Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 416
Source: Personal Copy
Rating 5/5



In Unearthly (Book 1) readers are introduced to Clara, an angel. She’s told that she has a purpose that she must fulfill. Her family uproots from sunny California to snowy Wyoming. She doesn’t know the consequences if she fails, or much of anything about herself. She waits for flashes to appear, and tries to decipher what her flashes mean. Her mother keeps her out of the loop, and she struggles to find answers. Clara doesn’t know why her mother is so reluctant to answer her questions. When it came time to fulfill her purpose she was not prepared, and now her life seems even more confusing. Clara has learned that sometimes there is a grey area; often things are not just black or white. Hallowed picks up shortly after Unearthly ends, and Clara must live with the repercussions of what happened. She’s still dating Tucker, and friends with Christian. It’s tortuous not knowing, not having answers and just waiting. When she starts having flashes of a funeral, Clara is on alert. Frustrated and confused Clara just wants answers.

Clara is facing college decisions and teenage situations, at the same time she is facing an unknown. When she is able to reveal whose funeral she will be attending, she is further thrown for a loop. Her life is not stable in the least, and she must deal with it day by day. Clare really has trouble facing her future, but she is not as alone in this novel. When she moved from California, she had to start over. At this point she’s formed relationships and a support system. Her brother is also trying to deal, and lashing out. Her mother has kept mum about their background, but Clara and her brother are about to be given some answers. Answers they would never have guessed.

Hallowed was amazing! I wasn’t sure what to expect because I really enjoyed Unearthly, and wasn’t sure how the series would develop. Hallowed fills in some holes, and gives more details about Clara’s background. Cynthia Hand really begins to set the scene, and let these characters evolve. It should come with a warning; this is not a light, humorous read. It’s rather depressing, but incredibly well written and you won’t want to put the book down. I’m not sure how I feel about another love triangle, but I like the way the storyline seems to be progressing. It makes sense in my mind. I really liked that these characters felt like teenagers, often times I feel that characters are wiser than their years and it throws me off a little. Cynthia Hand’s writing is spot-on, unpredictable, emotional, and a perfect blend of romance, family tension, and life choices. If you haven’t started this series yet, you should!