Review: UNEARTHLY by Cynthia Hand

UNEARTHLY
By: Cynthia Hand
Pub: Jan 2011
Genre: Teen Fiction/Paranormal
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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?

Debut author, Cynthia Hand just "handed" me (sorry, sorry) my latest YA angel fiction favorite. Ladies and gentlemen, meet (drum roll please)...UNEARTHLY! An irresistible blend of romance and adventure vividly told  amid the resplendent beauty of the Wyoming landscape. The evocative writing pulls you in with characters that continue to reveal layers and depth.

Multi-layered Characters - Like Onions, but Without the Smell!

Clara has a bright, independent spirit that sometimes clashes with others' expectations for her. She has to determine whether to follow the path chosen for her or create her own destiny. While I thoroughly enjoyed her journey of growth, I have to admit that somewhere in the middle I almost tossed the book aside and gave up.

Why? OMG - Clara keeps fawning over Christian while completely ignoring the adorable Tucker - whom I'm absolutely in love with!

My Heart When I Think About Tucker

And he's a rodeo star!

Clara's lack of vision in this area was frustrating. But I kept with it and once the romance between her and Tucker gets started I was completely enthralled - and relieved! Tucker is irresistible - sweet, strong, loyal, thoughtful, funny, and handsome, of course - ruggedly so.

Let me pause to swoon....

Okay, I'm back.  I loved how the romance developed, how their feelings built on real experience and time spent together - so romantic.

UNEARTHLY is full of real relationships - family, friends, old enemies. Sprinkle in intriguing mystery, several surprising twists, and a heart-stopping ending that had me holding my breath! Oh, you'll love this one!

Cynthia Hand divides her time between Southern California, where she lives with her husband and son, and southeast Idaho near the Teton mountains. She teaches creative writing at Pepperdine University.

For more, check out Cynthia's interesting and in depth BIO.