The Unwanteds Quests DRAGON CAPTIVES by: Lisa McMann

Lisa McMann continues the adventures of the land of Artime in her new series The Unwanteds Quests Dragon Captives.  Thisbe and Fifer, twin younger sisters of Alex, are now 12 and are looking for adventures of their own.  They have grown up in Artime hearing about their brother's adventures that have shaped the world in which they now live.  Alex has tried to keep them from learning too much magic because he sees such natural magical abilities in his sisters he is worried they have more power than they know what to do with.

When one young dragon returns to Artime stating that the other dragons are being held prisoners and used as slaves the girls want to help.  Alex, who has had life changing injuries, isn't sure that help is available.  Alex decides that the dragons need new bigger wings and he is able to make some but how to get to Dragon Island is the problem.  The twins, along with their friend Seth, set out one night to help the captured dragons.  They are able to fly to Dragon Island by riding on the back of the dragon and once they arrive at the island they are also captured.  They believe they have found friends but that isn't the case.  Now that they are captured can they ever help the dragons or even return back home.  Of course, Alex has discovered that the twins are gone and a rescue party is sent.  However, when the rescue party is also captured the situation really becomes serious.  Will anyone make it back to Artime?

I loved this story and I'm excited for the next book.  These characters feel like family to me and I look forward to more exciting adventures as the girls continue to grow and learn how to control and use their magic appropriately.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Going Wild by: Lisa McMann

One month from today on September 27, 2016, I high recommend that you go to a bookstore and buy this book!  I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Readers Edition and I know you will enjoy this new book series from author Lisa McMann.  Going Wild is the first of trilogy which will keep you up late at night turning page after page to see what happens next.  This is one exciting adventure.

Charlie and her family move from Chicago Illinois to Navarro Junction Arizona right before the beginning of a new school year.  Charlie isn't sure that this small town will be as much fun as Chicago was because in Chicago she had friends and soccer.  On the day of the move an anonymous package arrives that says "Charlie, you will know what to do".  Charlie just throws the package into the moving van with the rest of her things and doesn't think about it until unpacking a few days later.  When she opens the package she finds a strange looking bracelet.  She wears the bracelet and when she tries out for the school soccer team she is suddenly running VERY fast.  She isn't sure why she was able to run so fast but is thrilled when she makes the team and makes new friends.

One day running into class just a bit late she notices increased strength.  She cannot explain what is happening and she cannot remove the bracelet either.  As she goes through the first few months of  school a few different things begin to happen to her, once when she is angry she accidentally damages a school bathroom!  Her new friends try to help her remove the bracelet and to try to figure out why Charlie has these super powers that seem to be out of control.  Charlie is never sure when the powers will begin to work.  As her friends help her she begins to see the patterns that help her use the bracelet to her advantage.

Her powers are noticed by the wrong people and when a friend is kidnapped she is soon on the chase to rescue him.  As he is rescued a handful of other bracelets are found.  Her friends are excited to see what these other bracelets will do and it looks like Charlie's family is in danger.  Will she be able to help her family?

This is a great story that will keep your interest from the very first page.  There are lots of soccer references as Charlie is a good player with or without the bracelet.  Many of Charlie's school experiences are those that we all face in school.  We are also entertained by comics and superheroes throughout the story.  I am sure all readers grades 4 and up will love this new series. I don't want to give away too much information but after you read this book I would recommend a visit to your local zoo.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Island of Dragons by: Lisa McMann

This is the seventh and final book in Lisa McMann's series THE UNWANTEDS.  I've been anxious to read this book and Island of Dragons did not disappoint me in any way.  If you have not read this series of books, I highly recommend them to you.

Aaron and Alex are together on the island of Artime.  They are bringing together the people of Quill and Artime into one community on the island.  Most of the residents of Quill are happy with the changes but there are a few that want the old Quill back.  Aaron is wanting to return to the island of Shipwrecks where he has found his personal peace and the company of three dear friends.  Alex agrees to take Aaron back but once they are on the island of Shipwrecks word comes that the pirates and the people of Warbler are getting ready to attach Artime.  This will be one huge battle and Alex will need all the help he can get.  Aaron agrees to go back and fight alongside Alex.

The people of Artime are outnumbered and their magic isn't working as good as it usually does.  The pirates really prepared themselves to be protected from the magic.  The creatures of the sea and the dragons come to help Artime but the real heroes will surprise you.

I loved this book, as well as all the previous six in the series.  If you enjoy fantasy and adventure this is the series you need to read.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Island of Graves by: Lisa McMann

Author Lisa McMann has written another great book wither book number 6 of The Unwanteds series, Island of Graves.  This is my favorite current series that is out for middle grade and older readers.

In this book we find Aaron trying to survive with Ishibashi, Ito, and Sato on the Island of Shipwrecks.  Aaron is needing to learn how to be humble and to serve others.  A big change for him, but one that makes him a better person.

Alex is busy preparing the people of Artime to protect themselves from another attack from those still leading the people of Quill.  Alex and friends use spies to find out what is happening in Quill and Alex soon finds himself doing something he never thought he would do.  He is looking for his brother, Aaron, to bring him back to their island to restore peace.  Alex isn't sure Aaron is capable of peace but he goes with Skye to bring Aaron back home.

While traveling to find Aaron, Alex and Skye encounter dangers at every island.  They also discover a sailor who is trapped on an island with giant apes.  Is there time to find Aaron and save this sailor before the new leader of Quill attacks Artime?

Alex also spends time with his baby twin sisters and he finds joy in being their big brother.  Since their parents are no longer alive it is up to Alex to make sure his sisters are brought up correctly.  He hopes that they will never have to experience life as he knew it in Quill as a child.

I cannot express in words how much I enjoy reading this series.  If you love magic and adventure you will love these books too.  

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Video Reviews

Trying something new...  A video of three book reviews.
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10206172161007950&pnref=story  Click on the link to see my reviews of one read aloud and the following chapter books:

Island of Legends by: Lisa McMann

Volume 4 of The Unwanteds series does not disappoint.  Author Lisa McMann in Island of Legends takes us back to Artime and Quill where twins Alex and Aaron are still learning and growing into their roles as leaders.

Alex, as the mage of Artime, is learning to use his magic more efficiently.  He works at creating a new creature and is sure he has failed as the creature seems to die as soon as it comes alive.  However, don't lose your faith in Alex's powers as his new creature will surprise you along with Alex.  Alex gets a few of his friends to go with him to Pirate Island to save Sky's mother.  It is a tricky rescue since this island is a volcano that will sometimes disappear from sight.  Can they rescue her mother before it goes underwater once again?  Alex and his friends meet other sea creatures on this adventure, some nice and some very mean.  They also decide to head out and visit another island, meeting more amazing creatures and making new friends.

Aaron is pleased to be the new High Priest in Quill and wants to get the remaining residents of Quill to see Artime as a threat that must be eliminated.  Aaron discovers a hidden jungle on the island where animals live that Mr. Today had created that didn't really turn out as well as expected.  Aaron pretends to be Alex, gaining the trust of these creatures and he uses one to begin his attack on Artime.  Aaron is also rebuilding his governing board but can he really trust these people?

I loved this book in The Unwanteds series.  I have enjoyed all of the books but this one I couldn't put  down.  I know you will enjoy this book as well as the others in the series.

After reading this book take some time to create some new creatures of your own.  Because that is what an "unwanted" would do.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

I read this book in September of 2012 after meeting the author Lisa McMann at a local bookstore.  Once I read The Unwanteds, it quickly became my new favorite fantasy book.

Alexander and Aaron Stowe are twins who live in the land of Quill.  At the age of 13 the children of Quill are marked as Wanted or Necessary.   Any children that remain after the marking become the Unwanted and are purged from Quill.  Aaron becomes a Wanted but Alexander is purged, sent to what he believes will be his death.  Will the twins ever see each other again?

Alexander and the other Unwanteds board a bus and say goodbye to the life they have always known and head into the unknown. As they exit the bus they have no idea that they are headed to a new land, Artime.  Mr. Today is the leader of the land of Artime and he is unlike anyone Alexander has ever known.  Mr. Today is more like Alexander so he forms a strong friendship with him.  Artime is home to the Unwanteds; those that are free thinkers, those that are artists, and those that are capable of magic.  They learn how to use magic for good while in Artime.  Using some everyday objects in magical ways is just one aspect of the story that kept my interest.  Soon Quill and Artime collide and a war begins.  Who will win?  Will Alexander and Aaron fight together or against each other?  This is just the first in a series of books that are all just as thrilling as the first book.

When you finish reading this book, and the others in the series, use your imagination to find new ways to use everyday objects in your life.

Happy Daily Reading
Deanna

Lisa McMann and me at the release of the second book in the Unwanteds series