Tag Archives: unwind
Unbound
Juvenile Fiction
Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
December 15, 2015
320
Find out what happens to Connor, Risa, and Lev now that they’ve finally destroyed the Proactive Citizenry in this collection of short stories set in the world of the New York Times bestselling Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman. Connor Lassiter’s fight to bring down Proactive Citizenry and find a suitable alternative to unwinding concluded in UnDivided. Now Connor, Risa, and Lev are free to live in a peaceful future—or are they? Neal Shusterman brings back his beloved Unwind characters for his fans to see what’s left for those who were destined to be unwound.
Review:
I’m going to keep my review of “Unbound” short and sweet, as I don’t want to give away who has their own individual stories to those who are fans of the excellent “Unwind” dystology. If you aren’t a fan or haven’t read them, what are you doing here? Shoo. Go read them and then come back. Otherwise you won’t appreciate, much less understand, anything about this book.
Highly recommended for fans of the “Unwind” series. You won’t be disappointed.
This review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Disturbing Imagery
UnSouled
UnWind Dystology, Book 3
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
2014-10-14
432
After the destruction of the Graveyard, Connor and Lev are on the run, seeking a woman who may be the key to bringing down unwinding forever while Cam, the rewound boy, tries to prove his love for Risa by bringing Proactive Citizenry to its knees.
Review:
“UnSouled”, the third book in the brilliant Unwind Dystology by Neal Shusterman, is the best in the series thus far. It takes the existentialist themes to an entirely new level.
It’s difficult to review “UnSouled” without giving away major plot developments, so please excuse the generalities found in this review.
There are many difficult questions that can make the reader uneasy, as they should, because there are no real answers. What is a soul? Can only God create it? What control do we have over what makes us who we are? All of these questions are presented so well, with arguments from different points of view, that I believe “UnSouled” should be taught in upper level english classes as the perfect example of existentialism.
The plot is engaging, and it flows perfectly from the previous book, “UnDivided”. Nothing seems forced and the progression of society seems natural. Character development is deep and well-executed. The issue of human rights, and to what degree should society interfere with those rights with criminals, adds another dimension to an already excellent book.
I recommend “UnSouled” for all readers who like books that aren’t afraid to make them uncomfortable. It’s wonderful and definitely worth the ride.
Content Warning:
Violence, Language, Sexual Situations, Disturbing Imagery
Unwholly
Unwind Dystology, Book 2
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
2013-10-15
402
"Thanks to Connor, Lev, and Risa, and their high-profile revolt at Happy Jack Harvest Camp, people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of troublesome teens and, in the same stroke, providing much-needed tissues for transplant might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests that want to see it not only continue, but expand, allowing the unwinding of prisoners and the impoverished. Cam is a teen who does not exist. He is made entirely out of the parts of other unwinds. Cam, a 21st century Frankenstein, struggles with a search for identity and meaning, as well as the concept of his own soul, if indeed a rewound being can have one. When a sadistic bounty hunter who takes "trophies" from the unwinds he captures starts to pursue Connor, Risa and Lev, Cam finds his fate inextricably bound with theirs"--
Review:
Mr. Shusterman accomplished something with “Unwholly” that I would have thought impossible: He not only improved upon “Unwind”; he made the entire idea of unwinding even more disturbing.
My humble words can never appropriately describe the genius that is the “Unwind” dystopia. The progression from the first book to the second is so natural that it is easy to imagine it actually happening in this country, and the facts added by the author send shivers down my spine. They provide excellent talking points about how reality can be scarier than fictions and how the decisions made by us today can have the type of lasting impact that could lead to these types of laws.
Additionally, the “ads” and “political advertisements” sprinkled throughout “Unwholly” are brilliantly worded and well-placed. They show the progression of thoughts and corporate greed, as well as the use of propaganda to sway the opinions of the population. They are terrifying because we see and hear messages worded the same way every day. None of it is as far-fetched as the reader would like it to be, and Mr. Shusterman is relentless in keeping us from feeling secure in our own worlds and beliefs.
Without getting too spoilery, I have to say that “Unwholly” made me completely reassess my own religious and moral beliefs on certain issues. What makes one human? What is a soul? Cam puts those questions, and more, right into the face of anyone who seems to think they know the answers, and does so in a way that can keep a person up at night.
I could go on about the character development (exceptional), writing (exemplary), the attention to detail (minute), and more, but all it really comes down to is that the only way to appreciate how profound this entire series is is to pick it up and read it for yourself.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Sexual Situations
Unwind
Unwind Dystology, Book 1
Juvenile Fiction
Simon and Schuster
2009-06-02
352
In a future world where those between the ages of thirteen and eighteen can have their lives "unwound" and their body parts harvested for use by others, three teens go to extreme lengths to survive until they turn eighteen.
Review:
To be honest, I am not sure how to put into words just how profound this book is. While meant for young adults, I think it presents issues that people of any age should take the time to consider carefully. It made me rethink many of the views I had that I assumed were firm.
The way the plot evolves is nothing short of amazing. All three of the main characters are well-developed and come together in a way which is completely plausible. Their backstories make them feel like real people whose wellbeing is a real concern. They also are not presented as perfect, or completely imperfect, individuals. Each is given a complex set of strengths and weaknesses. The same can be said with all of the secondary characters. The entire world is brought to life through the vast amount of personalities and intertwining lives.
The author’s writing is superb. The sentences are structured perfectly to be able to flow smoothly as well as make perfect sense to less advanced readers without losing the gravity of the subject matter.
Be warned: There is one particular scene in this book that is far more frightening than even the likes of Stephen King has written. It still gives me the shivers and makes me feel a bit nauseous, and I have a fondness for scary things. That being said, it is in no way gratuitous, and was a very necessary part of the plot. If you have a younger reader, be prepared to answer questions.
I love this book enough to give it the rare five stars. If the rest of his work is like this one, the author will be guaranteed a fan for life in me.
Content Warning:
Language, Violence, Disturbing Imagery, Brief Sexual Situations
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