January 1, 2016
Gr 7 Up- UnDivided (S. & S., 2014), the last book in the "Unwind" dystology, ended on a hopeful note but with plenty of loose ends. This short story collection ties together a few threads, but instead of continuing the plot in a straightforward way, these shorter tales fill in answers about the past as well as the future. One entry focuses on Risa's past in the state home. Another work shows Roland's childhood, where his insecurity and temper began to take root. The most touching is the tale that describes Lev's first time on the Arapache Reservation, when he befriended the Tashi'ne family and Wil particularly, only to have Wil sacrifice himself to save Lev and the reservation's youngsters from parts pirates. Shusterman has skillfully woven these and other stories together to provide a clear picture of the current situation in the Unwind world. While the stories are interesting on their own, this book will mainly appeal to those who have read the previous volumes and can fully appreciate the references, people, and situations mentioned. For fans of the series, this one will be hard to put down. VERDICT A necessity where the "Unwind" dystology is popular, these stories are every bit as engaging and will leave readers satisfied but still hoping for more.-Kelly Jo Lasher, Middle Township High School, Cape May Court House, NJ
Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
November 15, 2015
The Unwind world is thoroughly explored in this companion piece. If Shusterman's Unwind (2007), UnWholly (2012), UnSouled (2013), and UnDivided (2014) weren't enough for you, you're in luck. This tome holds 10 short stories set within the author's dystopian series, fleshing out the nooks and crannies in exhaustive detail. Shusterman is joined by the likes of Terry Black, Michelle Knowlden, and others as co-authors to pad out his universe, supplying fans with new characters and different perspectives on a future in which troublesome teens are "unwound" by the government and the Heartland War has ravaged America. While this may be thrilling to fans, newcomers may not be so engaged. The stories are all written with an urgent pace and bittersweet tone, which makes them run together a bit by the end. Luckily readers can pick and choose and read at their leisure, as the stories are barely interconnected. The company's writing is up to snuff, but the major events described occur off-page, in the main series, making this little more than a glimpse for the uninitiated. The book avoids the trap most companion pieces fall into: this isn't strictly a "for fans only" affair, working as an introduction to the Unwind world, but only barely. It serves much better as a piece read after the major series has been devoured. A competently produced set of stories that will send fans over the moon and swiftly intrigue newcomers. (Dystopia. 12-16)
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