Reading Tween: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen (January 4, 2011)
Language: English
Author's Website: http://cynthiahandbooks.com/

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

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.

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.

Review:

I don't know where to begin or how much to tell. When I read this book, all I knew was that it was about Angels. That's it. And I'm so glad that's all I knew. So, I don't want to give too much away. There's a pretty big spoiler in the book description (which I took out) that I wish wasn't there because I just want people to experience it without knowing what's coming. It's so much better that way!! So, if you haven't read the book description, don't read it!!

I absolutely loved Cynthia's writing style. I flew through this book without even realizing that I was through it! It was almost like reading two different stories in one. Like there's this incredible book, with an extra amazing story placed in the middle of it. I felt like I was transported! And the setting was just compelling! I wanted to go to Wyoming and go skiing and hiking and swing on rope swings into dangerous rivers. Everything about it just made me smile and sigh and wish it were me there living that life! Amazing!

Clara is an fantastic character! I just loved her! And it was so refreshing to read about a girl being the angel, trying to save a boy for once! She certainly had her issues, but she was no damsel in distress! She made me laugh with her orange hair and her playful talk. I felt like she was a really relatable character.....even if she is an Angel!

I also loved the mystery in the book. I found everything so mysterious! From Clara, to her mother, to Clara's friend, to her brother, and even the boy she's supposed to save. I feel like we're just glimpsing the tip of the iceberg in this book, and I can't wait to see what unravels in the following books! Which brings me to the cliffhanger. The book does have some answers, but there is also so much that is left unanswered. Normally this drives me crazy, but when a book is this amazing, and this well written, I just want it to go on and on. I can't wait for the next book!