Island of Graves

Unwanteds #6

by Lisa McMann

Alex and Aaron Stowe are at a crossroads.

Everything Aaron has worked so hard to build in Quill has crumbled. Fallen from the height of power and influence and left for dead in a foreign place, Aaron has lost everything, and now he must humbly beg for food from those who saved his life.

In Artimé, Alex chooses his people over his brother and abandons his search for Aaron, closing the door on that relationship forever. The Artimeans need his focus now more than ever as they face the terrifying power of a new enemy who has taken control of Quill—the notoriously evil Gondoleery Rattrapp.

Desperate to stop her, Alex embarks on a risky mission to enlist help from an unlikely ally, and along the way he’s determined to rescue a lone sailor from monstrous beasts with mysterious origins—a sailor who just might show Alex a different world. As he prepares for an epic war with all of Quill and Artime hanging in the balance, Alex must place his faith in a reckless plan...and hope that he and all of his friends make it through alive.

Genres: Fantasy, Middle Grade, Fiction, Young Adult, Dystopia, Magic, Adventure

528 pages, Hardcover

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Lisa 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.

Reviews

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

UPDATE (9/27/15): I HAVE FINISHED THE BOOK AND IT WAS AMAZING. IT WAS FULL OF ACTION AND EXACTLY WHAT I EXPECT IN THESE BOOKS. I LAUGHED, I CRIED, I FREAKED OUT AND NOW I CAN'T WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK 5/5 STARS FOR SURE.

[Rowan :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I'm going to fix this." He turned to look at Claire. "Even if it kills me."

Warning: This is most likely going to be a rant review.

Well. . . that was disappointing. I was a little nervous, coming into this one, with Island of Shipwrecks 3-star rating, but I came in with an open mind.
And I did not like it.
Whereas Island of Shipwrecks was sort of an: I mean. . . It's good, but. . . Ehhh.
Island of Graves was like: Well- 😒

So, why didn't I like this book?
For starters, it felt jumbled. I was just outright confused at times. And the POV thing that I mentioned in Island of Shipwrecks didn't help either. If you're unsure of what I mean by "the POV thing", (and I'm sure you're not alone) I'm referring to just how the POVs are set up in this series. It's like the chapter starts off with what appears to be a set character, that character could then, for example, mention another, and it switches to their POV. But it's not obvious. It's subtle. And it's it's super confusing and a massive headache trying to figure out who knows what and who's POV it is. I'm tired of it.

I've (for quite awhile, actually) been in dire need of a refresher of our characters. It's like we only got a description of their physical appearances in book one. Here I am, in book six, and I have no idea what anyone looks like and how old they are. Please. It's extremely difficult to picture these characters. I don't even know what color their hair is!
Also: it's not that hard to work in a little physical description. "He ran a hand through his shaggy mess of brown hair. wOw! Anyone can do it!

It's hard to judge these character without really knowing their ages, so I can't really judge-*cuts of previous sentence because I just had a thought* NEVERMIND. OH YES I CAN. At the end, we meet a mYsTeRiOuS character (she wasn't that mysterious to be because I had stopped caring about this book awhile ago.) Anyways, we find out she's from sOmEwHeRe (I don't state where because of spoilers) and (gosh this is really hard to write without spoilers) SHE DOESN'T CARE THAT SHE'S IN MAGICAL WORLD. FINDING OUT WHAT US GOING ON IS NOT HER TOP PRIORITY. WHAT. AND THEN ALEX IS JUST UNCONCERNED. UN. CON. CERNED.
*takes deep breath* Okay, basically what I'm trying to say is Lisa McMann dropped a freaking bomb on me (and I really don't know why- to make it interesting?? Haha, it's too late for that!) and then proceeded to. . . IGNORE IT?
Spoilers for HOSAB don't ask why I'm referencing this book (spoilers only hidden in these tags): IT'S LIKE IF SJM, IN CRESCENT CITY 3 JUST IGNORED THE FACT THAT BRYCE WAS IN PRYTHIAN. SHE WAS JUST LIKE, EH WHATEVER. THAT'S BASICALLY WHAT HAPPENED. (Okay, it definitely was not exciting, but still.

Anyways, um, I think I've said enough on that.
In the beginning, it kinda felt like Lisa McMann wrote herself into a corner (a type of corner where the book could end. This was also, like, 50 pages in.) and then is just like. . . Oh. . . Oops. And then just *gets out of it*. Poof. Okay, not exactly, it made sense, there were no disappearing acts, but it just felt sort of a last resort. A rope thrown from a boat. And I was like: 🤨 I see what you're doing, miss.

Now, some random annoying details:

On page 300 I stopped caring.

A 900 pound carnivorous gorilla jumps on a (small?) boat and it doesn't sink? Doesn't even take any damage? Um. . . Please, no.

I don't understand how you can read a book AND figure out how to stop a hurricane in only 5 hours. Though if you figure it out, be sure to let me know.

Time passage, like the POVs is confusing. I have no idea what time it is, if the sun is up or down, how many days ago was whatever. I was just confused.

Also, Aaron's dramatic changes. . . I don't think anyone can change that much, that fast. Sorry.

And the last two things will be hidden in spoilers. . .

OKAY. SO. YOUR BEST FRIEND DIES AND YOU BARELY THINK ABOUT HER. LIKE, OH, IT'S NOT LIKE MY BESTIE IS DEAD OR SOMETHING. The grief portrayed here was just SO shallow and SO unrealistic, and it's very upsetting.

Also, on the resurrection thing: NO. There is NOTHING I hate more in a book than the ✨magical✨ resurrection item. If you can resurrect Aaron, what about MEGHAN?

Anyways, that's all I have to say on this book (for now) so now the three questions. . .

Would I recommend this book?
I mean. . . No, but the rest of the series is good if you're into middle grade. But this one was definitely not my favorite. But- just because I didn't like it doesn't mean you won't either.

If this was a movie, what would I rate it?
PG.

Will I finish reading this series?
I suppose so, as I only have one more book. Hopefully I like it. . .


ೄྀ࿐ ˊˎ-
Island of Shipwrecks ★★★
Island of Legends ★★★★
Island of Fire ★★★★
Island of Silence ★★★★
The Unwanteds ★★★★

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. I gasped. Alexander Stowe and the people of Artime are truly amazing people. The Island of Graves is definitely my favorite book out of this series now. I can see the story slowly coming full circle now (I may or may not have peeked ahead and have repeatedly hit myself since). The last plot twist wrenched my heart and my face became a freaking waterfall.

But. In the span of just one book, Alex and Aaron have come so far. They are both finally growing up and becoming steadfast figures in their society. Alex has gone above and beyond what Mr. Today ever hoped for him. I'm sure of it. I feel like I'm constantly boasting about Alex and how impressive he is, I literally can't help myself though because look at all he has done?? Like seriously?? Aaron overall just blows my mind with his transformation, all thanks to Ishibashi-san obviously. I never imagined anything like that to happen but I'm so glad it did.

I love these kinds of books because they are such an easy read for me and they always evoke such an emotional reaction from me. This one must definitely did. I heart Alex and Simber.

[Travis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This installment was leaps and bounds better then the previous entries in the series. The biggest improvement was the character development which was something I have been hoping for since like book 2 and I am so happy it happened before the final book. My only negative qualm with this book and actually with the series as a whole is how predictable it can be and that is why I just cannot rate this book higher then 4 stars. I am having a great time reading this series and am so looking foward to finishing the last book.

[Damyan]

I Enjoyed this book i have read them all up to here and i think i enjoyed this one the most i might enjoy the last one even more.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in the Unwanteds series. The 7th book is supposed to release in 2016 and will be titled Island of Dragons. This was an excellent addition to the series and wraps up some big items in the story.

Aaron finds himself adrift and injured, rescued by those inhabiting the Island of Shipwrecks. He has survived but he has many lessons to learn if he is going to make a living with these people on this storm plagued island. Meanwhile Alex has to choose between the people of Artime and rescuing Aaron. When Gondoleery Rattrapp proves to be a bigger threat than ever, Alex is forced to stay on the island of Quill and come up with a plan to deal with her once and for all.

The story switches POV between Aaron and Alex. We hear from Alex more than Aaron. Usually I don’t enjoy Aaron’s parts much but he goes through a lot of trials and changes in this book, so I found his parts to be even more interesting than Alex’s.

Alex is still struggling with being a good leader for Artime and balancing his friendships as well. Him and Sky are on the outs, but Alex is working to try and understand how to do all he needs to do without alienating his friends.

We meet an awesome new character when Alex and Sky run into someone from America on the gorilla island. As the rescued girl and Alex and Sky talk they try to solve the mystery of the Islands and the relationship of these Islands to America.

This is a massive book and a lot happens in here. There are a lot of changes both for the island of Quill and for Alex and Aaron. The book was fast-paced and hard to put down. My eight year old son read this as well and really enjoyed it.

Overall this was an excellent continuation of the Unwanteds series. A lot happens in this book. I continue to enjoy the awesome world-building and interesting characters throughout this series. I would definitely recommend the Unwanteds to those who enjoy fantasy and adventure in their stories.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and his friends come up with a plan to save Artime from Gondoleery Rattrapp. The only catch is that they will need to save Aaron, Alex's evil twin brother, from the Island of Shipwrecks first. Aaron is needed in the fight. Enroute to the island of Shipwrecks, Alex and Sky pass by the Island of Graves, where the giant saber toothed ape lives. While passing by they hear the voice of a young girl singing, asking for help. They promise to come back for her, and they do. Kaylee ends up being a great addition to the Artime family. I enjoyed Aaron's interactions with the scientists on the Island of Shipwrecks, and the transformation he went through. I really like this series because of the how the Unwanteds who live in Artime work together to save their land. There are some mishaps and tear inducing moments, but everything comes together at the end. One more Island to explore!

[Rebekah Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.. Just wow. This book was so amazing. I didn't expect any of this. Funny, yet still making me sob uncontrollably. Yup. Good job, Lisa McMann. Thank you so much.

[Hunter]

AWESOME

[Anna Kostecki · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good again, of course.

[Janice Kayser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This whole series has had magic, fantasy, friendships made and then fighting amongst people and families. Yet, as the story continues there are still lessons to be taught by some and learned by many. This book in particular shows how when given the chance and a different perspective on life people can change. I can’t wait to begin the last and final book of the series.

[Karissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book was really really good. I think it is probably one of my favorites out of the whole series.
I think that Alex and Sky's relationship is really cute, but I almost wish that there was more romance along others.
Aaron's transition was definitely something I wasn't expecting at all, and I feel like it's an opportunity perfectly set up to betray Artime.
Overall, this book was really good and this series is pretty good, and mostly high action.

[Aly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been too long since I read this book series. I'm glad I came back to it; I think this might be my favorite in the series so far. Of course, in the Unwanteds series fashion, a new character was introduced (adding to the now very long list of people to keep track of) and with her a new very intriguing mystery. I can't wait to read the next book and learn more about her storyline, since so little was said about it this book. Definitely my personal favorite book series.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has many twists and turns and magic. Aaron is finally back and Ishibashi turned him to the side of good. How is Simber's only weakness fire? Aaron is immortal now , thanks to Ishibashi. Does Alex have a fear of killing? Still good to read with the whole series.

[Camden Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Unwanteds series is hands down my favorite series so far. The sixth book in the series, The Unwanteds Island of Graves, is just another great book. Lisa Mcmann has done a fantastic job on keeping me intrigued the whole time and wanting me to keep reading, and I typically don’t like reading. The whole time I was on edge, either laughing, crying or just reading as fast as I could to get to the next page and the next page and so on. This book along with the rest is about two brothers, Alex and Aaron, who are rivals and complete opposites or so we think. In this book, Alex has to choose between Artime or his brother but they then become mixed together. He must seek out Aaron’s help but first must go out and search different islands where he possibly could have washed up. Where Aaron did end up, he is now having to learn new ways and find his true inner self. These books are action, fantasy with some suspense put here and there that comes together to make an excellent book. I definitely recommend this book and the entire series. Here’s to the next one!

[Jace Golka · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is probably one of the best in the entire series, not just for the leaps and bounds the characters had to go through themselves in this book, but because of the character development. One of my favorite moments in the book was when it kept switching between Aaron’s and Alex’s POV. It added so much to the book because it used to just be using Alex’s POV as he was the main character. Though we can no longer say that as this book proves that both Aaron and Alex are main characters. (SPOILERS) Another favorite moment I had was when Alex and Sky rescue the girl on Gorilla Island. She said she was from America, and it adds a lot of mystery as to where in the world the islands were compared to the rest of the continents. I am really looking forward to the next book which is supposed to wrap up the entire series. Can’t wait for it.

[Lucee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is just amazing! I will never get tired of reading about these characters, and learning more about their histories, and growth. Alex, is an awesome character, loyal, creative, loving, kind, and strong. And I actually grew pretty fond of Aaron in this book also. However, I do feel that Aaron might've changed a tad bit too fast to feel realistic, but it's not a big problem. Also, I think that we could've used more background with Gondoleery, and I would've liked to have understood her motives better. All in all, probably the best series I have ever read. Can't wait until the next book, "Island of Dragons"!!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an mind blowing and amazing book, from start to end I was amazed by Lisa McManns detail and emotion in her story. She does a very good job in elapsing time, I think that on page 501 Lisa McMann really describes Simbers "death" well. On page 501 it says," As the blue flames turned white, then red, and disappeared, the sand fell into a shapeless heap on the road. I feel like this book was well planned, everything feels like it had happened before, I just am amazed at Lisa McManns skills. She is a great author and I definitely want read her 7th Unwanteds book. I feel like this book was great and it obviously deserves 5/5 stars!

[Joey Butler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the sixth in the series, so I won't spoil the entire book, but this book was amazing, just like the rest of the series. It blows me away how Lisa McMann can come up with all the plot twists in this book. Alex's evil twin brother Aaron becoming good! What!!!!!! Then in the book Simber dies and Aaron who has no magical ability, brought him back. This book almost brought me to tears when Alex and Sky finally get together, everyone has been waiting for that! I just hope that she can keep it up with the seventh and final book, but then also a new split off series out of The Unwanteds. I CAN'T WAIT.

[lj ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
I think it took a step up from the last one. Curious to see how the finale will end up.
I'm glad Alex started to work on his flaws, but come on. Every time he messed up, he got a second chance. He completely was a jerk to Sky and she still took him back. When he couldn't kill Gondoleery (honestly, get a grip dude, you're supposed to be the leader!! you have to kill people sometimes!!!), there were no tragic deaths of people he loved. Even when Simber 'died', he actually didn't. Come on. If enough people come back to life, it stops being meaningful.

[Evan Di Cesare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really great! I had a lot of fun reading this, though it definitely wasn't one of my favourites in the series. I found this book to be largely uneventful but not necessarily boring. A lot of major plot points were wrapped up in this book(dang, that ending!)and we met a pretty badass character along the way as well. All in all, this was a satisfying edition to one of my favourite series, and I will be impatiently waiting until next spring to read the conclusion to this fantastic series.

[Macy G · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Island of graves by Lisa Mcmann is a great book. This book is about a boy named Alex who is the leader of a magic world called Artime. In this book Alex has to go on a journey to find his brother Aaron and bring him back to the island of Quill. On their adventure Alex and his girlfriend Sky stop at a weird island to save a girl who was kidnapped by gorillas. I really loved this book and would recommend it to all my classmates because it is a great book for kids.

[Philip Le]

In this chapter of the Unwanted series, Aaron has been lost. After being stranded upon a machinery filled island, he is forced to beg for food from his rescuers and to change his ways of thinking. Back on the island of Quill, the notoriously evil Gondoleery has taken over the island, putting upon it a strict regime. Alex must leave the island to seek out his brother, who may be the only person who can stop the cruel dictator.

[Brett Klovanich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the Island of Graves. This book is great book. This book is mainly about finding Alex's brother and taking down Quill's High Priest who can use elemental magic and is extremely ruthless. This book is a very fun and interesting book to read, I also highly recommend this book to people who love adventure!

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

The ending was intense, to just sum it all up. But the characters arent well developed, and I didnt care about most of them, which kind of made the ending not have as much power as it had the potential too. But then it got better. Im very eagerly awaiting the conclusion to the series!

[Erin Pauley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not think it was as good as the last one, there wasn't as much action but I did enjoy the ending and will be reading the finale.

[Kristie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Heroes or miracle makers come from the most unexpected people sometimes. Great to see characters changing and growing in this book series. Actually cried in the end.

[Sairam · Rating 3 out of 5]

i just want this series to end

[Eva B]

A theme for this book could be, be are stronger as a team.

[Zeke Shatzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!!! This one is definitely the best.

Sky and Alex stop being infuriating and finally become more than friends. It’s kinda awkward but still sweet, perfect, and totally on brand for those two lol. It’s about time they worked it out.

Aaron becomes a good character!! His immaturity has been honestly unbearable lol. But, Ishibashi whips him into shape, which I absolutely love. Aaron’s potential was hard to see, but it comes out full force in this one. He’s quickly becoming a top character.

And the story!! Not boring and repetitive at all. It had action, twists, side quests, and a fantastic battle scene. The ending was incredibly moving, too. Definitely a step above the others.

Finally, the epilogue. The other books haven’t quite built up excitement for the books that follow, which is fine, but this one’s epilogue is awesome! I put this one down and sprinted to grab the next one. Cant wait for the finale!

So yea, overall peak book. The slow parts of this series are definitely worth fighting through.