The Unwanteds: Volume 1
Aug 2011 · The Unwanteds Book 1 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
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266 reviews
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400
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About this ebook
“Imagination runs wild in this creative adventure.” —Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Beyonders and Fablehaven series
Twin brothers have their fates diverge in this first book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade dystopian series that’s a “fun mix of magic and science” (Publishers Weekly).
Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds who go to university, hardy Necessaries who take on menial tasks, and the artistic Unwanteds who are sent to their deaths.
In a nearly unprecedented verdict, thirteen-year-old twins Alex and Aaron are separated. Alex can barely keep it together as he’s led away from his Wanted brother to his own Unwanted fate. But when Alex reaches the death farm, he discovers it’s really a mirage hiding a stunning secret: the land of Artimé.
Each child in Artimé cultivates their creative abilities and learns how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. It’s a whole new world and a whole new life for Alex, but he still can’t help but miss Aaron.
But there’s a threat looming on the horizon that threatens the survival of Artimé that will pit brother against brother—stretching their bond until it just might snap.
Twin brothers have their fates diverge in this first book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade dystopian series that’s a “fun mix of magic and science” (Publishers Weekly).
Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds who go to university, hardy Necessaries who take on menial tasks, and the artistic Unwanteds who are sent to their deaths.
In a nearly unprecedented verdict, thirteen-year-old twins Alex and Aaron are separated. Alex can barely keep it together as he’s led away from his Wanted brother to his own Unwanted fate. But when Alex reaches the death farm, he discovers it’s really a mirage hiding a stunning secret: the land of Artimé.
Each child in Artimé cultivates their creative abilities and learns how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. It’s a whole new world and a whole new life for Alex, but he still can’t help but miss Aaron.
But there’s a threat looming on the horizon that threatens the survival of Artimé that will pit brother against brother—stretching their bond until it just might snap.
“Imagination runs wild in this creative adventure.” —Brandon Mull, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Beyonders and Fablehaven series
Twin brothers have their fates diverge in this first book in the New York Times bestselling middle grade dystopian series that’s a “fun mix of magic and ...
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Ratings and reviews
266 reviews
Kyla Thomas
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October 23, 2025
This series is actually really cool! I wish there weren't as many silly, childish elements - but it IS a kid's series after all. The whole idea is a very unique take on a dystopian world and society. Very interesting start to the book as well.
Eleanor Bostick
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May 5, 2018
I loved this book so much! I've read all of them now, and they're among my favorite books ever! And that's saying something. At first it was a little depressing, and I wasn't sure I would like it, but then SNAP! the whole thing changed, Alex's whole life basically exploded and everything changed. The book is very well written, and makes impossible things seem strangely realistic. The characters grow very well developed over the course of the series. Prepare to get very emotionally invested in these books.
7 people found this review helpful
Naomi Kerschen
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March 12, 2016
I loved this book so much. This is one of the books that once you start reading it you can't stop. One time I was reading it at night and stayed to till midnight reading and forced my self to go to sleep. I would recommend this book to anyone to likes magic. I also love how everyone got along and even if some didn't they ended up not who they were meant to be (like the Will Blair character)
8 people found this review helpful
About the author
Lisa McMann lives in Arizona. She is married to fellow writer and musician, Matt McMann, and they have two adult children. Her son is an artist named Kilian McMann and her daughter is an actor, Kennedy McMann. Lisa is the New York Times bestselling author of over two dozen books for young adults and children. So far she has written in genres including paranormal, realistic, dystopian, and fantasy. Some of her most well-known books are The Unwanteds series for middle grade readers and the Wake trilogy for young adults. Check out Lisa's website at LisaMcMann.com, learn more about The Unwanteds Series at UnwantedsSeries.com, and be sure to say hi on Instagram or Twitter (@Lisa_McMann), or Facebook (Facebook.com/McMannFan).
Lisa McMann lives in Arizona. She is married to fellow writer and musician, Matt McMann, and they have two adult children. Her son is an artist named Kilian McMann and her daughter is an actor, Kennedy McMann. Lisa is the New York Times bestselling author of over two dozen books for young adults ...
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