The Unwanteds

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More About This Book

Overview

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

When Alex finds out he is Unwanted, he expects to die. That is the way of the people of Quill. Each year, all the thirteen-year-olds are labeled as Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Wanteds get more schooling and train to join the Quillitary. Necessaries keep the farms running. Unwanteds are set for elimination.

It’s hard for Alex to leave behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted, but he makes peace with his fate—until he discovers that instead of a “death farm,” what awaits him is a magical place called Artimé. There, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds are encouraged to cultivate their creative abilities and use them magically. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.

But it’s a rare, unique occurrence for twins to be divided between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron’s bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artimé that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate magical battle.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly
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.)
Children's Literature
Life changes forever when you turn 13 in the land called Quill. You are either selected as "Wanted" and go to University, kept around as "Necessaries" to do the menial work of the community, or purged as "Unwanted" and sent for elimination. Identical twins Aaron and Alex may look alike but there the resemblance ends. At "the Purge," Aaron is chosen to go on to University, and he plans to move up in the political hierarchy with no consideration for love or loyalty—except to the supreme ruler, High Priest Justine. Alex, who has been denounced for drawing is sent to the Death Farm, only to find instead a land of magic and refuge for the Unwanteds, Artime, which is kept hidden from the citizens of Quill. Although the revelation of this secret when Alex tries to entice his brother to join him is inevitable, as is the triumph of the magical over the military, this is still an enjoyable ride with fantastical characters and possibilities set in stark contrast to the drab, highly-regimented world of Quill. The ending begs for a sequel that will be an even more dramatic confrontation between the brothers as they gain power in their respective realms. Quill resembles totalitarian governments throughout history that have tried to hold onto power through censorship of thought and action. This story could serve as the impetus for discussions on forms of government, freedoms of speech and assembly, and even the value of the arts in education and society. Reviewer: Paula McMillen, Ph.D.
More Reviews (2) Fewer Reviews
School Library Journal
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
Kirkus Reviews

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 Artimè, 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)

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9781442407688
  • Publisher: Aladdin
  • Publication date: 8/30/2011
  • Pages: 400
  • Sales rank: 31,438
  • Age range: 8 - 12 Years
  • Lexile: 880L (what's this?)
  • Series: Unwanteds Series , #1
  • Product dimensions: 5.60 (w) x 8.40 (h) x 1.50 (d)

Meet the Author

Lisa McMann
Lisa McMann

Lisa McMann is the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy; Cryer’s Cross; Dead to You; and the middle-grade dystopian fantasy series The Unwanteds. She lives with her family in the Phoenix area. Read more about Lisa and find her blog at LisaMcMann.com. Or better yet, be her friend on Facebook (McMannFan) and follow her on Twitter (@lisa_mcmann).

Read an Excerpt


 The Purge

There was a hint of wind coming over the top of the stone walls and through the barbed-wire sky on the day Alexander Stowe was to be Purged. Alex waited in the dusty Commons of Quill and felt the light breeze cooling the sweat on his upper lip. His twin brother, Aaron, stood beside him; their parents, behind. And all around, the entire community of Quill watched and waited, the bland looks of sleeping fish on their faces.

Mr. Stowe pressed his finger hard into Alex’s back. A final poke in the kidneys, a last good-bye, Alex thought. Or a warning not to run. Alex glanced at Aaron, whose face showed the tiniest emotion. Scared, was it? Or sad? Alex didn’t know.

The High Priest Justine, her long white hair undisturbed despite the breeze, rose to her full height and observed the silent crowd. She began without introduction or ado, for a Purge was neither exciting nor boring; it just was, as many things just were in Quill.

There were nearly fifty thirteen-year-olds this year. The people of Quill waited to hear which of these teenagers had been marked as Wanted or Necessary, and, by process of elimination, which of them remained to be Purged.

Alex scanned the group and their families around the giant half circle of the amphitheater. He knew some of them, not all. Alex’s mind wandered as the High Priest Justine announced first the names of the Wanteds, and he startled only slightly as the high priest spoke Aaron’s name. Aaron, who’d had nothing to worry about, sighed anyway in relief when he was among the fifteen names called.

The Necessaries were next. Thirteen names were read. Alexander Stowe was not one of those, either. Even though Alex knew that he was Unwanted, and had known ever since his parents had told him over breakfast when he was ten, the knowledge and three years of preparation weren’t enough to stop the sweat that pricked his armpits now.

It was down to a mere formality unless there was a surprise, which there sometimes was, but it didn’t matter. Everyone stood motionless until the final twenty names were called. Among the Unwanted, Alexander Stowe.

Alex didn’t move, though his heart fell like a cement block into his gut. He stared straight ahead as he’d seen the other Unwanteds do in past years. His lip quivered for a moment, but he fought to still it. When the governors came over to him, he put his arms out for them to shackle with rusty iron bands. He made his eyes icy cool before he glanced over his shoulder at his parents, who remained unemotional. His father nodded slightly, and finally took his finger out of Alex’s back after the shackles were secure. That was a minor relief, but what did it matter now?

Aaron sniffed once quietly, catching Alex’s attention in the silent amphitheater. The identical boys held a glance for a moment. Something, like a jolt of energy, passed between them. And then it was gone.

“Good-bye,” Aaron whispered.

Alex swallowed hard, held the stare a second more as the governors tugged at him to follow, and then broke the connection and went with the governors to the waiting bus that would take him to his death.

© 2011 Lisa Mcmann

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 61 )

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 61 Customer Reviews

  • Anonymous

    Posted January 10, 2012

    Brilliant

    Absolutly beatiful story! It was brimming with creativity, imagination, and fantastic characters; one of my favorites was High Priest Justine, she fit her lines nicely.

    6 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted August 7, 2011

    more from this reviewer

    Reviewed by Sally Kruger aka "Readingjunky" for TeensReadToo

    Gold Star Award Winner! The setting is the future in a place called Quill. Life there is not easy, especially if it is decided that you are an Unwanted. At the age of thirteen, it is determined that each citizen is in one of the following groups - Wanteds, Necessaries, or Unwanteds. The Wanteds are a privileged group given the opportunity for higher education and positions of power in society. The Necessaries are just that; they provide the necessary services required in daily life. The Unwanteds are sent to the Death Farm and exterminated. Alex and Aaron are identical twins turning thirteen. They already know their fates. Aaron will stay in Quill and become part of the Quillitary and most likely move up the ranks to become a powerful leader. As a young boy, Alex showed creative tendencies when he was caught drawing in the dirt with a chicken bone. Creativity is not valued in Quill, which means all those with artistic talents are classified as Unwanteds. The departure of the Unwanteds creates barely a ripple in the lives of those left behind in Quill. Alex's parents and brother almost seem annoyed during the brief farewell required when Alex leaves for the Death Farm. He joins the others headed toward their uncertain end, with only a hope that death will come quickly and painlessly. Alex and the others soon find that there is nothing to fear. Upon their arrival, they are welcomed by a mysterious magician named Mr. Today and countless other magical creatures. The world they have entered is called Artime, and it is filled with color and beauty beyond their wildest dreams. It is immediately obvious that life in Artime is all about living and enjoying the creative pursuits they were denied in Quill. After a brief introduction and orientation about the rules and requirements of Artime, Alex and his fellow Unwanteds begin to explore this amazing world. In addition to learning about art, music, and theater, they develop their own magical talents. They are free to roam and appreciate all Artime has to offer, but as Alex settles in he learns there is a definite separation between Quill and Artime. No one in Quill must know about the Unwanteds who escaped extermination. Contact with family and friends would threaten this wonderful world's very survival. Author Lisa McMann takes readers on an adventure very different than that in her previous novels. Her creation of these two extremely different worlds creates a sharp contrast that had this reader captivated. The underdog status of the Unwanteds pulled me into the story and had me cheering for them right up through the last page. If you are a fan of HARRY POTTER, THE HUNGER GAMES, or just enjoy fast-paced adventure and fantasy, you'll want to get your hands on this one.

    5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 22, 2012

    Best book ever

    This book is SO good. I would love to live in this magical world of creativity. There will be a second book, YAY! I love this book. I couldnt put it down.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 20, 2012

    Great book

    A great read for anyone. A MUST READ!

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 5, 2012

    BEST book ever!

    This was propaly the best book that ive ever read. I recommend this book to all.ages

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 3, 2012

    Good book

    No foul language, good plot. I liked it.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 1, 2012

    more from this reviewer

    review courtesy of One Book At A Time

    I was excited to read this. I've enjoyed Lisa McMann's other books. Plus, this seemed to fit into a genre that I enjoy...middle grade fantasy. I think it's a worthy ready for those who enjoy the category (adults and kids alike). But, I'm not sure it has the power to become the next big thing.

    I liked Alex at first, but I had a hard time identify with his need to contact his twin. I got that they were identical twins. And I know that twins have a special bond. But, it bothered me that the separation seemed to bother Alex more than it bothered Aaron. I was strange to watch Alex convince himself that Aaron really wanted and needed to be with him. He completely disregarded what it might do to the people that inhabited Artime.

    I did think the idea of Artime was fascinating, but oddly explained. The castle (mansion?) itself seemed really intriguing. But, the descriptions of it seemed unimportant. I loved the idea of taking blackboards, tubes to get you to certain parts of the castle, and instructions tailored to your strong suits. But, the story focuses some much on Alex and his desire to contact Aaron. I feel like so much more could have been done with this story.

    So for me this wasn't the next things for middle grade fantasy lovers. I'll keep looking. Although, I'm sure I will read the next one if give then chance. I don't feel the story is completely done yet.

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted August 7, 2011

    Entertaining (Book Twirps review)

    In the land of Quill, any child who shows any type of artistic talent is considered a threat to the government. To be artistic shows a tendency to be a free-thinker, which, in turn, could cause a problem for the government. At the age of thirteen all children are categorized as wanted, necessary or unwanted. Thirteen-year-old Alex has known for months that when the time comes, he will be listed as unwanted and be sentenced to death. His twin brother, Aaron, however, is selected as a wanted and will be sent to university to study and eventually serve on the cities government. When Alex and the other unwanteds are shipped off to the death farm, they are surprised to find that something special awaits them. A secret, magical land called Artime is hidden behind the gates of Quill, hidden by magic. No one in the land of Quill knows about Artime, and the government assumes the children have all been put to death when in fact they are being trained in the arts, allowed to think freely and learning to use magic.

    Though Alex is ecstatic to have found a place where he can be himself, he can't help but miss his twin brother, and wonders if somehow he can bring Aaron to join him in Artime. What Alex doesn't realize is that Aaron is happy with his new position and strives to one day become the ruler of Quill. When the existence of Artime is threatened, the members must fight to keep their beloved freedom, and much to Alex's disappointment, this fight will pit him against his twin brother.

    This book is marketed as a cross between Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. While I'm sure this is great for marketing, and will entice curious readers, I'm afraid these readers may be disappointed. While Ms. McCann's book is enjoyable and certainly has its merits, it is neither of the before mentioned books. The only similarity it has to The Hunger Games is the dystopian setting of Quill. While the magical land of Artime, and the magic the children learn in school could be compared to the magic of the Harry Potter series, McCann's world is not nearly as immersive. I read this book expecting something more because of the blurb on the cover. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot to be enjoyed within the pages of The Unwanteds. McCann's Artime is rife with potential. The talking blackboards, the transportation tubes and the "artsy" magic the children learn are all enjoyable. I think I may have enjoyed it more had I not had such high expectations. I also felt the book was rushed. There is a lot happening in the book, and I would have liked more in the way of the magic lessons, and I would have liked the mystery to have been a little deeper. I felt a lot of this was glazed over to reach the battle at the end. All in all the book is enjoyable, and it will definitely appeal to the targeted audience provided they are not die-hard Harry Potter fans.

    (Review based on an advanced reviewer's copy courtesy of the publisher via Simon & Schuster's GalleyGrab)

    2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 9, 2012

    Its like better than harry potter

    Even if its a mix been harry potter and hurger games ( ive hever read hurgery games) i think its wayyyyy better but at frist its confussing because i though unwanted ment that the got to stay but then it isnt...... and so Alex didnt report his brother when now he thinks he should have so they can be together. My favorit charter is Meghan because if there would be a movie i think id play a good Meghan

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 5, 2012

    Good Book- tap hete to find out why

    This book is about four kids. Two of the kids, twins Alex and Aaron are seperated when they turn thirteen and are sorted between wanted, unwanted or necessary. The wanteds get extra schooling and get to join the quillitary, the army of the town they live in, Quill. How and by what means are you sorted and what happens to the necessaries and the unwanteds? Well in the outrageous world of Quill, necessaries are sort of creative people but not really that creative. They probably could be unwanted if they wanted to but who wants to be unwanted? Why is everybody scared to be unwanted? Thats because there are no unwanteds living in Quill. The unwanteds are sent to the Great Boiling Sea, otherwise know as the death camp. When Alex finds out he is an unwanted he is scared thinking he will die. Meghan and Lan, two other unwanteds, are also scared to die, so when they end up rescued by the death farmer himself, Marcus Today and sent to the magical world of Artime they are surprised amd overjoyed. Everything is going smoothly but then arguments break out in peaceful Artime and poor Alex finds himself missing his brother Aaron more than ever and Mr. Today's magic id becoming weaker. Will Artime survive?

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 2, 2012

    Good Book! Worth the money!

    This book was great! The plot was good, loved the style of writing, and the whole book's idea. The author could have been more creative with some of the things' names (for example, the military was called the 'Quilitary' because the country was called Quill) but besides that, it was a great read. WORTH BUYING!!!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted January 1, 2012

    The book was really good

    Glad i read this book

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 30, 2011

    So Magical!

    I absolutely love this book it is a must-read-page-turner-Simber-can't-even-make-me-put-this-book-down kind of story. It might just be better than Harry Potter. I almost cried with sympathy for Alex and I cheered for joy with him too. YOU ALL MUST READ THIS AWESOMISTICAL BOOK!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 7, 2011

    Great

    I loved this book. Is there going to be a second? If you kniw please answer.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 4, 2011

    Awesome book

    Best book it was a different fantasy that made u think how horrible/awesome it would be 2 b an unwanted

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 28, 2011

    Amazing

    Can't wait for more couldn't put it down

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 11, 2011

    I kind of forgot.................

    I really liked the stuff they used to defend themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    READ TO FIND OUT WHAT.........

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 8, 2011

    Incredible Book

    I enjoyed the way she described quill and Artime. Incredible charecters that are diffrent from the traditional mold of hero's

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 28, 2011

    A Magically Fun Read

    I found The Unwanteds an entertaining read. I liked how the author, Lisa McMann, showed the Unwanted kids gaining self-esteem and self-respect as the story went along. They learned to depend upon themselves and each other and solve threatening situations. There's no "bad" language or extreme violence. The Unwanteds is a fun fantasy for all ages, though I think will be more enjoyed by the younger ones.


    *Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher, Simon and Schuster for review. I was not required to write a positive review.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 26, 2011

    Good Book

    A great book :) Action-filled, suspenseful and lovable. One of my Top 10's.

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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