The Unwanteds

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Quill runs a severe classification system between Wanteds and Unwanteds. Wanted individuals follow the rules and do their jobs. Unwanteds show trouble or artistic leanings. When Quillians reach age 13, they attend the Purge. Wanteds become members of society while Unwanteds face the Eliminators. Unknown the to Wanteds, the Unwanteds enter a world of Artime that encourages creativity as a gift and as a weapon. The time is coming when Artime will be revealed.

The Kirkus Review quote on the cover reads, "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter." Don't be fooled by comparing books. The Unwanteds can stand on it's own in the fantasy genre. Yes, there is magic like Harry Potter and yes, there are teens caught in a battle like Hunger Games. McMann adds talking statues and uncommon creatures. She pits siblings against each other and divides families and friends. She also opens to the doors to new friendships and the new lifestyles found in the colorful world of Artime. The Unwanteds is the first book of McMann's fantasty series. The second novel, Island of Silence, is coming in August of 2012. I am looking forward to hearing more about artistic Artime and colorless Quill.

Simon Jones reads this unabridged recording of The Unwanteds. His characters are distinctive and enjoyable. His natural accent is also enjoyable on the ears. I hope he returns to read McMann's second book.
Reviewed from a library copy.

Audio Book Details...
The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
Series: Book 1, The Unwanteds
Read by Simon Jones
Produced by Simon & Schustler Audio
Number of Discs: 7
Total Time: 480 minutes