book Brief
417
Novel • Fiction
Quill And Artime • Fantasy World
2011
Middle grade
8-12 years
880L
Super Short Summary
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann follows Alex Stowe, an artistic teen in the authoritarian state of Quill, who is sentenced to death but finds himself saved and transported to the magical world of Artimé. There, Alex and other "Unwanteds" embrace their creativity under the guidance of Mr. Today, while tensions rise as Alex grapples with his bond to his twin brother, Aaron, who thrives in Quill.
Fantastical
Adventurous
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
45,479 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds is praised for its imaginative blend of dystopia and fantasy, engaging younger readers with its creative world-building and relatable characters. However, some critics argue the pacing is uneven, which may disrupt immersion. Overall, it's a compelling start to a series promising adventure and conflict in a vividly crafted universe.
Who Should Read The Unwanteds?
Readers who enjoy suspenseful, imaginative, and dystopian tales like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games will be captivated by Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds. Ideal for middle-grade to early young adult readers, it combines magic and adventure with themes of creativity, making it perfect for fans of fantasy and speculative fiction.
45,479 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marcus Today
Marcus Today
A mysterious mage who creates the magical world of Artimé as a refuge, holding a significant past connection with Quill's leadership.
Lani Haluki
Lani Haluki
One of the Unwanteds who quickly excels in magic and shares a complex relationship with Alex, embodying the potential magic has to equalize.
417
Novel • Fiction
Quill And Artime • Fantasy World
2011
Middle grade
8-12 years
880L
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