Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #1
Publisher: HarperTeen
Publication Year: 2011
Language: English
Format: Hardback
Pages: 435
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?
Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.
Unearthly is the first book in a young adult fantasy/supernatural trilogy
by Cynthia Hand. It follows Clara Gardner, a high school student living in
California who is an angel-blood. What it means is that she is part angel which
gives her some advantages such as stronger, faster, the ability to speak
multiple languages easily, and other angelic characteristics. Being part angel
also comes with a purpose which she has to fulfill. As her angelic power grows
stronger, she’s getting vague visions of what her purpose is. It leads her and
her family to move to Jackson, Wyoming. Apparently, figuring out her purpose is
not as clear-cut as she hopes for. Not to mention all the complications of
learning her angelic power while trying to fit in a new environment and new
school as a normal teenager. For Clara, it is the time where she has to figure
out her life purpose and future; and she has to do it quick.
Before I delve
into what I think about the book, let me be honest, what attracts me to this
book in the first place is the cover. I think it’s pretty with its purple
metallic color. It looks so shiny. All I knew about the content itself is that
it’s a young adult book about angels. I remember back then how there are many
supernatural young adult books circulating especially after the Twilight series.
So I put off reading the book. It wasn’t until recently that I’m in need of
something light and fun with a bit of magic added to escape the real world, that
I decided to pick it up. After reading the book, I’m pleasantly surprised at how
much I like the book.
As with other first book in the series, Unearthly
mostly sets up the world setting and the mythology of the world. I would say
that the angels in this book is not religion based but more like superpowers.
Since in this book Clara has just discovering her power and figuring out her
purpose, it reads like a superhero origin story. I like reading how Clara
overcome her struggles adjusting to her newfound abilities and insecurities. As
we read through the book, we see how Clara grows as an angel blood and as a
person. Despite the advanced abilities she has, I’d say her struggles growing up
is relatable. For a supernatural book, it’s fun to see Clara, the female lead as
the angel. I don’t think I’ve read a supernatural book where the female lead is
the supernatural being.
What I like about this book is most of it focuses
on the main character’s growth and the supernatural aspect of the story. I don’t
hate romance in a book but sometimes love story where the characters involved
are still teenagers can be so dramatic and tiring. Although by the end of the
book it looks like there’s a set up for a love triangle. First we have
Christian, the boy who appears in Clara’s vision. He’s the reason her family
move to Jackson, Wyoming. Christian is considered as the handsome guy at school,
member of the ski team, and giving off the mysterious vibe. Not much is known
about him, at least until the few last pages of the first book. Then we have
Tucker. He’s the twin brother of Clara’s first friend at the new school. He’s
quite popular at school. He seems like the type of guy you can rely on. He’s
friendly and likes to tease Clara in a flirty/ playful way. Christian and Tucker
feel like the metaphor of Clara’s life direction. Will she choose to fulfill the
life purpose that’s been appointed to her or to follow her heart. We’ll see.
Overall, it’s fun, uncomplicated, and what I needed at the time so I did
enjoy reading it. I’m looking forward to read the next book because there’s
still many questions left to answer especially regarding how the whole purpose
works. The theme is surprisingly relatable even to me, who’s definitely not a
high school student anymore. I also love the setting. Wyoming sounds like a
place I want to live when I’m retired. I recommend Unearthly if you’re looking
for an entertaining young adult supernatural book.
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