Unearthly by Cynthia Hand Review

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (January 4, 2011)
Language: English

Author's Website:  http://cynthiahandbooks.com/

Source:  ARC Harper Teen and 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 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.

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:

Unearthly releases today!!  GO BUY THIS BOOK!!

I read UNEARTHLY a while ago, and have been DYING for it to release!!  I can't wait to hold that beautiful hardback copy in my hand!  It is not a book that is good enough just to have read it......I have to own it, I have to share it.  I have to force it on my daughter and all my friends.  Seriously, it's that good!  

I don't know where to begin or how much to divulge.  When I read this book, all I knew was that it was about Angels.  That's it.  And I'm so glad that's all I knew.  So, I don't want to give too much away.  There's a pretty big spoiler in the book description (which I took out) that I wish wasn't there because I just want people to experience it without knowing what's coming.  It's so much better that way!!  So, if you haven't read the book description, don't read it!!

I absolutely loved Cynthia's writing style.  I flew through this book without even realizing that I was through it!  It was almost like reading two different stories in one.  Like there's this incredible book, with an extra amazing story placed in the middle of it.  I felt like I was transported!  And the setting was just compelling!  I wanted to go to Wyoming and go skiing and hiking and swing on rope swings into dangerous rivers.  Everything about it just made me smile and sigh and wish it were me there living that life!  Amazing!

Clara is an fantastic character!  I just loved her!  And it was so refreshing to read about a girl being the angel, trying to save a boy for once!  She certainly had her issues, but she was no damsel in distress!  She made me laugh with her orange hair and her playful banter.  I felt like she was a really relatable character.....even if she is an Angel!

And the romance.....sigh....the romance.  I just can't tell you how well done it was.  I so hope that you don't read a lot of reviews about this book that spoil the romance.  It was just perfect!  Tension, desire, betrayal, confusion, love that takes time to grow.....it was all just so right!

I also loved the mystery in the book.  I found everything so mysterious!  From Clara, to her mother, to Clara's friend, to her brother, and even the boy she's supposed to save.  I feel like we're just glimpsing the tip of the iceberg in this book, and I can't wait to see what unravels in the following books!  Which brings me to the cliffhanger.  The book does have some resolution, but there is also so much that is left unresolved.  Normally this drives me crazy, but when a book is this amazing, and this well written, I just want it to go on and on.  I can't wait for the next book!

Wow, it only Jan. 4 and I already have a favorites of 2011 pick.....well done!

Unearthly is our Reading Clean Spotlight pick for January, so that means a giveaway!!  Make sure you go and enter for a chance to win a signed copy of the book!  Click here to enter.

I'll read it forever!

You may want to know:  Unearthly has a minor amount of profanity, and a lot of kisses!  For more details, check it out on Parental Book Reviews!