Saturday, November 5, 2011

Review: Unearthly

Title: Unearthly

Author: Cynthia Hand

Rating: 3 stars out of 5

Part of a Series?: First in series

Goodreads Summary:
 
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:
I fully admit to smiling like a little fangirl while reading this book. Unearthly is just harmless fun. Harmless, slightly-predictable fun. 

In general, I thought the strongest part of this book was the world-building. Hand does not portray Wyoming like a backcountry hick town. But she does capture the raw beauty of the state's nature. Wyoming truly is a beautiful state, and I think Hand couldn't have described it any better than she did. Also, I really liked how the angels were presented. Hand goes farther than fallen angels and pretty wings, delving into some deep stuff for a YA paranormal story (e.g. Loved the glory and purpose stuff). I really want to read more about the Black Wings because there is definitely potential in that story line.

The characters were alright. Clara wasn't bland or annoying. In fact, she was pretty rational. Dare I say it--relatable? I mean, she did do some pretty predictable stuff [because we all knew from the moment she kissed Tucker that she'd save him rather than Christian but nothing that I gave me the urge facepalm. Usually love triangles frustrate me. Are there even such things in real life as love triangles? I don't think they really exist outside books and chickflicks. But I had to smile at the cutest scenes between Tucker and Clara. There were some really adorable moments in this book. 

I liked this book, but I'm not really...inspired by the story. It's light and fluffy. But I sort of wish there was a little more substance.
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