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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
My new favorite book now, it is really good for anyone who reads fast because it is a series and a thick one
Hmm. Not bad, but I hate books that aren't complete in and of themselves but just one segment of a series. This book didn't end.
I love books that transport me to another world and sometimes this includes mythical creatures but the author's weird combinations of creatures (an octopus/alligator?) with combined names (octagator and squirrelicorns—squirrel and unicorn) didn't seem particularly interesting or compelling.
The premise is that "creative" kids are removed from the society at age 13 in order to keep the society working and the people obedient. The idea that just because a child draws in the dirt or sings, he is more creative or less likely to be obedient is bizarre. I don't get it.
I love books that transport me to another world and sometimes this includes mythical creatures but the author's weird combinations of creatures (an octopus/alligator?) with combined names (octagator and squirrelicorns—squirrel and unicorn) didn't seem particularly interesting or compelling.
The premise is that "creative" kids are removed from the society at age 13 in order to keep the society working and the people obedient. The idea that just because a child draws in the dirt or sings, he is more creative or less likely to be obedient is bizarre. I don't get it.
I much disliked this book for many reasons: first, it is written in a way that every conversation lowers your opinion on the main character. Second, the wizards appoint a CHILD to run a school of magic and can't defend themselves against the kid's insane brother who would love to kill them all. Finally, i have met toddlers who make smarter decisions than to go on vacation when a psycho wants to kill you.
Started this because both my daughter (age 13) and nephew (age 12) LOVE this series. Started on audio while on a run on a busy weekend and wanted something to take my brain on a break. I was hooked from the start and really enjoyed the audio. The premise is a classic dystopian trope, but it's cute and fun nonetheless. Also, talk about complicated family drama! So many complicated family relationships here.
I've got the second book on hold at the library on audio and look forward to more of this world. Overall, it's super fun to talk with my daughter about this book too.
I've got the second book on hold at the library on audio and look forward to more of this world. Overall, it's super fun to talk with my daughter about this book too.
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann is dystopian fiction for middle graders. The unwanteds are sent by the Quill society to what the Quillans assume is their death, but what they don't know is that the keeper of the lake of boiling oil they are sent to has created a secret society called Artime. These kids are allowed to explore their artistic talents and their as yet undiscovered magical abilities. And of course, they are taught to use these abilities to protect Artime when they are inevitably discovered by the Quill society. I enjoyed this story and I especially appreciated the embracing of the artistic skills of the kids as I was reading it with my son who is very artistic. On the cover, the book is compared to Harry Potter and the Hunger Games. I would say it's more Divergent for a younger crowd with a tiny splash of Harry Potter. And it certainly doesn't hold a candle to Harry Potter or Hunger Games for me. It also didn't leave my dying to read the rest, so if my son wants to continue with the series, he's on his own.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Alex Stowe is an Unwanted. In the dystopian society of Quill, only the Wanted and the Necessary get to live. However, as fate would have it, Alex and the other Unwanteds survive thanks to an eccentric man named Mr. Today. Yanked into a society of Unwanteds, Alex and his new friends learn to embrace their creativity in the form of magic. And Alex learns to reconcile with his twin, Aaron, the Wanted.
This book was okay. The premise, I think, is very interesting. I love the idea of a secret society of magical creatives, however, I think a lot of this story lacked meaningful and earned development. That being said, I'm certain that younger audiences would still love to read it.
This book was okay. The premise, I think, is very interesting. I love the idea of a secret society of magical creatives, however, I think a lot of this story lacked meaningful and earned development. That being said, I'm certain that younger audiences would still love to read it.
The premise was intriguing, but the execution was a little too simplistic. I routinely felt that the narration was talking down to me. Maybe it's that I'm not the intended audience. Very disappointing.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Such a good book for kids who loved Percy Jackson or Harry Potter but want something a little darker