Island of Silence (Unwanteds, #2)

Sep 28, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 9th-grade-to-reads

I don't think this one needs a sequel but I'm excited anyway.

like 3 likes · see review

Dec 28, 2012 Bunny added it Recommends it for: children ages 12 and up

Shelves: audio-books, in_my_library, review-copy-arc

Finished this up last night and omg this was so good!
The "island of silence" scares the crap out of me! Parts of this one had me sitting up in bed all sweaty palmed and gasping for air waiting for the narrator to say everyone was ok!
I'm still waiting. :(
lol.

Such a great story! Can NOT wait for the next book!!!

FULL REVIEW TO COME.
~B

-------------------------
Originally posted on www.bunnycates.com

My Thoughts:
I don’t know why I am having such a hard time coming up with how I want to write this rev...more

like 2 likes · see review

Mar 07, 2013 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Unwanted series by McMann. The third book in the series will be titled Island of Fire and is scheduled for a September 2013 release. This was an excellent book in this series, but I didn’t like it quite as much as the first book in this series.

Alex, Lani, Samheed, and Megan are recovering from the epic battle against Quill that happened at the end of book one. With High Priest Justine overthrown tensions are building between Quill and Artime. Marcus Today and High...more This is the second book in the Unwanted series by McMann. The third book in the series will be titled Island of Fire and is scheduled for a September 2013 release. This was an excellent book in this series, but I didn’t like it quite as much as the first book in this series.

Alex, Lani, Samheed, and Megan are recovering from the epic battle against Quill that happened at the end of book one. With High Priest Justine overthrown tensions are building between Quill and Artime. Marcus Today and High Priest Haluki are working hard to make the two communities get along, but the Wanteds are angry at having to do their own work and Alex’s brother Aaron is there to stoke their anger. Things get more complicated when two strange orange eyed kids show up on the shore of Artime.

This book starts a bit slowly. Much of the book deals with the growing tensions between Quill and Artime. This made it so that this book didn’t have the magic that the first book did. It was a lot of politics and a lot of trying to work to get the Necessaries that wanted to live in Artime merged in with that society. To be honest these parts of the book were a bit of a drag to read.

What was more interesting was when Alex’s friends start exploring other islands outside of Artime. I really enjoyed this part of the story.

A lot happens towards the end of the book, so the pacing could have been more consistent. The first portion moves slowly, while the last portion moves at a breakneck pace. There are some very heartbreaking things that happen towards the end of the story.

This book mainly features Alex. Whereas the first book talked some about all of the characters, this book spends most of the time dealing with Alex and his struggles to take on some leadership in Artime.

All of the characters grow quite a bit and it was nice to see them becoming more comfortable in their roles in Artime. Unfortunately I was a bit disappointed that this book creates a lot of huge new problems but none of them are resolved by the end of the book. The book pretty much leaves the reader at a total cliffhanger and I hate it when authors do that.

This is still a very creative series and is very well written. But I didn’t think it was as good as the first book in this series.

Overall a decent continuation of the series. I continue to enjoy this creative world and the engaging characters. I did not enjoy the slow pace of the first half of the book and thought that the way things were left was awful. Luckily I have Island of Fire to review, so I don’t have to wait too long to read how things resolve. I would recommend this to fans of middle grade fantasy/dystopia.(less)

like · see review

Jan 07, 2013 Charlyn Trussell rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: adventure, dystopia, fantasy, fiction, magic, series, sibling-rivalry, strong-male-character, twins

It's difficult to compare books when I read the first book in this series so long ago, but I think I liked this one even more. Life in Quill and Artimé has more or less settled now that the barrier between the two areas is down. But peace is only transitory before everything falls apart. And the conflict centers on the differences between twin brothers Alex and Aaron Stowe. In Artimé, Mr. Today wishes to empower Alex, but he is reluctant and doubtful of his abilities; in Quill, Aaron is removed...more

like · see review

Nov 14, 2012 Emma rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: september-8-2012-and-forward

This book was not as good as its successor. Everything seemed to be too good to be true in the beginning: nice teachers, some slight quarrels with Quill, nothing compared to the war of a year previously, general happiness among friends, and families being reunited. And then everything goes wrong. And I mean everything.
SPOILER:
Mr. Today dies, Artime is reduced to a block of asphalt and a pathetic shack, Meghan is sick, many Artimeans are dead, or going to Quill, Quill is prevailing with Aaron, Al...more

like · see review

Dec 06, 2012 Michelle Hoeglund-allison rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Middle School Boys. But also anyone who likes adventure/creativity

Rather than give a summary of the book, my review focuses on the appropriateness, and enjoyment for a Middle Grader (who the audience is intended to be).

EXCELLENT choice for middle graders. Especially BOYS. My son is an avid and advanced reader so sometimes finding exciting age appropriate books for him is difficult. However, as I mentioned in my review of #1, Unwanteds, I'm enjoying this series as much as he is.

My 7th grader and I both read this 2nd installment of the Unwanteds series as quic...more

Rather than give a summary of the book, my review focuses on the appropriateness, and enjoyment for a Middle Grader (who the audience is intended to be).

EXCELLENT choice for middle graders. Especially BOYS. My son is an avid and advanced reader so sometimes finding exciting age appropriate books for him is difficult. However, as I mentioned in my review of #1, Unwanteds, I'm enjoying this series as much as he is.

My 7th grader and I both read this 2nd installment of the Unwanteds series as quickly as we could get it from the library. Its the 2nd in a series of 7. While in my review of Unwanteds #1, I said that book was a good stand alone book, this one, #2, is not. I wouldn't suggest reading it before #1. As with the first, as soon as we finished we got online to see if there was another one out yet, but alas, we have to wait.

The character development isn't as strong as in the first book, but since the bulk of the characters are the same, that isn't really necessary if you've read #1 already (which I STRONGLY recommend you do). For the new characters, I think she does their character development justice. There are characters that you'll love, and characters that you'll truly despise. For the most part characters behave and talk the way we've come to expect them too...with some fun twists.

We both enjoyed this book even more than the first, and the first was excellent. Island of Silence in general we both think is more "exciting." Just a LOT Of stuff going, and you don't want to miss any of it. It's a bit "heavier" than the first as well, dealing with the trials and experiences of specific characters. But the book rounds out nicely with an awesome cliff hanger that made my boy frustrated that he couldn't just read the next book. This is a good thing in our house.

While we read the first book out loud, this one, we read separately because, well frankly, my son didn't have the patience to WAIT that long to finish reading it. It was difficult getting him to stop reading each night. And, when HE finished, he couldn't wait for ME to finish because he was so excited.

We happen to be a Christian family, and while the book doesn't address any sort of religion per se, I love the values and traits that Lisa McMann expresses in this series. Characters grow. Take responsibility. Work as a team. Bind friendships. Deal with loss. There is a strong sense of community.

Highly recommend this great book and series.

Island of Silence (less)

like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Jessica rated it 2 of 5 stars

A hundred pages into Island of Silence, I was doubting why I had started reading this book in the first place. After all, I had meh feelings about the first book, The Unwanteds (the short of it: I enjoyed it, but it doesn't measure up to the other middle-grade/YA fantasy that was published in 2011), so why pick up the sequel? I was not impressed with the writing at all. It's like Lisa McMann used every writing cliche possible, right down to the evil twin. But it did address some of the issues th...more

like · see review

May 18, 2013 Holly rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-book, adventure, brothers, character-development, fantasy-science-fiction, intermediate-kids-book, reluctant-hero

This book begins with the lands of Quill and Artime open to each other, the wall taken away, after Quill attacked and Artime prevailed. Quillens and Artimeans are able to go back and forth, visiting loved ones sent away and thought to be "eliminated." Unfortunately, this does nothing to lessen the tensions between them. Aaron, Alex's twin brother, is still plotting to defeat the creative nation and its good citizens. Strange, silent people come ashore on a makshift raft, and Mr. Today is groomin...more

like · see review

Sep 05, 2012 M Williamson rated it 5 of 5 stars

After the fall of the High Priest of Quill and the gates of the magical land of Artime, nothing is the same! For twins Alex and Aaron Stowe, their respective lives are either up or down. Alex recovered from his injuries during the battle in The Unwanteds and has been offered the chance of a lifetime. He must figure out if he wants to be the proverbial Charlie Bucket and take over the chocolate factory. Mr. Today, the wise Mage and leader of Artime knows he is not getting younger and sees a prede...more After the fall of the High Priest of Quill and the gates of the magical land of Artime, nothing is the same! For twins Alex and Aaron Stowe, their respective lives are either up or down. Alex recovered from his injuries during the battle in The Unwanteds and has been offered the chance of a lifetime. He must figure out if he wants to be the proverbial Charlie Bucket and take over the chocolate factory. Mr. Today, the wise Mage and leader of Artime knows he is not getting younger and sees a predecessor in Alex. Mr. Today wants to go on a holiday to the island he and his twin sister, the recently deceased High Priest Justine, came from before founding the land of Quill. He needs someone to watch over things, but Alex is only agreeing to help him while he vacations. Alex does not want to be a leader after Mr. Today is gone. Meanwhile, Aaron, the right wing of the High Priest has fallen from grace. He is thrown out on the street with one thing to hold onto: finding a way to regain power. He leads other Wanteds in a plan to take back the Necessaries, who flocked to Artime in droves, and take down Mr. Today, Artime, and magic once and for all.

This book is an exciting continuation of the Unwanteds story. It flipped back and forth between Alex in Artime and Aaron in Quill. We are also introduced to the remaining Ancients who settled Quill with Mr. Today and High Priest Justine. They are given their memories and magic back. One of these Ancients, Eva, may not be the old friend Mr. Today remembers. She may be playing a double agent to Aaron. But so may be Sean, the brother of Alex's friend, Meghan. People may not be as they seem.

Two sunburned bodies are found on a makeshift raft in the ocean. Who are these children? Where do they come from? Why do they wear a choker of thorns around and digging into their necks? The Silent children are clues to one of the islands to the West. An island that Mr. Today used to call home. These new twists add more story as each Stowe twin figures out their next move. Who will prevail? Can the two worlds ever live in harmony? We have to wait for the next book. (less)

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Kim McGee rated it 4 of 5 stars

The kids from Artime are regrouping after the horrible battle that opened the doors between Quill with the Necessaries and Artime with the Unwanteds. Many families have been reunited and it looks like peace may rule between the two lands- not... Alex is still trying to find his way and frankly is a bit wimpy about taking over for Mr. Monday and taking on more of a leadership role. His friends are still trying to figure out what their new roles are and of course Alex's evil twin, Aaron, is still...more

like · see review

Sep 21, 2012 Starr Griggs rated it 5 of 5 stars

A digital galley of this title was given to me, free, in exchange for my honest review.
How could you do this to me Ms. McMann??!!!How could you weave sucha magical and wonderful story, force me on a stomach-clenching emotional rollercoaster and then just leave me hanging? That is cruel, cruel punishment and extremely unfair! The Unwanteds was a nice read with a pretty satisfying ending; the story was complete on its own but left you wanting more. I was even curious about what was going to happe...more A digital galley of this title was given to me, free, in exchange for my honest review.
How could you do this to me Ms. McMann??!!!How could you weave sucha magical and wonderful story, force me on a stomach-clenching emotional rollercoaster and then just leave me hanging? That is cruel, cruel punishment and extremely unfair! The Unwanteds was a nice read with a pretty satisfying ending; the story was complete on its own but left you wanting more. I was even curious about what was going to happen. But not so with Island of Silence! I was left with so many questions and so many unresolved feelings. I wonder if it would have been better to waited for book 3 to come out. I am not a fan of cliffhangers at all!!! That is why my rule, in general, is to wait until most of a series is out before I start it.
This is not to say that IOS is not worth picking up, because it so totally is. Putting aside the cliffhanger ending, I really enjoyed reading this. There is so much to love with this book. First, being the tremendous growth and development with the characters. Then there’s the plot- it literally pulls you in with little nuggets at a time. The deception, misplaced trust, and other unknowns keep you at the edge of your seat. There’s the main question of what is becoming of Alex and Aaron, the twins who remain on opposing side. But other issues keep popping up.
The Unwanteds who once faced the purge, now have the opportunity to go back to Quill and reunite with their families. Some of them have been welcomed back while others have been met with open rejection. The friendship between Lani, Samheed, Meghan and Alex has grown as has their responsibility in Artime. This time it was so much easier to connect with the characters and rally on the side of Artime (and not just because they were the good guys). Atrtime is something that I believe in and could stand by. Alex was a bit of a whiner in the first book, but now he is maturing. I can understand why Mr. Today has chosen him for the position he wants to give Alex. Even though Alex doesn’t see himself as the leader Mr. Today sees him as, when the time comes Alex steps into that role smoothly and without consciously deciding to do so. He does what he does because it is the right thing to do. He really does become the leader he was meant to be.
Amidst the mess and struggle of blending the two worlds together, Aaron finds himself lost and far from where he wants to be. But that doesn’t stop him. After a brief period of wandering around, he comes up with a plan and starts recruiting disgruntled Wanteds. It is only the beginning of his twisted plans to destroy Artime and his twin Alex.
Then there is the issue of the silent; the pair of kids with thorns around their necks that washed up on the shores of Artime. No one knows where they came from and they’re unconscious. There is so much going on in the sequel and it’s wonderful! There is a little bit of something for everyone. IOS wasa an engaging and magical read. Alex Stowe, the good twin, is flawed and growing. Aaron Stowe, the evil twin, is manipulative with some redeeming qualities.
Recommendation: This was a magical read and I think all readers will enjoy it despite the teasing ending. Great for young readers!
What’s Next? So far, I have not heard mention of Book 3 anywhere on the web. That may be because IOS literally just came out. (Per twitter conversation with Lisa McMann, she is already working on Book 3!)
5 STARS *****
CLIFFHANGER ENDING FORGIVEN(less)

like · see review

May 12, 2013 Barbara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: animals, death, dystopian, families, friendship, fantasy

The war between Quill and Artime might seem to be offer, but peace won't last long if Aaron Stowe has anything to say about it. Aaron slowly and cunningly devises a plan of revenge by cobbling together a team consisting of others bent on destroying Artime, and relying on deceit. The plot might have failed had it not been for his use of several weapons created by his brother, Alex, against Mr. Today, the mage who plans to share all his secrets with Alex. It just so happens that the land has been...more

like · see review

Mar 28, 2013 Christie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I think I am way too old for this series, because I kept thinking to myself as I read this book, "Why am I still reading this?" I felt like the author was trying too hard to be creative (or Harry-Potter-ish) but made-up creatures like playprots just don't appeal to me. I also thought it was strange to call this book "Island of Silence" when the island doesn't show up till the last part of the book. The ending felt rushed as well.

I found out online that this is book #2 of 7 (7!). Alas, I will be...more

like · see review

Jan 20, 2013 Akoss rated it 4 of 5 stars

Hello twisty plot of the twistiest kind!!!
(Ok, I know I have to stop making up words to review books, but I couldn't help myself)
Book one left me lukewarm at best but this one... oh boy! oh boy! did more than make up for that.
Alex finally grew some back bone instead of his usual flailing and Aaron reached a deeper level of evil. Meanwhile, quite a handful of the secondary characters had their own plates full of dilemmas: anger, disappointment, distrust and so much more.
Despite the fact that I ri...more

like · see review

Jan 24, 2012 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

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!

like 1 like · see review

Mar 23, 2013 Susannah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Are you kidding me? I finished this book the other night and immediately got on the internet to find the third one, only to find that IT ISN'T PUBLISHED YET! WTF?????

I'm so mad I read the two and now have to wait until September to get my hands on the third. If I had known, I would have waited until the whole series was out before reading them. This is the first time I've been so infuriated by there not being a next book that I've been contemplating writing it myself. I guess that's a good sign...more

like · see review

Oct 17, 2012 Ms. Rosas rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 112-in-2012, books-in-library, fantasy, middle-school-5-8

I did not love this one as much as the first Unwanteds. The story picks up right after the end of Unwanteds and does not progress the story as much as I would like. I often have this problems with the second book in a trilogy. I did enjoy the story and the new mysteries but it just wasn't enough. I wanted to know more about Justine and Mr. Today. Where they came from and how did they come up with the vision of Quill? What made Mr. Today change his mind? I feel like a lot of those questions start...more

like · see review

Apr 18, 2012 Parker marked it as to-read

Shelves: wish-list, to-reads-soon

Doesn't
need a sequel but i am still super excited and can not wait

like 1 like · see review

Mar 26, 2013 Meredith rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I really enjoyed the first book but hoped I'd get to learn more about the different characters this time around. I did feel a little bit closer to Alex this time, and I still understand Aaron (even though I think he's a psychopath and I wonder why no one else has figured it out yet). The biggest problem is still Lani, Meghan, and Samheed. I do not care about them! If they're supposed to be main characters, they need to be more interesting.

Anyhow, this is an action packed book, and I definitely...more

like · see review

Apr 02, 2013 Tiffany rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: children-s-books

See my full review here: http://misstiffreads.blogspot.com/201...

2.5, just can't go 3

Now that Artime has been exposed to Quill and the Necessaries of Quill see how poorly they are being treated, Quill is a shell of it's former self and Artime is bustling with activity. But for twins Alex and Aaron, life continues to be complicated. Aaron, on the Quill side, has lost his position in the High Priests Palace and has even been sent out of university. Alex, on the Artime side continues to grow as a m...more

like · see review

Oct 25, 2012 Angela rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult

This is such a great series. (Review obviously contains spoilers if you haven't read the first one.)

The magical barrier between Quill and Artimé has vanished, and the two worlds are allowed to intermingle. In a perfect land this would be ideal, but there is still animosity between the Wanteds and Unwanteds after their battle. Their beloved High Priest is dead, and many Quillians are moving to Artimé willingly, leaving Quill in shambles. Alex and Aaron, the twins living on complete opposite ends...more

like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

Super fun book. One of the better "middle" books in a trilogy. Loved the twists and turns the book takes and the magic is fun.

Recap of book:
(view spoiler)...more

like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Mark rated it 5 of 5 stars

**spoiler alert In the second volume of this incredible dystopian young adult series, we find the story picking up right after the battle of good vs. evil has raged. Airtime has defeated the Quillens and the two tribes are struggling through an unsteady truce. Since the Quillens placed these Unwanteds in Airtime thinking they were condemning them to death, it takes a little adjustment to realize that not only are they alive but are great at magic spells, and just defeated them in battle.
Airtime...more **spoiler alert In the second volume of this incredible dystopian young adult series, we find the story picking up right after the battle of good vs. evil has raged. Airtime has defeated the Quillens and the two tribes are struggling through an unsteady truce. Since the Quillens placed these Unwanteds in Airtime thinking they were condemning them to death, it takes a little adjustment to realize that not only are they alive but are great at magic spells, and just defeated them in battle.
Airtime is run by mage Mr. Today, whose evil twin sister was killed, as leader of Quill. Now his young prodigy, Unwanted Alex Stowe, has to face a similar destiny. His Wanted twin brother Aaron has devised a way to recruit a team of those unhappy with the turn of events since the battle who are seeking revenge. By controlling his team with food supply and managing to use a little of the magic back on those that conjured it up in the first place, he has found a way to weave his dastardly deeds on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Airtime.
Spies abound on both sides, the newly appointed high priest has been taken prisoner, but these are all unknown to Mr. Today, who decided that after the troubling times, he should take a few days of vacation and leave Alex in charge. While he is in charge, the worst possible circumstances happen. Three of Alex’s best friends sail to a neighboring isle and are taken captive, the whole of Airtime mysteriously disappears with all the buildings and magically created creatures disintegrating, and Mr. Today appears to be dead. It just couldn’t get any worse, or could it?
Alex has to turn to two shipwrecked creatures from the island where his friends are being held for help and McMann leaves us twisting in the wind as a new spell left for Alex by Mr. Today is discovered. Hope shines its smiley face on the troubled times in Airtime. I have it on good authority—the author herself—that book number three is in the editing process as we speak, which is a good thing as I can’t live without finding out how our heroes get out of this one. They do, don’t they? Hey Lisa!
(less)

like · see review

Oct 07, 2012 Carina Olsen rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the third Middle Grade book I have read in three days. All have been amazing. Island of Silence infected me the most, though, I think. I'm still kind of shaking. It was awful. And perfect. So full of terrible things. And I need to know what happens next. Such a cliffhanger. But I don't hate it. I think. I just need the third book right away, please. Anyway. I loved Island of Silence. Didn't happen much for the first 200 pages, so was a bit disappointed, but then so much happened and I co...more This is the third Middle Grade book I have read in three days. All have been amazing. Island of Silence infected me the most, though, I think. I'm still kind of shaking. It was awful. And perfect. So full of terrible things. And I need to know what happens next. Such a cliffhanger. But I don't hate it. I think. I just need the third book right away, please. Anyway. I loved Island of Silence. Didn't happen much for the first 200 pages, so was a bit disappointed, but then so much happened and I could not stop reading at all. This is a five star book. Even with the bit slow beginning. The end makes up for it.

The writing in this book is perfect. Island of Silence is the sequel to The Unwanteds. And I liked the third person point of view in book one, and I still liked it in this book. The writing is really well. And I loved the characters. Well, okay, I might have loved Alex the most and disliked some of his friends.. but with the horrible and perfect ending I'm kind of loving them all. Next to being horrified. This book really is perfect. And it doesn't feel so middle grade, to be honest. Would have loved it either way :)

Okay, I must admit that I'm confused about how to write my review. Not sure how to put words to this amazing plot. I'll take that as it comes, I think. So I'm going to start with the characters :) First there is Alex, the main character. The book is mostly from his point of view, and I liked that. He is a little bit older in this book; it's been one and a half year since the beginning of The Unwanteds. But maybe just a few months since the end of the first book, if I remember correctly. Alex is an amazing person. I feel sorry for him a lot. Because I still think that it feels like he's alone a lot. That sucks.

But he is still the best character there is in this book. At least to me. He's kind and sweet and strong. He doesn't believe himself to be able to lead all of Artimè, but he could. Alex is a strong person; even if he doesn't see it himself. We learn so many things about him in these books. And I like that. We see some character growth as well. Then there is Mr. Today. I must admit to hating his name. Find it a bit silly. But I still liked him, I think. He's the one who made Artimè. Who saved all The Unwanteds.

Mr. Today is sort of a magician. Been a while since I read book one, so cannot remember what they called it :p But he does magic. He can make creatures, stone creatures come to life. And I loved everything he had created. He believes in Alex, and I liked that. I also liked his daughter, she kind of has a big small part in this book. She must have a bigger part in book three. I needs it. Sigh. I kind of loved all the teachers at Artimè. They were all different and unique, and they were all kind.

Then there is Alex's friends. I am still unsure how I feel about them. There is Samheed and Meghan and Lani. I still want a romance between Alex and Lani. Even though I still don't love her :\ Think she treats Alex bad. She's always jealous of him and ignoring him :\ Did not like. But I kind of loved her near the end. Between almost crying. There must be more of her in book three. And some romance, please. I also really liked Samheed and Meghan. They are really kind and sweet and awesome :) Loved them.

One person I really hated was Aaron, Alex's twin brother. He was goddamn evil. And I hated how this book ended with him. Grrrr. It better be better in book three. It must be. Because, god, Aaron does so many awful things in this book. Hates him. I really do. So many characters in this book. Many I loved. Many I hated. But I loved Simber. The creature on the gorgeous perfect cover of this book. He was amazing. So kind and loyal and all kinds of awesome. *Sobs.* Book three soon?

I don't know what to say about the plot in this book. I don't want to do a recap. And I don't want to spoil anything. There is so much happening in the last 200 pages of this book. So much heartbreak and tears. And scary parts. And awful parts. And it was all so perfect. Just didn't except it from a middle grade book ;p Which only made it better, to be honest. It was all just so good. I also really liked the magic training in this book. Was kind of fascinating :) And I liked reading about it.

There is so much happening in this book. So many deaths. And heartbreaks. My heart still feels broken. What upset me the most, though, was the Island of Silence. We didn't see that much of it. There will be tons more in book three, I can tell. But what we saw broke me. Such an awful place. And so well written and I loved it even if it killed me. Awful things happen there. To characters I loved. There is this necklace, that they sew into the people's neck, so that they are silent. *Shudders.*

See, I told one thing about the plot! The most awful thing, even. But no matter what I would say, I could never describe to awfulness. You just need to read it. It's worth it. Promise. Even if it ends bad. With a big cliffhanger. And the book makes you so sad and heartbroken. It is still perfect. Island of Silence is an amazing book. And if you have read The Unwanteds, then you must read this perfect sequel. Still haven't started this series? Then do so! It's so good. Promise. :)(less)

like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-release, 2012-100-book-challenge, arcs-i-own, mundie-kids-reviews, mundie-moms-reviews

What a fabulous sequel! Island of Silence picks up right where The Unwanteds left off and dives right into a plot line full of action, betrayal, chaos, and suspense. I swear Lisa McMann's writing gets better and better with each book. Every time I read her newest release it becomes my favorite Lisa book because of that. This time around I really liked how she not only told the story, but how she allowed me to understand the motives that drove the two brothers to make the choices they did.

It was...more What a fabulous sequel! Island of Silence picks up right where The Unwanteds left off and dives right into a plot line full of action, betrayal, chaos, and suspense. I swear Lisa McMann's writing gets better and better with each book. Every time I read her newest release it becomes my favorite Lisa book because of that. This time around I really liked how she not only told the story, but how she allowed me to understand the motives that drove the two brothers to make the choices they did.

It was really fascinating for me to see the brothers in a very different light than I had in The Unwanteds. I felt like I understood Alex a lot more in this book, and I got why Mr Today was so eager to teach him and train him in his ways. I also like the fatherly patience and wisdom that he gave to Alex. One of my favorite quotes from this book comes from Mr Today when he's talking to Alex:

"...... There will always be times we struggle, make bad decisions, even fail. What's important is not that we fail, but that we learn and grow. And that we know there is always someone out there who believes in us."

..... "Where problems you may face, you must know this: I do believe in you." (pg. 250)

I liked seeing Alex's hesitation and admire him for stepping up to the plate to fulfill his duties when the time was right. It made him more relatable to be unsure of himself and then see him grow into this confident person. Alex is a hero who learns to overcome the little voice in his head that fills him with doubt. He learns to embrace his talents and he finds the confidence he needs to accomplish his mission.

Aaron on the other hand surprised me with all he does in this book. These two brothers reminded me of Yin and Yang. It seems with them you can't have the good without having the bad, and in some strange way the good and bad each brother sides with balances everything out. One brother's horrific actions leads another brother to his destiny. I know this sounds crazy, but when you read the book you'll see what I'm talking about. I liked how Lisa wove the two brother's paths together without the other knowing what his brother was really up to. I really wish I could talk specifics, but I can't without giving anything away. This story line seriously surprised me. I wasn't excepting some of the thing that happened to happen at all. It's so well written.

I enjoyed being able to dive back into the magical world of the Unwanteds. What I wasn't excepting was the incredibly fast paced story line, nonstop action, and surprising twists that Island of Silence has. I feel like I'm still catching my breath after finishing it. I can not wait to read the next installment in this incredibly addicting series. I highly recommend picking this up today! (less)

like 1 like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Adam Silvera rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 70-reads-for-2012, shelf-awareness-reviews

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON SHELF AWARENESS

In this action-packed sequel to The Unwanteds, Lisa McMann turns the tables on the once privileged Wanteds in favor of the Unwanteds.

Months following the deadly battle fought in the first book, the mage Mr. Today removes the gate that once separated Quill, a regulated land, from Artimé, home of creative innovators. This allows Quill's Wanteds and Necessaries a new way of life in a once-hidden world of choices, bright colors and wandering creatures. In Arti...more

like · see review

Sep 10, 2012 Mrs.Heise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: middle-grade, conf-ira-2012

Review originally posted on Heise Reads & Recommends

I really loved THE UNWANTEDS when I read it last year - it's a great mix of dystopian and fantasy in a spot-on voice that Lisa McMann wrote with for her first jump from young adult (which are also great) to middle grades books. It is also highly engaging and makes a great book talk opportunity to hook middle schoolers with the premise of kids being "sent off to their deaths" for being creative in any way. Knowing all of that, I was eagerly...more Review originally posted on Heise Reads & Recommends

I really loved THE UNWANTEDS when I read it last year - it's a great mix of dystopian and fantasy in a spot-on voice that Lisa McMann wrote with for her first jump from young adult (which are also great) to middle grades books. It is also highly engaging and makes a great book talk opportunity to hook middle schoolers with the premise of kids being "sent off to their deaths" for being creative in any way. Knowing all of that, I was eagerly anticipating the release of ISLAND OF SILENCE to find out what would happen to Alex and his friends and the magical land of Artime now that Quill knew of their existence. I was not disappointed.

From the very start, I was drawn right back into this fantastically creative, yet at times frightening, world that Lisa McMann has created with this series. I didn't have any of that feeling of trying to remember what happened in the last book that I read over a year ago. All of the favorite characters were back including the magical creatures that Mr. Today created. While the Artimeans are figuring out how to handle everyone knowing about them, we alternate chapters with Aaron back in Quill and his continuous struggle to gain power back and eliminate his twin brother and all of the magic. Aaron is systematic and smart and frightening in his single-minded focus on ridding Quill of Artime. Meanwhile we have many characters who we don't know if we can trust because they're acting suspiciously, and a few who seem to be "double agents" but we're never really sure. As we get further into this story, there doesn't seem to be such a clear-cut right or wrong way to act for many of these characters. In addition, we're introduced to the islands outside of the one these characters all live on, now that they know there is more beyond where they exist, and find out there may be more evils out there than even exist in Quill.

Along with all of the external battle going on, Alex has his own internal battle to contend with. He just doesn't see himself as the leader that he needs to be and others want him to be, and he has to figure things out. Because Alex's own twin has turned out so evil, and his own parents don't want anything to do with him, he does feel very alone. This is where the creatures of Artime come even more into play as Simber and Ms. Octavia and Ms. Morning and Florence and Clive and the others all become the support system that he needs. My absolute favorite scene of the entire book comes on pages 168-169. It exemplifies the battle that Alex is having with himself, and why he feels the way he does, and what Artime means to him. I adore that scene (and I love Simber!) so much it has stuck with me for days.

It seems such a universal feeling for kids (and some adults) to want to feel included and able and believed in and supported and to have someone who will always be there for you. This book has that universal theme of needing someone to believe in you throughout. As Mr. Today says, "There will always be times we struggle, make bad decisions, even fail. What's important is not that we fail, but that we learn and grow. And that we know that there is always someone out there who believes in us" (p. 250). That's the type of book quote I want to always remember and post on my classroom wall. This kind of message, along with all of the excitement of the story, but with this at its heart, is part of the reason that I love this series.

Overall this book was a strong second book in a uniquely creative series with action, emotion, plot, excitement, characters, and heart that draw the reader in. The ending definitely left me hanging though, and I am dying to read the next book to find out what happens with Alex and Artime next. I was left heartbroken by the events toward the end of ISLAND OF SILENCE, but hopeful at the same time. That's a pretty good place to be left in an engaging book series.

I don't know for sure how many books will end up being in this series, but I do know absolutely for sure that I will be reading them all and sharing them with my students as well. This is a series that should be in every middle school classroom and book-talked for students to snatch it up. Just this week one of my students picked up the first book because he loved THE HUNGER GAMES and HARRY POTTER and since THE UNWANTEDS is touted as a combination of the two, he wanted to read it for sure. The next day he walked up to me hold the book in his hand and said, "This is the best book I've ever read in my whole life." No higher praise than that!(less)

like · see review

Oct 16, 2012 Joanne rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book, maybe even more than the first in the series. In this action-packed second installment of THE UNWANTEDS series, we see more of the fantastical worlds of Quill and Artime and how their inhabitants deal with each other in the aftermath of the skirmish between them. I loved reading about the two brothers, Alex and Aaron and how they each navigate through their respective worlds. Alex's self-doubt and Aaron's false bravado are both well drawn and provide another layer of the dicho...more

like 1 like · see review

Feb 12, 2013 Beryl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

I thought Island of Silence was better than the first book. There was more suspenseful and excitement. Lisa McMann does an amazing job.
It was one of those books that I could picture it all and it really gave me a lot to think about. It was also one of those books that I couldn't put down.
I finished it in a couple hours and when I did I thought I was missing a hundred pages because she left us cliffhanging and all I could think was 'Wow, wow, wow.'
I can't wait for the next book.

like · see review

Feb 04, 2013 Sherlock Fergus rated it 5 of 5 stars

Absolutely love this book! I agree with some people that it is more violent than the first which in a way makes it more interesting! One of the things I found interesting and unsettling was the thorn chokers that were on the kids from another Island and the on that was put onto and changed meaghan! Poor meaghan! However I think Alex liking lani and samheed and cole liking meaghan is a little cheesy! Other than that it's amazing!

like · see review

topics	posts	views	last activity
Thoughts on the book	1	6	8 de Nov 12:44
is it out	1	4	9 de Mar 13:21

title link	preview: Island of Silence
avg rating	preview: Island of Silence Goodreads rating: 4.17 (575 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13406329-island-of-silence?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1345888183l/13406329.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13406329-island-of-silence?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Island of Silence by Lisa McMann[/url]

Island of Silence (Unwanteds #2)

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (4)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Lisa McMann

Books by Lisa McMann

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About Island of Silence