The second book in the middle-grade dystopian fantasy series that Kirkus Reviews calls “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter,” by New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann.
Following the life-altering events at the conclusion of The Unwanteds, the stark world of Quill and the magical haven of Artimé are now home to whoever wants to live there, whether they are Wanteds, Unwanteds, or Necessaries.
In Artimé, Alex Stowe and his friends continue to hone their artistic magical spells while welcoming newcomers, wondering how long this peace between Quill and Artimé will last. Alex is stunned when Mr. Today comes to him with a very special request—one Alex questions his readiness for, until circumstances offer a dramatic answer.
And back in Quill, Aaron Stowe, Alex’s twin, faces a very different path. Devastated by his loss of status after Justine’s defeat and seething with rage toward Alex, Aaron is stealthily planning his revenge and return to power.
Alex and Aaron’s separate stories proceed with suspenseful pacing, colliding in a stunning climax that elevates sibling rivalry to epic proportions and leaves the fate of both worlds hanging in the balance.
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"The second book in the Unwanted series increases the tension between twin brothers, Aaron and Alex, as well as the tension between Artime and Quill. Alex is being groomed to take over for Mr Today while Mr. Today goes on holiday. Aaron allows his bitterness toward Alex and those in authority in Quill as he plots his revenge. The sequel is even more exciting than the first book with plenty of creative magic. I hope there will be a third installment! Share this book with fans of Harry Potter."
— Karen (5 out of 5 stars)
“The discovery of surrounding islands, including one that renders its captives mute in a horrific manner, lends enough adventure to keep fans satisfied.”
— Kirkus Reviews" Not quite as strong as the first volume. Didn't pack as much of an emotional punch as I would have liked. It moved the plot along, but I liked that the first Unwanteds basically stood alone. This one definitely suffered from "middle volume of a series syndrome." "
— Joanne, 2/7/2014" Loved this book! Filled with action and left me anxious to read the next. The short chapters made me breeze through it never wanting to put it down until the last page. "
— Margaret, 1/29/2014" I NEED THE NEXT BOOK!!!!! "
— Olivia, 1/26/2014" I just love this series. The characters are interesting and believable. And the setting is really neat. My 11 year old and I just finished this book, and we are both waiting eagerly for the next one! This one really leaves you hanging and waiting impatiently for the next book! "
— Kim, 1/17/2014" Both my nine year old and eleven year old boys loved this book. We felt all along we were not reading a book but that we were part of the book and were one of the characters. Thank goodness book #3 is available, we can't wait to see how Artime will be saved. "
— Lori, 1/16/2014" Amazing book. So much creativity in such an easy read. Where's book three "
— Tyler, 1/16/2014" It was good, but very open-ended. I should have waited for book three before reading this one! "
— Cindy, 12/15/2013" Oh my goodness! I love this series and Can't wait for the next one. I really want to know what happens next. I cried so much reading this book. I almost put it down so I could pick it up later to continue it later and not have to wait as long for the next one. "
— Michelle, 11/26/2013" This is MUCH better than the first. The action is more impressive and the characters have grown into people you can care about. Although not quite a 4 star, the improvement deserves the rating. "
— Monica, 11/16/2013" I thought this book was okay. As a sequel, if definitely relied on the first book for the backstory. I felt like it gave more questions than it answered but I'm intrigued enough to read the next book in the series. "
— Alexis, 11/15/2013" I love this series! Totally engrossing, creative and the plot moves with speed and twists and turns. This second book was such I cliff-hanger I could wait to read the 3rd "
— Rachel, 9/24/2013" It was awesome but I couldn't believe the ending, it was confusing, sad, maddening, and amazing! Can't wait for the next one "
— William, 9/13/2013" Hate when it ends & the next book isn't out yet!!! This is great series! "
— Kmcgann, 7/7/2013" This was a great sequel to "The Unwanteds"! I really liked this book. It is the further adventures of Alex, Aaron, Lani, Sam, Meghan, and all the others. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. "
— Debbie, 6/28/2013" NOO!! Why did it have to end like that?! I loved it but it needed to continue!! I can't wait for the next one! (Why did Simber have to freeze like that and fall into the ocean? It made me so upset. I hope they all come back and everything gets fixed!) "
— Ashley, 6/17/2013" Love this series so far...but this book is sad and more intense than the first by a lot "
— AJ, 5/8/2013" I don't think this one needs a sequel but I'm excited anyway. "
— Brittany, 3/11/2013" lots of cliffhangers in this one. One of the best fantasies I have ever read "
— Ryan, 2/16/2013" The sequel to The Unwanteds is just as adventurous and action-packed as its predecessor! Harry Potter fans will love this new series with a "Hunger Games" twist - I know I do! "
— Lauren, 2/3/2013" It doesn't end with an actual ending! Typical second book. Lots of things introduced and nothing actually taken to a conclusion. "
— Julie, 12/16/2012" Just finished and loved it!!! WHERE IS THE THIRD BOOK!?!?! I humongous cliff everything happened at once and then it ends got me right on my toes!! I really loved this book cannot wait for the third one just so much suspense!! "
— Annalise, 11/23/2012" why does it have to end it this way? tss.. another cliff hanger. as always. haha "
— Andrea, 11/20/2012" good! but i don't like the ending "
— Lena, 10/19/2012" I hope The Unwanteds series would turn to a movie! It's that good "
— Timothy, 9/18/2012Lisa McMann is the New York Times bestselling author of the middle grade dystopian fantasy series The Unwanteds, the YA paranormal Wake trilogy, and several other series and books for kids and teens. Check out Lisa’s website at LisaMcMann.com or learn more about The Unwanteds Series at UnwantedsSeries.com.
James Langton, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, trained as an actor at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama and later as a musician at the Guildhall School in London. He has worked in radio, film, and television, also appearing in theater in England and on Broadway. He is also a professional musician who led the internationally renowned Pasadena Roof Orchestra from 1996 to 2002.