We This review is also featured on Tasty Books! Well, Unearthly was one of those rare books. I did not really expect to like this book. I probably wouldn't have picked it up, except I couldn't find much at the library that I wanted to read——plus, I had seen some glowing reviews of it. So I said to myself, Ah what the heck. It's summer. I can stand to read something fluffy, even if it isn't that good.
When I opened this book, I quickly realized it was a book about angels. And that made me nervous. You get the idea. Not only that, but the front page had a blurb from Alexandra Adornetto herself. So I'm like: Oh God, what have I gotten myself into this time? And as I started this book, I strongly disliked it.
The beginning was very rough for me, which is part of why I knocked off a star. It really felt like the beginning to every other paranormal romance out there: - Protagonist Clara is supernatural——part angel, to be specific. Oh noez! She decides it is her destiny to save him because the idea is that every angel has a special "purpose" that they have to carry out. Clara figured out where he lived based on the license plate on a car she sees in the recurring vision of him.
I'm like, Oh boy. And then she'll save him from a fire, and they're going to fall in insta-love and be making out with each other every five seconds. And I'll be like : Not to mention, Clara was a total pain in the ass for the first fourth of the book or so.
I mean, she was just such an asshole. See my first few statuses, and you can see how I felt about her. She spent a lot of time talking about how she was naturally beautiful due to her angel blood——and then she kept criticizing other girls' looks.
For example: "They seem friendly enough. Definitely not pretty people, all wearing T-shirts and jeans, braids and ponytails, not a lot of makeup. But nice. I thought she was another Mary-Sue-ish bitchface. Yet, somehow about halfway through this book I found myself like this: So, now you're probably wondering why I liked this book so much. And, well, I'm still trying to put my thoughts together and explain. Basically——yes, this book has the setup of pretty much every other paranormal romance out there.
But instead of making it crappy and predictable, Cynthia Hand actually made it work. Not only that, but the book actually had twists I did not expect at all. You're probably thinking: But, it's true.
Here, lemme explain why this book was actually pretty great. Clara is not a whiney, boy-obsessed idiot. She may have started off annoying, but by the end of the book I respected Clara. I'm still not crazy about her, but she had some admirable traits.
As I said, I expected her to become entirely infatuated with Christian, and talk and think about nothing but him, and cry over him constantly, etc. But no! Clara actually spent time with friends like a normal teenager——instead of spending all her time stalking a boy or being stalked by a boy. And her friends were not just cardboard dummies, either. Well, Wendy kind of was. But Angela I loved Angela. She was supa cool. But what was most important was, Clara realized that she had to fulfill her "purpose" no matter what, and that was her main focus.
She realized that, even if Christian did not like her in a romantic way, it was still her duty to save his ass from that fire——and she was going to do it, dammit. And she didn't just sit around waiting for it to happen, either. She actually practiced her flying, practiced lifting heavy duffel bags because she knew she'd have to lift Christian out of the fire and all. So, go Clara! The romance was actually well-developed. So if you don't want any spoilers at all, maybe you should skip this section.
Anyway, believe it or not, Clara did not actually fall in love with Christian. Nope, none of that insta-love, soul-mate crap. She fell in love with Tucker——a guy who she actually got to know and developed feelings for over an extended period of time. And I imagine she'll get to know him better and he may end up being a conflict But still, I liked that she didn't totally lust after him, and when he asked her out she didn't dump Tucker or anything stupid like that.
So, YES. This is paranormal romance done correctly! Clara's mom is a frickin' badass. You're probably like But seriously, when was the last time you saw a really awesome mom in a YA book? A lot of YA books suffer from "Disappearing Parent Syndrome" in which the parents are painfully absent or clueless during the whole story.
Either that, or the parents are really awful and constantly arguing with their angsty teen child. And sure, Clara and her mom have some arguments. But over all, they have more of a Gilmore Girls -esque relationship. Clara even said so herself. And that was something refreshing. As a teenage girl who thinks my mom is awesome, it was nice to read a book in which the mother and daughter were actually friends——and in which the mom actually played a significant role in both her daughter's life and in the story.
The ending blew my mind. Once I started getting to the end of this book, I had no idea how Ms. Hand was going to finish it. But no. Clara ended up having to make a really tough decision between what she wanted for herself, and what her greater purpose was. Like, my stomach actually hurt a bit when I tried to imagine myself in her place. And then suddenly, this HUGE plot twist came out of nowhere.
Normally I hate really big plot twists like that, but in this case I actually really liked it. I thought it added quite a bit of intrigue to the story, and I'm eager to see what happens with it in the next book.
This book was a pretty crazy journey for me. I started off loathing it, yet by the end I was like: I really can't wait to read Hallowed. View all 27 comments. I have been keeping an eye on this series for a long time.
As soon as I started the first book in this series, I found myself completely lost in the story. In my opinion, it's a brilliantly written book with the mind-blowing concept which was so engaging that I finished the whole book in 1 night. Now I'm quite excited to devour the next book. View 2 comments. Jul 17, Krystle rated it it was amazing. I've been burned so many times by angel books; Hush, Hush, Fallen, Angelfire, and what have you, so I was quite set to hate this book.
I thought, "let's just give it a chapter" and then what do you know. That one chapter turned into five and then ten and all of a sudden I just could not stop reading. I could not put this book down. It had an uber str I've been burned so many times by angel books; Hush, Hush, Fallen, Angelfire, and what have you, so I was quite set to hate this book. It had an uber strong addictive enchantment over me that couldn't be broken. If you were looking for some quality book with angels in it, I think you might have just found it.
I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Clara is awesome. She already knows she's part angel in this book so there's no slow burn of her finding out her deep dark origins which would normally already be obvious from the beginning. Yes, it's explained how she actually found out because, you know, having a back story is always important.
I love that while she's blessed with good looks, an ability to do things just right, and what have you she's not perfect. And this is not an overnight fix either. She has to work for it throughout the book. And surprising as it may be, she's not entirely perfect. And she's not a walking angst-fest either. Confused, cautious, and perhaps distant for her own good, yes, but not a sullen I-want-to-slap-you-so-hard because you won't wake up type of girl.
The romance. My goodness. I can't tell you how much I was so emotionally invested in it. I have never cheered so hard for a romantic pairing in my life. I was literally raving the whole time with "What are you doing? Go with HIM! He's a sweet, down to earth guy, and he called her "carrots"! If you don't love him after that whole Gilbert Blythe-vibe there is something wrong! The love triangle was kind of It's not something you're expecting and it's not this swinging back and forth deal.
I love how her friends were portrayed. They weren't just props for the main girl. They both had their own sort of subplot going on and I loved to see that they weren't just goodie cardboard cutouts that supported Clara in everything or were just there to force her to hook up with some guy. They all had independent goals that they strove for and weren't stupid dunderheads that served no purpose than to provide comic relief.
All of her friends had life and contributed something to the pages. There was one moment when I wanted to smack one of them for giving her poor advice but I don't care, it ended the way I wanted it to anyway. Unearthly is fabulous. I have to get me a finished copy of this book. In a word? Get this book now. View all 7 comments. Jun 30, Kristi rated it it was amazing Shelves: own-arc , books-i-own , favorites , signed-books.
I read this book back in October I have to say that in the midst of all the 'angel' themed book hitting the YA market right now. This one is my favorite!
Let's talk about how wonderful this book is, shall we? I was so glad that Clara knew she was angel. This isn't a story of a girl discovering an she's part angel Yes, she's recently discovered she's an angel, but I think the novel is about much more than that. I mean you could totally take out the angel part and it could easily be a novel about a girl choosing between her heart and her duty.
Except the angel aspect makes it so much more awesome! Hand's writing is so very easy to read, it seemed like I had just turned a few pages, when actually I was a few hundred pages in. And if her descriptions of Wyoming do not make you want to pack a bag and jet-set to this beautiful area, I think you might be a little bit crazy. Clara is a character you are going to like. Despite her angel-i-ness she is very much a normal teen girl. Insecure, smart She's the type of character that you'd want to be friends with.
And the boys. I can' fail to mention the boys. Watching the relationships develop between Clara and Tucker and Christian was probably my favorite part of the novel, especially the slow, sweet relationship between Tucker and Clara. I probably shouldn't have said that! These boys couldn't be more different Speaking of developments at the end There is some resolution, but we also get an open can of worms There is definitely more to this angel business than what Clara is privy to, and I'm interested in finding out what exactly it is.
Unearthly is a perfect blend of realism with a supernatural twist, not to mention a unpredictable plot line and a beautiful love story. Everything that I want in a story and more. Can't wait to be captivated by the rest of this series. Sep 17, Trina Between Chapters rated it really liked it Shelves: audiobooks , , supernaturals , young-adult. Maybe it was because I had low expectations, or because I don't read this genre very often, or maybe I just like angel books, but I kind of loved this??
It stumbles a few times love interest perpetuates the idea that "if a boy is mean to you that means he actually likes you! Things that may sway whether you would like this or not: -Love triangle. No watching people sleep, but it's a new kid in school is a p Maybe it was because I had low expectations, or because I don't read this genre very often, or maybe I just like angel books, but I kind of loved this?? No watching people sleep, but it's a new kid in school is a paranormal being mysteriously drawn to a human kind of story - but we're following the paranormal character in this case.
Potential triggers: Very brief, non-detailed mention of rape. Slur toward Romani people. Forest fire. I really, really enjoyed this. It's a YA novel, but somehow it felt very different. For once, it wasn't just about the paranormal aspect, or the exciting new world the protagonist is thrown in. It was about finding oneself. Trying to fit in. Finding love. Life with wings! Everything I was hoping for while going into this. Clara is part angel, and she has just received a hint of what her purpose on earth is.
After finding out the location, they pack up and move there. It's quite a bi Lovely!! It's quite a big change for Clara and her brother: California to the middle of nowhere, hick town. I loved the setting of this book. I loved the scenery descriptions. The country appeal. I'm a country girl myself - not as hardcore I don't ride horses or fish but it still had the small town charm that I grew up in.
Everyone is in everyone's business knows everyone else, it's sweet! The whole time I was reading I was completely into the story. I never once pondered where we were going with this and what the point of it all was. It just had a great flow that you could just breeze through the story and enjoy every minute of it. The plot of soft and sweet. It's not tedious, it's not a hit in the face, it builds up gently and manages to suck you in completely.
You get a chance to care for the characters, for their lives and their relationships. As for the characters. I adored them. Especially the way they were all present. They all had a purpose in the story and they all had distinct voices and personalities. I love when an author manages to do that. What really stood out for me was the fact that her mother was very present and motherly - which is often overlooked in YA.
Likewise, her brother was also how I imagine having a brother would be like. Sometimes a pain in the butt, sometimes an accomplice. I imagine we haven't heard the end of him as well. But the protagonist - Clara - she's great! Finally a girl who does not see a guy and immediately yearns for him as though she can't live another second without him. Those often lack way too much chemistry. The romance in Unearthly was totally and completely sweet! It really took me by surprise that she took a much different route from other YA novels.
I truly enjoyed how it all transpired. The highlight of this book is definitely the character development with just a bit of world build up. The angel picture I have in my mind is absolutely stunning. I loved all the details we were given and how beautiful it all seems. I'm happy she didn't go all "Whoo apocalypse" right away. I love getting to know and care for the characters before the big story materializes. It builds up realism as well as charisma.
This novel was pure flowing beauty! Dec 23, Nic rated it it was amazing Shelves: , favourites , swoon-worthy-read , angels. Favourite Quote: "He seems to gaze right into me, like he's seeing me for who I truly am. And in that moment, I want to tell him the truth. Crazy, I know. I try to take a step back, but my foot slips and I almost go headfirst into the river but he catches me. Surprisingly I loved it! I have been having a bad run with angel books lately. But this is exactly what I have been looking for.
Unearthly has an original plot, interesting characters, swoon worthy crush and overall is a pleasure to read. Cynthia Hand's writing was just easy to read. Before I knew it I had read pages. The plot wasn't filled with action but rather mystery. Never did venture down the predictable path. This is probably the most interesting angel concept I have read. There was a little bit of good angel vs fallen angel but for a change it didn't have anything to do with the love interests.
The vision and purpose element is what made this so different. Sometimes with angel concepts the history can be complex and hard to understand but this was effortless to follow. Now to my favourite part of this book, the characters and that is what drives this story. Clara is sweet, sometimes funny, believable and made smart choices. Christian, well he was okay. At first I thought I knew his type - typical, popular, gorgeous, nice guy that every girl is crushing on but in the end was more than I expected.
I know that I have just mentioned two guys so therefore it equals love triangle but do not fear. This love triangle was subtle although I do think that it might be brewing for the next book. Clara is pretty certain of her choice and doesn't go back and forth. The ending, no cliffhanger here, yay! There are a few questions but it ends in the right place for more but still leaving readers satisfied.
Overall, I highly recommend this book, it had all the right elements. An outstanding debut. Thanks to Netgalley and HarperTeen for providing me with a copy. I have already pre-ordered my own copy. View all 26 comments. Jan 12, Andrea Cremer rated it it was amazing. Lovely, original, engaging. The last 50 pages had my heart racing! View all 23 comments. Nov 03, Catie rated it liked it Recommended to Catie by: Jo.
Shelves: romance , ya , fantasy , series , supernatural , read-in And that makes me a bit sad, because the characteristics that make it so notable are the healthy romances, supportive friends, and present parents.
If I could choose one word to describe this book it would be: mild. But it still shines against the backdrop of its peers. Now Clara is awaiting her purpose: a mission sent from Heaven that she has been born to complete. When she starts receiving visions of a boy standing in a forest fire, and a truck with Wyoming plates, they relocate to rural Wyoming and Clara begins life in a new school.
I think that I am simply too old to truly enjoy this book. I kept waiting for something to start happening. The book ends with very little actually revealed. Your dad? She has a past with the Dark Wings. Sadly, Tucker is only human. This one is for you. I think that we both see the writing on the wall. View all 36 comments. I am really surprised by how much I loved this one. I was even prepared to round up to 5 stars, but then I saw that my friends who have read it loved the subsequent books even more, so I decided to leave room for improvement!
I read and loved a book by Cynthia Hand a couple of weeks ago, and had many friends tell me that I had to try this series, and I'm so glad I did. I desperately needed a genre switch, and this turned out to be such a fun read. And what he was really saying then, what would have come through loud and clear if I hadn't been so blind was why don't you see me?
I really click with this author, I feel like she is one of those gifted writers who can really engage you in her characters, and I loved the Wyoming backdrop. Can't wait to find out what happens next. Thanks for reading the series with me Fran! View all 39 comments. Jul 09, Clara rated it liked it Shelves: romance , young-adult , paranormal. The plot : I think the plot, with the world building, was what was lacking the most for me with this first instalment. Basically, except at the very end, there was actually nothing much happening in the book, no action at all, no twists except at the very end , no villains, nothing.
The plot was basically Clara trying to understand her purpose through getting closer to Christian and then spending time with Tucker. I wish the plot had been thicker and more complex with a lot more action scenes, and the romance only secondary. It was quite easy to relate to her, being the new one in a new school, having to make friends and going through your first love.
She might have annoyed me just a tiny bit in the first part with how insistent she was to get closer to Christian and how attracted to him she was when he obviously had a girlfriend he deeply cared about. Christian was not my favorite character. I thought he was a bit plain and described as too perfect for my liking. He was such a sweet, smart and resourceful guy.
And a real cowboy , on top of that! How sexy is that! I liked how easygoing he was, very friendly and caring, but not in a too perfect and forced way like Christian. I liked Wendy alright, though I wish she had been a bit more present in the story. However, I disliked Angela who I definitely don't trust, there's just something strange about her that annoys me, I thought she was overconfident, too intrusive and such a know-it-all.
They were so cute together, they made me swoon with how much they adored each other. On other thing that I absolutely loved about the book was the setting , Wyoming. I loved we get both a winter setting and a summer setting, with the skiing, the hiking, the cowboys, the ranches, the lakes, the forests full of lodge pole pines. It felt like I was there and I really enjoyed the atmosphere that came out of it. Overall, I really liked the first book because of its characters and the romance, but the paranormal aspect of the story and the plot were altogether a bit weak and needed more development.
Feb 23, Komal Mikaelson rated it liked it Shelves: abnormal-behaviour , friendship , mehhh , swoon-worthy-hero , love-fucking-triangle , beyond-comprehnsion , dragging , huge-letdown , why-the-hype , confusing-ending.
Initial Reaction After Completion This reaction is due to that what-the-fuck ending This was a fun, enjoyable read. Among the disastrous Angel PNR novels out there, this one is much better. And I liked it. No scratch that. I really, really liked it.
There are, undoubtedly, better books out there, but so are worse. I will confess, I won't remember the plot or the characters verbatim in the days to come, because it just wasn't that good.
And I'm definitely not going to reread it. But it was en Initial Reaction After Completion This reaction is due to that what-the-fuck ending This was a fun, enjoyable read. But it was entertaining and was fun while it lasted. Yep, I'm surprised too. She was.. There is just no other way to describe it. Made good decisions, loyal to her friends, compassionate towards her brother, that is, as compassionate as siblings can be.
She wasn't your cliched damsel in distress or a whiny bitch. All in all, a likable heroine. Tucker Oh, man. Why aren't more YA boyfriends like him? Understanding, unassuming, patient, chivalrous, caring, adorable, selfless and so real. I miss guys like him. I am head over heels for that boy! British History Class The classes were incredibly awesome. Gosh, I loved them. The teacher was damn fun and creative, who on earth wouldn't develop interest in history?
These classes were a reliable source of carefree, teasing and light moments throughout the book. Aside from dying of the Black Plague on the first day, he's starved to death, had his hands cut off for stealing a loaf of bread, and been run down by his master's horse just for kicks.
He's like Christian the fifth now. Clara would fall for Christian, insta-love, angst-y love triangle and yada yada. And the author threw it right at my face.
Well, um. No unprecedented popularity at school. No absent-parent syndrome. No every-guy-in-the-entire-school-asking-the-new-girl-out routine. No unhealthy obsession with the boyfriend. Now, coming to the other side of the coin. How could the book end there? Very strong 'what-the-fuck' vibes. So many unanswered queries, unexplained situations. Oh, and the cliffhanger wasn't the how-could-you-end-there-I-want-more type, rather the Dude-would-you-explain-what-the-fuck-happened-back-there type.
The Beginning Very slow. Patience wearing thin slow. Almost about to DNF slow. I judge the book by the starting. If it is tedious, how on earth am I gonna go through the entire book? En el fascinante final de la serie Unearthly, Clara debe elegir su destino de una vez por todas. Publicado por NaikeFer en Autor: Cynthia Hand. Libro: 1,2 y 3. Agradecimientos a Laura y AndreaN. Unearthly 1. Cynthia Hand. Soy Clara Gardner.
Boundless Cap 1 al 4 en Unearthly 3. I will definitely recommend this book to young adult, fantasy lovers. Your Rating:. Your Comment:. Home Downloads Free Downloads Unearthly pdf. Read Online Download. Great book, Unearthly pdf is enough to raise the goose bumps alone. Add a review Your Rating: Your Comment:.
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