Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
(Unearthly, #1)
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen; 435 pages

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.

If you've ever read any of my reviews that I've postd, you'll know how in love with werewolf and angel books I am. There's something about these two 'beings' that makes me squee with joy. UNEARTHLY is, hands down, the best angel book I've read. Not only is the story beautifully told but the characters are highly relateable and extremely loveable.

I just finished re-reading this book because its been a long time since I read it the first time, and some details were fuzzy. I had too much trouble writing a review so I needed a refresh course. I still wasn't able to put this down, which is an awesome thing for a book you've already ready; you already know what's coming but you just can't get enough. The only difference this time around is I have a new love for Christian Prescott that I didn't have the first time. Let's be honest, most of us were crushing on him until we were introduced to Tucker Avery and then it was like 'Christian who?' *blank stare*, right? That being said, I'm still on Team Tucker but there's a part of me, that's in hiding, wanting me to pledge my allegiance to Team Christian.

I love Clara's relationship with her mother. It's such a normal relationship most people, especially girls, have with their mothers. They're close but boy do they annoy us. I always says, its just what mothers do. Always knowing what's best for us...or at least thinking they know what's best for us. Most times they're right (don't tell my mom I said that) but sometimes, they're not. There is one thing I disagree with but I won't go into for fear of spoilers to those who haven't read this book. Then we have Jeffrey. Reminds me of my little brother. (Minus the fact that my brother doesn't have angel-blood in him and all) But we get along really well but man there are times where you would never believe it. Her family relationships just seem so real and obviously, extremely relateable. To me, that's extremely important in a book.

Then we have Clara's two best friends, Angela and Wendy. Both of whom are nothing alike but still hold a special place in Clara's heart (and hopefully the readers as well). If you had to ask me, I think I would prefer Wendy as my friend. She's not as intimidating. Angela is a little much sometimes, its kind of scary. She has great intentions and I think her friendship with Clara is very important. They can learn a lot from each other which is key.

Tucker. *sigh* He's the ideal gentleman. He's a country boy whose got such a pure heart. He's just downright dreamy. His jabs at Clara are entertaining and adorable. Clara is too busy with her obsession over the picture perfect Christian that she doesn't see how interested Tucker is. It's not until Wendy, who is Tucker's twin sister, gives her permission to date him, if she wanted. But, even still after that its all about Christian. It doesn't change until summer rolls around, her birthday to be exact that things just start rolling. I never wanted summer to end so badly in my life before.

Gosh, just everything about this book makes giddy like a kid in a candy store. I am eager to see what HALLOWED will bring us. I have no doubt it will be amazing. I am just so glad my friend recommended this to me. She talked praise about this novel and now, here I am, talking praise about it to you. I hope you'll pick this up (which is now available in hardcover & paperback) and give this book a shot. It's beautiful; money worth spending.