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Unwanteds: Island of Silence by Lisa McMann

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Brief synopsis (no spoilers): 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. (Amazon)
Category: YA

Why I chose this book: Second in a series

My personal opinion (the review): After being so pleased with the first book, I was severely let down by this one. I feel like there was still so much to develop with Artime and Quill that the author should not have involved the Island of Silence. And two kids washing up on a raft with a collar of barbed spikes in their necks is just creepy. And even creepier when some of the kids from the story go to that island to see what is going on. I really felt like just about everything that made the first story cool fell apart here. I do plan to read the third one just to give it one more chance, but I don't expect much. 

Warnings
Language: 
Violence: Lots of fighting, but only a few sparse details/intense scenes  
"Adult" situations: 
Death: Some, again most not graphic

Movie rating equivalent: PG-13

Protagonist description: Aaron is driven by anger and revenge. He thinks he is sly, and in some ways he is, but he also isn't able to see that he's getting played by others as well. Alex still wants the world to be happy go lucky, but it isn't and he doesn't know how to deal with it. He wants to learn everything but not have any responsibility. 

Point of view of story: Switches between Alex and Aaron

Book length: Medium (harder to get into/took longer than the first

Story flow: fairly fluid

Grammar and spelling issues: Weird animal names, etc but nothing too distracting

Character connection (no spoilers): None

For series:
Independent or integral: Integral

Series review as a whole: I really loved the first book, but found this one really hard to get into. 

If you only have time for one, read: The first Unwanteds, 

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