Saturday, February 05, 2011

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand


Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: Unearthly # 1
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 435
Book Source: Harper Teen & Netgalley

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?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Review:
*Squeal* This is it! THE angel book of the year!! What an enchanting, captivating, refreshing, intriguing, delightful, effortless read. But that's probably enough superlatives, put simply, Unearthly is simply wonderful.

Cynthia Hand's writing is gorgeous, her descriptions of Jackson Hole, Wyoming are breathtaking, and quite honestly Hand's prose put me right in the moment, made me feel like a participant rather than an observer. The angel lore is fabulous and the whole vision and 'purpose' theme makes for an original concept, one that I loved.

Clara is a Quartarious angel-blood and a breath of fresh air. She's genuine and so 'normal' for someone not completely 'normal', if you get my drift. All the characters are well rounded and just so likeable; Clara's mother and brother, her best friends Wendy and Angela, and lastly the mysterious, too-good-to-be-true Christian Prescott and my favourite, the adorable, funny, Tucker Avery. And now to the romance; one word ... PERFECT.

The ending is ideal, well, apart from ... ending. Fortunately there was no cliffhanger but I can't wait for more. Thank you Cynthia Hand :) Now hurry up with HALLOWED ... pretty please!

Duty, destiny, choices, love, heartache, this book was all I could wish for ... and more. For those jaded by the recent surge in angel themed novels I urge you to give Unearthly a try. In my humble opinion it's a winner!

Visit Cynthia Hand's website to find out more.

17 comments:

  1. Great review. You got me all excited to read this one.

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  2. I'm glad Nina. I can't jump up and down enough about Unearthly :)

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  3. Great review!

    Still I am unsure, books about angels have not won me over yet

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  4. I've kind of lost interest in the YA paranormal genre, but you make this sound so wonderful! I like the idea of an angel having to get in touch with her flawed side in order to exist in the world. Thanks for sharing this.

    http://laughingstars.net

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  5. Great review. I just bought this book yesterday and I can't wait to read it!

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  6. I can hear your enthusiasm all the way across the ocean!!! I will have to read this one!

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  7. Great review ;) I want this book

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  8. You have just given me the idea on what to buy using the Amazon GC that I got! This sounds SO SO SO good and the way you phrase your reviews really makes me want to read this book - Right.Now!

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  9. I can't wait to read this book and you make it sound amazing!

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  10. Love your review, it sounds great!

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  11. Yay another Unearthly fan! I thought the book was great too :)

    I'm glad I found another Aussie book blogger!

    Rachel @ FictionalFantasy.com xxx

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  12. This sounds like a good on e- I hope to read this one soon!

    I have a special gift card drawing on this weeks Monday meme for the anniversary, I hope you will be able to stop by :)

    Thank you for being part of what makes the meme wonderful!

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  13. Uh-huh....
    Now I'm excited about this book!! Great review Sheree...

    My latest review: Cut by Cathy Glass

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  14. I completely agree, I really loved it too and it's definitely a breath of fresh air :)

    Your son is so adorable, btw. Don't they grow up fast!

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  15. Had to check out the 5star review. Sounds like one I will add to my Wish list! Good review. Thanks.

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  16. Well you enthusiasm is hard to ignore and the five stars definitely has me wanting to get this one and read it son. Thanks

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