Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand (ARC)

Title: Unearthly  

Series: Unearthly Series

Book #: One

Author: Cynthia Hand

Published: 2011

Source: We Love YA Tours

Rating: 

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 deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny? (taken from goodreads.com)

Everyone thought vampires were the current "it item." Maybe that's true, but angels are an upcoming trend. I always appreciate the heavenly aspect of angelic novels. I'll also admit that Unearthly's cover jumped out at me and simply said "READ ME." It's absolutely gorgeous. I'm pleased to say that the story behind the cover is just as beautiful. 

Clara, our protagonist, is anything but normal. Although she may be an undercover angel-blood with a mission, she is a wonderfully relatable and believable character. Clara possesses a fiery determination and strength that I can admire. She trusts herself and follows her heart, no matter what. In my eyes, she's a great role model for any teen girl. 

The romance starts out by following the now common plot; the new girl at school falls for the impossibly beautiful, yet unattainable, boy. Thankfully, the story takes a delightfully unexpected turn. I don't want to spoil anything for those of you that haven't read Unearthly, but I was squealing with anticipation throughout several parts. Tucker definitely makes my list of favorite fictional guys. 

While Unearthly mirrors other angel novels I've read in some ways, it also brings new ideas to the table. The story seemed a bit slow in the beginning, but Hand's fluid writing kept me entertained. A little over halfway through, new twists and turns popped up. I was both surprised and pleased with how it all ended. 

Overall, this was a fantastic, romantic read. I'm dying for a sequel, but Unearthly hasn't even hit the shelves yet! When it does next year, be sure to pick up a copy. Trust me, you won't be sorry. 

*I received this novel on tour from We Love YA Tours