Review : Hallowed by Cynthia Hand (Unearthly Series #2)

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Pages: 403
Source: Own

The Story:

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn't prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.

Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

In this compelling sequel to Unearthly, Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: One word: COMPELLING

Yup, Cynthia Hand did it again! Sequels have a notorious reputation for sucking but not in this trilogy. I was sold from the start.  

Plot:

As I mentioned in my review of Unearthly, the plot of Hallowed wasn't exactly the most original or unique but it was well laid out and flows. However, I wish there was more  . . . BAM! to it. Clara was afraid of this fallen angel who threatened her and her friends and family's existence and yet  . . . he didn't do much of anything. So, that was a little disappointing but not to the point Hallowed's rating suffered.

As for the Dream plot-line, it was good. I could figure out what was going to happen next. It kept me on my toes wondering, who was going to be next, what God had planned for Clara and more. The person who dies . . . I was like whaaaa? So sad. But so good. Made me choke up a bit.

Overall, Hallowed is a good read. Tucker is still my main man but Christian, boy is he growing on me. The story is compelling and makes readers a part of Clara's world. Round of applause to Cynthia Hand.

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Hallowed:

“Hi there," Tucker says brightly, like we're bumping into each other on the street. 
"Uh, hi."
"Nice night for stalking," he observes.
"No, I was---"
"Get your butt in here, Carrots.” 

***Check out Cynthia Hand's website for more information about her and the Hallowed: HERE

Happy Reading!

Review : Unearthly by Cythnia Hand

*Warning: This review may contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Release Date: January 4, 2011
Pages: 435
Source: Own

The Story:

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.

via Barnes & Noble

Rating: FOUR Gold Stars!!!!

My Review: One word: LUMINOUS

Yes! Simply, yes! I loved Unearthly so much that as soon as I finished reading it, I jumped on my computer and scoured the internet for Cynthia Hand's author event. In fact, that is how I learned about the existence of RT Booklovers Convention and ended up in Los Angeles (first time in California ever!) back in April 2011.

Character Breakdown:

Clara Gardner - Clara's character is nicely written. I may not be able to relate to her much (not being part-angel and all) but she is a likable and believable character. She is not annoying or docile. Clara is the right mixture of feminine, strong and teenage girl. I especially appreciate how adapt Cynthia Hand was at relaying Clara's emotional struggles to the readers. Clara's emotional scope is multifaceted and realistic.

Tucker Avery - *Swoon* Tucker is exactly my kind of guy. He is a cowboy, boy-next-door and fighter all wrapped in one. Tucker is wholesome, loving, funny and has just the right amount of attitude. I am Team Tucker all the way! Don't believe me? Look at the gadgets on The Tattered Page, I have a sticker that says so! :)

Christian Prescott - Christian . . . Oh, Christian. Hmm... Well,  have to admit, at the beginning I was not a big fan of the love-triangle contender, Christian. But . . . he does grow on you. I mean, he is the man of Clara's dreams and all. Literally. So, that at least grants Christian a second look. He is handsome, popular, athletic, rich and has particular affinities *cough cough* of his own.

Plot:

The plot . . . I think my love of the book is reliant on the characters more so than the plot. The plot isn't exactly the most original or unique but it is well laid out and flows. *I am not mentioning anymore details because I feel the blurb has given enough away* The angel lore and such aren't simply thrown into the mix but is stitched into the story seamlessly. I appreciate not having all the information dumped on me in one scene.

Overall, the writing of Unearthly is phenomenal. The storytelling sucks you into the world of angels and love triangles and divine plans. Unearthly deserves a 4-star rating without a doubt! If you haven't already picked up the Unearthly trilogy, I suggest you stop what you are doing and get on it!

Here is one of my favorite quotes from Unearthly:

Tucker: "I didn't ever think you were a freak. I think ... I thought you were magic or something. I thought that you were too perfect to be real." [Page 332]

Clara: "He loves me. Inside his head, his every thought and reaction was born of love, love inside and out, crazy, irrational (and sure, a bit lustful) love. He loves me, and that's also what terrified him when he saw me light up like a Christmas tree. He doesn't know what I am, but he loves me." [Page 340]

***Check out Cynthia Hand's website for more information about her and the Unearthly: HERE

Happy Reading!