Hallowed by Cynthia Hand Review

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand
★★★★☆
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Age: YA
Genre: Angels, Romance, Drama, Fallen Angels, High School,
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.

Let's start with Unearthly, because I think that is a fabulous place to start. About a year in a half ago I read this fantastic book about angels. One of the first I had come across that was an original and healthy take on a paranormal genre about a human and part angel falling in love. The book will keep your attention and is simply a great read.

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. 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?

Fast forward to now. I bought Hallowed, book 2 in the Unearthly series as soon as it came out, in January. But, I haven't been in the mood to get back into that story (I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't something I wanted to read). It sat on my nightstand for a few months and finally Saturday I picked it up. And well folks, it's Sunday and I'm posting the review. I should have dove in when I first got it, it's just overall a wonderful series.

As mentioned, Hallowed is a book 2, Unearthly being the first book in the series. If you're looking for a fresh and beautiful take on celestial beings look no further.

The story continues to follow Clara (who I forever want to call Clary, but that's not her name) and her search to fulfill her purpose. After the shocking revelations in book 1, the story takes flight in book two with never ending drama, suspense, and more romance. With a wonderfully crafted love-triangle this book is hands down my favorite angel story.

I will say that I am team Christian all the way :)

To celebrate this series I have created a photo album on the blog face book page The Life of Fiction, called If You Like Books About Angels... that features some great YA Angel books and their info. There are also 3 other photo albums; 2012 Releases, If You Liked The Hunger Games.. and Other Dystopian Novels, and If You Like Sarah Dessen... and other Contemporary Romance. So, make sure to check those out for some sweet recommendations.

And, look at the beautiful cover for book 3, Boundless, due out in January of 2013!

Such a pretty series.