Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Unearthly by Cynthia Hand
My rating: 4 of 5 genies
Published: January 4, 2011 by HarperTeen
Pages: 435
Format: Hardcover
Source: Library Loan
Purchase At: The BookDepository.com or Amazon.com

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.

My Thoughts

Tucker Avery made this book for me. I liked Clara too, and to be honest she did grind on my nerves a little - so did Jeffrey actually - but they weren't unforgiveable. Tucker however, had me right at the get-go. I was swooning, I mean really? a studly cowboy who happens to be oh-so charming? Hello!

H.M. (honorable mention) goes right to him, no question. I liked Clara's mom for a while, she was cool, but then she got all secretive and by the end, Hand didn't have me feeling the whole "she's doing it for her daughter's benefit" vibe. I was offended, as I suppose Clara was as well. Meg loved her children but didn't let them in on everything that I think they should have known.

Trust is huge for me. God forbid my mom started keeping secrets like that, we'd never speak again, it's that bad! What I meant at the begining about Clara's whining is that she can be a little a lot self-obsessed. At certain parts it was all about her and her "purpose" and Christian! I was mad at her because she treated several people in my opinion, very poorly.

She sucked at choosing friends and did not appreciate Wendy for the sweet farm cutie she was; ditching her to hang with the very suspicious Angela instead! The girl gave me the creeps and was shifty like she was constantly hiding things, which she was. I remain unconvinced that the fellow she meets in Rome isn't a black wing. Why else did she not mention him? Girl reeks untrustworthiness. But Wendy - the sweet loyal one - is the girl repetitively looked over, and I hated it. Maybe there was the whole, "We're angels! Let's be angels together!" thing that Clara shared with Angela which she and Wendy didn't have, but still, friends should not be treated that way.

Also Christian was too perfect. Like really too perfect, I was annoyed with him. He took "Golden Boy" to the next level and I never really felt like he was a character. Was he sweet? Yes, but he could have been more realistic. That said Christian did have his moments, and was always there to save her. He was a good prince charming, just not mine.

And as far as baby brothers go? Jeffrey kind of sucked. He was more selfish than Clara and that is saying a lot. I get the age he's at and know that the world seems to depend on the very air you breathe, but would it kill him to be more caring? I'm thinking of Danny from Nevermore when I make this plea because he is literally the best fictional brother ever. Be more like him and give a hoot about more than just your life and popularity. Sheesh!

The Plot was amazing though, I have to hand it to her, Hand knows how to spin 'em! She was busting out twists and loops that I never saw coming. In that regard she has my respect, this book was certainly far from predictable. Also the Setting was kind of cool. Jackson Hole I want to visit, for the gorgeous scenery and fabulous men. I'm booking my ticket!

P.A. (problem areas) were few for me and I don't think I can complain about much except for most of the character's absorption in themselves, but even that is kind of realistic because people don't always hold hands, and hardly they remember to consider those around them. I grabbed Unearthly because there was major hype surrounding it. Everyone was buzzing about it and I can't say that any of those people are wrong; I enjoyed the book for its smooth storytelling and want the next one ASAP, so this one is a definite 4 genies and favorite.

Is Clara a heroine with spunk? Yes. She was tough and I respect her for the way she handled the whole Carrot Hair thing, not to mention Bozo, I would have died. So the two of us will meet again January of next year and I can hardly wait, I miss my Tucker already.

Liked the review? Share in the comments below :)