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forestidylls's review against another edition
3.0
A continuance of adventures that was worth reading, Lisa McMann continues to find ways to create completely unique islands. However, the death of Megan soured the book for me. It seemed like completely unnecessary tragedy, put in just so people couldn't say that having the entire group of friends live was unrealistic - isn't that the point of middle grade fantasy fiction?
lizmarkus's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-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
3.5
_aoibheann_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-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
4.0
misspippireads's review against another edition
5.0
Haunting and beautiful music begins the audiobook. Artimé and Quill are still at odds with one another. Island of Shipwrecks continues the story from Island of Legends (book number four). I would highly, highly recommend reading the Unwanteds series in order. Each book packs so much activity, emotion, and adventure in each book. When one book ends, I'm at the edge of my seat waiting for the next installment. (Island of Graves is next and it is coming out in September 2015!)
The Island of Shipwrecks is a new island that Alex and his crew discover. They sail toward it, only to find they are trapped in it's pull toward terrible rocks. They survive and meet the people who survive on the barren island. Meanwhile, back in Quill, Aaron is looking for away to still remain ruler of all. He goes to the Quillitry to seek assistance and is surprised by the presence of a leader who survived the first battle. Those are just a few opening details I think are all right to share without giving away too much. The Unwanteds is a series that I want to share all the information, yet none at all because they are so good. Oh my heart! I cannot wait for Island of Graves!
Steve West returns to read Island of Shipwrecks! Huzzah! I thought the voices were consistent with the previous titles he has read in the series. A couple a words in the text sound a little different because he's not originally from the US, but it never takes away from the story. I just want to repeat how he says it, then follow up with how I pronounce it. Quite amusing. (And I'm glad I ride only by myself as I talk back to the audiobook.) I am excited to share that Steve West finished recording Island of Graves, so the next book should sound wonderfully consistent. Again, huzzah!
Reviewed from a library copy.
The Island of Shipwrecks is a new island that Alex and his crew discover. They sail toward it, only to find they are trapped in it's pull toward terrible rocks. They survive and meet the people who survive on the barren island. Meanwhile, back in Quill, Aaron is looking for away to still remain ruler of all. He goes to the Quillitry to seek assistance and is surprised by the presence of a leader who survived the first battle. Those are just a few opening details I think are all right to share without giving away too much. The Unwanteds is a series that I want to share all the information, yet none at all because they are so good. Oh my heart! I cannot wait for Island of Graves!
Steve West returns to read Island of Shipwrecks! Huzzah! I thought the voices were consistent with the previous titles he has read in the series. A couple a words in the text sound a little different because he's not originally from the US, but it never takes away from the story. I just want to repeat how he says it, then follow up with how I pronounce it. Quite amusing. (And I'm glad I ride only by myself as I talk back to the audiobook.) I am excited to share that Steve West finished recording Island of Graves, so the next book should sound wonderfully consistent. Again, huzzah!
Reviewed from a library copy.
felicia_h's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
joannas's review against another edition
5.0
Wow. Ok. Where do I begin? This book took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, especially in the last quarter. It was truly the darkest novel in the series thematically, thus far. Though I admit that Mr. today’s death shook me to the core the most, Meghan’s hurt almost just as much. It simply isn’t fair. Aaron’s story for the most part, annoyed me to no end. I hate his character, which I guess is the point. He is an excellent foil to Alex, even if his chapters made me upset at times. I just finished reading it after a morning of reading, and thus my review is jumbled and all over the place (like this book). Wow.
I like that the pirates were mentioned once at the beginning, and didn’t cause havoc until the end. It left me wondering when they’d show up. Ishibashi was also an interesting character and plot point, especially with his seaweed. It also got me thinking ... are the seven islands (like quill, artime, warbler, etc) like the Bermuda Triangle? Cause the plane crashed there, a bunch of ships go missing on the island of shipwrecks... and Ishibashi and the scientists are definitely from what we know as earth, right? I’m interested to see how this plays out!!!!
Very good 4.5/5 stars! And this is without the nostalgia factor, since I don’t recall reading this book in particular (it’s new to me!)
I like that the pirates were mentioned once at the beginning, and didn’t cause havoc until the end. It left me wondering when they’d show up. Ishibashi was also an interesting character and plot point, especially with his seaweed. It also got me thinking ... are the seven islands (like quill, artime, warbler, etc) like the Bermuda Triangle? Cause the plane crashed there, a bunch of ships go missing on the island of shipwrecks... and Ishibashi and the scientists are definitely from what we know as earth, right? I’m interested to see how this plays out!!!!
Very good 4.5/5 stars! And this is without the nostalgia factor, since I don’t recall reading this book in particular (it’s new to me!)
wondereads13's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I'm close to the end of this series, and I'm kind of glad. While this book does break the pattern that had been set so far, I think I'm starting to get a little bored. The characters have been stuck in a rut recently; while the worldbuilding and plot expand every book, there's very little development in the characters. I'm kind of getting sick of Alex continuing to prioritize Aaron, who killed his mentor and became a dictator. There was such an interesting thing going on with the men on the shipwreck island, especially since they are practically confirmed to be from Japan, from the real world, but most of their interaction was with Henry, not Alex or any of the other main characters.
lydiastorytime's review against another edition
4.0
Exciting adventures in a magical world.
Highlights: found family, creative and artistic magic, fun lovable talking creatures, equally brave female warriors, boys with well rounded feelings, encourages questioning ones upbringing and government, exposes brainwashing, explores characters grief.
*scientists from another world.
Down side: children put into adult roles and counted on as leaders. No one is queer. The children’s plans are often not well thought out and adults are mostly unhelpful. Children over 12 are expected to not need parenting. Lack of variety in spells.
Spoilers for sensitive minds.
Tw: dictators and tyrants.
Physical violence: ship wreck, death of both parents, construction accident, death of close friend, battle, mostly non-lethal wounds, cuts, kidnapping, near drowning.
Emotional pain- grief of loved ones, neglectful parents and the ramifications, mixed feelings around death of family, children forced into adult roles and systemically neglected.
Other: stranded, harsh environmental living conditions, hurricane.
Highlights: found family, creative and artistic magic, fun lovable talking creatures, equally brave female warriors, boys with well rounded feelings, encourages questioning ones upbringing and government, exposes brainwashing, explores characters grief.
*scientists from another world.
Down side: children put into adult roles and counted on as leaders. No one is queer. The children’s plans are often not well thought out and adults are mostly unhelpful. Children over 12 are expected to not need parenting. Lack of variety in spells.
Spoilers for sensitive minds.
Tw: dictators and tyrants.
Physical violence: ship wreck, death of both parents, construction accident, death of close friend, battle, mostly non-lethal wounds, cuts, kidnapping, near drowning.
Emotional pain- grief of loved ones, neglectful parents and the ramifications, mixed feelings around death of family, children forced into adult roles and systemically neglected.
Other: stranded, harsh environmental living conditions, hurricane.
ccpprrjj's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
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
5.0
tessadehart's review against another edition
4.0
A great addition to the Unwanteds series. It sets up for more of a story nicely. This book was fairly slow except for the end. A lot of plot twists at the end as well which added a lot of new potential to the series! I’m excited to read the next one!