141. Island of Silence by Lisa McMann

Island of Silence by Lisa McMann
The Unwanteds, #2

Rating: (4/5)

(US) - (Canada) - (Kindle)

Sept. 4, 2012, Simon & Schuster, 406 pgs
Age: 8+

"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."

Received a review copy from Simon & Schuster Canada.

Loved, loved, loved this book.  Even better than the first one, which is rare for a series book.  I found the first book to drag in places but this one had me glued to the pages from start to finish.  First, though, I have to say I hate the blurb on the front cover claiming "The Hunger Games Meets Harry Potter" (Kirkus Reviews).  This book is nothing like either of them.  Oh, it's dystopia and has magic but the similarities end there.  Lisa McMann has proven herself over and over again that she stands on her own merits as an author and doesn't need to be compared to others to sell her books.  The world of Quill and Artime is expanded as a new Island and its people are discovered.  Alex's character grows by leaps and bounds as he's given a leadership role and all the characters are carried over from the first book.  The death of a major character is shocking and hard to believe; I am determined to think it will turn out otherwise in the next volume (please?). I love the combination of magic versus mundane totalitarianism.  A speedy read with very short chapters that make it so easy to keep reading just one more chapter.  McMann has become one of my favourite YA authors, though this series is MG, and I'm excited for the next volume coming out this fall and have the first in her new series ready to read next.