10 Best Books Like The Unwanteds

If you loved The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann, here are the most similar books our readers recommend.

The Unwanteds cover
Fantasy4.62012416 pages

In the dystopian society of Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted annually—the intellectual "Wanteds" go to university while the creative "Unwanteds" are supposedly sent to die. When artistic Alex is separated from his twin brother Aaron and sent to his expected death, he discovers instead a secret magical world called Artime where creativity becomes powerful magic. But when the hidden sanctuary faces destruction, Alex must prepare for an ultimate battle that will pit brother against brother.

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Detailed Recommendations

Quick Comparison: Books Like The Unwanteds

BookAuthorRatingYearPagesBest For
Map of Flames (The Forgotten Five)📚 Series starterLisa McMann4.62022384Same author
The City of EmberJeanne DuPrau4.62004270Similar vibes
The School for Good and Evil📚 Series starterSoman Chainani4.02013488Start a new series
Fablehaven📚 Series starterBrandon Mull4.72026384Start a new series
The Son of Neptune: The Graphic NovelRick Riordan02017Similar vibes
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of DarknessAndrew Peterson4.72020285Similar vibes
Half Upon a TimeJames Riley4.62010401Similar vibes
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief📚 Series starterRick Riordan4.72013400Start a new series
The Red Pyramid📚 Series starterRick Riordan4.72010516Start a new series
The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire)📚 Series starterTui T. Sutherland4.72012336Start a new series

Authors Who Write Like Lisa McMann

If you enjoy Lisa McMann's writing style, explore these similar authors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What books are most similar to The Unwanteds?

The most similar books to The Unwanteds are Map of Flames (The Forgotten Five), The City of Ember, The School for Good and Evil.

What should I read after The Unwanteds?

After finishing The Unwanteds, readers most commonly pick up Map of Flames (The Forgotten Five) next. Alternatively, you might enjoy more books by Lisa McMann, such as Map of Flames (The Forgotten Five).

Who writes books like Lisa McMann?

Authors similar to Lisa McMann include Brandon Mull, Soman Chainani.

What genre is The Unwanteds?

The Unwanteds is a Fantasy novel by Lisa McMann, published in 2012.

How long is The Unwanteds?

The Unwanteds is 416 pages long.

About The Unwanteds

A riveting middlegrade dystopian novel from New York Times bestselling Wake author Lisa McMann that Kirkus Reviews calls “The Hunger Games meets Harry Potter.” 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.