I thought UnWholly was great, even better than Unwind, as it picks up where the first book left off and builds the dystopian world, characters, and conflict in a consistent and fascinating way. The ending of the second installation very obviously sets the stage for UnSouled, the final book in the trilogy. Why always a trilogy with these middle grades & young adult series?
The three main characters, Connor, Risa and Lev, all survived the first book, and continue to grow through their many trials. We're also introduced to a handful of new characters, including a storked AWOL, another escaped tithe, and a boy made entirely from parts of unwound teens. We find out a lot more about how unwinding came to be the solution to the a war over reproductive rights, and who really stands to benefit. I love how Shusterman prefaces each section with excerpts from actual news articles, blogs, etc., that show how possible his dystopian vision actually is.
I just have one bone to pick with Mr. Shusterman. Several characters repeatedly reflect on how the world is not black and white, people are not entirely good or evil, and these reflections tend to center around our protagonists, the ones that we're supposed to see as being mostly good. However, the antagonists (Starkey, Nelson, Roberta, etc.) are purely evil. We're given the slightest glimpse (at least in the case of the first two) of why they are the way they are, but not really, nothing to justify the horrible things they do. So although Shusterman pays lip-service to the whole yin-yang concept, he's not actually illustrating it for his YA audience. On the other hand, his antagonists are so fun to hate.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Shusterman ends this ride. UnSouled comes out in October!
The three main characters, Connor, Risa and Lev, all survived the first book, and continue to grow through their many trials. We're also introduced to a handful of new characters, including a storked AWOL, another escaped tithe, and a boy made entirely from parts of unwound teens. We find out a lot more about how unwinding came to be the solution to the a war over reproductive rights, and who really stands to benefit. I love how Shusterman prefaces each section with excerpts from actual news articles, blogs, etc., that show how possible his dystopian vision actually is.
I just have one bone to pick with Mr. Shusterman. Several characters repeatedly reflect on how the world is not black and white, people are not entirely good or evil, and these reflections tend to center around our protagonists, the ones that we're supposed to see as being mostly good. However, the antagonists (Starkey, Nelson, Roberta, etc.) are purely evil. We're given the slightest glimpse (at least in the case of the first two) of why they are the way they are, but not really, nothing to justify the horrible things they do. So although Shusterman pays lip-service to the whole yin-yang concept, he's not actually illustrating it for his YA audience. On the other hand, his antagonists are so fun to hate.
I'm looking forward to seeing how Shusterman ends this ride. UnSouled comes out in October!
Futuristic/Dystopian teen fiction by Neal Shusterman, sequel to Unwind. After the events in the first book, Connor is now running the AWOL sanctuary, The Graveyard. Risa is there, also, working as the primary medic. Lev is living with his brother, under house arrest.
Lots of things happening. There is tension between Connor and Risa, and there is sort of a rebel movement among the undwinds in the Graveyard. And, the Clappers movement is unhappy with Lev. Through the course of events, Risa meets someone who should not exist, but does.
There is so much I could say, but its better, if you just read the book yourself. I am now anxiously waiting for the sequel to come out. Makes you wonder, if something like this could really happen. Food for thought. Both Unwind and Unwholly are worth your time and credits.
Lots of things happening. There is tension between Connor and Risa, and there is sort of a rebel movement among the undwinds in the Graveyard. And, the Clappers movement is unhappy with Lev. Through the course of events, Risa meets someone who should not exist, but does.
There is so much I could say, but its better, if you just read the book yourself. I am now anxiously waiting for the sequel to come out. Makes you wonder, if something like this could really happen. Food for thought. Both Unwind and Unwholly are worth your time and credits.
I love this series! This 2nd book brings in some new characters (good, bad, and questionable) along with the characters we rooted for in the first book. While this kept me "wound up"-pardon the pun-it was not as disturbing as the first though still a frightening read. I can't wait for the next!
totally in love with this book. half way through on first day of reading it, cant put it down !
Plenty of subplots happen in this sequel and if you get involved with the plight of the AWOL's at the graveyard, you'll be turning pages quickly to find out what happens next in the last third of the book.
Shusterman does a terrific job of including a very brief reminder about events or characters from the first book "Unwind" that re-appear in "Unwholly".
Shusterman does a terrific job of including a very brief reminder about events or characters from the first book "Unwind" that re-appear in "Unwholly".
I am looking forward to reading book 3!
