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nicole603's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
hotmessmamareads's review against another edition
3.0
It's been a few years since I read the UNWIND Dystology by Neal Shusterman, but I really enjoyed the world he created so much that I had to buy Unbound when it came out. And if you haven't read the series, then I'd suggest you not continue with reading this review as there are spoilers (from the series, not this collection) involved. This is a collection of short stories set in the world of UNWIND. Some of them include characters from the books themselves and some are entirely new characters. Perhaps most interestingly, some of the short stories are set before, during, and after the events described in the series.
I particularly enjoyed the prequel story, UnSchooled which gave insight into the making of the Juvey-cop turned parts pirate character of J.T. Nelson. Another favorite short was Unfinished Symphony which gave a glimpse into the events that led to Risa Ward's unwind order.
UnDevoured was a little bit of a heartbreaker because it really fleshed out the sad life of Roland, the boy with the shark tattoo on his arm. When I first encountered Roland in the series, I really disliked him. He was something of a bully with a temper, as I remember him, but by the series end when readers finally get to experience what being unwound is like from his perspective, I remember being moved to tears as the process continued. So, getting to read this story about his youth added additional perspective and depth to Roland.
Unnatural Selection was an interesting story introducing new characters on the other side of the world (Burma/Thailand) that focuses on the Dah Zey. This was a nice way to flesh out the world Shusterman created beyond the confines of America, noting that the practice of unwinding had become a global phenomenon.
I didn't really see the point of including UnStrung, considering the story was previously released on it's own, but that's a different sort of criticism. Other stories included in this series that I liked, but weren't particularly impressed by included UnConfirmed (because it was so incredibly short and I wasn't really sure how much it added to the entire collection, given that it's not really driven by action on it's own--it focused on suggestive theoretical locations on where Connor and Risa may be now) and UnTithed (because I thought the storyline itself was fairly predictable and not altogether as interesting as some of the others).
Overall, though, I think the short story collection accomplishes a lot since it allows the reader to see some of what's happened before the Unwind Dystology events and even see what happens to some of the characters after they exit the main story. In particular, the story called Rewinds, which focuses on Camus Camprix and other rewinds he's in charge of, provided an additional epilogue of sorts for some of the characters we came to feel for within the Unwind world and I think it's worthwhile reading for people who really enjoyed the UNWIND series. I would've been satisfied if the short stories ended with that one, but I didn't mind reading on to see what's become of Skinner in the final story, either.
A word to the wise, though: if it's been a while since you last read the series, at least refresh your memory on who's who because I'm sure some of these stories would have a greater impact on me had I remembered everyone!
I particularly enjoyed the prequel story, UnSchooled which gave insight into the making of the Juvey-cop turned parts pirate character of J.T. Nelson. Another favorite short was Unfinished Symphony which gave a glimpse into the events that led to Risa Ward's unwind order.
UnDevoured was a little bit of a heartbreaker because it really fleshed out the sad life of Roland, the boy with the shark tattoo on his arm. When I first encountered Roland in the series, I really disliked him. He was something of a bully with a temper, as I remember him, but by the series end when readers finally get to experience what being unwound is like from his perspective, I remember being moved to tears as the process continued. So, getting to read this story about his youth added additional perspective and depth to Roland.
Unnatural Selection was an interesting story introducing new characters on the other side of the world (Burma/Thailand) that focuses on the Dah Zey. This was a nice way to flesh out the world Shusterman created beyond the confines of America, noting that the practice of unwinding had become a global phenomenon.
I didn't really see the point of including UnStrung, considering the story was previously released on it's own, but that's a different sort of criticism. Other stories included in this series that I liked, but weren't particularly impressed by included UnConfirmed (because it was so incredibly short and I wasn't really sure how much it added to the entire collection, given that it's not really driven by action on it's own--it focused on suggestive theoretical locations on where Connor and Risa may be now) and UnTithed (because I thought the storyline itself was fairly predictable and not altogether as interesting as some of the others).
Overall, though, I think the short story collection accomplishes a lot since it allows the reader to see some of what's happened before the Unwind Dystology events and even see what happens to some of the characters after they exit the main story. In particular, the story called Rewinds, which focuses on Camus Camprix and other rewinds he's in charge of, provided an additional epilogue of sorts for some of the characters we came to feel for within the Unwind world and I think it's worthwhile reading for people who really enjoyed the UNWIND series. I would've been satisfied if the short stories ended with that one, but I didn't mind reading on to see what's become of Skinner in the final story, either.
A word to the wise, though: if it's been a while since you last read the series, at least refresh your memory on who's who because I'm sure some of these stories would have a greater impact on me had I remembered everyone!
yushra's review against another edition
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
this was a better ending to the series for me because it gave me a peak into everyone’s lives post undivided. i’m glad everyone i cared about is now living their best life
aserrich's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
mswilliamsreads's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abortion
Minor: Sexual assault
brandym103's review against another edition
3.0
This was a fun read after finishing the series. A few of the stories were much better than others, but it was enjoyable to hear more about some characters.
kstumpf's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed catching up with Unwind characters and how Mr. Shusterman filled in a few gaps. AND.... left the door open for even another installment.
borrowers_bookshelf's review against another edition
4.0
I thought these stories were a great addition to the Unwind world. I love that we got to see some characters in a new light, as well as being introduced to some new and interesting characters. Overall, this was a great collection that added more depth to this exciting series.
Ratings
Unschooled: 3.5
Unfinished Symphony: 3.5/5
Undevoured: 3.5/5
Unclean: 5/5
Unstrung: 4/5
Unnatural Selection: 5/5
Uncomfirmed: 4.5/5
Untithed: 4.5/5
Rewinds: 5/5
Unknown Quantity: 4/5
Ratings
Unschooled: 3.5
Unfinished Symphony: 3.5/5
Undevoured: 3.5/5
Unclean: 5/5
Unstrung: 4/5
Unnatural Selection: 5/5
Uncomfirmed: 4.5/5
Untithed: 4.5/5
Rewinds: 5/5
Unknown Quantity: 4/5
fallingletters's review against another edition
4.0
Brief thoughts originally published 31 August 2016 at Falling Letters.
One last hurrah in the world of Unwinds! I have enjoyed every work I've read by Shusterman. Though I still think [b: Unwind|764347|Unwind (Unwind, #1)|Neal Shusterman|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1297677706s/764347.jpg|750423] (the first book in the series) remains the strongest, Shusterman created a fascinating world that deserved the further exploration he gave it. Even after four books that tied up Connor, Lev, and Risa's stories, there were questions and scenarios that us fans would love to read about. This book does not feature any stories about Connor, Lev, and Risa after the events of [b: UnDivided|17950614|UnDivided (Unwind, #4)|Neal Shusterman|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1392097377s/17950614.jpg|25166874] (final book in the series). I feel that's appropriate given, like I mentioned, their story was told in the actual series. There is one story featuring Hayden and Grace that alludes to what they might be up to. Stories include background on Jasper and Roland, why Risa was sent to be unwound, and the experimental activities of the Dah Zey. Unbound makes a great read for anyone who's still curious about the Unwind dystopia after finishing book four.
One last hurrah in the world of Unwinds! I have enjoyed every work I've read by Shusterman. Though I still think [b: Unwind|764347|Unwind (Unwind, #1)|Neal Shusterman|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1297677706s/764347.jpg|750423] (the first book in the series) remains the strongest, Shusterman created a fascinating world that deserved the further exploration he gave it. Even after four books that tied up Connor, Lev, and Risa's stories, there were questions and scenarios that us fans would love to read about. This book does not feature any stories about Connor, Lev, and Risa after the events of [b: UnDivided|17950614|UnDivided (Unwind, #4)|Neal Shusterman|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1392097377s/17950614.jpg|25166874] (final book in the series). I feel that's appropriate given, like I mentioned, their story was told in the actual series. There is one story featuring Hayden and Grace that alludes to what they might be up to. Stories include background on Jasper and Roland, why Risa was sent to be unwound, and the experimental activities of the Dah Zey. Unbound makes a great read for anyone who's still curious about the Unwind dystopia after finishing book four.