Yeah, I'm just joshing about the "dystology" terminology. I've always wondered what to call a four-book dystopian series. Really! Or maybe dystology only applies when a planned sequel morphs into three additional books over and above the first one??
Anyway, enough of that ....
I really enjoyed UnSouled, the third in the Unwind DYSTOLOGY by Neal Shusterman. And I was glad I did. I had adored the first book despite thinking it's really not suitable for a YA audience. Forget Hunger Games. Unwind will REALLY give your kids nightmares. But then I was so-so about the second book, UnWholly. And I have to admit I never read the mini-story UnStrung although I'm sure I'll get around to it sometime. It's been a while since I read UnWholly but it just didn't stay with me the same way UnWind did. I think it's because too much of that book focused on the development of new character, the "rewind" Camus Comprix (Cam). While he's undoubtedly an intriguing character and he plays an essential role in book 3, I felt that book 2 was bogged down with a focus on who and what he is (and isn't). In my view, Shusterman effectively redeemed himself in book 3 by focusing back on the main characters from the first book, while still giving enough space to develop Cam's storyline and to introduce some new characters who were also very engaging. I also liked the way there was more reference in UnSouled to the time before the current political mess of the storyworld, further explaining how things came to be as they are.
Yes, as with book 2, UnSouled ends on a bit of a cliffhanger or at least ends with the characters repositioning for the action of the next book. But that didn't bother me so much. I felt that all the characters grew and developed and the plot thickened nicely. I was neither overwhelmed with information nor bored by lack of pacing - and that was kind of how I felt about book 2. I have to admit I tore through UnSouled in a day (admittedly it WAS a Sunday so I didn't have to work!) I had been planning just to read a few chapters to see how I liked it, but then I couldn't put it down. Definitely a good read, but I still question whether this series is YA or adult. And you have to LOVE the creepy cover design. My two year old keeps pointing at it and saying "babies!" If only she new the horrible truth of this dystopia ... or maybe not.
Anyway, enough of that ....
I really enjoyed UnSouled, the third in the Unwind DYSTOLOGY by Neal Shusterman. And I was glad I did. I had adored the first book despite thinking it's really not suitable for a YA audience. Forget Hunger Games. Unwind will REALLY give your kids nightmares. But then I was so-so about the second book, UnWholly. And I have to admit I never read the mini-story UnStrung although I'm sure I'll get around to it sometime. It's been a while since I read UnWholly but it just didn't stay with me the same way UnWind did. I think it's because too much of that book focused on the development of new character, the "rewind" Camus Comprix (Cam). While he's undoubtedly an intriguing character and he plays an essential role in book 3, I felt that book 2 was bogged down with a focus on who and what he is (and isn't). In my view, Shusterman effectively redeemed himself in book 3 by focusing back on the main characters from the first book, while still giving enough space to develop Cam's storyline and to introduce some new characters who were also very engaging. I also liked the way there was more reference in UnSouled to the time before the current political mess of the storyworld, further explaining how things came to be as they are.
Yes, as with book 2, UnSouled ends on a bit of a cliffhanger or at least ends with the characters repositioning for the action of the next book. But that didn't bother me so much. I felt that all the characters grew and developed and the plot thickened nicely. I was neither overwhelmed with information nor bored by lack of pacing - and that was kind of how I felt about book 2. I have to admit I tore through UnSouled in a day (admittedly it WAS a Sunday so I didn't have to work!) I had been planning just to read a few chapters to see how I liked it, but then I couldn't put it down. Definitely a good read, but I still question whether this series is YA or adult. And you have to LOVE the creepy cover design. My two year old keeps pointing at it and saying "babies!" If only she new the horrible truth of this dystopia ... or maybe not.
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