Island of Fire (The Unwanteds)

I enjoyed the first 2 books in the UnWanted series snd I looked forward to the release if the third. Compared to its predcessors, this one is slowing moving and provides little additional character or plot development. One could read what I suspect will be the fourth book and miss very little.

The book is very good and enjoyable, but the binding broke in half after one reading. It is in a school library, but the student who read it is not one who abuses the many books she checks out. I have noticed that in the past year or so that the books I have purchased from the store have had poorer bindings. I am getting a little disappointed in the quality of my recent book purchases and this book unfortunately is the worst yet (quality not content). I noticed that another customer had the same problem. Please do something the store as I am a loyal customer that has become very disappointed.

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!

I'm really enjoying this dystopian series that brings magic to the table making it more of a fantasy than science fiction. Most of McMann's books are firmly aimed at teens, but The Unwanteds is her foray into upper elementary and she writes just as well for this age group. The plot is quite intricate and I can't say much without giving away plot points from this story or the previous books, however this one picks up exactly where the last one finished off and it is essential to read the books in order. Island of Fire concentrates mostly on the Artime half of Quill (the magic side) and reveals the answers to some secrets but only leaves the characters with more questions. Their world (consisting of two islands at this point) is opened up to include a third, just as mysterious and unusual as the other. A great compelling read! The series' Facebook page claims this is going to be a seven book series! Much more to my tastes than the Harry Potter books ever were, but this will appeal to fans of those books.

As someone who wants to write books for children, I try to read and know what’s out there. Strangely, The Unwanteds series was suggested to me by Goodreads. Skeptical that Goodreads could actually deduce my reading preferences, I picked it up. This is the third book in the series, and the first two were just as excellent as this one.

This is the best series for kids I’ve read since Harry took the train to Hogwarts. There is a wealth of interesting characters that you will fall in love with. The book will bring out your sense of exploration through a world that shows quirky fun even when the world seems dark. You won’t want to put it down, and you’ll be waiting (not-so-patiently) for the next book to come out. Definitely get this if you’re needing to itch that spot where Harry Potter used to occupy. It’s fantastic.

Bravo! This story is great! I love the intense conflict, the intruiging curious atmosphere, the wonderful world of Artimé, and the maddening drama!

The only thing I would change about this book is where they end. The books don't really feel like seperate adventures, just thirds of one. And the agonizing cliffhangers have left me ponding for 2 years straight. I did the calculations an by the time I finish the series I will be 16! Also the plot is very interesting but quite meandering. I will try not give to much away but at the moment Lisa McMann had the setup to make a great story but the so many crazy things happened! Still one tof the best reads in a while.

Another great book in the series!
There is so much action and heart pounding drama you hardly have a moment to breathe.
And it ends in another maddening cliffhanger!
Be sure you have the next book before you finish this one!

My 12 year old daughter read this series and talked me into reading it as well. I must say I was pleasantly surprised. Being a Harry Potter fan and loving stories that are highly imaginative with creative characters and plot, I was hooked. Looking forward to the fourth book in this series.