Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 448
Source: Publisher
Clara Gardner goes through her every day life living with a secret. She’s part angel, if you want to get technical, she’s one quarter Angel. Her mother is a half angel, a Dimidius. Angels are stronger, faster, and all-around superior in the human world. They must blend in, but develop amongst the humans. Clara struggles with specifics because her mother provides very little details about this identity, and Clara’s visions are coming fast and strong. Visions provide Angel’s with a purpose, a destiny that must be completed. Clara’s visions are murky and baffling. However, it quickly becomes clear that Clara’s mission is not to be completed in sunny California where she was born and raised. Before Clara has time to sort everything out, her mother uproots the family to Wyoming, where Clara is sure her mission will be played out. Clara has limited view in her visions, but she’s sure her mission consists of Wyoming, a white pick-up truck, and a very attractive teenage boy. Clara’s brother is resentful, but understanding- he knows his unknown purpose will be coming shortly. Now is not the time to strain his relationship with Clara. As Clara tries to settle into life in the mountains, she befriends a classmate who claims to be an Angel as well. An angel with much brighter feathers. Clara’s mother may not want to readily give details, but Angela is very amenable. Clara struggles to get close to her “purpose” and tries to befriend Christian. However, Christian’s girlfriend is not very cordial. Clara is not sure where she stands with him, and at the same time she’s not sure exactly what her purpose is. As Clara struggles to find her inner powers, the visions are becoming clearer, and she’s afraid she will not be ready in time. However, as clear as her visions become they never become lucid.

A fresh, dazzling YA novel. Cynthia Hand produced a wonderful, exhilarating read. A fantastic, unassuming romantic triangle, and honest, quintessential characters. Clara is not your typical heroin, while she is a typical teenager in certain aspects, she must always be worried about her destiny. I really like that this book wasn’t preachy, but the idea of God was addressed. I know there is more than just what is told in the first novel, this will be a trilogy. The development, plot, and pacing was fantastic. Loose ends were carefully left in cessation, leaving the reader wondering about items left unaddressed. I see this trilogy becoming more entwined, and complicated. A great debut novel, and a series to be added to my wish list. If you’re looking for a crisp, and impressive read, I’d pick this one up. On a final note: the cover is beautiful! No picture does it justice.