Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly
Series: Unearthly
Author: Cynthia Hand
Publisher: Egmont Books Ltd
Publication Date: 2 May 2011

Synopsis: From Amazon

Clara has known she is part-angel since she turned fourteen two years ago. But only now, through fragmented visions of a terrifying bush fire, is her Purpose - the crucial rite of passage for every part-angel - becoming clear to her. When Clara meets Christian, the boy in her visions, he is everything she could wish for - so why does she also have feelings for her enigmatic classmate, Tucker? Clara discovers that her Purpose is only a small part of a titanic struggle between angels and their destructive counterparts, the Black Wings. And when the fire of her vision erupts and both Christian and Tucker are in danger, who will she choose to save?

Review:

Written in first person narrative from Clara’s perspective. There is no hiding the fact that Clara is part angel, the story is straightforward in its details of her heritage from the beginning. However, we join Clara as she is about to embark on her ‘ Purpose’ the whole ideal of ‘purpose’ is shrouded in mystery. What does it mean? What happens if you don’t succeed? Is it a mission from God? This is the main focus of the plot.

The writing style is captivating, enhanced by the beautiful page decorations. You know I adore angels and the imagery of Clara glowing with inner light and fluffy white wings was just beautiful to imagine. Unfortunately, these angelic manifestations can cause some serious problems in everyday life, leading to Clara’s unfortunate hair dying incident – something I can totally relate to lol.

Clara has a wonderful relationship with her mother and brother. The issue of her father leaving is something I really would have liked to learn more about. I was left wondering as to the reason he left, is there more to it, especially as her mother obviously still cares for him. Although Clara’s mother has been open and honest regarding their angel heritage there is still a lot of important information that she holds back, thinking that she is protecting Clara by not telling her. I am of the believe that knowledge is power, so the more information Clara has about other angels and her purpose the better prepared she would be. Without her mother giving her the information Clara is left to try to piece together for herself, not always successfully.

Clara’s brother, Jeffery, seems far more outgoing than Clara; sporty, snarky and popular. He isn’t afraid to use his angelic powers for his own benefit, something that may be of concern as the story progresses [ ; D ]

Their move to Jackson Hole in order for Clara to fulfill her ‘purpose’ has a mixed effect on all of them. For some reason her mother appears constantly stressed and drained, leaving me wondering what exactly was happening behind the scenes.

The introduction of other characters and revelations about their natures all add to the twists and turns of the plot. I have to say that all the characters were extremely well developed, interesting in their own right and not just in the way that they interacted with Clara. There is nothing predictable about this storyline. The development of the good versus evil under-current to the story adds depth to the plot. I found myself questioning nearly every characters motives.

Jackson Hole High School was like a miniature world within my imagination, the divide between rich and poor expressed poignantly with the Haves and Have Nots. This can be narrowed down to the romantic interests Christian (the object of Clara’s ‘purpose’) and Tucker (her best friends brother). I am burnt out on the whole love triangle thing, there was just no contest here.

Although Christian has ‘God’ like status in school is quite literally swoon central, I can’t say I was drawn to him. His personality was lacking, something I could not put my finger on. Tucker on the other hand, WOW, he may not have money or ‘god-like status’ but he is so sweet, charming, caring and HOT. It is easy to understand how the relationship between Tucker and Clara developed. I admit I was actually a tiny bit jealous of all the fabulous things that they got to do during the Summer. There is nothing else you can ask for but to be loved and accepted for who you are *swoon*. My heart ached for Clara, not being able to choose her own path but having everything dictated to her. The fear of the consequences for trying to make your own decisions.

Tucker on the other hand, WOW, he may not have money or ‘god-like status’ but he is so sweet, charming, caring and HOT. It is easy to understand how the relationship between Tucker and Clara developed. I admit I was actually a tiny bit jealous of all the fabulous things that they got to do during the Summer. There is nothing else you can ask for but to be loved and accepted for who you are *swoon*. My heart ached for Clara, not being able to choose her own path but having everything dictated to her. The fear of the consequences for trying to make your own decisions.


The whole storyline is shrouded in an air of mystery, until right near the end - BLAM – the revelations hit you like a tidal wave.

Captivating is totally the right word for his book, however if I did not already know that this was a trilogy I would have been stomping up and down on the book with THAT ending [ : D ] I NEED to know what happens next. *Taps foot impatiently for the next book*.