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UN #1
Unfortunate
Kailey Bright’s UNFORTUNATE is Red Queen meets An Ember in the Ashes and Book #1 of the UN series. Dive into the fray and be brave despite fear.
Nora is an Unfortunate—born without any powers and born to serve Gifteds: other humans with extraordinary abilities. When a prominent Gifted figure offers Nora the opportunity to attend Galdor Academy, Nora weighs her options: forever remain the property of a Gifted household or experience a semblance of agency at an elite military school for Gifted children. She remembers her unbreakable promise and accepts.
At first, Nora just wants to make her sponsor proud rather than be sent away in a body bag. But once the Anti-Gifted Movement starts an impossible-to-ignore revolution alongside a mysterious terrorist with an unmatched Divine-like power, the Kingdom of Iridion is forever broken wide open.
While Nora hopes she can prove that Unfortunates deserve equity, the AGM are done begging; they intend to bring every last Gifted low who sought to lord over them. Caught in the crossfire, Nora must make a decision—fight back or let the kingdom splinter to ruin.
Nora is an Unfortunate—born without any powers and born to serve Gifteds: other humans with extraordinary abilities. When a prominent Gifted figure offers Nora the opportunity to attend Galdor Academy, Nora weighs her options: forever remain the property of a Gifted household or experience a semblance of agency at an elite military school for Gifted children. She remembers her unbreakable promise and accepts.
At first, Nora just wants to make her sponsor proud rather than be sent away in a body bag. But once the Anti-Gifted Movement starts an impossible-to-ignore revolution alongside a mysterious terrorist with an unmatched Divine-like power, the Kingdom of Iridion is forever broken wide open.
While Nora hopes she can prove that Unfortunates deserve equity, the AGM are done begging; they intend to bring every last Gifted low who sought to lord over them. Caught in the crossfire, Nora must make a decision—fight back or let the kingdom splinter to ruin.
- GenresFantasy
368 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2021
6 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Kailey Bright
3 books19 followersKailey Bright is a fantasy YA fiction author and computer scientist, which means she writes code during daylight and writes about fantastical worlds under starlight.
Tired of YA stories where protagonists suddenly get secret, plot-helpful powers, Bright seeks to write powerful and ambitious stories about characters who persevere with and through disadvantages. Her books are meant to positively impact readers who struggle with challenging societal norms and cultivating inner growth.
When she’s not tanning under her computer screen’s glow, Kailey enjoys winning at mediocre bowling and drinking coffee at every opportunity.
Tired of YA stories where protagonists suddenly get secret, plot-helpful powers, Bright seeks to write powerful and ambitious stories about characters who persevere with and through disadvantages. Her books are meant to positively impact readers who struggle with challenging societal norms and cultivating inner growth.
When she’s not tanning under her computer screen’s glow, Kailey enjoys winning at mediocre bowling and drinking coffee at every opportunity.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
February 17, 2022
5/5 gleaming stars for Galdor. I'll begin by prefacing this review with the statement that I'm completely biased. I met Kailey my freshman year of college (yes, at college 1 of 3 for undergrad). She was the girl on campus with pink hair, and we sat beside each other in English 102 and had a few conversations about our writing pasts, our love of fantasy, and fanfiction. Needlessly said, when she launched her campaign for Unfortunate, as a longtime YA fantasy/sci-fi lover, I was completely on board.
And it didn't disappoint. If you know me personally, you know my absolute aversion to magic/special school tropes, but this one puts them all to shame. In the same realm of Jordan Ifeuko's Raybearer and Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study, Kailey has crafted a unique world that I'd love to walk in, to experience and watch firsthand. Her characters are believable, funny, and heartbreakingly relatable. Nora stole my heart from page one, and her ordinary-ness is what makes her all the more special- she will remind you of the times you've shrunk back into what you know and retreat back into yourself rather than take a stand. Her metamorphosis is only beginning, and I'm excited to see her blossom into something new. As a debut, Bright's characters are her strongest suit, and this kind of characterization-driven story is grossly lacking in this genre today.
But perhaps my most favourite thing about Unfortunate is that it's undeniably YA. Over the past few years, the genre has seemingly become aware of the fact that mainly individuals over the age of 18 read YA, catering and including details and plots that belong in Adult novels. Bright's novel astounds in its return to the age-appropriate narratives, its subtle bridging between the Middle-Grades and Adult genres. It's what I long for because it fostered such a deep love of reading in me as a teenager. I hate to say it- but kids these days need that, too. I wouldn't hesitate to slip a copy of Bright's novel to anyone: young or old.
I'm VERY excited to see where this series goes and I am elated and honored to watch Kailey grow as an author. What an awesome debut!
Side note: Mr. Harris has my heart for whatever reason, and I will go down with my unusual ship. AND upon one sentence about the Lady Lilacs, I NEED a spin-off.
And it didn't disappoint. If you know me personally, you know my absolute aversion to magic/special school tropes, but this one puts them all to shame. In the same realm of Jordan Ifeuko's Raybearer and Maria V. Snyder's Poison Study, Kailey has crafted a unique world that I'd love to walk in, to experience and watch firsthand. Her characters are believable, funny, and heartbreakingly relatable. Nora stole my heart from page one, and her ordinary-ness is what makes her all the more special- she will remind you of the times you've shrunk back into what you know and retreat back into yourself rather than take a stand. Her metamorphosis is only beginning, and I'm excited to see her blossom into something new. As a debut, Bright's characters are her strongest suit, and this kind of characterization-driven story is grossly lacking in this genre today.
But perhaps my most favourite thing about Unfortunate is that it's undeniably YA. Over the past few years, the genre has seemingly become aware of the fact that mainly individuals over the age of 18 read YA, catering and including details and plots that belong in Adult novels. Bright's novel astounds in its return to the age-appropriate narratives, its subtle bridging between the Middle-Grades and Adult genres. It's what I long for because it fostered such a deep love of reading in me as a teenager. I hate to say it- but kids these days need that, too. I wouldn't hesitate to slip a copy of Bright's novel to anyone: young or old.
I'm VERY excited to see where this series goes and I am elated and honored to watch Kailey grow as an author. What an awesome debut!
Side note: Mr. Harris has my heart for whatever reason, and I will go down with my unusual ship. AND upon one sentence about the Lady Lilacs, I NEED a spin-off.
February 1, 2022
I was so honored to read an early version of Kailey's debut YA Fantasy a few months ago. She has become a dear virtual friend who I am thankful that our writing brought us together. Her book is amazing and I can't wait to read the final version real soon.
Kailey Bright proves chapter after chapter that she is a force to be reckoned with in the writing industry. From her powerful and relatable characters to her smooth storytelling, Bright brings Nora's world to life. Captivating words, stories, and emotions line the pages. Unfortunate is a remarkable, action-packed, heart-wrecking new young adult fantasy.
- Emily Craig, Author of the Will You Love Me Again Series (EARLY ARC READER)
Kailey Bright proves chapter after chapter that she is a force to be reckoned with in the writing industry. From her powerful and relatable characters to her smooth storytelling, Bright brings Nora's world to life. Captivating words, stories, and emotions line the pages. Unfortunate is a remarkable, action-packed, heart-wrecking new young adult fantasy.
- Emily Craig, Author of the Will You Love Me Again Series (EARLY ARC READER)
January 31, 2022
Where do I even begin with this?
Started and finished in one day because I could not bring myself to put it down and now I am angry for not pacing myself because now I have to wait for the next installment. Bright did not come to play. I need as many people as possible to read this because I need someone to vent to about this new world that Bright has so carefully crafted. In so many YA novels, especially fantasy, we often see the hero/heroine as an immediate badass right off the bat because that's how a "chosen one" is supposed to work. Not here- we see so much growth in Nora, our main protagonist, at such an organic pace.
Bright has made quite the ecosystem as Nora is not only her own flawed self but she is surrounded by characters that have their own flaws, own distinct personalities, their own ambitions/goals, and their own ways of trying to reach them.
You can see everything- from feeling the terrain to smelling the air; Unfortunate not only has an amazing cast but a plethora of vibrant settings so that you can really dig your feet into the Kingdom of Iridion.
This book is about society, which (as also shown in the story) often gets lumped together as a hive mind but takes a closer look at individuals and how we are so much more than a label. Loyalty, confliction, anxiety, action, drama, and a GUT PUNCH of a twist- this has it all and more and I don't quite know how I am supposed to function until the next book comes out.
Long story short, if you're looking to feel something from reading again- you're fortunate enough to have Unfortunate finally ready for your consumption.
Started and finished in one day because I could not bring myself to put it down and now I am angry for not pacing myself because now I have to wait for the next installment. Bright did not come to play. I need as many people as possible to read this because I need someone to vent to about this new world that Bright has so carefully crafted. In so many YA novels, especially fantasy, we often see the hero/heroine as an immediate badass right off the bat because that's how a "chosen one" is supposed to work. Not here- we see so much growth in Nora, our main protagonist, at such an organic pace.
Bright has made quite the ecosystem as Nora is not only her own flawed self but she is surrounded by characters that have their own flaws, own distinct personalities, their own ambitions/goals, and their own ways of trying to reach them.
You can see everything- from feeling the terrain to smelling the air; Unfortunate not only has an amazing cast but a plethora of vibrant settings so that you can really dig your feet into the Kingdom of Iridion.
This book is about society, which (as also shown in the story) often gets lumped together as a hive mind but takes a closer look at individuals and how we are so much more than a label. Loyalty, confliction, anxiety, action, drama, and a GUT PUNCH of a twist- this has it all and more and I don't quite know how I am supposed to function until the next book comes out.
Long story short, if you're looking to feel something from reading again- you're fortunate enough to have Unfortunate finally ready for your consumption.
June 11, 2024
Kailey Bright’s Unfortunate is a revealing look into the disposition of the oppressed, and how the effects of that oppression can have both long term, and explosive effects on their development. Her portrayal of Nora’s growth as she is thrown into a world where she is given more and more freedom and power feels genuine. I felt that by the end of the novel Nora had come forward, but not so far that it felt unrealistic in her recovery as it often does in the progression of the main character. Nora is better, but still has a long way to go in future novels.
The world of Unfortunate is a solid beginning on the magic, and political situation needed to support the growth of the characters in future novels, though it is a bit light on the details. The world building detracts slightly from the coherence of the full novel, as I felt like the related details of the political situation, and the magic system would have better supported the progression of the characters. I felt those missing details made the skillful progression of the characters slightly jumpy. In small ways it felt like the characters gained new levels of skill without the support of events to justify those skills.
Overall a great start on Nora’s path to claiming the promise of a new life which she so rightly deserves!
The world of Unfortunate is a solid beginning on the magic, and political situation needed to support the growth of the characters in future novels, though it is a bit light on the details. The world building detracts slightly from the coherence of the full novel, as I felt like the related details of the political situation, and the magic system would have better supported the progression of the characters. I felt those missing details made the skillful progression of the characters slightly jumpy. In small ways it felt like the characters gained new levels of skill without the support of events to justify those skills.
Overall a great start on Nora’s path to claiming the promise of a new life which she so rightly deserves!
May 30, 2022
This was an amazing book and I enjoyed it quite a lot.
I would say the target audience is young adult readers and maybe even leaning into new-adult (or college-aged people). I wouldn't suggest it for young children as it does have some violence and slight gore in the second half of the book.
The world the author creates is an interesting one with Gifteds, those with powers, and Unfortunates, those without. There are very obvious class differences between the two groups and some subtler ones between the different gifts. It makes for an interesting world.
Nora, the main character and the narrator, is well written. She has strengths and weaknesses that make sense for the character and plot. I also saw character development throughout the book, which is always a delight. I was concerned about the other characters when they were first introduced, specifically, I thought they would just end up being stagnant, trope-based characters. But by the end of the book, their characterization is clear and separate from tropes.
Overall, I would suggest this book, especially if you have an affinity for superheroes. I will absolutely be reading the second book when it is released(and you would be supporting a new author, which is always a bonus).
I would say the target audience is young adult readers and maybe even leaning into new-adult (or college-aged people). I wouldn't suggest it for young children as it does have some violence and slight gore in the second half of the book.
The world the author creates is an interesting one with Gifteds, those with powers, and Unfortunates, those without. There are very obvious class differences between the two groups and some subtler ones between the different gifts. It makes for an interesting world.
Nora, the main character and the narrator, is well written. She has strengths and weaknesses that make sense for the character and plot. I also saw character development throughout the book, which is always a delight. I was concerned about the other characters when they were first introduced, specifically, I thought they would just end up being stagnant, trope-based characters. But by the end of the book, their characterization is clear and separate from tropes.
Overall, I would suggest this book, especially if you have an affinity for superheroes. I will absolutely be reading the second book when it is released(and you would be supporting a new author, which is always a bonus).
April 24, 2022
I can honestly say I went into this book trying not to have bias as I am friends with the lovely and ultra talented author. And I can also honestly say that, without that bias, this was an AMAZING book. I immediately was drawn into the world Bright created and grew attached to not only Nora but all of the main cast of characters. They were written to be relatable and real, especially Nora. And that made the twists that come towards the end all the more heart wrenching and I came out of this book feeling completely gutted. But that’s what a good book is supposed to do—make you feel things and continue feeling those things long after you’ve put it back on your shelf. I have no clue where Bright is going to take the next book in this series, but I am so insanely excited for it! This is a story that I’ll be recommending to all of my reader friends (and even my non-reader ones) because it was just that extraordinary.
January 11, 2022
The cast of characters is diverse and memorable, the backdrop of the Kingdom of Iridion is marvelously detailed, and the story radiates an irresistible magnetism as it winds from humble beginnings to stunning denouement. At the center of it all, Nora stands as a winsome protagonist who must grapple with fundamental issues of identity and loyalty, adapt to limitations in a world where might seems to make right, carefully choose allies along the way, and risk her very life for what she holds most dear. At the most basic level, upon reading Unfortunate I was instantly transported to another world -- I breathed the air, beheld the sights, conversed with the inhabitants, knew the exhilaration of combat, shared in the victories and defeats, and felt each emotion with palpable intensity. I could not recommend this book more, and eagerly anticipate the next installment!
July 30, 2022
If you are someone who enjoys reading stories that will make you emotional, then Unfortunate is the book for you. The emotions are so raw. This book is a punch in the gut, but in the best possible way. It will make you laugh and also make you want to cry. You can really feel the emotions that Nora goes through as you’re reading. Not to mention that the foreshadowing in this novel is unbelievable. The challenges they face are so complex, but realistic. This book will stick with you long after you’ve finished it- and you’ll be thankful that the second book is in the works. You’re not going to want to part with Iridion. I know I didn’t.
December 27, 2021
I had given up on young adult before reading this book, but Unfortunate completely changed my mind on the whole genre. It's incredibly well written with complex themes, nuanced writing and characters and scenes I still think about on a weekly basis. It's stuck with me long after reading, and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next. If you're a fan of YA, (or even if you aren't!!) I can't recommend this book enough.
January 27, 2022
This book did not disappoint! The story had me engaged from start to finish, and it’s such a solid start to an action-packed and emotionally-driven series. The world building is top notch, and the character interactions are superb. I also really enjoyed Bright’s subtle dialogue cues scattered throughout. I highly recommend this to fans of YA and fans of good storytelling in general. I will definitely be reading part 2 when it comes out.
November 2, 2022
Against all odds, Nora really has to prove herself in this world. I loved seeing her fight back, speak her mind, and embrace the role she’s given.
The writing was beautiful. The story is brutal yet relatable. Sometimes the fight scenes got a bit jumbled and were a little hard to follow at times, but the stakes were so high it kept me hooked.
I didn’t expect the ending at all which I loved. This is an incredible debut novel and I can’t wait to read the next one!
The writing was beautiful. The story is brutal yet relatable. Sometimes the fight scenes got a bit jumbled and were a little hard to follow at times, but the stakes were so high it kept me hooked.
I didn’t expect the ending at all which I loved. This is an incredible debut novel and I can’t wait to read the next one!
December 27, 2021
Bright stands out like the star she really is—ready to take readers on an unforgettable and ignorable adventure. UNFORTUNATE will have you second-guessing who to pledge loyalty to with every page turn. Readers will certainly enjoy the beautiful writing craft Bright brings to the genre. I can hardly wait for the sequel.
- Whitney McGruder, Author of the Destiny Seeker duology
- Whitney McGruder, Author of the Destiny Seeker duology
February 26, 2026
Turning the tried and true trope of a downtrodden youth being swept away from their miserable life on its head, Bright has truly made something for everybody with Unfortunate. You are instantly intrigued by, and drawn to, the likeable main character, Nora (a likeable main character is something I find lacking in modern media). While I found the world of Iridion itself a bit generic (or at the very least, not fully fleshed out yet), the colorful cast of side characters does breathe some life into this story.
This book was a breath of fresh air. Unlike most books I’ve read recently, this one is, thankfully, not a “slow burn.” It starts right out the gate with intrigue, and there were times I simply couldn't put it down. Bright makes the few slow moments have incredible payoff, and some of the twists this book had in store left me genuinely stunned.
Nora is a character I am more than excited to spend a trilogy with, and I am incredibly excited to see what is next in store for this author. I genuinely adore this book, simply for the fact that Unfortunate did something I thought impossible; it made me fall in love with reading again.
This book was a breath of fresh air. Unlike most books I’ve read recently, this one is, thankfully, not a “slow burn.” It starts right out the gate with intrigue, and there were times I simply couldn't put it down. Bright makes the few slow moments have incredible payoff, and some of the twists this book had in store left me genuinely stunned.
Nora is a character I am more than excited to spend a trilogy with, and I am incredibly excited to see what is next in store for this author. I genuinely adore this book, simply for the fact that Unfortunate did something I thought impossible; it made me fall in love with reading again.
January 1, 2025
Kailey Bright's debut novel for her UN Triology is a solid introduction to the world of Iridion and its flavorful inhabitants. Nora's confrontations with abuses of power, religion, and love are nothing new, but her struggles reflect a perspective many can relate to and are conveyed with such care that I came to be genuinely invested in not only her story, but the stories of her friends and the world at large.
While it's not my favorite YA series (#thearcofascythe), Unfortunate is not only entertaining but uncomfortable in the best conversation starting way. For Kailey Bright, I have only two critiques: Cal deserved better; and don't pull any punches - both sides of the aisle can be fully depraved, so don't be afraid to use child suicide bombers when you have a perfect lead up to it.
While it's not my favorite YA series (#thearcofascythe), Unfortunate is not only entertaining but uncomfortable in the best conversation starting way. For Kailey Bright, I have only two critiques: Cal deserved better; and don't pull any punches - both sides of the aisle can be fully depraved, so don't be afraid to use child suicide bombers when you have a perfect lead up to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews