One-line Summary:

In “Unspoken,” Sarah Rees Brennan crafts a captivating tale of mystery, romance, and supernatural secrets in a small English town.

The Town of Sorry-in-the-Vale

“Unspoken” takes place in the quaint English town of Sorry-in-the-Vale, where the protagonist, Kami Glass, has always felt a connection with a boy named Jared. However, there’s one catch: Jared is an imaginary friend who only exists in Kami’s mind. Despite this, Kami has built a strong bond with him, sharing her deepest thoughts and secrets.

The Arrival of the Lynburns

Everything changes when the Lynburn family returns to Sorry-in-the-Vale after a long absence. The Lynburns are the town’s founding family and are known for their mysterious and dark reputation. As Kami investigates the Lynburns, she discovers that they have a supernatural connection to the town and its residents. Kami’s imaginary friend, Jared, turns out to be a real person and a member of the Lynburn family.

A Dangerous Alliance

As Kami and Jared’s connection deepens, they uncover a dark secret that has plagued Sorry-in-the-Vale for generations. The town is under the control of a powerful sorcerer who uses his abilities to manipulate and control the residents. Kami and Jared must navigate their complicated relationship and join forces to confront the sorcerer and break free from his influence.

Throughout the story, Brennan weaves a complex web of relationships, secrets, and betrayals. Kami’s friendship with her best friend, Angela, is tested as Angela becomes involved with one of the Lynburns. The dynamics between the Lynburn family members are also explored, revealing their conflicting loyalties and hidden agendas.

As Kami delves deeper into the mysteries of Sorry-in-the-Vale, she uncovers shocking truths about her own family and her connection to the town’s dark history. The story is filled with suspense, romance, and unexpected twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of imagination and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.
• The importance of trust and communication in relationships.
• The strength to confront and overcome one’s fears and past traumas.
• The consequences of holding onto secrets and the power of revealing the truth.
• The complexities of family dynamics and the impact of family history on individual identity.

“Sometimes people are terrible. Sometimes they do terrible things. But sometimes they do things so brilliant, so amazing, that it’s hard to remember why we ever thought they were terrible in the first place.” – Sarah Rees Brennan, “Unspoken”

In “Unspoken,” Sarah Rees Brennan masterfully combines elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural to create a captivating story set in the atmospheric town of Sorry-in-the-Vale. Through Kami’s journey of self-discovery and her connection with the Lynburns, the novel explores themes of trust, family, and the power of imagination. With its engaging plot twists and well-developed characters, “Unspoken” is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction.