Waiting on Wednesday (29)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine. This meme spotlights upcoming releases that I'm eagerly anticipating.

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The Unwanteds

by Lisa McMann

Expected Publication: August 30, 2011

Synopsis from Goodreads:

Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths.

Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, however, Alex discovers a stunning secret—behind the mirage of the "death farm" there is instead a place called Artime.

In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it's a wondrous transformation.

But it's a rare, unique occurence for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises for the survival of Artime that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle.

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Kirkus Reviews describes this book as "The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter" which is displayed prominently in the book's official Simon and Schuster page. I think it is really a bad way to market something since readers would, from the get-go, look for similarities and always compare it with said books. So, yes.

However, despite making that observation, I WOULD READ THE BOOK. Just reading the summary made me go: "I want this!" and reading the first chapter helped me cement that statement. 

[Read the first chapter here.]