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Unwanteds #3
Island of Fire
The fate of Artimé is at stake—and an unlikely alliance could redeem it.
The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers.
Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it’s up to him to find a way to restore Artimé, rescue his captive friends, and free Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns—three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers?
Meanwhile, in the stark land of Quill, Alex’s twin brother Aaron continues to build his army, preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Unwanteds. But a shocking twist reveals that Alex and Aaron share a common enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined...
The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers.
Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it’s up to him to find a way to restore Artimé, rescue his captive friends, and free Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns—three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers?
Meanwhile, in the stark land of Quill, Alex’s twin brother Aaron continues to build his army, preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Unwanteds. But a shocking twist reveals that Alex and Aaron share a common enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined...
464 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2013
1002 people are currently reading
6100 people want to read
About the author
Lisa McMann
59 books6,982 followersLisa McMann lives and writes in the Phoenix area. Her newest middle grade fantasy series is called The Forgotten Five. Book one, Map of Flames, was an instant NYT bestseller. It's about five supernatural kids, raised in a deserted hideout, who enter civilization for the first time to search for a hidden stash left behind by their missing, criminal parents.
Book two, The Invisible Spy, is on sale now! Book three, Rebel Undercover, is coming summer 2023, and book 4 will be out in spring of 2024.
Also out now: CLARICE THE BRAVE. It's a story of hope against all odds, about sibling mice who get separated in a mutiny and vow to find one another again.
Lisa's other books include the NYT bestselling THE UNWANTEDS and UNWANTEDS QUESTS series, the GOING WILD trilogy, the YA paranormal WAKE trilogy, the VISIONS trilogy, CRYER'S CROSS, DEAD TO YOU, and INFINITY RING: The Trap Door.
See what's new and where Lisa will be at her
LinkTree.
You can find more info at Lisa'a website, lisamcmann.com, interact with her on Facebook or Twitter, or ask questions on her Instagram.
Book two, The Invisible Spy, is on sale now! Book three, Rebel Undercover, is coming summer 2023, and book 4 will be out in spring of 2024.
Also out now: CLARICE THE BRAVE. It's a story of hope against all odds, about sibling mice who get separated in a mutiny and vow to find one another again.
Lisa's other books include the NYT bestselling THE UNWANTEDS and UNWANTEDS QUESTS series, the GOING WILD trilogy, the YA paranormal WAKE trilogy, the VISIONS trilogy, CRYER'S CROSS, DEAD TO YOU, and INFINITY RING: The Trap Door.
See what's new and where Lisa will be at her
LinkTree.
You can find more info at Lisa'a website, lisamcmann.com, interact with her on Facebook or Twitter, or ask questions on her Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 720 reviews
March 21, 2014
I am so disappointed and Sadden to have to rate this so low. Personally, it feels more like a 2 for me but i can't bring myself to rate it that low so it gets a Pity 3
Book 2 was shaky but it did sort of hold its own for the most part but one of the dumbest subplots in Book 2 is still one of the dumbest focal plots of Book 3.
A. Plot(2 out of 5)
Basically, Mr. Today is dead and Artime is gone due to him being dead and Alex is left trying to pick up the pieces in a world of no magic. As he struggles to piece together a note left behind by Mr. Today, he decides FINALLY to go and try and rescue Lani and Samheed who are sort of being psychologically tortured and enslaved.
Meanwhile, Aaron is paranoid...Basically this is Aaron's entire plot. He is paranoid like crazy and questioning things but mainly paranoid....Literally he spends the entire book paranoid and constantly looking over his shoulder.
The dumbest plot of Book 2 was the best plot of Book 3 though it annoyed me so much still. Simply because I don't get why Samheed, Meghan and Lani stupidly went to island only to get an adventure(Despite seeing two kids come from the direction with a necklace of thorns sewn into their necks). But it did sort of get interesting in this book.
2. Writing
Normally, I wouldn't complain about 3rd POV omniscient but this book really could do with 1st person(Anybody but Alex plz) or 3rd person limited. The constant POV changes and the "He wasn't ware at the same time that so and so was watching him as he passed...." felt a bit annoying.
Granted, it's now book 3 and I am used to it but it is starting to grate on my nerves a bit. Even worse, this book's pacing....The attempts to restore Artime and magic seemed to go by too fast for me. I wanted a book to see them more or less struggling for most of the book...I'd love to see them on even footing with Quill. Instead that situation is revolved in a rather quick time(not before Alex has temper tanturms though). Then we are forced to deal with a bunch of "talking and talking" and not to mention a NEW love triangle forming. When i saw where this was going it immediately lost 1 star.
Mr. Today is dead...Many others are dead...Claire is missing...the creatures have become inanimate...Lani & Sam are missing...Meghan's voice is missing and yet Alex still finds time to fall in like with a girl he barely knew. And unlike Lani and Alex's annoying but cute scenes, this actually is a bigger focus in this book because everyone is essentially coupled off by the book's end.
3. Characters(2 out of 5)
1. Alex--- Is essentially the guy who can do no wrong even when he does wrong. Remember how it was his fault that he exposed Quill by trying to save Aaron but it's cool...He's now the new leader of Artime. A nearly 15 year old boy is the leader of a nation of magic. K then.
Alex as a character doesn't work for me. I get it...he didn't want to be leader, it was shoved on him(Samheed or Lani would have been better. Instead he talks a big talk to inspire the people only to whine about it later. Even more so, everyone is grieving Mr. Today but Alex's grief is of course the worst of all(Gag me, plz).
What bugs me about Alex is he spends so much time crushing on Sky that he barely even THINKS about Lani, who is a slave. Like it's been 3 weeks and she is an after thought to you now? Okay then....then when it is time to try and rescue him, suddenly it's like "Oh yeah, we were kind of maybe dating. I shouldn't feel this way for Sky."
He is also this "Chosen One" yet why? It's not explained why really. I hate people who are given things simply because they are chosen yet it really isn't explained why.
2. Aaron is my favorite character only because unlike Alex he actually more or less does something instead of always reacting. But in this book, Aaron grated on my nerves. His entire presence in this book was him being paranoid about who was with and against him. Every scene had him constantly questioning. After having a perfect book in Book 2, Aaron nearly begins slipping into Alex territory of annoyance.
What saves Aaron is his struggle with good and evil...He has a dark scene with a man that will test just how truly evil Aaron is(or isn't) and the ending scene with him and Alex, shows there is more potential there...AARON NEEDS TO BE FOCAL because anytime Alex is the main focus,the book is boring.
There is a secret about Aaron we discover which makes his character even more interesting but his paranoia annoyed me.
3. Megan, Lani & Samheed were star characters in Books 1 and 2 but Meghan more or less feels like an afterthought. We're heading into the 4th book and she is the weakest of Alex's 3 best friends simply because she really isn't given much to do on her own.
Lani and Samheed fair better with their struggles and horrors they face on the Island of Silence. Lani's toughness is questioned as she desperately tries to call out for help but it takes so long for her to get there. Samheed is a normally tough guy who definitely cracks and even breaks throughout this book and he had some major development despite being unable to speak.
Of course, Sam and Lani are being placed together as a couple out of nowhere(Remember Book 2 when Sam was crushing on Meghan and jealous of Cole and Lani was into Alex...well i guess being trapped on that island somehow made them a couple. IDK...it was never shown before Book 3 he had much interest in her). While it annoyed me, oddly enough I can actually get behind these two as they did go through a lot and it doesn't feel forced as much as Sky and Alex.
4. Sky & Crow- The silent Kids...Crow is an adorable kid. I liked him a lot. He's a sweetie. Sky on the other hand annoyed me since most of her purpose this book is to serve as a reason for Alex to want to keep fighting. She is the love interest and there is the horribly melodramatic scene where he chases after her(despite being injured) into the lake confessing that after like 3 weeks of knowing her, he can't imagine life without her. K then...Hate her.
I can't be asked to name all the characters and my thoughts on them. I did enjoy Sean Ranger and Carina Fathom as well as Lani's brother Henry. These were refreshing characters and of course the surprise returns of some older favorites(won't spoil anything).
D. Overall
I am just utterly disappointed.Book 1 was a bit of a slow start that ended with a bang and greatness. Book 2 had it's moments where it floundered a bit but Aaron saved it, even when the plot got stupid. Book 3 was just stupid in so many places.
I am sorry but once again the title of the book doesn't match the book's plot since the Island of fire is an island we see more than halfway in and we're barely there for long. K then....
Even more so, Alex is a 15 year old creative person....so now he can cast a bunch of spells and magic that a Mage like Mr. Today could despite having little training? K then....
Your best friends are trapped on an Island where you KNOW they are being harmed but all you can think of is how Sky's lips would feel and the sound of what her voice sounds like(When you decide to mourn your mentor every now and then and Simber). K then....
This book definitely has me apprehensive for Book 4 simply because Book 3 just wasn't good. Too much time is focused on romance for a character we just really met and got to know(And Alex has known for 3 weeks). There really is not much conflict happening in this book. Some stuff happens every now and then and there are the ocean scenes but it was just...boring.
Aaron's revelation better be expanded on in Book 4 as well as his presence or I am going to like have to say "Started well but ended badly and don't finish it.
On Second though, I changed my mind...It gets 2 out of 5 stars.
Lisa is capable of making a great book(Book 1 was excellent and Book 2 was great). Book 3 is an obvious 6 steps back.
Book 2 was shaky but it did sort of hold its own for the most part but one of the dumbest subplots in Book 2 is still one of the dumbest focal plots of Book 3.
A. Plot(2 out of 5)
Basically, Mr. Today is dead and Artime is gone due to him being dead and Alex is left trying to pick up the pieces in a world of no magic. As he struggles to piece together a note left behind by Mr. Today, he decides FINALLY to go and try and rescue Lani and Samheed who are sort of being psychologically tortured and enslaved.
Meanwhile, Aaron is paranoid...Basically this is Aaron's entire plot. He is paranoid like crazy and questioning things but mainly paranoid....Literally he spends the entire book paranoid and constantly looking over his shoulder.
The dumbest plot of Book 2 was the best plot of Book 3 though it annoyed me so much still. Simply because I don't get why Samheed, Meghan and Lani stupidly went to island only to get an adventure(Despite seeing two kids come from the direction with a necklace of thorns sewn into their necks). But it did sort of get interesting in this book.
2. Writing
Normally, I wouldn't complain about 3rd POV omniscient but this book really could do with 1st person(Anybody but Alex plz) or 3rd person limited. The constant POV changes and the "He wasn't ware at the same time that so and so was watching him as he passed...." felt a bit annoying.
Granted, it's now book 3 and I am used to it but it is starting to grate on my nerves a bit. Even worse, this book's pacing....The attempts to restore Artime and magic seemed to go by too fast for me. I wanted a book to see them more or less struggling for most of the book...I'd love to see them on even footing with Quill. Instead that situation is revolved in a rather quick time(not before Alex has temper tanturms though). Then we are forced to deal with a bunch of "talking and talking" and not to mention a NEW love triangle forming. When i saw where this was going it immediately lost 1 star.
Mr. Today is dead...Many others are dead...Claire is missing...the creatures have become inanimate...Lani & Sam are missing...Meghan's voice is missing and yet Alex still finds time to fall in like with a girl he barely knew. And unlike Lani and Alex's annoying but cute scenes, this actually is a bigger focus in this book because everyone is essentially coupled off by the book's end.
3. Characters(2 out of 5)
1. Alex--- Is essentially the guy who can do no wrong even when he does wrong. Remember how it was his fault that he exposed Quill by trying to save Aaron but it's cool...He's now the new leader of Artime. A nearly 15 year old boy is the leader of a nation of magic. K then.
Alex as a character doesn't work for me. I get it...he didn't want to be leader, it was shoved on him(Samheed or Lani would have been better. Instead he talks a big talk to inspire the people only to whine about it later. Even more so, everyone is grieving Mr. Today but Alex's grief is of course the worst of all(Gag me, plz).
What bugs me about Alex is he spends so much time crushing on Sky that he barely even THINKS about Lani, who is a slave. Like it's been 3 weeks and she is an after thought to you now? Okay then....then when it is time to try and rescue him, suddenly it's like "Oh yeah, we were kind of maybe dating. I shouldn't feel this way for Sky."
He is also this "Chosen One" yet why? It's not explained why really. I hate people who are given things simply because they are chosen yet it really isn't explained why.
2. Aaron is my favorite character only because unlike Alex he actually more or less does something instead of always reacting. But in this book, Aaron grated on my nerves. His entire presence in this book was him being paranoid about who was with and against him. Every scene had him constantly questioning. After having a perfect book in Book 2, Aaron nearly begins slipping into Alex territory of annoyance.
What saves Aaron is his struggle with good and evil...He has a dark scene with a man that will test just how truly evil Aaron is(or isn't) and the ending scene with him and Alex, shows there is more potential there...AARON NEEDS TO BE FOCAL because anytime Alex is the main focus,the book is boring.
There is a secret about Aaron we discover which makes his character even more interesting but his paranoia annoyed me.
3. Megan, Lani & Samheed were star characters in Books 1 and 2 but Meghan more or less feels like an afterthought. We're heading into the 4th book and she is the weakest of Alex's 3 best friends simply because she really isn't given much to do on her own.
Lani and Samheed fair better with their struggles and horrors they face on the Island of Silence. Lani's toughness is questioned as she desperately tries to call out for help but it takes so long for her to get there. Samheed is a normally tough guy who definitely cracks and even breaks throughout this book and he had some major development despite being unable to speak.
Of course, Sam and Lani are being placed together as a couple out of nowhere(Remember Book 2 when Sam was crushing on Meghan and jealous of Cole and Lani was into Alex...well i guess being trapped on that island somehow made them a couple. IDK...it was never shown before Book 3 he had much interest in her). While it annoyed me, oddly enough I can actually get behind these two as they did go through a lot and it doesn't feel forced as much as Sky and Alex.
4. Sky & Crow- The silent Kids...Crow is an adorable kid. I liked him a lot. He's a sweetie. Sky on the other hand annoyed me since most of her purpose this book is to serve as a reason for Alex to want to keep fighting. She is the love interest and there is the horribly melodramatic scene where he chases after her(despite being injured) into the lake confessing that after like 3 weeks of knowing her, he can't imagine life without her. K then...Hate her.
I can't be asked to name all the characters and my thoughts on them. I did enjoy Sean Ranger and Carina Fathom as well as Lani's brother Henry. These were refreshing characters and of course the surprise returns of some older favorites(won't spoil anything).
D. Overall
I am just utterly disappointed.Book 1 was a bit of a slow start that ended with a bang and greatness. Book 2 had it's moments where it floundered a bit but Aaron saved it, even when the plot got stupid. Book 3 was just stupid in so many places.
I am sorry but once again the title of the book doesn't match the book's plot since the Island of fire is an island we see more than halfway in and we're barely there for long. K then....
Even more so, Alex is a 15 year old creative person....so now he can cast a bunch of spells and magic that a Mage like Mr. Today could despite having little training? K then....
Your best friends are trapped on an Island where you KNOW they are being harmed but all you can think of is how Sky's lips would feel and the sound of what her voice sounds like(When you decide to mourn your mentor every now and then and Simber). K then....
This book definitely has me apprehensive for Book 4 simply because Book 3 just wasn't good. Too much time is focused on romance for a character we just really met and got to know(And Alex has known for 3 weeks). There really is not much conflict happening in this book. Some stuff happens every now and then and there are the ocean scenes but it was just...boring.
Aaron's revelation better be expanded on in Book 4 as well as his presence or I am going to like have to say "Started well but ended badly and don't finish it.
On Second though, I changed my mind...It gets 2 out of 5 stars.
Lisa is capable of making a great book(Book 1 was excellent and Book 2 was great). Book 3 is an obvious 6 steps back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2016
These books are so easy and fun to read. I am not going to write long reviews since I am on book 3 and I would highly spoil the previous two books. However I will say this it seems like the titles set up the next book in the series because the Island of Silence was mentioned only a little in book 2 and the Island of Fire was literally mentioned for about 20 pages. I could be wrong but that is what it seems like. All in all these books are very witty and fun. I feel like all the books and the series will be a 4* experience as in they are great books but i do find the story to be a little to predictable at times. Anyways on to Island of Legends!!!!
October 24, 2013
I have enjoyed this series quite a lot. The twin boys who both have to cope with leadership roles are quite absorbing characters, especially Alex, the good twin. (Yes, the archetype of morally opposite identical twins [read mimetic rivalry--mirror images] is a major engine of the plot. Aaron might be more interesting in the future volumes as reality crashes in more and more in on his egoistic fantasies. The other enemies are bizarre & challenging, enough to make one wonder what horrible people the three islands that haven't factored into the series may prove to hold. A lot of the charm comes from the enchantment of the "unwanted" society, the rejects from Quill. Actually, the "unwanteds" are very much wanted by the "unwanted" society. The living statues are especially charming and lovable. I strongly recommend this series, but be prepared for a year-long case of nerves while waiting for the next book.
March 19, 2014
Possible spoiler alert.
Wow! Again! When book 2 of the Unwanteds ended in a breathtakingly alarming manner, I eagerly awaited book 3. Now with the end of book 3, I start my wait anew.
Book 2 ended with Mr. Today dead, Artime in ruins and Lani and Samheed prisoner on Warbler Island. Alex Stowe, the newly minted head mage, was tasked with restoring Artime and saving his friends. With no magic at his disposal, it seemed all was lost.
Told with excitement and emotion, this third installment takes the reader on a fast and furious journey between Artime and Warbler. Lani and Samheed are seemingly left to suffer their fate on Warbler, while Sky and Crow, the two silent children from Warbler, add a new dimension to life in Artime. Alex struggles to find a way to restore Artime so that his people are no longer made to suffer the consequences of their battle with Quill. He also aches with the knowledge that he must rescue Lani and Samheed, but as obstacles mount, he finds himself in despair. Aaron Stowe, Alex’s twin brother, continues to lurk in the background, naming himself High Priest, imprisoning Gunnar Haluki and Ms. Morning and endeavoring to build Quill into his own personal kingdom.
One thing I really like about these books is that they do not assume that once things are fixed that everything will just go back to normal without real, emotional and physical consequences. The characters think about how their actions will affect others, while at the same time, reacting as normal young teens might act in similar situations. Alex can be a bit whiny at times, but that is understandable considering his circumstances and the very dire situation in which he finds himself.
Overall impression: With a perfect balance of suspense and humor, and just a touch of romance, Island of Fire is sure to be a hit with middle grade audiences.
Wow! Again! When book 2 of the Unwanteds ended in a breathtakingly alarming manner, I eagerly awaited book 3. Now with the end of book 3, I start my wait anew.
Book 2 ended with Mr. Today dead, Artime in ruins and Lani and Samheed prisoner on Warbler Island. Alex Stowe, the newly minted head mage, was tasked with restoring Artime and saving his friends. With no magic at his disposal, it seemed all was lost.
Told with excitement and emotion, this third installment takes the reader on a fast and furious journey between Artime and Warbler. Lani and Samheed are seemingly left to suffer their fate on Warbler, while Sky and Crow, the two silent children from Warbler, add a new dimension to life in Artime. Alex struggles to find a way to restore Artime so that his people are no longer made to suffer the consequences of their battle with Quill. He also aches with the knowledge that he must rescue Lani and Samheed, but as obstacles mount, he finds himself in despair. Aaron Stowe, Alex’s twin brother, continues to lurk in the background, naming himself High Priest, imprisoning Gunnar Haluki and Ms. Morning and endeavoring to build Quill into his own personal kingdom.
One thing I really like about these books is that they do not assume that once things are fixed that everything will just go back to normal without real, emotional and physical consequences. The characters think about how their actions will affect others, while at the same time, reacting as normal young teens might act in similar situations. Alex can be a bit whiny at times, but that is understandable considering his circumstances and the very dire situation in which he finds himself.
Overall impression: With a perfect balance of suspense and humor, and just a touch of romance, Island of Fire is sure to be a hit with middle grade audiences.
February 17, 2013
Island of Fire is very much worth the wait. You have no idea how happy I was to be able to read it early via Edelweiss. But oh. The wait for book four will be torture. Truly. Because this ends in a big cliffhanger, to be honest. And it is kind of awful. But it also makes me so so excited for the fourth book :) This middle grade series is amazing. Really, truly amazing. I have loved all three books. And the covers. Aren't they just perfect?
I don't know how to write this five star review. Will try my best to not post any spoilers, but there will be spoilers for book one and two, just so you know. Because it isn't possible to talk about this amazing book without mentioning a few amazing things that have happened. And all the awful heartbreaking things as well. First, the writing in this book is very perfect.
Second, the characters are amazing. I loved them all. Then there is the amazing world that Lisa have created. This series is just amazing. I love reading about Artimè and all the magical things and stone creatures. It is all very unique and so good. Island of Fire is an amazing middle grade fantasy book. Although I feel that everyone should read these books, not just children. They are amazing and full of emotions. And lots of great awful things. Island of Fire isn't quite as full of terror and heartbreak as Island of Silence, but it's just as exciting and amazing.
Island of Fire starts where Island of Silence ended. With Mr. Today being dead. Which still breaks my heart, because they are all so upset about it; especially Alex. As if him being dead wasn't bad enough, Lani and Samheed is still missing on that awful island. Simber is gone. Artimè is gone. Everything has gone bad, and Alex is the only one who can fix it. Mr. Today left him a clue, but he's having a hard time figuring it out. He gets a lot of help, though, from the Silent girl and everyone else. And that I loved.
This book is written in third person point of view, which I loved, because we got to see a lot of different people, and we needed to do that. But this book is mostly just from Alex's point of view. He is still so amazing, and I love him the most. He's very kind and brave. Strong. But he is also broken, and that broke me too. He's missing them all so much. Especially Simber. Sniffs. I don't want to spoil anything, but you have seen the cover, so you might imagine what happens about all of that :) So so amazing.
I don't really want to say anything else about the plot. Just a few little things. Alex tries so hard to get magic and Artimè back, and he might succeed. You'll see. We also see more of Aaron, now the High Priest of Quill. I still hate him like crazy. But I kind of feel like that might change in a later book, because I feel like he will be a big part of things to come. Maybe. I hated what he did to the real high priest, and what he did to Mr. Today's daughter. That was beyond cruel of him, but I also loved it a bit.
We also learn a whole lot more about the other six islands. More about the island of silence, which seems like the most awful one, but I have a feeling the others might be just as bad.. I hated reading about the thorn necklaces. They were just so awful and heartbreaking but so well done that I couldn't help but love it. Then there is the Pirate Island. Seemed like such an awful place, and I'm SO EXCITED to read more about it. Please let that be in the fourth book. I need to know more about it right away.
There is a lot of amazing characters in this book. I loved them all. Sigh. Mostly I loved Alex. And Simber. He is just the most perfect thing. Sniffs. And I loved Florence too. And Kitten! Ahh. Then there was Meghan, who I loved a lot more in this book. And Lani and Samheed, I think I loved them. They need each other. They go through so much awful. Sniffs. The Silent girl is named Sky, and I kind of loved her a lot. She's different, and she's always there for Alex. There is so many others that I loved too.
There is a little more romance in this book. Kind of. And I loved it. Also wanted more. But I am a bit confused. Because the romance is between Alex and Sky. And I loved that, because I do think they are amazing together, and she fits with him a lot better. But a bit upset, cause I kind of wanted him with Lani. But not really, because I never loved her, because I found her to be a bit mean to him at times. She made him hurt a lot. So Sky is better for him. I'm hoping it will be more of them in the next one :)
Island of Fire is an amazing book. It has a lot of heart. It made me cry a lot of times. It also has a whole bunch of pain. But happy moments as well. It is a perfect sequel. And I cannot wait for the fourth book. There will be seven, and I'm super excited for all of them :) This book ends with a cliffhanger, though. Which makes me die for the fourth one, which I will now have to wait even longer for. But I can manage it, because while it is evil, it is also kind of a happy ending. At least I thought so :) This book made me very happy. Heartbroken at the sad times, but I loved it all. You really need to read it when it's out :)
I am forever grateful to the publisher; Aladdin, and to Edelweiss for the chance to read and review this amazing book early. <3 Thank you both so much. I'm so happy I was able to read it right away :)
I don't know how to write this five star review. Will try my best to not post any spoilers, but there will be spoilers for book one and two, just so you know. Because it isn't possible to talk about this amazing book without mentioning a few amazing things that have happened. And all the awful heartbreaking things as well. First, the writing in this book is very perfect.
Second, the characters are amazing. I loved them all. Then there is the amazing world that Lisa have created. This series is just amazing. I love reading about Artimè and all the magical things and stone creatures. It is all very unique and so good. Island of Fire is an amazing middle grade fantasy book. Although I feel that everyone should read these books, not just children. They are amazing and full of emotions. And lots of great awful things. Island of Fire isn't quite as full of terror and heartbreak as Island of Silence, but it's just as exciting and amazing.
Island of Fire starts where Island of Silence ended. With Mr. Today being dead. Which still breaks my heart, because they are all so upset about it; especially Alex. As if him being dead wasn't bad enough, Lani and Samheed is still missing on that awful island. Simber is gone. Artimè is gone. Everything has gone bad, and Alex is the only one who can fix it. Mr. Today left him a clue, but he's having a hard time figuring it out. He gets a lot of help, though, from the Silent girl and everyone else. And that I loved.
This book is written in third person point of view, which I loved, because we got to see a lot of different people, and we needed to do that. But this book is mostly just from Alex's point of view. He is still so amazing, and I love him the most. He's very kind and brave. Strong. But he is also broken, and that broke me too. He's missing them all so much. Especially Simber. Sniffs. I don't want to spoil anything, but you have seen the cover, so you might imagine what happens about all of that :) So so amazing.
I don't really want to say anything else about the plot. Just a few little things. Alex tries so hard to get magic and Artimè back, and he might succeed. You'll see. We also see more of Aaron, now the High Priest of Quill. I still hate him like crazy. But I kind of feel like that might change in a later book, because I feel like he will be a big part of things to come. Maybe. I hated what he did to the real high priest, and what he did to Mr. Today's daughter. That was beyond cruel of him, but I also loved it a bit.
We also learn a whole lot more about the other six islands. More about the island of silence, which seems like the most awful one, but I have a feeling the others might be just as bad.. I hated reading about the thorn necklaces. They were just so awful and heartbreaking but so well done that I couldn't help but love it. Then there is the Pirate Island. Seemed like such an awful place, and I'm SO EXCITED to read more about it. Please let that be in the fourth book. I need to know more about it right away.
There is a lot of amazing characters in this book. I loved them all. Sigh. Mostly I loved Alex. And Simber. He is just the most perfect thing. Sniffs. And I loved Florence too. And Kitten! Ahh. Then there was Meghan, who I loved a lot more in this book. And Lani and Samheed, I think I loved them. They need each other. They go through so much awful. Sniffs. The Silent girl is named Sky, and I kind of loved her a lot. She's different, and she's always there for Alex. There is so many others that I loved too.
There is a little more romance in this book. Kind of. And I loved it. Also wanted more. But I am a bit confused. Because the romance is between Alex and Sky. And I loved that, because I do think they are amazing together, and she fits with him a lot better. But a bit upset, cause I kind of wanted him with Lani. But not really, because I never loved her, because I found her to be a bit mean to him at times. She made him hurt a lot. So Sky is better for him. I'm hoping it will be more of them in the next one :)
Island of Fire is an amazing book. It has a lot of heart. It made me cry a lot of times. It also has a whole bunch of pain. But happy moments as well. It is a perfect sequel. And I cannot wait for the fourth book. There will be seven, and I'm super excited for all of them :) This book ends with a cliffhanger, though. Which makes me die for the fourth one, which I will now have to wait even longer for. But I can manage it, because while it is evil, it is also kind of a happy ending. At least I thought so :) This book made me very happy. Heartbroken at the sad times, but I loved it all. You really need to read it when it's out :)
I am forever grateful to the publisher; Aladdin, and to Edelweiss for the chance to read and review this amazing book early. <3 Thank you both so much. I'm so happy I was able to read it right away :)
March 12, 2024
★★★★½
I struggled rating this, because I flew through the first 350 pages like nothing. I was completely obsessed. It was so compelling. But then I put the book down at the 380 page mark and waited like a whole day before picking it up again, and somehow I now feel like this book wasn't quite at the 5 star mark (though I did round up because it definitely wasn't a 4 star book). I don't know why I feel like this, I loved it, I was completely amazed. The ending has my anxiety at a high for the beginning of the next book because WHY McMann wants to leave me in the middle of a storm about to destroy everything I couldn't say. And I have a lot of things that I'm excited to see develop.
But yet, this book was not quite there yet. I think it might be because the last 60 pages of this book slowed down a bit because all of the exciting other things had been wrapped up for the most part and everything was slowing down and the last 50 pages of a book can make or break it for me (because I believe that you should read the last 50 pages of a book in one sitting and if you feel the urge to put the book down because there's nothing compelling you to continue reading there's something wrong). And while I definitely did read it in one sitting and didn't want to put it down, it wasn't a super exciting conclusion. I mean shit happened sure, but it wasn't until like the end end and the 40 pages in between was everything settling down... Honestly I think that's what it was. Damn. Well 3 books down, 4 to go let's see what else could possibly go wrong and how much worse this situation can get.
I struggled rating this, because I flew through the first 350 pages like nothing. I was completely obsessed. It was so compelling. But then I put the book down at the 380 page mark and waited like a whole day before picking it up again, and somehow I now feel like this book wasn't quite at the 5 star mark (though I did round up because it definitely wasn't a 4 star book). I don't know why I feel like this, I loved it, I was completely amazed. The ending has my anxiety at a high for the beginning of the next book because WHY McMann wants to leave me in the middle of a storm about to destroy everything I couldn't say. And I have a lot of things that I'm excited to see develop.
But yet, this book was not quite there yet. I think it might be because the last 60 pages of this book slowed down a bit because all of the exciting other things had been wrapped up for the most part and everything was slowing down and the last 50 pages of a book can make or break it for me (because I believe that you should read the last 50 pages of a book in one sitting and if you feel the urge to put the book down because there's nothing compelling you to continue reading there's something wrong). And while I definitely did read it in one sitting and didn't want to put it down, it wasn't a super exciting conclusion. I mean shit happened sure, but it wasn't until like the end end and the 40 pages in between was everything settling down... Honestly I think that's what it was. Damn. Well 3 books down, 4 to go let's see what else could possibly go wrong and how much worse this situation can get.
June 20, 2017
Island of Fire by Lisa McMann
****4****
In the third book of the Unwanteds series, Alex and friends mourn the loss of one of their own and have to figure out how to save two Unwanteds from the mysterious Island of Silence. Meanwhile, Aaron continues his quest to become High Priest and ruler of Quill.
The third book was fun and a bit dark. A lot of what happened in Quill I found boring as it is just a continuous cycle of Aaron trying to gain and maintain power, where as in Artime people are continuously learning new spells and new information about the magical city.
There were a few relationship developments in this one that I preferred, rather than the way they were going previously. The writing was smooth. My only complain would be that some of the main characters from the previous books has less time in this one and I found a few of the characters a bit flat. This is possibly because there are so many characters that some don't stand out quite as much as they could have. A comparison would be Crabbe and Goyle from Harry Potter. I could never tell the two of them apart, and some of the characters here feel a little bit like filler characters. It's nice to have them but there isn't anything really special that sets them apart and allows them to be identifiable.
****4****
In the third book of the Unwanteds series, Alex and friends mourn the loss of one of their own and have to figure out how to save two Unwanteds from the mysterious Island of Silence. Meanwhile, Aaron continues his quest to become High Priest and ruler of Quill.
The third book was fun and a bit dark. A lot of what happened in Quill I found boring as it is just a continuous cycle of Aaron trying to gain and maintain power, where as in Artime people are continuously learning new spells and new information about the magical city.
There were a few relationship developments in this one that I preferred, rather than the way they were going previously. The writing was smooth. My only complain would be that some of the main characters from the previous books has less time in this one and I found a few of the characters a bit flat. This is possibly because there are so many characters that some don't stand out quite as much as they could have. A comparison would be Crabbe and Goyle from Harry Potter. I could never tell the two of them apart, and some of the characters here feel a little bit like filler characters. It's nice to have them but there isn't anything really special that sets them apart and allows them to be identifiable.
October 29, 2025
4.5 Epic ending.....
July 8, 2013
This is the third book in the Unwanted series by McMann. McMann has said that she has seven books planned for this series. This was a decent book in the series, the beginning was a bit slow but it picked up pace in the second half of the story. I read this with my six year old and we both enjoyed it. The following contains spoilers from book 2, so just be aware of that before reading on.
This book picks up right where The Island of Silence leaves off. Alex and crew are struggling with Mr. Today’s death and trying to survive on the barren part of the Island that used to be Artime’. Lani and Samheed are still being held captive on Warbler island. Aaron is still doing his best to take over the rule of Quill (the dystopian society that Alex and the other Artimeans were purged from). This book is mainly about the struggle to restore Artime’ to its former glory, rescuing Lani and Samheed from Warbler Island, and discovering a new Pirate Island.
This book was engaging and easy to read. There are lots of wonderful characters here as well.
Alex plays the lead role throughout the book as he struggles to restore Artime and take over Mr. Today’s role as head mage. He struggles a lot with the responsibility and the stress of it. He also struggles a lot with confidence, as the book continues he grows into his responsibilities and learns it’s okay to believe in himself and to accept help from his friends as well.
The other two characters that play very large roles in the story are Simber and Sky. Sky is the silent girl that was introduced in Island of Silence. She is smart, supportive, and an excellent compliment to all of the stress that Alex is dealing with. We also see a lot of Samheed and Lani as they fight to adapt to their situation as captives on Warbler Island.
As you can probably tell from the above, this book is told from a couple points of view. Mostly we hear from Alex and then from Samheed/Lani. We also hear some from Aaron in Quill and from the leader of Warbler Island.
The first part of the book is a bit frustrating and slow. Alex and his friends just spend so much time struggling to restore Artime’ that their frustration is really contagious. I just wanted them to figure it out so bad! Things pick up mid way through the book though as Alex and crew set out to rescue Samheed and Lani and discover a fourth new island that holds a lot of surprises for them.
The world increases quite a bit in complexity in this book, we learn a lot more about the other islands. The characters also begin to speculate about how they actually got on the island. I am very intrigued to see how all of these books end up tying together.
As I mentioned above I read this with my six year old son. Everything in this book was pretty kid safe. This book does have a bit more about who is falling in love with who, there are also a couple kissing scenes. My son found these boring and thought the fact that Alex kissed a girl was yucky. Still the relationships portrayed are healthy and sweet, so I didn’t mind this being my son’s first foray into reading a book about boys and girls liking each other :-)
The book ends on an absolutely horrible cliffhanger, which kind of sucks. The main goal of this book is wrapped up nicely though, it’s just that McMann sets up the storyline and problem for the next book and totally leaves the reader hanging.
Overall this was a good continuation of this series. The characters are engaging and interesting, the world is intricate and creative as well. I thought the beginning of the book was a bit slow, but things picked up pace towards the end. I am intrigued to see what happens next. This whole series is recommended to fans of middle grade fantasy; although this book does have a bit of a dystopian flavor to it as well.
This book picks up right where The Island of Silence leaves off. Alex and crew are struggling with Mr. Today’s death and trying to survive on the barren part of the Island that used to be Artime’. Lani and Samheed are still being held captive on Warbler island. Aaron is still doing his best to take over the rule of Quill (the dystopian society that Alex and the other Artimeans were purged from). This book is mainly about the struggle to restore Artime’ to its former glory, rescuing Lani and Samheed from Warbler Island, and discovering a new Pirate Island.
This book was engaging and easy to read. There are lots of wonderful characters here as well.
Alex plays the lead role throughout the book as he struggles to restore Artime and take over Mr. Today’s role as head mage. He struggles a lot with the responsibility and the stress of it. He also struggles a lot with confidence, as the book continues he grows into his responsibilities and learns it’s okay to believe in himself and to accept help from his friends as well.
The other two characters that play very large roles in the story are Simber and Sky. Sky is the silent girl that was introduced in Island of Silence. She is smart, supportive, and an excellent compliment to all of the stress that Alex is dealing with. We also see a lot of Samheed and Lani as they fight to adapt to their situation as captives on Warbler Island.
As you can probably tell from the above, this book is told from a couple points of view. Mostly we hear from Alex and then from Samheed/Lani. We also hear some from Aaron in Quill and from the leader of Warbler Island.
The first part of the book is a bit frustrating and slow. Alex and his friends just spend so much time struggling to restore Artime’ that their frustration is really contagious. I just wanted them to figure it out so bad! Things pick up mid way through the book though as Alex and crew set out to rescue Samheed and Lani and discover a fourth new island that holds a lot of surprises for them.
The world increases quite a bit in complexity in this book, we learn a lot more about the other islands. The characters also begin to speculate about how they actually got on the island. I am very intrigued to see how all of these books end up tying together.
As I mentioned above I read this with my six year old son. Everything in this book was pretty kid safe. This book does have a bit more about who is falling in love with who, there are also a couple kissing scenes. My son found these boring and thought the fact that Alex kissed a girl was yucky. Still the relationships portrayed are healthy and sweet, so I didn’t mind this being my son’s first foray into reading a book about boys and girls liking each other :-)
The book ends on an absolutely horrible cliffhanger, which kind of sucks. The main goal of this book is wrapped up nicely though, it’s just that McMann sets up the storyline and problem for the next book and totally leaves the reader hanging.
Overall this was a good continuation of this series. The characters are engaging and interesting, the world is intricate and creative as well. I thought the beginning of the book was a bit slow, but things picked up pace towards the end. I am intrigued to see what happens next. This whole series is recommended to fans of middle grade fantasy; although this book does have a bit of a dystopian flavor to it as well.
January 19, 2025
3.5⭐️ (i think)
❥this has been SUCH an improvement from book 1. i am loving all the relationships and plot lines between everyone. i will say this series is nowhere near perfect, but they’re getting better!!
~possible spoilers ahead~
❥pros
•the bonds are bonding🫂
•i like how in this one (and book 2!) there was ACTUAL stakes. like, they HAD to get stuff done, or else. (that means no more wallowing alex!)
•we’re getting good elements of romance in this one🤭 (cough cough SAMHEED AND LANI cough cough)
•the writing i felt like, was strengthened in this one. still a little dry, but improving!
•alex had some pretty good character development in this book
•sky was an incredible character and i can’t wait to see her development in book 4!!
•crow was adorable #protectcrowandsky
•samheed and lani (need i say more?)
❥cons
•there was a serious lack of aaron in this one!! i want the better twin with ACTUAL motivation and confidence!! (please)
•the beginning was a lil slow😔
•if alex wasn’t with sky, meghan, random people, or saving the day, he was wallowing 😔(which was a decent chunk)
•alex and the whole “i like her, but i also like you, and i probably should not worry about girls and actually run my country or maybe get some sleep” subplot line (sky deserves better than you!)
❥this has been SUCH an improvement from book 1. i am loving all the relationships and plot lines between everyone. i will say this series is nowhere near perfect, but they’re getting better!!
~possible spoilers ahead~
❥pros
•the bonds are bonding🫂
•i like how in this one (and book 2!) there was ACTUAL stakes. like, they HAD to get stuff done, or else. (that means no more wallowing alex!)
•we’re getting good elements of romance in this one🤭 (cough cough SAMHEED AND LANI cough cough)
•the writing i felt like, was strengthened in this one. still a little dry, but improving!
•alex had some pretty good character development in this book
•sky was an incredible character and i can’t wait to see her development in book 4!!
•crow was adorable #protectcrowandsky
•samheed and lani (need i say more?)
❥cons
•there was a serious lack of aaron in this one!! i want the better twin with ACTUAL motivation and confidence!! (please)
•the beginning was a lil slow😔
•if alex wasn’t with sky, meghan, random people, or saving the day, he was wallowing 😔(which was a decent chunk)
•alex and the whole “i like her, but i also like you, and i probably should not worry about girls and actually run my country or maybe get some sleep” subplot line (sky deserves better than you!)
January 19, 2022
If I could give it 1,000,000,000,000,000 stars I would!!!!! It ended on a cliffhanger! 😔I hate cliffhangers!!!!!! Here is as close as I can get to the end: "Then, no more than an instant later, The High Priest Arron Stowe of Quill, disappeared." I love the tiny kitten! It is the size and color of a bite size marshmallow! And it rides on a fox's back! 🤣
Edit: So I came back to this review 4 1/2 years later and my God, it looks like I had a seizure while holding my phone.
Edit: So I came back to this review 4 1/2 years later and my God, it looks like I had a seizure while holding my phone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2024
This book was barely a 3 star for me, as you can see on my gr profile I rated the first and second book both four stars. So what happened with this book that made it a three star that I almost what to change to a two star but some things are keeping me from doing that? Well love let me explain to you my feelings about this book.
Listen I started this book on Saturday i finished on a Thursday took me 5 days to read this stinking book. That's pretty long for me I like something I can just fly by and then read another one in two to three days time. So the book took me way to long to read and the more I read the more I realized this book is annoying and the characters are annoying too. (More on that later) So this book has so much middle grade vibes to it and only a tad bit of YA like very few. The more I read, it's obvious this is geared towards a younger audience. I am not a younger audience okay? I'm a teen looking for a good book and this was not it. I can't read Middle grade it's so boring. There are very few middle grade books I currently actually like. So due to that I mostly just read YA.
the characters
Let me tell you thesee characters are so annoying and hardly even know how to show emotion and the author hardly gives them much emotion and if it is emotion it's a very quick scene.
Samheed : we're gonna start with him so at first I loved Samheed he was my favorite character, amazing. Well not anymore. Him getting mad close to the end felt like a way for the author to just add more pages to the book. Also the crushes thing in this book is gonna eventually kill me the crushes were annoying. "Of course I still like Lani"
And that leads us to Alex.
Alex : never really cared for him. But him liking Lani was like fine whatever but now he likes this Sky girl and he's like to Meghan oh of course I still like Lani when he literally shares a kiss with sky!!!
Which brings me to the romance aspect of the book.
The romance : was very dull and hardly anything, except hand holding and one kiss. The kids wasn't really described very well either. And yo Miss KaRen littlerally had two books to make the characters get more affectionate with each other and make some sparks here and there. There was hardly any of that.
Because of all this junk this book is barely a 3 star for me I would do a 2 but just the tiny part of me which actually enjoyed a little bit less then half can't get this book a 2 star.
I have to read the other books in the series cause I don't know how it ends and the first two were good. We'll see if the others get better or get worse.
Side note : no hate to the author I'm just reviewing this book and letting people know if it's for them. And for entertainment.
Also I'd say 10 or 11 and up for ages.
Listen I started this book on Saturday i finished on a Thursday took me 5 days to read this stinking book. That's pretty long for me I like something I can just fly by and then read another one in two to three days time. So the book took me way to long to read and the more I read the more I realized this book is annoying and the characters are annoying too. (More on that later) So this book has so much middle grade vibes to it and only a tad bit of YA like very few. The more I read, it's obvious this is geared towards a younger audience. I am not a younger audience okay? I'm a teen looking for a good book and this was not it. I can't read Middle grade it's so boring. There are very few middle grade books I currently actually like. So due to that I mostly just read YA.
the characters
Let me tell you thesee characters are so annoying and hardly even know how to show emotion and the author hardly gives them much emotion and if it is emotion it's a very quick scene.
Samheed : we're gonna start with him so at first I loved Samheed he was my favorite character, amazing. Well not anymore. Him getting mad close to the end felt like a way for the author to just add more pages to the book. Also the crushes thing in this book is gonna eventually kill me the crushes were annoying. "Of course I still like Lani"
And that leads us to Alex.
Alex : never really cared for him. But him liking Lani was like fine whatever but now he likes this Sky girl and he's like to Meghan oh of course I still like Lani when he literally shares a kiss with sky!!!
Which brings me to the romance aspect of the book.
The romance : was very dull and hardly anything, except hand holding and one kiss. The kids wasn't really described very well either. And yo Miss KaRen littlerally had two books to make the characters get more affectionate with each other and make some sparks here and there. There was hardly any of that.
Because of all this junk this book is barely a 3 star for me I would do a 2 but just the tiny part of me which actually enjoyed a little bit less then half can't get this book a 2 star.
I have to read the other books in the series cause I don't know how it ends and the first two were good. We'll see if the others get better or get worse.
Side note : no hate to the author I'm just reviewing this book and letting people know if it's for them. And for entertainment.
Also I'd say 10 or 11 and up for ages.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2016
The ending of book two was devastating with Mr. Today dead (sniff sniff), Artime in ruins, and Lani and Samheed being held prisoner on Warbler Island. The newly minted head mage, Alex Stowe, begins his new journey with restoring Artime and saving his friends. Finding the courage needed to begin again.
The third installment moves in a fast paced journey and and rescue mission between Artime and Warbler. Lani and Samheed feel they have been given up on and are to suffer to their new fate on Warbler. Sky and Crow, the two silent children from Warbler, start over on Artime and begin to heal, while offering assistance in a time of need.
Alex finds it difficult to find a way to restore Artime, but he prevails in finding the clues laid out for him by Mr. Today and the help of his closest companions. He also finds the courage to begin a rescue mission to rescue Lani and Samheed.
While on Quill, Aaron Stowe, Alex’s twin brother, continues to build his new empire creating a better and more fruitful kingdom.
The third in the series does not disappoint. There were lots of twists and turns, sadness and great joy, and the beginning of a new era with enemies bound. The story ends with a cliffhanger to keep you on the edge of your seat!
The third installment moves in a fast paced journey and and rescue mission between Artime and Warbler. Lani and Samheed feel they have been given up on and are to suffer to their new fate on Warbler. Sky and Crow, the two silent children from Warbler, start over on Artime and begin to heal, while offering assistance in a time of need.
Alex finds it difficult to find a way to restore Artime, but he prevails in finding the clues laid out for him by Mr. Today and the help of his closest companions. He also finds the courage to begin a rescue mission to rescue Lani and Samheed.
While on Quill, Aaron Stowe, Alex’s twin brother, continues to build his new empire creating a better and more fruitful kingdom.
The third in the series does not disappoint. There were lots of twists and turns, sadness and great joy, and the beginning of a new era with enemies bound. The story ends with a cliffhanger to keep you on the edge of your seat!
September 11, 2013
Third book in a series. There is a chain of islands, of which the main one, Quill(evil land)/Artime(good land) is in the middle. Aaron is the bad guy, and his twin brother, Alex, is the good guy. Artime disappears, and Alex has to call it back. After a few days, he goes to rescue some of his friends who are slaves on a neighboring island called Warbler where almost all the people have orange eyes, thorn chokers, and can't speak.
I really liked this book because things were very exciting, what with starving, bribes, rescue, and horrible things one twin did to another. It was written with very easy words, and I personally thought the writing was strong, with almost no weaknesses. I would totally recommend this series to another person(first book "The Unwanteds") and want to read the next if there is one.
I really liked this book because things were very exciting, what with starving, bribes, rescue, and horrible things one twin did to another. It was written with very easy words, and I personally thought the writing was strong, with almost no weaknesses. I would totally recommend this series to another person(first book "The Unwanteds") and want to read the next if there is one.
November 4, 2017
The way this story is playing out is almost exhausting. It's lost the Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, and Hunger Games vibe/spark.
Instead of the main character, Alex, trying to go through the whole series to resolve one goal/plot, each book has it's very own main plot to solve, and then near the end of the book, the plot for the next book is revealed.
If you've read Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, then I'm sure you'll understand what I mean when I say the plot gets repetitive.
I'm a little sad to say that I'm going to have to take a break on the series. I don't know how long the break could be but it could become indefinite.
I had such high hopes for this series too. I shouldn't forget that this is a middle grade book.
4/5
Instead of the main character, Alex, trying to go through the whole series to resolve one goal/plot, each book has it's very own main plot to solve, and then near the end of the book, the plot for the next book is revealed.
If you've read Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, then I'm sure you'll understand what I mean when I say the plot gets repetitive.
I'm a little sad to say that I'm going to have to take a break on the series. I don't know how long the break could be but it could become indefinite.
I had such high hopes for this series too. I shouldn't forget that this is a middle grade book.
4/5
June 30, 2021
this series is FIRE!
The characters are so relatable and you never ever feel bored reading it. It keeps you on your toes and it makes you feel like your right there with them through the ups and downs.
The characters are so relatable and you never ever feel bored reading it. It keeps you on your toes and it makes you feel like your right there with them through the ups and downs.
August 26, 2024
I liked this book enough that I rolled off the couch and hit my head on the corner of the coffee table. (I have a bruise now 💀)
So! Many! Emotions! And they're all handled so well! And the angst! And ALEX. Alex is probably one of my top five favorite MCs.
So! Many! Emotions! And they're all handled so well! And the angst! And ALEX. Alex is probably one of my top five favorite MCs.
June 19, 2020
I love this book series!!
November 8, 2021
i remember that the library only had the first three of this series so i couldn't read the rest...
February 3, 2025
yummy yum love this book #fire
May 7, 2025
I had completely forgotten how much I liked this series and was actually contemplating passing on my copy of The Unwanteds when I discovered that my local library had a large portion of the series and decided to give the next book a go. Unlike The Sword Thief, where for me The 39 Clues series began to fall apart from the inevitable tonal shifts created by multiple authors round robin writing, this third book keeps the momentum established earlier in the series. On to Island of Legends.
July 10, 2022
LOL GUYS I FINISHED THIS IN A DAY CAUSE I'M INSANE
OKAY
SKY
AND
ALEX
<3333
I CAN'TTT
UGHGHHGHGHGHGGDHAFJSJFHFUS
THIS SERIES IS GIVING ME THE WILL TO LIVE CAUSE YOUR GIRL IS STRUGGLINGGGG
OKAY
SKY
AND
ALEX
<3333
I CAN'TTT
UGHGHHGHGHGHGGDHAFJSJFHFUS
THIS SERIES IS GIVING ME THE WILL TO LIVE CAUSE YOUR GIRL IS STRUGGLINGGGG
September 1, 2024
OF ALL BOOKS TO END ON A CLIFFHANGERWRBAUSGGSBSBSSVZCG
April 28, 2025
This series is such a remarkable read. I have a hard time putting it down.
May 3, 2020
Wow what an epic journey!!
Alex follows the clues from Mr Today to bring back Artimé. He gets help from the silent girl. They slove the mystery and Alex is able to change the grey shack back to the mansion. Artimé is back. So are the creatures like Simber, Florence, ms Octavia, ruffus. Alex follows in the Mage footsteps and is the new leader. Meanwhile, Lani and Samheed are still on the Island names Warbler. These scenes are soo emotional. I love them both. Lani is brough to queen Egealia. She recovered from the blindness and has the same thorne choker as the rest. She can't speak.
In quill Aaron struggles to acts the high priest.
Sky and Alex develop a deep connection. Meghan and sean (her brother) help Alex as new Mage. They discover how to free meghan from the choker. He does the same spell to sky and crow. They can speak again. They go on the misdion to finally save Lani and Samheed who are now forced to work for the queen. They abord the pirate ship which apparently ishaunted. The ship soars to Pirate Iland instead. Aka island of fire. Sky and crow's mother is prisoner. They can't save her. They manage to lead the ship to Warbler Island. The mission is dangerous but they are able to save Samheed and later Alex finds Lani.
They explained all that has happened. Emotional scene. Alex is badly injured and when they arrive in Atrimé again, he almost died. Sky is determined to save her mother. Emotional scene between Alex and Sky on a raft.
The new Unwanteds arrive, there is a masquerade ball. But before the ball starts, there is an explosion at sea. A raft with 2 dead people. Aaron surprises Alex. Alex keeps aaron in chains so he can't escape. Finally they see light bolts, the Warbler army is going to attack. Aaron escapes!!
Alex follows the clues from Mr Today to bring back Artimé. He gets help from the silent girl. They slove the mystery and Alex is able to change the grey shack back to the mansion. Artimé is back. So are the creatures like Simber, Florence, ms Octavia, ruffus. Alex follows in the Mage footsteps and is the new leader. Meanwhile, Lani and Samheed are still on the Island names Warbler. These scenes are soo emotional. I love them both. Lani is brough to queen Egealia. She recovered from the blindness and has the same thorne choker as the rest. She can't speak.
In quill Aaron struggles to acts the high priest.
Sky and Alex develop a deep connection. Meghan and sean (her brother) help Alex as new Mage. They discover how to free meghan from the choker. He does the same spell to sky and crow. They can speak again. They go on the misdion to finally save Lani and Samheed who are now forced to work for the queen. They abord the pirate ship which apparently ishaunted. The ship soars to Pirate Iland instead. Aka island of fire. Sky and crow's mother is prisoner. They can't save her. They manage to lead the ship to Warbler Island. The mission is dangerous but they are able to save Samheed and later Alex finds Lani.
They explained all that has happened. Emotional scene. Alex is badly injured and when they arrive in Atrimé again, he almost died. Sky is determined to save her mother. Emotional scene between Alex and Sky on a raft.
The new Unwanteds arrive, there is a masquerade ball. But before the ball starts, there is an explosion at sea. A raft with 2 dead people. Aaron surprises Alex. Alex keeps aaron in chains so he can't escape. Finally they see light bolts, the Warbler army is going to attack. Aaron escapes!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2019
Alex Stowe is now the ring leader of Artimé. The Unwanteds are out of food and water and are slowly losing hope; it’s up to Alex to fix all these problems and to restore Atrimé to the way it was. On the flip side his twin, Aaron, is still building his army on Quill to end the Unwanteds, but it looks like there could be some complications. This novel really finds characters and plots getting ready and preparing for bigger things. It was great to see characters evolve a bit, but the overall plot arch didn’t move along much. The writing was fast-paced and easy to read, which made it a pleasurable read. The things the reader did learn are going to help move the plot forward, in the next book. The way the characters interacted with one another in this novel was fun to read; McMann did a great job of capturing young teens and the things they find important. The ending of this novel leaves the reader re-invested in the series and wants to know where these conflicts are heading and what this ultimate battle is going to entail.
November 16, 2018
I liked this story better than the first two books, although I liked the first two narrators better.
I have too many questions about the magic powers, but so far, the imaginary world and the struggle between the two lands, Quill and Artime are entertaining me.
I have too many questions about the magic powers, but so far, the imaginary world and the struggle between the two lands, Quill and Artime are entertaining me.
November 5, 2018
My 12 year old son enjoys this series, and I think it gets better, the further into the series we go.
January 28, 2025
Soo good, per usual. I really only remember up to the 3rd book really well from when I last read them, so I am excited to see what happens in the rest.
July 30, 2023
wowzers i forgot how much happened in this one. i felt as overwhelmed as alex was the entire book, but mine was in a good way. the beginnings of his and sky’s relationship had me kicking my feet and shii, yet i felt sick everytime i was taken back to sam and lani stuck on warbler island. their rescue mission was the highlight of the book imo, getting me to finish the last 60% of the book in one day. and the cliffhanger ending being the literal start of a battle and aaron escaping is sickening. good thing im home tomorrow and can start island of legends immediatedly.
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