Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

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Source: Won (Inkpop)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Format: Hardcover, 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.

Do you know those books that make you completely lose track of time? The ones that you start, and then realize you've totally plowed through like three hours later? Unearthly is one of those books.

I am so in love with this novel. It has all the elements I need for sparkles and rainbows in my mind: great writing, FABULOUS characters, realistic emotion, vibrant setting... need I go on?

Clara is a marvellous main character in that she's just so normal (mostly). Due to her angel genes, Clara is smarter, faster and stronger than her classmates, but it doesn't make her invincible. She still struggles with making friends and the right choices. She's friendly, funny and can stand up for herself. In short, Clara just rocks.

Then we have the boys: Christian and Tucker. Now, I like Christian. I think he's a nice guy - honourable, kind and just generally nice. He treats Clara well. Tucker, though, is... WOW. Now, maybe like me, you've heard all about this Tucker and how "amazing" he is. When we were first introduced to his character, I was less than impressed. That guy? THAT'S the amazing Tucker? Oh my goodness though. I fell in love with Tucker before I even knew what was happening. There is just something about that friendly cowboy that I find so endearing. I want more Tucker, please! Him and Clara are too adorable.

The angel mythology of this book is stellar. It's all revealed gradually throughout the book and I get the sense that there is a lot more to come, but I did love what little I learned. Clara's mom (half-angel) is the one with all the secrets but she's very tight-lipped and leaves us, for the most part, in the dark. Still though, I'm excited to learn all about the Intangere (full angel), Dimidius (half-angel), Quartarius (quarter angel - like Clara!)... everything!

So in addition to every other person on the planet many readers, Unearthly now comes with my stamp of approval. Read it and be sucked into the land of angels and TUCKER!

Cover Comments: I LOVE IT <3 <3 <3 I know it looks a little washed-out online but in person? It is so beautiful. It's shiny and bright and purple and just so, so lovely. I just hope that the 2nd book looks as good IRL!

5 stars