Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Published: November 6, 2007 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Series: #1 (Unwind Dystology)
Length: 335 pages
Source: bought (at Barnes & Noble)
“Connor, Risa, and Lev are running for their lives.
The Second Civil War was fought over reproductive rights. The chilling resolution: Life is inviolable from the moment of conception until age thirteen. Between the ages of thirteen and eighteen, however, parents can have their child “unwound,” whereby all of the child’s organs are transplanted into different donors, so life doesn’t technically end. Connor is too difficult for his parents to control. Risa, a ward of the state is not enough to be kept alive. And Lev is a tithe, a child conceived and raised to be unwound. Together, they may have a chance to escape and to survive.“
I loved everything about this book! The writing style was really good; you’re able to feel the creepiness and spookiness. It’s told in 3rd person, but you’re still able to connect with the characters. This book switches point of views several times, BUT the transformation of different perspective transitioned SO WELL! It was very smooth and flawless. I also love how original the story is. Between the age of 13-18, you’ll have a chance (unfortunately) to be unwinded, meaning, the doctors will take your organs and other body parts and save them until someone needs a transplant.
There are 3 protagonists in this book: Connor, Risa and Lev. I freaking loved them! I love how there was a lot of character development and you could really see how the characters matured. The characters share their stories of how they ended up being signed up to be unwind and it was really sad! There are a lot of characters in this book but you won’t get them mixed up because they have different personalities, talents, and their own voice.
The world building is spectacular as well! There are SO MANY TWISTS in this book. It’s crazy (in a good way). I was kind of confused a bit with the “clappers” but then at the end I understood who they were. I also LOVE how there was barely any romance. YES! Honestly, I’m tired with romances in almost every young adult book. Like, not all teens have relationships. I highly recommend this book to everyone! I can’t wait to read the sequel, Unwholly, and more of Neal Shusterman’s books! If you love scary, fast-paced stories, then this is definitely for you.
