UnBound: Stories from the Unwind World (Unwind Dystology)

This series was for young adults - I am more mature (ok a "senior" ) and I loved it - read all five plus the novella - would highly recommend it and for any age. Will read more from this author

Let's start with the obvious: this is not another adventure with the Akron AWOL and his friends. And that's a great thing. The Unwind world is one that's very rich and multifaceted, and the best thing about this book is that it explores many of the minor characters who didn't get a lot of face time in the first novels. I loved getting a chance to see the motivations of some of the different characters and get a glimpse inside their heads, as well as finding out more about the illegal unwinding operations in Burma. I loved that we got to find out more about Roland's childhood, and frankly would've read an entire book just about that. I found the last story to be the best, and the most chilling, and I can't say anymore about it for risk of spoiling anyone, but seriously, it's worth the price of the book just for the last story. Which, coincidentally, sets the stage for another sequel. Fingers crossed!

It's been a few years since I read the UNWIND Dystology by Neal Shusterman, but I really enjoyed the world he created so much that I had to buy Unbound when it came out. And if you haven't read the series, then I'd suggest you not continue with reading this review as there are spoilers (from the series, not this collection) involved. This is a collection of short stories set in the world of UNWIND. Some of them include characters from the books themselves and some are entirely new characters. Perhaps most interestingly, some of the short stories are set before, during, and after the events described in the series. I particularly enjoyed the prequel story, UnSchooled which gave insight into the making of the Juvey-cop turned parts pirate character of J.T. Nelson. Another favorite short was Unfinished Symphony which gave a glimpse into the events that led to Risa Ward's unwind order. UnDevoured was a little bit of a heartbreaker because it really fleshed out the sad life of Roland, the boy with the shark tattoo on his arm. When I first encountered Roland in the series, I really disliked him. He was something of a bully with a temper, as I remember him, but by the series end when readers finally get to experience what being unwound is like from his perspective, I remember being moved to tears as the process continued. So, getting to read this story about his youth added additional perspective and depth to Roland. Unnatural Selection was an interesting story introducing new characters on the other side of the world (Burma/Thailand) that focuses on the Dah Zey. This was a nice way to flesh out the world Shusterman created beyond the confines of America, noting that the practice of unwinding had become a global phenomenon. I didn't really see the point of including UnStrung, considering the story was previously released on it's own, but that's a different sort of criticism. Other stories included in this series that I liked, but weren't particularly impressed by included UnConfirmed (because it was so incredibly short and I wasn't really sure how much it added to the entire collection, given that it's not really driven by action on it's own--it focused on suggestive theoretical locations on where Connor and Risa may be now) and UnTithed (because I thought the storyline itself was fairly predictable and not altogether as interesting as some of the others). Overall, though, I think the short story collection accomplishes a lot since it allows the reader to see some of what's happened before the Unwind Dystology events and even see what happens to some of the characters after they exit the main story. In particular, the story called Rewinds, which focuses on Camus Camprix and other rewinds he's in charge of, provided an additional epilogue of sorts for some of the characters we came to feel for within the Unwind world and I think it's worthwhile reading for people who really enjoyed the UNWIND series. I would've been satisfied if the short stories ended with that one, but I didn't mind reading on to see what's become of Skinner in the final story, either. A word to the wise, though: if it's been a while since you last read the series, at least refresh your memory on who's who because I'm sure some of these stories would have a greater impact on me had I remembered everyone!

Would not have guessed as to how this part of the story would end. Interesting to say the least . Read the series if you like this type of story, see where it goes.

I love the unwind series so much, and to fulfill my addiction, of course I had to buy this book! It was amazing, and if anyone is having doubts about it because it’s just a bunch of short unwind stories, just buy it! It’s awesome!

If you loved the Unwind dystology, this collection of short stories won't disappoint. The first few stories are prequels to or during the events of the series and the last set are the epilogue we didn't get at the end of Undivided. Each story follows a character from the dystology, some minor and some major, and introduces a few more. My personal favorites are the stories of Miracolina's activities saving AWOLs and the new whollies we meet running from their unwinding in Thailand. The only major characters to This is slightly disappointing since the description promises more from them, but there is just enough information to satisfy the desire to know they are alive and happy while leaving a little mystery. Perhaps that is just enough to leave room for a true sequel in the future.

Finding books for our almost 16 year old daughter, that she truly enjoys, can be sometimes a bit of a challenge. We decided to give this series a try and she absolutely LOVES them! She got through the first book in 2 days and then begged us to buy the others.

The stories were good and everything but I was quite disappointed in the long run. We got to hear nothing from Connor, Risa, or Lev. All we know is that Connor and Risa were nearly assassinated and have gone into anonymity. As well as the fact unwinding did stop in America because they testified to congress. I'm sorry but that just doesn't do it for most of us. I will admit it was good to meet some new characters and see it from many different sides as well as older characters but that's about all this book has going for it. If the authors are reading this I really would insist that you write a 6th book. Because there were some ends that were left open that could provide that possibility to continue it especially at the end when it seems that Argent and Divan could run into them... I implore you to take advantage of that so that it won't completely let the fans down and better complete the story. You also have the option of doing what JK Rowling did and just tell us what happened that we didn't get to hear about. Answer this if you can...do Connor and Risa get married? Simple but that would be nice to know.

Perfect series for my teenage son, he loved it

A great selection of short stories featuring events that happened before, during and after those in the Unwind series, with some new characters and new locations, touched upon in the previous books. Highly recommend for fans of the series!

ABSOLUT EMPFEHLENSWERT! #Breathtaking war das Wort, was mir immer wieder durch den Kopf ging während des Lesens! Dieses Buch steht der Buchreihe "Vollendet" (im englischen als "Unwind Series" bekannt) in absolut nichts nach! Die Geschichten sind einfach nur Gänsehaut pur! Ich bin so froh, um jede weitere Geschichte und jedes weitere Detail zur Geschichte! Ahhhhh! Einfach nur großartig! Ich habe zeitweise wortwörtlich geheult, mehr als einmal geschrien und immer wieder dieses mulmige, schockierende Gefühl bekommen, dass ich bei Neal Shusterman so abgrundtief liebe! Wer #Vollendet liebt, wird auch dieses Büchlein lieben! 💕

Good books but paper cover feels pretty cheap. I protected it with transparent tape and there you go!

Love this series