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marissa_atherton's review against another edition
4.0
After reading Sanderson books for the past two months...I've got to say that the narrative in this book was disappointing. I do like the story however, and I look forward to continuing the series, as creepy as it is to think that it takes place in a world where people think that unwinding is okay!!
madlovenovelist's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
The first ten chapters dragged a little for me, but from that point onward the plot twists and action kept my attention until the end. A unique world of justifiable and forced organ donation for children is a fantastic premise and I enjoyed Neal Shusterman’s dystopian landscape.
I was a little torn in regards to the switching points of view between Connor, Risa and Lev; solely because at times it was difficult to discern the difference as the style of writing remained the similar. However, their differing experiences did drive the story forward.
The maturity of the characters felt a little unrealistic at times, especially towards the end their newly formed community. I loved how they addressed element of identity and evidence of a soul, and a person’s essence living on after being unwound.
The only thing stopping me from giving a higher recommendation is the pacing, and I felt Shusterman neglected to take opportunity to explore some of the more darker, controversial elements of the world fully. (Maybe it will be addressed in the following novels in the series?) That, and I’m not a big fan of changing P.O.V’s unless adding credence the storyline and the styles are discernibly different.
But it is definitely a fascinating read. The main cast are uniquely strong and all go through separate journeys, growing in unexpected ways. The character arcs were unexpected, though the overall premise of the book is a little predictable.
The story is compelling and I’d definitely recommend it. I felt a little let down in the build and connection to the main characters with one another – although they became closer in light of their shared experiences, they were dealt with in isolation of each other, and didn’t have me rooting for them as a ‘ship than if some stronger emotion and angst were introduced earlier.
I will definitely be picking up the following book in the series ‘UnWholly’ to continue with Connor, Risa and Lev’s story.
The first ten chapters dragged a little for me, but from that point onward the plot twists and action kept my attention until the end. A unique world of justifiable and forced organ donation for children is a fantastic premise and I enjoyed Neal Shusterman’s dystopian landscape.
I was a little torn in regards to the switching points of view between Connor, Risa and Lev; solely because at times it was difficult to discern the difference as the style of writing remained the similar. However, their differing experiences did drive the story forward.
The maturity of the characters felt a little unrealistic at times, especially towards the end their newly formed community. I loved how they addressed element of identity and evidence of a soul, and a person’s essence living on after being unwound.
The only thing stopping me from giving a higher recommendation is the pacing, and I felt Shusterman neglected to take opportunity to explore some of the more darker, controversial elements of the world fully. (Maybe it will be addressed in the following novels in the series?) That, and I’m not a big fan of changing P.O.V’s unless adding credence the storyline and the styles are discernibly different.
But it is definitely a fascinating read. The main cast are uniquely strong and all go through separate journeys, growing in unexpected ways. The character arcs were unexpected, though the overall premise of the book is a little predictable.
The story is compelling and I’d definitely recommend it. I felt a little let down in the build and connection to the main characters with one another – although they became closer in light of their shared experiences, they were dealt with in isolation of each other, and didn’t have me rooting for them as a ‘ship than if some stronger emotion and angst were introduced earlier.
I will definitely be picking up the following book in the series ‘UnWholly’ to continue with Connor, Risa and Lev’s story.
tiffanyskidmore's review against another edition
4.0
4.5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anytime I'm audibly making noises or talking out loud to a book, I'm way diggin it. That was the case with this book. I drove my travel buddy nuts with all the gasps, groans, chuckles, and commentary.
mgclayton's review against another edition
4.0
Yes! Shuster & Shuster bills this text for ages 13+, I'd say 6th graders are capable, but older readers will get more out of it. LOVE that it's a YA that's overtly political (abortion, organ transplants...) and brings in religion (when do humans develop souls, does your God believe in sacrifice or human rights...). It's thought-provoking, fast-paced, and well-written in that the narration by multiple characters all sounds authentic to their voice/unique from their peers and the introduction to the world comes with its own vocabulary (unwinding, tithes, storking, umber, etc.). Ending is not as predictable as it is in many books in the genre.
Good as a standalone novel. Don't know much about it as start of a series (it's #1 of 4 in the Unwind Dystology). Definitely keeping for middle school classroom library.
Good as a standalone novel. Don't know much about it as start of a series (it's #1 of 4 in the Unwind Dystology). Definitely keeping for middle school classroom library.
mataraven's review against another edition
5.0
Really 4.5 stars. I think this is a very strong book and can't wait to read the rest of the series. The inclusion of the chapter of someone being unwound was a brilliant move. I did not like the character in question, yet I was nearly moved to tears. It was a neatly wrapped up story so I wonder what the sequel holds?
starrynews's review against another edition
4.0
Creepy in the manner of 1984 - Shusterman takes a look at where the Pro-Life/Pro-Choice debate could potentially go in the future. The scary part, like in 1984, is that the author clearly shows that, based on what is going on today, this is a possible and frightening "extreme" version of what could happen. Essentially, in the novel, the two sides have gone into complete civil war over the issue, and in a last-ditch effort to bring common sense back, the government tries to present them with an idea so ludicrous that they will realize that they are taking it too far. The idea? Life is defined as beginning with conception, and no harm can be committed against children through the age of 13. But from their 13th birthday until they reach the age of adulthood at 18, they can be "retroactively aborted" if the parents both sign an Unwinding Order. Retroactive abortion is legal because the children are not actually "killed" - they are just moved to live in a "divided state"... in other words, ALL of their body parts are removed to be used for organ donation, and as long as 99.444% of the organs are used (to allow for the fact that no one needs an appendix), they are still "alive," and thus in line with the law. The novel follows three teens who have been assigned to be "Unwound," one because his parents think his a troublemaker, one because she is in state care and they don't have enough room for all of the kids (since no abortions can be done, and Storking -- leaving your child anywhere as long as you don't get caught-- is legal), and one who is the 10th child in a religious family that takes the line in the Bible seriously where it says you must tithe 10% of all you have to better society. By far the most disturbing thing about it, to me, was that an actual unwinding was described. It was absolutely horrible - even though it was only a page or two long, I didn't think I could finish reading it. This is a gripping and disturbing novel that is deeply thought-provoking and compelling.
czai's review against another edition
5.0
10/22/20 reread: still absolutelt love this. MUST READDDDDD!!!
craftymoni's review against another edition
3.0
I'm hanging between 3 and 4 stars with this one. I think the reason I didn't absolutely love the book is I just didn't like the premise. There was something about it that irritated me a little bit and it was sitting there in the back of my head the whole time I read the book. I was also very, very disturbed by the scene of the Unwinding. To the point that it kind of gave me nightmares. It wasn't disturbing in a fun, horror book way, either (Because I do love horror stories). It was just really weird.
Otherwise, it was a good book. It was certainly exciting and thrilling.
Otherwise, it was a good book. It was certainly exciting and thrilling.