Dragon Curse

The Unwanteds Quests #4

by Lisa McMann

Ten years after Alex and Aaron Stowe brought peace to Quill and Artimé, their younger twin sisters journey beyond Artimé in the fourth novel in the New York Times bestselling sequel series to The Unwanteds, which Kirkus Reviews called “ The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.”

At last, after harrowing battles and devastating losses, the three Stowe siblings are reunited. Back in Artime, however, their joy at finding one another is short lived. Fifer loses her leadership position and struggles to find her place and purpose, while Thisbe is relentless in her determination to return to the land of the dragons and help Rohan rescue the other black-eyed children. Aaron fails to ward off increasing opposition from a resentful Frieda Stubbs and the dissenters, leading to a shocking and dangerous turn.

Meanwhile the Revinir pursues Thisbe and Drock all the way to the seven islands, putting the people of Artimé in peril. To save them, Thisbe makes an unthinkable sacrifice that leaves Fifer, Aaron, and the others to face political eruption and destruction in the formerly peaceful magical world.

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

432 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2019

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

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all: good news, everyone! We’re making progress on the magical cell phone front. They’re text-only so far, but as a millennial, I can respect that.

I can honestly say that I never have any idea how one of these books is going to end. Lisa McMann just keeps throwing new things at her characters - and us - until we hit the acknowledgments and once again ponder why we keep tormenting ourselves with these rude cliffhangers when we could wait until the whole series is complete instead.

But of course, come February I’ll be back with no hesitation.

One other thing I will say about this book in particular is that Thisbe and Fifer turn thirteen, and their thirteen-ness was captured very well, something I found both admirable and really frustrating. I don’t think the melodramatic self-centeredness will bother most younger readers, but for older readers like me who passed that milestone over 15 years ago, a slight warning.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why why do I do this to myself? I loved this book, but now I have to wait for the next one!!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS BOOK WAS AN EXPLOSION OF AWESOMENESS WHOA WHAT A STORY THIS SERIES IS
it starts with Pan and aaron's crew and the you g dragkns who are all under the dragon curse (Revinir's half dragon call) but Drock is the only one who isn't under the spell. He warns Aaron to go back immediately. They fly back home. Thisbe and Fifer's team are in the wrong place for Thisbe collapsed due the call and they went triugh tbe wrong portal. but Carina is dragged down by THE EEL AGAIN!! She is savedssie baby called Isobel leads them all again through the portals and they land safely on the volcano island (island of fire/pirates. There they FINALLY REUNITE WITH SKY, VERY EMOTIAL SCENE with MANY TEARS!! And on top od that Drock flies to the island too and THEY ARE ALL TOGETHER AT LAST, though it's of course bitter sweet for they have lost ALEX!!! AND DEV and there is the whole Revinir problem to be dealt with...
But Thisbe and Fifer don't get along very well... they both want different things. Thisbe feels the need to go back and defeat the Revinir and save her fellow slaves but Fifer won't have any of that and is disappointment that no one sees her as leader anymore. They argue a lot ESPECIALLY when Fifer announced tl hold a MASQUERADE BALL, WHAT IS THERE TO CELEBRATE GIRL!!
Alas so be it, they all fly to Artimé where Frieda Stubbs and her Dissenters are NOT HAPPY. She threatens and accuse him of Alex's death AND demand he resign AND threaten Thisbe and Fifer too. They harass aaron ENDLESSLY and Frieda is THE ABSOLUTE WORST
Fifer and Thisbe continue to grow farther apart ad it's really sad... I connect better with thisbe tbh
When the ball arrives, Thisbe makes a statement to go as Dead Juliet which makes Fifer scream and breaks all the windows. Choas breaks lose... many are injured but when everyone is cleaned up there are romantic dances to be had. Thisbe earns her own compartment vest and trains with the magic components while fifer fights with thisbe and seth and distance herself from everyone. Aaron's position is in jeopardy and at last he can't handle it anymore and gives up his role as leader which Frieda greedily takes over. ARTIMÉ IS A MASS!! SHE CAN'T DO ANYTHING
the Revinir is flying to Artimé and the artimeans artimean are not prepared AT ALL xor they can't defeat her. The magic won't work on her!! Aaron and his friends hide on Karkinos (island of legends) The moment has come that Thisbe decides to sacrifice herself so that Artimé will be save. She flies away on Drock to give herself over to the Revinir and fake that they are too under the dragon curse. Aaron approves and when Thisbe approaches the Revinir she she seeks Fifer too. Thisbe lies that she is hiding in Grimere so they go back and let Artimé go. On the Revinir's back sits the slaves AND ROHAN TOO
Back in Artimé simber reports the Revinir flew away and claire tried to take the rkle as leader but Frieda refused of course. She declares that SHE HAS DEFEATED THE REVINIR!! WHAT A BULL. The maddness grows
Sky helps Fifer by going on their own mission to go to warbler island to search for information and the find old journals. Eagala is the younger sister of MR TODAY AND JUSTINE!! She felt abandoned by them and want revenge on Quill and the seven islands. Her name is Emma...
Thisbe must continue to make more dragon bone broth in the catacombs THEY ARE SLAVES AND MUST WALK ALL THAT WAY. BUT there is hope for Rohan knocks on the crypt like old times!! He is FAKING too!! Thisbe explodes to wall and make their tunnel again where they have their secret meetings. he had the ancient broth too which works as an antidote!! EMOTIONAL SCENE!! He also tells her that Maiven is the queen of the land of the dragons AND THAT SHE IS HER GRANDMOTHER WHICH MAKES HER THE PRINCESS HEIR!! AND HER MOTHER WAS THE GIRL FROM THE IMAGES AD ABDUCTED BY PIRATES!! AND ROHAN'S MOTHER WAS THE GIRL WHO HELPED THE PIRATES!! ABOSUTLY MINDBLOWING!!
They try to make ancient broth but DEV IS BACK AND TROWS IT AWAY for he is under the spell. They At last manage to give him enough ancient broth so he is no longer a zombie. They plan to escape but then the Revinir has a job for him and can't escape too so they will wait for him by Alex's grave.
Rohan helped the other slaves and have their FIRST KISS!! they break out of the catacombs. Thisbe cast her boom spell and trows compartments bht the Crypt keeper helps them escape. At long last they are free for some after their WHOLE LIVES!! they go to maiven's house and have an emotional scene. They train in combat and read the ancient scrolls. But when Rohan and thisbe go to meet Dev he isn't there. THE REVINIR KNOWS AND HAS DEV!!
jjst when they are going to save him, florance has send a seek spell masage. ARTIMÉ IS IN CIVIL WAR!! AND ASKS FOR THISBE HELP!!
SHE IS THORN BETWEEN TWO WORLDS!! At last Maiven convices her to go and Gordon the ghost dragon will help them by flying them to Artimé. In the meantime Dev sees the dragon and thinks tbey have Abandoned him... NOO DEV THISBE WILL COME BACK FOR YOU!!
ARTIMÉ IS COMPLETE UNRECOGNIZABLE

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things are looking bad everywhere!

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooo many twists!

[The Forest Clown]

I'm going to start off with some general information about the series.

This series is a middle grade(i thought so at least, there are some dark stuff in here? Namely the person who got blasted into pieces, the bits rolling on the floor...) high fantasy. The main theme that it starts off with is the beauty of creativity. I think it accomplishes what it was trying to do very well. I think it was trying to create a sense of wonder, and that is exactly what I feel when I think about this series and world. I was reminded of the original series when I started this prequel series a few months ago. I have very fond feelings toward it and am excited to see more of the story in this world through the sequel series(lots of dragons in this one!).

I enjoyed the book. I couldn't stop reading and was drawn into the story the entire time. Mind you, it has its flaws. For example(and the only example I can think of), it has a plot convenience at the end... which made me laugh. I didn't mind it at all.

Anyway, loved reading this. I will continue with the series soon.

[YuJa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, so it's a cute book with ships sailing and hearts broken. I like the new Thisbe, she's more wild and rebellious in a good way. She still thinks about all those she loves and acts upon her instincts of protecting her only family after Alex's death (very sad). Fifer is getting kinda annoying, I don't like how she wished she's still in command when her leadership had to lead them to more disaster. Honestly why host a party after a stroke of luck. It's not any better that she's lashing out all her feelings on those around her. Sky is just so sweet and considerate of Fifer and everyone, but Aaron shouldn't have let go of his cape and leadership of Artemis. The people under his rule are just stupid of all his struggles to become a better person. Looking forward to the next book!

[LeeAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is my favorite of this series - so far! I loved how Thisbee's leadership is showing through while Fifer's has stalled. It mirrors the tone of when Alex was feeling left out in the first series. I'm ready for the next one!

[ℂhigeen( •_•) · Rating 5 out of 5]

heh i love the dragon with hair <33

[Cora · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Minor Spoilers Below!*

Seriously, how does Lisa McMann do it? This is technically the eleventh book in the series, and yet none of the ideas seem forced or overused.

The land of Grimere has become a wonderful wonderful setting, and hasn't gotten old in the slightest, even after 4 books of it. And Artime is a newer, more modern, more artsy version of Hogwarts! I love it with all my heart.

And then there's the characters! The Revinir is a spectacular villain, with just enough backstory to give her a motive, without making you love her. Then there's AlexAaron and Sky and Lani and Samheed. Lisa McMann has managed to carry their personalities over, adding the extra maturity that comes with another ten years of life while also staying true to who the characters are. And the new characters, Thisbe and Fifer and Seth, are great, well built and funny, along with Dev and Rohan and the others.

The plot and writing in Dragon Curse is captivating, as usual. The tension that builds between Thisbe and Fifer breaks me heart, while the dissenters in Artime add conflict that turns to a civil war. Then, of course, there's the whole Thisbe-sneaks-away-to-save-everyone-and-trick-the-evil-dragon-lady-and-ends-up-leaving-her-friend-behind-in-the-dungeons thing.

I cannot wait to see how the Unwanteds and the Grimerian people's adventures continue in the last few books of this series!

[Sophia · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 🌟 I definitely could have lived without this spin off series but all overall it was a pretty good young teen, tween series.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

A possible theme for this book could be: think of other's feelings before you act.

[➳ Anthony ➳ · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5
This Review was first posted on It��s All Anthony. For more reviews, check out the blog here.

In Dragon Curse, we’re most likely at the half way point of the series and this book shows for it. Tensions are rising from multiple sides and civil war is brewing. The Unwanteds are stuck in the middle of it, being pulled in different directions. Almost everything didn’t go as planned.

Although I would rather have the Unwanteds not experience any of this, I am sort of happy that we’re now at the turning point in the series. It shows that in the future books of the series, details and events are going to be picked up. I’m sure it is going to be as eventful as the last few books in the remaining series. The new Unwanteds are going to show exactly what they’re made of against a bigger and stronger foe.

In my opinion, the later books in the original series were always the best and that is exactly what I’m hoping for this series as well. This book served as the perfect midway point to move things forward and I am excited to see how the events unfold and what happens as a result of it.

[Joc · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too many people are too childish in this book. Not worth reading unless you like cringing at utterly meaningless immaturity.

[Mark Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

My name is Thisbe, and I can't believe my twin sister Fifer actually wants to have a costume party. After escaping the Revinir, I now have scales from being forced to drink dragon-bone broth, and our brother Alex has died. What is there to celebrate? The Revinir has taken control of all the dragons except for Drock, and I also feel the oppressive pull of her summoning. The others don't understand time is running out. The Revinir doesn't appear to have any weaknesses, and I suspect it will take a new kind of magic to stop her. I know my brother Aaron is distracted by the unrest in Artime, as many dissenters don't like him replacing Alex as the new leader. They also fear Fifer and me due to our unpredictable powers. I know I'm the only one who can stop the Revinir, and I can only think of one way that might work. If not, we're all doomed.

This series is a spin-off of The Unwanteds series, and continues the blend of magic and dragons. You must read the previous books in The Unwanteds Quests first, especially since Dragon Curse picks up right where the third book left off. There aren't too many details reminding you about previous events. The battle against the Revinir is the main focus of the plot, but the unrest in Artime and the conflict between Fifer and Thisbe are equally important. The Revinir now controls almost all of the dragons, and she's determined to recapture Thisbe and attack Artime and Quill. She presents a physical threat, while the other problems are more mental. The problem between the twins is worsened due to assumptions and lack of communication. Each twin might say, "She doesn't understand what I'm going through, and she doesn't care." The lead dissenter in Artime is able to create unrest by twisting the truth and outright lying to the citizens. This conflict only worsens as the story moves along, and reminds me of the negative campaigns of some politicians. My main difficulty with the book and series is the quantity of characters. It's difficult to remember who is who with the cast consisting of dozens of different creatures from several different lands. Their backstories are hard to remember. Overall, the conflicts with the Revinir and the dissenters are very intriguing, so I recommend you give the book a shot, after you read the first three books in the series.

[Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Unwanteds Dragon Curse is by Lisa Mcmann it is part of the 2nd series of the unwanteds, the unwanteds quests series and is the 4th book in the series. It has a theme that can be boiled down to working together since the main characters are constantly making mistakes that could be avoided by working together.

The book is a fantasy story which takes place in the land of the seven islands a beautiful island paradise, and the land of the dragons a once beautiful land beset by war and conflict. In the book the main characters who are twins Fifer and Thisbe are twins but sadly a rift is forming since one of the twins who was kept as a slave for months in a forighn land has gained an attachment to that land which has caused the twins to distance themselves from each other. The main villain who is called the “Revnir” is an evil dragon woman who became a half dragon person by ingesting dragon bone broth.

I loved this book since the writing style is great for example (Spoiler!) near the end of the book when a dragon approaches the group Thisbe’s with you don't know if its friend or foe even when you know the characters arn't ready. (Spoiler over) This lead for an excellent experience where you dont always know what will happen next.

I think anyone grade 7-5 could easily enjoy this book since its writing style and story is just so good and they are at the age where it ill peak their interest.

[Deanna Holdsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the surviving Stowe siblings are thrilled to be home in Artime, not all is well with them as individuals as they deal with the changes in themselves and in their home. Fifer was the leader in the land of the Dragons but now Aaron is in charge, she misses her relationship with Simber. There are citizens of Artime who do not want Aaron running things because of things he did as a young man. He gives up his leadership to the leader of those that don't want him in charge, Frieda Stubbs. This is very upsetting to Simber! Fifer and Thisbe are growing apart, especially when Thisbe seems to still be under the control of the Revinir. Thisbe and the dragon, Drock, decide to return to the land of the Dragons to help the trapped dragons and blackeyed slaves. Artime begins to have its own troubles with the citizens fighting one another. Although Thisbe is able to get some of the slaves out of the caves and she wants to begin fighting the Revinir the battles back home might be more important right now.

This series is one of my very favorite. In this latest book I enjoyed the development of the relationships between Aaron, Thisbe and Fifer. They are all getting older and begin to do more on their own as their talents become stronger. This is the series you want to read if you enjoy fantasy, family and adventure!

[Allison ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gosh, I sure am moving quickly through these books. The newly strained relationship between Fifer and Thisbe just makes me want to say, "Welcome to my world." My sister and I tend to fight a lot, I mean, I love her very much, but she gets on my nerves. Fifer is full of herself the majority of the time, and I agree with Seth 100% that not everything is always about her. I must say, why do I always find myself reading books where kids from the ages 12-14 actually act on feelings. It could be different for other people, it just bothers me as I myself, am almost fourteen. How is Thisbe and Rohan such great actors, holy crap, I bet I would cave into the Revinir in the first 30 seconds. For a second there I thought Thisbe and Rohan were related and I was like, wait, WHAT. turns out, thank god, they are not related. Why did Aaron give up his position as Head Mage, I get that it was a lot of pressure, and people were getting under his skin, but did he have to give the robe to Freida Stubbs, I mean, JUST WAIT FOR CLAIRE! I'm going to start on Dragon Fire tonight, can't wait!

[Tim Protiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this title- things start to get really interesting for this series. At last, after harrowing battles and devastating losses, the three Stowe siblings are reunited. Back in Artime, however, their joy at finding one another is short lived. Fifer loses her leadership position and struggles to find her place and purpose, while Thisbe is relentless in her determination to return to the land of the dragons and help Rohan rescue the other black-eyed children. Aaron fails to ward off increasing opposition from a resentful Frieda Stubbs and the dissenters, leading to a shocking and dangerous turn.

Meanwhile the Revinir pursues Thisbe and Drock all the way to the seven islands, putting the people of Artimé in peril. To save them, Thisbe makes an unthinkable sacrifice that leaves Fifer, Aaron, and the others to face political eruption and destruction in the formerly peaceful magical world. As I stated--- a lot happens and I am sure a lot more is going to come about in the future for this grand characters.

[mental ensemble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Positives: beautiful magical world with unique magical creatures. Loving found family. Mischievous twin girls with strong unruly magical abilities.
Best bits: Thisbe and Rohan being adorable. A masquerade. Fox and kitten. Kailys fist fight.

Negatives: Lack of parental guidance or appropriate adult child relationships. Inappropriately heavy leadership decisions laid on children. Idiotic adults and immature child leaders.

Triggers for sensitive minds

Physically violence: inhuman treatment of prisoners human and animal, cruel tyranny, slavery (work based), illness from hunger and dehydration, civil war, description of wounds, forced drinking of magical broth that causes physical changes, isolation, various forms of coercion, fighting to escape and to rescue with some lethal force used, mind control via magical animal instincts, weaponized fire, smoke inhalation.


Emotional pain: loss and grief of loved one, fear of death and imprisonment, abandonment, coercion, inappropriately heavy leadership decisions laid on children.

[Carsyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot, although I thought it seemed more like it was setting up for the next book than a standalone novel. I enjoyed the drama that occurred pretty much constantly throughout the book, and I appreciate how the author took the time to develop the characters' feelings, and how we could see their emotional struggles. I felt like the whole thing was pretty predictable, with no major plot twists, but maybe it's just a wind-down from all the drama of the previous books. Or maybe it's setting up for something major in the next book. Overall, I enjoyed it as a sequel and can't wait for the next book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

These books are becoming way too easy to read (I was able to finish it in one day). I get that 13 is a big deal for the Unwanteds, but when I turned 13 it was definitely not that big of a deal. Now turning 18, THAT was a big deal.

Over all the book was pretty good, I am sure young teenagers will enjoy it. It's just not the same as the first series and yet it also feels like it's copying the first series. Maybe it's the fact that I don't quite relate to the characters in the way that I used to. I still think that 13 year olds should not have to carry such burdens. Such is the way of Artime I suppose.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Installment 4 is the best so far of the Dragon Quests books, although I still find this series lacking. At least this one did not drag on and on, and some questions are finally answered.

Content considerations: there is a scene where one man is reclining against another man’s chest (other adults are dancing and kissing but they are not gay). Just-turned-13 yr olds share a kiss and obsess about it and the other person a bit. And the one that is from previous books that continues to bother me is drinking “bone broth” made from the bones of dead people as it gives them special insights into the past and future. I’m all ok with fantasy and magic but this is a bit beyond my comfort zone.

[Joseph D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unwanteds Quests book 4. This was very much a mid series book. Plenty of action but everything setting the stage for the big conclusion. To the overall series, I am not sure that this book really changes anything. We will have to wait for the end of the series to find out, but it really did not feel like things got any better or any worse. I there are things you could argue, but most of them could have been one to two paragraphs in another book. I did enjoy it and aside from wishing we would have seen a lot more magic, I would still recommend it to age appropriate readers. ​

Joseph McKnight
http://www.josephmcknight.com

[Alexandra Magana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid 4 stars! Let me just say loved Rohan and Thisbe❤️. And maybe I’m wrong but I’m now fanfic ship would be Fifer and Dev😆. Am I asking for too much? Nahhh!
I will say the twin were slightly annoying when they just thought about themselves like Thisbe wanted them to come over and help her when they were LITERALLY IN A CIVIL WAR but I will say she got over it real fast. Claps to you😌👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽. But Fifer🫠. Man she made me angry. She was the one that just thought the world revolves round her and she didn’t even feel that bad for her twin sister who was have terrible vision torturing her. But I had to remember their children try to fit into the role of their role models. And their teens, they need someone to talk to about their problems and that was one of the moments I loved with her and Sky. So far loved this book❤️❤️

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

They all reach home. Aaron's problems as head mage multiply. Thisbe wants to return to help Rohan. Fifer just wants to celebrate and wishes she still was the leader people looked to.
The dragon Reviner comes after Thisbe. Thisbe returns to the dragon lands.
Everything is awful - I think that might be a line from a song, but it captures the state of this imaginary world at the end of the book.
I feel like events are taking a long time to progress. I don't know if that is partly due to listening to the books or if the story is being drawn out so there is a series rather than a trilogy.

[Gillie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thisbe and Fifer were annoying me. They were fighting so much and not talking at all and it just made me feel annoyed. And from looking at the next book, it doesn't look like it's going to end any time soon. Another thing that was annoying me is that EVERYONE is making uninformed decisions over and over again. In every book! I am glad that Fifer and Seth are probably not going to get together, I wasn't really feeling them. Maybe she'll get with Dev instead? Here's hoping! Other than it's occasional annoyingness, this book was very good as usual. Can't wait to see what happens next!

[L. Z. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was pretty wonderful, excluding the homosexuality romance stuff (there isn't kissing but there is bad stuff) between Henry and Thatcher (pg.105 about 1 sentence and at least not a full chapter so I didn't skip it...). I hate that so much, like why do you have to ruin a good book with that Lisa McMann? I hate it, but fortunately the characters are minor and does not appear often. But I hate it anyways.
[partial "spoilers"] And seriously, the leaving-someone-behind-so-they-can-rescue-them-another-book thing is getting pretty repetitive (though to be honest I still like the plot)

[Hannah Belyea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though finally reunited in Artimé, Thisbe knows she must return to Grimere for her people, while Fifer desperately tries to find her place and Aaron faces further calls for his removal as Head Mage - and when the Revinir threatens their home again, each choice could mean the start of war. McMann brings another exciting entry where fantastical dangers and an endearing cast deliver a brilliant read. As the twins stray further apart, the shadow of the Revinir looms closer and closer...

[Jeyanlri · Rating 3 out of 5]

At long last, the magical inhabitants of Artime have finally created a way to communicate over long distances.

That aside, I really like all the character development that Thisbe and Fifer (and Seth as well) went through in this book. They're developing at different rates than each other, and one of them maybe be better at one thing while the other is better at something else. I like how the contrast between the two of them is being portrayed, as well as their emotions and thoughts.