Just as the previous main novel in the Unwind Dystology slowed down, UnDivided speeds back up, zooming towards a very satisfying conclusion. However, it does not go so fast that you can’t follow what is happening, especially with how much does happen and how many perspectives the series (and this book in particular) goes through. It transitions enough to keep the reader entertained and wondering what will happen, as well as telling the story using the best perspectives in mind for what the scene requires. What’s also very nice is that we get to spend more time with newer characters.
One of my favorites of these is Hayden. Not a lot of action happens in his chapters, as he’s more tech-inclined, but as his story connects with Starkey’s, it plays a big part in ending a lot of the violence that had been happening (both off-screen and out) in the world of Unwind. Also, since Hayden still does his podcast and discusses current events in the said podcast, we get to learn about happenings outside of Hayden, even when we’re with him. I like just really enjoy his character as a whole. I really enjoy his intelligence, which includes his subtle snarkiness, and I like that he’s trying to fight what’s happening with words and not violence. It’s a nice difference compared to the other characters who, although they might not condone it because of their place in the narrative, are more involved in the action-oriented aspects of the story. However, something that I like that is different about this series as a whole, and especially in this book, is that, where a lot of series targeted at teens would have more action scenes, this one tends to lean more towards the psychological, and (with very nice set up for a novel) some body horror.
I don’t want to go into the body horror because it is a major spoiler, but the psychological aspect of the book is more widespread, so I can talk about it without spoiling anything. Like the rest of the series, it makes the reader think about life and death, and when they think when life begins, but it also really lets the reader contemplate what they would do in a similar political situation, where their choice can make a positive difference in society, and whether they have the courage to make that choice. Along with this, this book does a great job of discussing how even though I may not directly affect you, there are other issues going on in the world, and whether they connect with yours or not, you may be able to do something about it, whether big or small. Another thing that is awesome is that it’s not just the story that discusses this theme but the characters as well.
While Hayden is an excellent example of doing something small to try and change the world for the better, and of course, the main characters do significant things, whether unintentionally or not or willingly or not, but other characters do the same. For instance, Sania, who, with her husband, was trying to help unwinds and end unwinding since it began. You have Cam, who, because of the unique way he came into being, and his position, does his part to take down the organization that started unwinding at the first place. However, my personal favorite is Grace, who, though she was only introduced in the previous book, is one of my favorite minor characters. I love that she’s just doing what she’s doing because it’s the right thing, but it also benefits her in the long run. I love that many characters look down on her, but she does what she wants and needs to anyway, and I love her interactions with other characters, especially Sania.
There are things I’d like to mention, but I don’t want to spoil them. Even so, there is one more thing I want to talk about with this book: I love how unnamed characters are used. Let me explain. Throughout the series, there have been small chapters or parts of chapters that follow characters that go unnamed. These are normal everyday citizens that are there to give us a glimpse into the minds of the public, and how the world is changing, especially when it’s happening very fast. I love the way Neal uses them. There are so many little moments from these chapters that I still remember, even before rereading the book for this review. I was just amazed how much impact these types of chapters had on the story, even without names. Very well done.
I think this is a great conclusion to the series. I really appreciate the difference between all of the books. It keeps the series interesting but connected at the same time. I also really like the variety of characters and their perspectives on the world and how, in their own ways, they’re moving the story along, even if they seem small at first. I appreciate how the series discusses real-world issues and how it shows the pros and cons of each. It’s a nice contrast to the solid yes or no answer to the sci-fi aspect of the story: whether that’s good or bad. It makes for good world-building but also gives you something to ponder once you’ve ended the main story. It also leaves the world open for more stories to be written, both for fans, as well as for himself. Very smart decision.
