Unwanteds (Reprint) - by Lisa McMann (Paperback)

About the Book

In a society that purges 13-year-olds who are creative, identical twins Aaron and Alex are separated, one to attend University while the other, supposedly Eliminated, finds himself in a wondrous place where youths hone their abilities and learn magic.

Book Synopsis

"Imagination runs wild in this creative adventure." --Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Beyonders and Fablehaven series

Twin brothers have their fates diverge in this first book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade dystopian series that's a "fun mix of magic and science" (Publishers Weekly).

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds who go to university, hardy Necessaries who take on menial tasks, and the artistic Unwanteds who are sent to their deaths.

In a nearly unprecedented verdict, thirteen-year-old twins Alex and Aaron are separated. Alex can barely keep it together as he's led away from his Wanted brother to his own Unwanted fate. But when Alex reaches the death farm, he discovers it's really a mirage hiding a stunning secret: the land of Artimé.

Each child in Artimé cultivates their creative abilities and learns how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. It's a whole new world and a whole new life for Alex, but he still can't help but miss Aaron.

But there's a threat looming on the horizon that threatens the survival of Artimé that will pit brother against brother--stretching their bond until it just might snap.

Review Quotes

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 Artime, 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. - "KIRKUS, "April 15, 2011

"Imagination runs wild in this creative adventure."

--#1 "New York Times" bestselling author Brandon Mull

"Reading Lisa McMann's THE UNWANTEDS was like discovering a brilliant,

lost children's classic--except it's never going to be lost, because

readers will never, ever forget the magic they'll experience in

its pages."

--James A. Owen, author and Illustrator of HERE, THERE BE DRAGONS

About the Author

Lisa McMann lives in Arizona. She is married to fellow writer and musician, Matt McMann, and they have two adult children. Her son is an artist named Kilian McMann and her daughter is an actor, Kennedy McMann. Lisa is the New York Times bestselling author of over two dozen books for young adults and children. So far she has written in genres including paranormal, realistic, dystopian, and fantasy. Some of her most well-known books are The Unwanteds series for middle grade readers and the Wake trilogy for young adults. Check out Lisa's website at LisaMcMann.com, learn more about The Unwanteds Series at UnwantedsSeries.com, and be sure to say hi on Instagram or Twitter (@Lisa_McMann), or Facebook (Facebook.com/McMannFan).