December 06, 2010

Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand


Hardcover, 448 pages
Published January 4th 2011 by HarperTeen
UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand 
ARC received through 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 it 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?


From the minute I began reading Unearthly, I knew that it was going to be a page turner.

In chapter one you quickly learn that Clara and her family are part angels and that they each have a destiny to fulfill. The story starts right off with Clara getting a vision of a boy in a burning forest. She has no idea who this boy is or where this forest is. The only thing Clara knows is that this boy is her purpose and she must save him. Eventually, thanks to her visions, they figure out where they are supposed to make their next move too. 

There Clara makes new friends and meets new boys, one who happens to be the SAME boy in her visions. Now that she has finally figured out who the boy is and where she is supposed to be, her next plan is to get close to him. Of course it doesn’t help that she finds herself super attracted to him. 

Unearthly had a couple of twist and surprises for me. The first part of the book explains a lot about Clara and her family and exactly how being part angel works. Because of this I thought the story was going to be very predictable and your typical love story. But it was far from that and Cynthia did an excellent job throwing a curve ball into the story. 

Clara gets torn between boys, friends & family. So much happens to her and not once did she let it bring her down. I thought she was a very strong character and stood her ground no matter what. With everything she learned and was experiencing, not once did she whine or complain.  

Unearthly was a very entertaining story with great characters, a good love story, and a little bit of action.  I hope there will be a second part to this story because I would love to read more about Clara and her life. 


4 out 5 stars!

Here is the Unearthly cover for Australia. Now, I love the US cover, but I think this cover is ten times better. It's beautiful! 


What do you think about the US and the Australia cover? Do you agree with me lol?




 

13 comments:

  1. Wow, I've never seen that version of the cover before! Hmm, yes I like it better than the US one because the US one is a bit monotone.
    Anyway, thanks for the review. Can't wait to read this one!

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  2. Super excited for this one! As pretty as the US one is, the Australian really stands out with that gorgeous dress!

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  3. Doesn't it? I think we got robbed! LOL Just kidding. I just feel the Australian cover screams out more.

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  4. I really like the US cover, but it's true that the Australian one is gorgeous!

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  5. I like both covers but that Aus one is striking! I'm glad you enjoyed it. This is on my tbr and I can't wait!

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  6. Hmm, your right. The US one is lovely by the Aussie one feels more impacting, more alluring :)

    Jess :)
    http://sheknownasjess.blogspot.com/

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  7. Thanks for the review. I've had my eye on this book for quite some time now. I'm glad to learn that the main protagonist is strong and stands her ground. I hate female characters that are pushovers and damsels in distress. Oh, and I definitely prefer the Aussie cover--definitely more alluring.

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  8. I loved this book. I was hesitant to read it at first because I was getting a little sick of all the angel books at the time but I was really glad I decided to read it cause it was bomb. what a cliff hanger at the end, eh?

    I like the US cover but the Aussie one is pretty sweet too! Great review!!

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  9. I like the Australian cover better. It stands out way more than the US cover.

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  10. Wonderful review. I want to read this one. I think the Aussie cover is much better.

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  11. I finished this in two late night sittings. I could not put it down. I had wanted to read it, but it completely surprised me how good it was. There was the right amount of angel mythology, romance, twists and turns. I didn't see the end coming though, nice way to set up the next book. And I can't wait.

    The picture of the US cover doesn't do it justice. It is iridescent and shiny. Looks really good in person.

    Candice

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  12. Great review! I read this book a while back and loved it. I agree with all your points.

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  13. The US cover is the best, it looks much nicer. :) I really want to read these books as I adore angel mythology and Boundless is releasing soon. :)

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