How to Read The Unwanteds Series
Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds is a captivating 14-book fantasy saga set in the contrasting lands of Quill and Artimé. Because the narrative follows a tight, continuous timeline with direct character growth, major world-shattering stakes, and evolving magical systems, the series must be read in its chronological publication order. Jumping in midway will lead to massive spoilers and confusion.
The overall journey is divided into two distinct seven-book series: the original The Unwanteds series and its sequel series, The Unwanteds Quests. Below is the recommended reading path to get the best experience from this magical universe.
Phase 1: The Original Series (The Unwanteds)
The original arc spans seven novels published between 2011 and 2016. The story begins in the dystopian land of Quill, where thirteen-year-olds are ruthlessly sorted. Those who show creative or artistic talent are labeled "Unwanteds" and sentenced to death—only to discover that they are secretly rescued and taken to Artimé, a hidden magical paradise where art is used to cast spells. This first phase focuses on the conflict between the twin brothers Alex Stowe (an Unwanted artist) and Aaron Stowe (a loyal, high-ranking Wanted official in Quill).
Read these books in the following order:
- The Unwanteds (2011) – Introduces the gray, authoritarian society of Quill, the secret artistic haven of Artimé, and the rift between twin brothers Alex and Aaron.
- Island of Silence (2012) – The threat of war looms as Quill plots against Artimé, and silent new arrivals bring mysterious challenges to the magical community.
- Island of Fire (2013) – Alex steps into a crucial leadership role to protect Artimé from external threats, and the boundaries of their world begin to expand.
- Island of Legends (2014) – Artimé's young magic-users venture beyond their home to rescue captured friends, encountering mythical creatures and uncharted lands.
- Island of Shipwrecks (2015) – The crew finds themselves stranded on a dangerous, volatile island where they must survive extreme weather and hostile creatures.
- Island of Graves (2015) – The stakes reach an all-time high as the safety of Artimé is compromised, forcing the young protectors to make devastating sacrifices.
- Island of Dragons (2016) – The final battle for the fate of Artimé and Quill concludes this first era, resolving the long-standing conflict between the Stowe twins.
Phase 2: The Sequel Series (The Unwanteds Quests)
Once you finish the first seven books, you can transition directly into the follow-up series, The Unwanteds Quests, published between 2017 and 2021. This sequel series takes place ten years after the events of Island of Dragons.
Instead of Alex and Aaron, the story focuses on their younger twin sisters, Thisbe and Fifer Stowe. Gifted with volatile, incredibly powerful magic, the twins embark on dangerous expeditions beyond the familiar islands to explore the broader, uncharted world. The narrative builds directly on the established lore, bringing back beloved characters as mentors while introducing a fresh generation of magic-users.
Read the sequel books in this order:
- Dragon Captives (2017) – Ten years after the peace, young twins Thisbe and Fifer Stowe struggle to control their dangerous magic while a new threat stirs in the land of Grimm.
- Dragon Bones (2018) – The young protagonists embark on a rescue mission to the continent, discovering ancient secrets and hidden dragon lore.
- Dragon Ghosts (2019) – As alliances are tested, the twins must navigate hauntings, political intrigue, and the growing threat of a tyrannical empire.
- Dragon Curse (2019) – Thisbe faces a dark magical corruption, forcing her friends and family to seek out a legendary cure before time runs out.
- Dragon Fire (2020) – War erupts across the islands, pushing the young magic-users to combine their skills in creative and dangerous ways.
- Dragon Slayers (2020) – The forces of Artimé mount a desperate defense against an army intent on destroying their magical creatures.
- Dragon Fury (2021) – The final, definitive conclusion to the entire 14-book Unwanteds universe, wrapping up the journeys of both generations of the Stowe family.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Artimé, keep these quick tips in mind to maximize your reading enjoyment:
- No Standalones: None of the books in either series are designed to be read as standalone novels. The plot relies heavily on continuous character arcs, ongoing wars, and compounding magical rules. Always start with the very first book.
- No Spin-offs or Novellas: Unlike many modern fantasy series, there are no companion guides, novellas, or holiday short stories to keep track of. The narrative is entirely contained within the 14 core novels, making it incredibly straightforward to follow.
- Age Target and Tone: The series is written for middle-grade readers (ages 8 to 15), but it features a surprising amount of emotional depth, political conflict, and action-packed battle scenes. If you enjoy series like Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, or a younger-targeted The Hunger Games, this will fit perfectly on your shelf.
- Complete Universe: The author, Lisa McMann, has confirmed that Dragon Fury is the final book in the universe. The entire story arc is fully resolved, making it a great choice for readers who want a complete, bingeable fantasy marathon.