Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Release Date: January 4, 2011
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 435
Source: Bought
Others in Series: Hallowed (2012)

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? (goodreads)

From the beginning of the story, Clara is already aware that she is part angel, but everything doesn't quite come easily for her. She must come into her powers and learn how to use them. She is aware that she has a specific purpose to fulfill on Earth, but she doesn't know exactly what it is. Everything is not cut and dry, she only has bits and pieces.

Clara is a fantastic protagonist that you are going to like. Despite being an angel, she is just like a normal teenage girl. She has insecurities, which helped me to identify with her more than the usual "perfect and beautiful" girls from other books. While she is beautiful, she still gets made fun of and called names like "Hot Bozo" or "Carrots".

Each of the characters was quite unique and very likable. Clara's friends, Wendy and Angela, were just great and fun. The boys, Tucker and Christian, were just perfect for this book. Each was completely different. The relationships were so real. Nothing was forced and no one was madly in love at first sight. The characters took their time developing their relationships and it was just perfect. A breath of fresh air from other novels.

The only minuscule downside I could find, in my opinion, dealt with Clara's mother and also Christian. Clara's mother was very secretive. It had me questioning her throughout the book, wondering why she wouldn't just tell Clara everything. With Christian, I didn't feel he was as present as he should have been for his part. No big downfalls, though.

The ending threw me for an absolute loop with a plot twist that I never saw coming! I can not wait to find out more and see what is in store for our characters.

Unearthly is perfectly paced and wonderfully written. The story is smooth and the writing flows from page to page. What an amazing debut from author Cynthia Hand. A beautiful story of self-discovery with an intriguing supernatural twist. Unearthly will leave you hungry for more!

5/5