Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand


Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?
Book links to The Book Depository and photo and teaser from Goodreads
Published in US:  Jan 1 2011
This seems to be part of a series-- at least it better be! :)

**My rating: 5/5**

*My review*
     Unearthly is a delightful read, focusing on Nephilim, or as they prefer in this book angel-blood. The writing is paced wonderfully and the story gripped me right away. Cynthia has created likable and easy to relate with characters, that I was emotionally invested in. 
     Clara, the main character, is a great narrator- I could easily understand where she was coming from with her actions and emotions. I liked that she wasn't fully informed on the whole angel world, and that I got to learn with her, and that I was questioning everything just like her. I was able to relate with her- her insecurities, fears and doubts. She isn't a perfect character and I love her for that- I can see growth in her, and I feel more connected to her through her weaknesses. Not that she is a doormat- she has some fiest in her, which is commendable. She has to face some hard situations- choosing between love and destiny. 
     Her friends, Angela and Wendy are fantastic- I would take them as my besties in an instant. They are funny, supportive, and they both have their own personalities. They both help Clara to grow in different but important ways.  Wendy also pushes her brother, and Clara's love interest to her, and helps it to develop. 
     There is a love triangle, which is very well written. One is her love, and one she has a crush on to begin with but it seems that he is her destiny. I am firmly on team Tucker, but I can see the appeal of Christian as well. I like that Tucker and Clara's relationship grows through friendship first, unlike with Christian, even though she sees him in visions, it seems to be an automatic thing, built more from physical attraction. It is hard to judge there though, because Clara does have a bigger purpose- and she doesn't know all the details, even at the end. 
     The end is a cliff-hanger but it is not the worst I have encountered. We get some closure and the main theme of the book has happened, even though not fully resolved. 
    Overall- I really liked this book and would recommend to pick it up when it releases or as you have a chance.

So-- I would love to hear what you think of my review and/or the book.

13 comments:

  1. Wow! 5/5 Stars! I have to read it now. Thanks for the great review!

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  2. I swear there are love triangles everrrryyywhere these days! We need something new! Other than that, I love your review, and I'm definitely more excited for this one now :)

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  3. This one looks really good! It's one of the 2011 releases I'm most excited about, so I'm really glad you enjoyed it- hopefully I do, too!

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  4. NO! Not a cliffhanger! *sigh* I have this on my tbr and I can't wait... but cliffhanger? :(

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  5. I've been wondering about this one for a while. I'm glad to hear that it makes the cut!

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  6. Good review. I loved this book too and thought it was the best angel book that I have read in a while :)

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  7. I'm so glad to hear you liked this! I'm getting ready to start it :)

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  8. I've never been a huge fan of books about angels, but this one is one I've been looking forward to. The whole instant love thing gets old pretty quick, so I'm looking forward to seeing the other side of that.

    Thanks for the review!

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  9. You just made me want me to read this one even more , excellent review thank you.

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  10. Everybody's raving about this book! I need to put in on my wish list. Argh!!! I love the cover.
    Allison T

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  11. I've read so many great reviews on Unearthly! I can't wait to read it!

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  12. That aside I did not hate Unearthly, but I didn't love it either. I started out loving it to death, and that emotion returned at the end, but the middle drag it all down. The main problem with this novel is it's two slow and drags a bit. Nothing exciting really happens until the end.

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