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stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
3.0
3.5
Hallowed shouldn’t work for me but it does, and here’s why:
Expectation #1 90% of all PNR makes me want to set something on fire.
Reality: The mythology here is really refreshing and weaves in religion without being preachy, and the romance isn’t too annoying.
The only way you can convince me to read a story like this is to make it fun and self-aware. Mission completed!
’’This isn’t going to be one of those creepy situations where you show up at all hours of the night to watch me sleep, is it?’’ He asks playfully. ’’Every moment I’m away from you, I die a little,’’ I say in return.
’’So that’s a yes then.
Expectation #2: Doormat, TSTL heroine.
Reality: Clara is such a strong, genuine character who makes justified decisions. She is vulnerable, smart, kind, and surprisingly funny.
I used to find it mildly funny that I saw a Black Wing at the mall. I tried to picture him shopping, drifting through the bookshelves of Barnes & Noble with the latest Dan Brown novel, in Macy’s fingering the ties, perusing the underwear, because even angels need underwear if they’re going to walk among us, right?
Expectation #3:Love triangle of hell.
Reality: SURPRISE. Both of the love interests are truly good guys. The kind you want to bring home to your parents. I can’t believe Tucker was pitched as ’’someone who appeals to Clara’s less angelic side’’ in book 1, because he’s a puppy in human disguise.
I don’t take sides, and it doesn’t matter who she ends up with. I know that both of them treat her well, and I’m content either way.
Realistic husband material, guys.
Buy two now and get an angst-free romance!
Expectation #4: Too fluffy and silly. You know me, I’m all about them bad and complex characters with the tragic backstory. The sassy douchebags with motives, however dumb they are.
Every single character here is so sweet and nice, like they flew out of a kids’ movie and added realism.
But nice characters are no less complex than the bad ones, and I really appreciated our kind and sweet cast.
Expectation #5: No plot.
Reality: Well.. This is where the cons kick in. Hallowed is very much a character-driven novel and the plot is on the slower side. The book is too long and feels like a filler.
I felt disconnected to the characters. A book without a plot only works if it has stunning characters with lots of personality that make you keep reading, and if there aren't any potential storylines (Clara's purpose, her family's past etc.) begging to be explored. 400 pages of grieving half-interesting people normally wouldn't work, but Hand knows how to keep the reader interested. So ultimately, I enjoyed this enough to add the final book to my TBR.
Hallowed shouldn’t work for me but it does, and here’s why:
Expectation #1 90% of all PNR makes me want to set something on fire.
Reality: The mythology here is really refreshing and weaves in religion without being preachy, and the romance isn’t too annoying.
The only way you can convince me to read a story like this is to make it fun and self-aware. Mission completed!
’’This isn’t going to be one of those creepy situations where you show up at all hours of the night to watch me sleep, is it?’’ He asks playfully. ’’Every moment I’m away from you, I die a little,’’ I say in return.
’’So that’s a yes then.
Expectation #2: Doormat, TSTL heroine.
Reality: Clara is such a strong, genuine character who makes justified decisions. She is vulnerable, smart, kind, and surprisingly funny.
I used to find it mildly funny that I saw a Black Wing at the mall. I tried to picture him shopping, drifting through the bookshelves of Barnes & Noble with the latest Dan Brown novel, in Macy’s fingering the ties, perusing the underwear, because even angels need underwear if they’re going to walk among us, right?
Expectation #3:Love triangle of hell.
Reality: SURPRISE. Both of the love interests are truly good guys. The kind you want to bring home to your parents. I can’t believe Tucker was pitched as ’’someone who appeals to Clara’s less angelic side’’ in book 1, because he’s a puppy in human disguise.
I don’t take sides, and it doesn’t matter who she ends up with. I know that both of them treat her well, and I’m content either way.
Realistic husband material, guys.
Buy two now and get an angst-free romance!
Expectation #4: Too fluffy and silly. You know me, I’m all about them bad and complex characters with the tragic backstory. The sassy douchebags with motives, however dumb they are.
Every single character here is so sweet and nice, like they flew out of a kids’ movie and added realism.
But nice characters are no less complex than the bad ones, and I really appreciated our kind and sweet cast.
Expectation #5: No plot.
Reality: Well.. This is where the cons kick in. Hallowed is very much a character-driven novel and the plot is on the slower side. The book is too long and feels like a filler.
I felt disconnected to the characters. A book without a plot only works if it has stunning characters with lots of personality that make you keep reading, and if there aren't any potential storylines (Clara's purpose, her family's past etc.) begging to be explored. 400 pages of grieving half-interesting people normally wouldn't work, but Hand knows how to keep the reader interested. So ultimately, I enjoyed this enough to add the final book to my TBR.
bookdevouringmisfit's review against another edition
5.0
My Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
I AM TORN APART. DEVASTATED AND DAMAGED.
This book right here was one hell of an emotional ride for me. Conflicted and torn, I cannot think straight right now.
I did not cry as opposed to what I was expecting. I really thought I would but thankfully I didn't. Though not one tear was shed, I still felt lonely and sad and I'm on my period right now while reading this so I'm very emotional. Gaah. Okay. Phew.
So not much really happened here aside from, you know, the whole part where Clara figures out who among her loved ones would die. She thinks she's being punished for screwing her purpose. But I had no complaints at all. I liked it just how it was done. Not much action but just pure emotions. I think the whole purpose of Hallowed was for us to know more deeply about the characters and understand them. To have the answers to those questions that have been itching to get out of our heads. Well worry no more, fellow readers. This book will satisfy you and will give you the answers you've been longing for.
Let's now go to the love triangle which Hand has very effectively crafted. Usually, I wouldn't have problems as to whom the main character should end up with. Right from the beginning, I would already know but with this, I'm completely torn.
I kind of have a soft spot now for Christian but I'm still Team Tucker all the way. I think it's only fair that in this book, we get to see more of Christian now since Unearthly focused more on Clara and Tucker's relationship.
What else.. what else? Oh! Jeffrey! Throughout this whole book, I did feel for him. Especially in that part where he tells Clara his purpose. Ugh, I'm getting sad again. Why do I feel like Jeffrey's being neglected here? I need to see more of him in the last book.
One more thing, Wendy. Why is it that she wasn't seen much here? I think I kind of missed the idea of her. Hmph. Both she and Tucker had lesser appearances here. Oh, well..
I'll be adding more of my thoughts later if I'd still be in for it.
Will now be heading to book three. :)
I AM TORN APART. DEVASTATED AND DAMAGED.
This book right here was one hell of an emotional ride for me. Conflicted and torn, I cannot think straight right now.
I did not cry as opposed to what I was expecting. I really thought I would but thankfully I didn't. Though not one tear was shed, I still felt lonely and sad and I'm on my period right now while reading this so I'm very emotional. Gaah. Okay. Phew.
So not much really happened here aside from, you know, the whole part where Clara figures out who among her loved ones would die. She thinks she's being punished for screwing her purpose. But I had no complaints at all. I liked it just how it was done. Not much action but just pure emotions. I think the whole purpose of Hallowed was for us to know more deeply about the characters and understand them. To have the answers to those questions that have been itching to get out of our heads. Well worry no more, fellow readers. This book will satisfy you and will give you the answers you've been longing for.
Let's now go to the love triangle which Hand has very effectively crafted. Usually, I wouldn't have problems as to whom the main character should end up with. Right from the beginning, I would already know but with this, I'm completely torn.
I kind of have a soft spot now for Christian but I'm still Team Tucker all the way. I think it's only fair that in this book, we get to see more of Christian now since Unearthly focused more on Clara and Tucker's relationship.
What else.. what else? Oh! Jeffrey! Throughout this whole book, I did feel for him. Especially in that part where he tells Clara his purpose. Ugh, I'm getting sad again. Why do I feel like Jeffrey's being neglected here? I need to see more of him in the last book.
One more thing, Wendy. Why is it that she wasn't seen much here? I think I kind of missed the idea of her. Hmph. Both she and Tucker had lesser appearances here. Oh, well..
I'll be adding more of my thoughts later if I'd still be in for it.
Will now be heading to book three. :)
jenny_hedberg's review against another edition
4.0
Oh my god! A horse in need! I was seriously heartbroken when Tucker's horse disappeared. Once a horse lover, always a horse lover.
Well, well, this was yet another great book by Cynthia Hand. Read it.
Well, well, this was yet another great book by Cynthia Hand. Read it.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
3.0
This was good, but I didn't like it as well as the first one. A lot of the elements I really liked in the first one weren't there. Clara was still in a relationship with Tucker, but it was more of a tell and not show type of thing. We barely saw them together in this book. In fact, Tucker wasn't in this book much at all.
Also, the setting, which was described so prevalently in book one wasn't here as much either. It's understandable. The area where they live has already been sufficiently described, but I missed it. I missed Clara taking hikes and going fishing and stuff.
And the love triangle. Even if you have your character acknowledge that the love triangle is overdone, it still doesn't make it better when you use it. It almost makes it worse that the author knows readers are sick of it, but did it anyway because she thinks she can do it better or she has to have it or whatever. I'm just so so tired of that plot element.
The story is still good, and I enjoyed reading it, but it wasn't nearly the breath of fresh air that the first one was. It became more run of the mill YA. Kind of a bummer.
Also, the setting, which was described so prevalently in book one wasn't here as much either. It's understandable. The area where they live has already been sufficiently described, but I missed it. I missed Clara taking hikes and going fishing and stuff.
And the love triangle. Even if you have your character acknowledge that the love triangle is overdone, it still doesn't make it better when you use it. It almost makes it worse that the author knows readers are sick of it, but did it anyway because she thinks she can do it better or she has to have it or whatever. I'm just so so tired of that plot element.
The story is still good, and I enjoyed reading it, but it wasn't nearly the breath of fresh air that the first one was. It became more run of the mill YA. Kind of a bummer.
seymagm's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars from me, this book disappointed me a lot and I wasn't fond of Clara and some of the others characters...
halynah's review against another edition
5.0
Exquisite and beautifully written book!!! I loved every page of it - the second installment is even better than the first one - the characters are more developed, mature, the events are more exciting and grave, there are new characters and there are many revealed secrets! There were many touching episodes, beautiful moments, heartbreaking events. I loved every appearance of Sam, though he is a negative character, I liked Clara's reflections and thoughts, I enjoyed Angela's valedictorian speech and I cried over the episode of charm bracelet. Amazing, emotionally rich, soulful read! Definitely a must-read!!!
miss_merna's review against another edition
3.0
I still can’t say I’m big fan of the unearthly series after finishing the second book. It’s quite an average book in every level. It might have been a little pleasurable read. Though, I was still unable to present this book with 4 stars because that would mark the book’s rating evenly alongside of ‘Daughter of smoke and bone’. And ‘Daughter of smoke and bone’ is presently holding the position for favourite angel book for me. So, it was fairly impossible for the unearthly series to steal that spot.
If I were to rewind about five years into the past, when I first began reading, I would have presented this book with a glowing review. I would have said it was: incredible/ passionate/addictive. Now, five years on, my mind has expanded to what I truly consider is an astonishing - well written series. Maybe, I just don’t think that angels being sent a purpose which they have to fulfil is that…clever. It’s too simple. I suppose, the book is aiming at simplicity. Maybe, I like reading more of dense plotted books. Not always however, occasionally the book can just be amazingly enjoyable and it would earn 5 stars, instantly.
Hollowed was average. It didn’t offer anything new I haven’t seen in YA genre before. Such as: Jealouse boys fist-fighting each other, a girl confused with who she should choose, and a tragedy that’s meant to make our heart ache. (It didn’t.)
One vital problem I had with hollowed – Okay, it wasn’t a very serious problem was Tucker. I can’t clarify why but he annoyed me so badly, every time he appeared, I had to hold the urge to tear the pages apart.
And his name.
I just hate his name. It reminds me of Kentucky chicken. Not to stay Kentucky chicken isn’t yummy, but it just doesn’t evoke the same feeling of yumminess for a name. If you get me.
It’s my opinion, but Christina understands Clara much better. I know everyone is hating on Christian because he appears to be the regular YA love interest but read this.
(Reaction to the tragedy) – Spoiler ahead.
Tucker
When I told Tucker he kept saying he was so sorry, over and over again, and I could tell he didn't know what else to say, how to react to news like this, so I told him I had to go and let him off the hook.
Christian
There’s movement outside my window. Christian. I can feel his worry radiating like a heat lamp. He wants to tell me that he understands. He lost his mother too. I’m not alone. But he’s making up his mind not to say those things to me, because he knows that ultimately words are meaningless at times like these. He just wants to sit with me, for hours, if that’s what I need.
Like come on!!
Okay, I shall go read the last instalment in the unearthly series, and I most likely will not be happy with who she ends up with. Nevertheless this book is primarily an entertaining read. Not very a smartly constructed book, but it passes the time for uneventful days.
If I were to rewind about five years into the past, when I first began reading, I would have presented this book with a glowing review. I would have said it was: incredible/ passionate/addictive. Now, five years on, my mind has expanded to what I truly consider is an astonishing - well written series. Maybe, I just don’t think that angels being sent a purpose which they have to fulfil is that…clever. It’s too simple. I suppose, the book is aiming at simplicity. Maybe, I like reading more of dense plotted books. Not always however, occasionally the book can just be amazingly enjoyable and it would earn 5 stars, instantly.
Hollowed was average. It didn’t offer anything new I haven’t seen in YA genre before. Such as: Jealouse boys fist-fighting each other, a girl confused with who she should choose, and a tragedy that’s meant to make our heart ache. (It didn’t.)
One vital problem I had with hollowed – Okay, it wasn’t a very serious problem was Tucker. I can’t clarify why but he annoyed me so badly, every time he appeared, I had to hold the urge to tear the pages apart.
And his name.
I just hate his name. It reminds me of Kentucky chicken. Not to stay Kentucky chicken isn’t yummy, but it just doesn’t evoke the same feeling of yumminess for a name. If you get me.
It’s my opinion, but Christina understands Clara much better. I know everyone is hating on Christian because he appears to be the regular YA love interest but read this.
(Reaction to the tragedy) – Spoiler ahead.
Tucker
When I told Tucker he kept saying he was so sorry, over and over again, and I could tell he didn't know what else to say, how to react to news like this, so I told him I had to go and let him off the hook.
Christian
There’s movement outside my window. Christian. I can feel his worry radiating like a heat lamp. He wants to tell me that he understands. He lost his mother too. I’m not alone. But he’s making up his mind not to say those things to me, because he knows that ultimately words are meaningless at times like these. He just wants to sit with me, for hours, if that’s what I need.
Like come on!!
Okay, I shall go read the last instalment in the unearthly series, and I most likely will not be happy with who she ends up with. Nevertheless this book is primarily an entertaining read. Not very a smartly constructed book, but it passes the time for uneventful days.
alisonhori's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 stars....fun, paranormal YA series. I like the characters a lot...not too lame and whiny. The relationships and characters are complex and not predictable...and the story has kept me drawn in for 2 books and I have already started the third.
mars_aria's review against another edition
3.0
Unearthly wasn't as good as the first book, but it was still amazing. It started out a little slow for me, but eventually the story caught me in its crutches again like it did in the first book. Clara faces more hard times and tough decisions than she did before and on the way she loses someone she loves. With surprising twists, dangerous situations, and secrets revealed, Gardner crafts a continually fascinating story that I hope won't stop now.
klaragon73's review against another edition
4.0
Until last week, I had not read Unearthly and I have to say I am saddened that I waited so long. I only read it so I wouldn't feel completely lost reading Hallowed but ended up falling for this series in a way I never imagined. When you hop around the blogosphere as much as I do, you find that certain books get more attention than others and that is a sad fact. Unearthly and Hallowed are two of the books I don't see tons of reviews for and it's a shame. I loved both these books but this review is for the second book in the Unearthly Series.
Hallowed begins shortly after we left Clara in Unearthly. Clara begins to have "dreams" involving deep sorrow and a cemetery. With the introduction to Black Wings she associates her visions to them but when she begins to note the things around her...she notices certain important people are missing from the gathering. Imagining the worst, Clara has to make a decision whether to tell these people they may possibly be dying or leave fate to take care of it. Knowing she isn't good at keeping secrets, she struggles more than some people would. And who knows...maybe there is a reason she can't keep secrets, some ingrained sense...or maybe not.
We learn more about the lore between the white wings and the dark wings in this installment. I loved knowing what made each "race" different. Seeing Clara's ability to deal with the Black Wing, Samjeeza, made me proud. Clara is a strong protagonist who shows her weaknesses from time to time. She has strong views on the way things should be, rebels against them, and then sometimes wishes she could redo things. Does anything say young adult better than the previous sentence? I didn't think so.
This time around...Clara faces an enormous loss. She will have to learn who they can trust and attempt to work things out with Jeremy, her brother. If there is anything worse than a teenage girl...it is only a stubborn teenage boy with a God-complex.
We get to see much more of Christian in action in Hallowed. He tries to be what Clara wants him to be with a great deal of difficulty. I enjoyed his role and his passion. I still love Tucker and I think he makes Clara happy in a teenage love sort of way. Christian is more like the rock she will always have to lean on...for now.
Ms. Hand throws a couple of zingers on the table this time around. I was shocked, saddened, and delightfully pleased. If you haven't added this to your TBR list...do so now.
Hallowed begins shortly after we left Clara in Unearthly. Clara begins to have "dreams" involving deep sorrow and a cemetery. With the introduction to Black Wings she associates her visions to them but when she begins to note the things around her...she notices certain important people are missing from the gathering. Imagining the worst, Clara has to make a decision whether to tell these people they may possibly be dying or leave fate to take care of it. Knowing she isn't good at keeping secrets, she struggles more than some people would. And who knows...maybe there is a reason she can't keep secrets, some ingrained sense...or maybe not.
We learn more about the lore between the white wings and the dark wings in this installment. I loved knowing what made each "race" different. Seeing Clara's ability to deal with the Black Wing, Samjeeza, made me proud. Clara is a strong protagonist who shows her weaknesses from time to time. She has strong views on the way things should be, rebels against them, and then sometimes wishes she could redo things. Does anything say young adult better than the previous sentence? I didn't think so.
This time around...Clara faces an enormous loss. She will have to learn who they can trust and attempt to work things out with Jeremy, her brother. If there is anything worse than a teenage girl...it is only a stubborn teenage boy with a God-complex.
We get to see much more of Christian in action in Hallowed. He tries to be what Clara wants him to be with a great deal of difficulty. I enjoyed his role and his passion. I still love Tucker and I think he makes Clara happy in a teenage love sort of way. Christian is more like the rock she will always have to lean on...for now.
Ms. Hand throws a couple of zingers on the table this time around. I was shocked, saddened, and delightfully pleased. If you haven't added this to your TBR list...do so now.