Review: Unearthly

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Book Rating: 4/5 Stars

Cover Rating: 4/5 Stars

Reading level: Young Adult

• Hardcover: 448 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (January 4, 2011)

 In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

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 that 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 deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

INTRO & SETTING: I normally keep my reviews pretty spoiler free, but I really cant do that here. There is a lot to be included that is really important and I really can't just cut it out. So if you haven't read this book, GO AWAY. NOW. Anyways. The only way I can think to describe this book is sweet. I feel like a really got to know Clara and her world. After she moves from Cali to Wyoming, her life really picks up, or so it seems. Her happiest days were spent outside in the wonderful natural-ness of Wyoming. It's also where the forest fire occurs- which is, of course, pretty important.


CHARACTERS: Like I said, you really feel like you know Clara. She seems really real. Most of the other characters are the same way, although I feel like the could have been developed just a little better. It felt like Clara's friendship with Wendy was a bit too quick too be real. The whole, "Yay, you were nice to me while everybody else laughed," thing is a bit overdone, I think. Her friendship with Angela is much better, though, seeing how they're both Angel- Bloods (Clara a Quartarius, Angela a Dimidus) and they can both be real with each other. Clara's Mom is sort of mysterious, keeping all kinds of things from Clara. It definitely gets you thinking. Jeffery, her brother, is sport of moody and I'm not really sure what his purpose in the story is yet, but I'm almost positive it's important. And finally.... Christian (aka dream boy) and Tucker (aka Wandy's twin brother and totally hot cowboy guy). I have to say, I was Team Tucker from the start. I never saw a spark between Clara and Christian, even though she thought she was totally in love with him. But then she starts hanging out with Tucker....and things change. Tucker is everything I would love in a guy: funny, smart, completely gorgeous, and outdoorsy. I simply love, love, loved him. 


PLOT: The plot in this book pretty dang awesome. Visions? Evil, baddie Angels that can make you cry just by being near you? A mother that's keeping lots of secrets? *evil cackling laughter* This book has it all. The only problem I had with the plot was that it sort of fell out in the middle of the book- when suspense was supposed to be stacked on, you found yourself relaxing, and then BAM climax. I did really, really enjoy this book, though. The writing style is beautiful, and some of the scenes have become embedded in my brain. It's a really great read, especially on a breezy summer day on a park bench (this is how I read it.) I really hope you'll read and enjoy this book, because it's totally worth you're time. 


FIRST SENTENCE: "In the begining, there's a boy standing in the trees."


LAST SENTENCE: "He doesn't know what's expected of him anymore."