Island of Silence, Lisa McMann - a review

In the second volume of this incredible dystopian young adult series, we find the story picking up right after the battle of good vs. evil has raged. Airtime has defeated the Quillens and the two tribes are struggling through an unsteady truce. Since the Quillens placed these Unwanteds in Airtime thinking they were condemning them to death, it takes a little adjustment to realize that not only are they alive but are great at magic spells, and just defeated them in battle.

Airtime is run by mage Mr. Today, whose evil twin sister was killed, as leader of Quill. Now his young prodigy, Unwanted Alex Stowe, has to face a similar destiny. His Wanted twin brother Aaron has devised a way to recruit a team of those unhappy with the turn of events since the battle who are seeking revenge. By controlling his team with food supply and managing to use a little of the magic back on those that conjured it up in the first place, he has found a way to weave his dastardly deeds on the unsuspecting inhabitants of Airtime.

Spies abound on both sides, the newly appointed high priest has been taken prisoner, but these are all unknown to Mr. Today, who decided that after the troubling times, he should take a few days of vacation and leave Alex in charge. While he is in charge, the worst possible circumstances happen. Three of Alex’s best friends sail to a neighboring isle and are taken captive, the whole of Airtime mysteriously disappears with all the buildings and magically created creatures disintegrating, and Mr. Today appears to be dead. It just couldn’t get any worse, or could it?

Alex has to turn to two shipwrecked creatures from the island where his friends are being held for help and McMann leaves us twisting in the wind as a new spell left for Alex by Mr. Today is discovered. Hope shines its smiley face on the troubled times in Airtime. I have it on good authority—the author herself—that book number three is in the editing process as we speak, which is a good thing as I can’t live without finding out how our heroes get out of this one. They do, don’t they? Hey Lisa!