I am not usually one to judge a book by its cover, but sometimes, a really beautiful cover will make me pick up a book that I otherwise wouldn’t have.
That is what happened with Unearthly by Cynthia Hand.
I knew this was a book about *angels* and that’s not really something I’m usually in to.
But the cover! Gorgeous. With the duotone photo and the silver foil, it is simply stunning.
So, I picked it up. And I read it in a day.
Apparently, my new criteria for a five-star book is how long it took me to finish it. ‘Cause I’ve been blowing through a lot of good ones lately.
“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?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.”
— Description from GoodReads
Let me just say right off the bat that I swoon over Tucker Avery.
Hot cowboy who rides rodeo horses, fishes and calls his crush a deprecating (but adorable) nickname? Yes, please.
This book has a lot of depth to me. Clara is a real character with real friends and a real love interest. There’s a reason she’s friends with Wendy and Angela. They aren’t just filler characters for her to be able to pass the school days.
There’s a reason for the choices she makes. I love that Clara is forced to choose between what she thinks is her destiny and her own happiness. And I think she makes the right choice.
This story was about a lot more than teenage love. It had me questioning my religious beliefs and wondering if God really cares who we love when we are 17.
Maybe it really is that important if you’re an angel-blood.
The angel lore was really interesting, but I wish we could’ve known *more* from Clara’s mom. And the ending! Gah! So many unanswered questions.
That was my only complaint. It felt like the book ended too quickly once the action was past. I mean, all that drama and Clara’s mom just goes to bed at the end? I was *so* frustrated!
But I can’t wait until the sequel and I’m sure that’s what they were going for.
Definitely a must-read!
Ah. Tucker. Yes. Sexy, frustrating, amazing. Yep.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog
Sounds like a wonderful read! I totally hear you on the cover interest though….it can't be helped sometimes. I mean somethnig has to grab your attention if you've never heard of the book/author before, right? Thanks for sharing a great review on this one…and happy reading!
I was wary of this one at first, but I've been hearing so many things that I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the review!
I totally agree! Clara was an amazing character — she felt so incredibly REAL. I would totally be her friend. But her mom's silence?? SO FRUSTRATING! Come on, give us some answers! O_O
Looks like a fantastic read. I just want you to know that I've nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! It's just a cute little meme. If you want to accept head on over to my blog!
Tucker was definitely a character to swoon over. I just read this yesterday in one sitting. Can’t wait for the sequel!
Rachel
http://www.rachelslitpicks.com