Scan barcode
bmg20's review against another edition
3.0
Expected Publication Date: January 17th 2012
3.5 stars
Hallowed was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for HarperCollins.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
When I requested Hallowed on Netgalley I was dumb and didn’t realize that this was the 2nd in a series. Since I was already approved I decidedly to immediately read Unearthly so that I could dive right into Hallowed (that was the plan if I liked it). Well I did. I really really liked Unearthly and I wasn’t actually expecting to (not a diehard fan of paranormal/fantasy/romanctical/YA books).
There will be spoilers from Unearthly but any spoilers from Hallowed will be hidden in links!
The Storyline
Long story short, Hallowed picks up right where Unearthly left off; Clara is still confused about how to proceed after she failed to fulfill her purpose. When she starts having more dreams/visions she determines that she’s in a cemetery, that someone she loves is going to die, and it’s going to happen as soon as this Spring. Clara is also still trying to handle her conflicting feelings that she has for her boyfriend Tucker and for Christian as well.
What Was Missing For Me
Two key elements that had me completely enthralled in Unearthly unraveled for me in Hallowed.
The Love triangle: I think the author did a beautiful job of NOT making it a cliché and NOT irritating the daylights out of me in Unearthly. In Hallowed I felt that the work she did in maintaining the non-love triangle did not hold up under the pressure of being just like every other YA paranormal romance novel. Now don't get me wrong, I can understand the reasoning behind her relationship with Christian in the beginning was because he was involved in her purpose. It then evolved into Christian and Clara both being angels, being able to relate to each other, and a kinship was created. It didn't necessarily need to go into lovey dovey status, and that's where she lost me.
Clara's Independence: I loved the strength and independence that she exuded in Unearthly; I didn't see that once in Hallowed. In this book she's completely in love with Tucker (which is fine, not the issue) but she's even daydreaming about their wedding and the kids that they would have and their life together (again, not really an issue). Where she lost me was when she started contemplating whether or not she should even leave for college because that would mean she'd be leaving Tucker behind.
Speaking from personal experience, I did this exact thing. I didn't want to leave my boyfriend at the time behind and so I decided to actually stay home instead of making the leap of faith and going to the university that I had been planning on attending. I look back and hate myself for my lack of backbone in changing my future plans based on a boy that I thought I loved. So essentially this may not be a problem for everyone else or the general population but I certainly saw a part of me reflected in Clara's actions and it definitely registered quite a negative reaction for me.
The one thing I was thankful for was that the author gave the main character friends that made sure to tell her she was being dumb and made attempts to dissuade her.
Straight Spoiler Section
There were some parts that I simply had to get out there for discussion, but for those of you who have read it already. Spoilers ahead!
Final Thoughts
I still enjoyed this, it is still worth the read, but no I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Unearthly. I also feel a tad cheated as I was under the impression that this was a trilogy and now I hear talk of a fourth one? (Correct if I’m wrong.) I do see how there could be plenty more added on to the story, especially since Clara still has like 100+ more years of life left, but I do hope that we start getting some answers because the ending to Hallowed was a bit frayed at the edges for my liking.
So this IS a trilogy... I'm definitely looking forward to Boundless even more now because there will finally be a resolution and some questions that I've been dying to have answered! VERY EXCITED!
3.5 stars
Hallowed was kindly provided to me by Netgalley for HarperCollins.
Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!
When I requested Hallowed on Netgalley I was dumb and didn’t realize that this was the 2nd in a series. Since I was already approved I decidedly to immediately read Unearthly so that I could dive right into Hallowed (that was the plan if I liked it). Well I did. I really really liked Unearthly and I wasn’t actually expecting to (not a diehard fan of paranormal/fantasy/romanctical/YA books).
There will be spoilers from Unearthly but any spoilers from Hallowed will be hidden in links!
The Storyline
Long story short, Hallowed picks up right where Unearthly left off; Clara is still confused about how to proceed after she failed to fulfill her purpose. When she starts having more dreams/visions she determines that she’s in a cemetery, that someone she loves is going to die, and it’s going to happen as soon as this Spring. Clara is also still trying to handle her conflicting feelings that she has for her boyfriend Tucker and for Christian as well.
What Was Missing For Me
Two key elements that had me completely enthralled in Unearthly unraveled for me in Hallowed.
The Love triangle: I think the author did a beautiful job of NOT making it a cliché and NOT irritating the daylights out of me in Unearthly. In Hallowed I felt that the work she did in maintaining the non-love triangle did not hold up under the pressure of being just like every other YA paranormal romance novel. Now don't get me wrong, I can understand the reasoning behind her relationship with Christian in the beginning was because he was involved in her purpose. It then evolved into Christian and Clara both being angels, being able to relate to each other, and a kinship was created. It didn't necessarily need to go into lovey dovey status, and that's where she lost me.
Clara's Independence: I loved the strength and independence that she exuded in Unearthly; I didn't see that once in Hallowed. In this book she's completely in love with Tucker (which is fine, not the issue) but she's even daydreaming about their wedding and the kids that they would have and their life together (again, not really an issue). Where she lost me was when she started contemplating whether or not she should even leave for college because that would mean she'd be leaving Tucker behind.
Speaking from personal experience, I did this exact thing. I didn't want to leave my boyfriend at the time behind and so I decided to actually stay home instead of making the leap of faith and going to the university that I had been planning on attending. I look back and hate myself for my lack of backbone in changing my future plans based on a boy that I thought I loved. So essentially this may not be a problem for everyone else or the general population but I certainly saw a part of me reflected in Clara's actions and it definitely registered quite a negative reaction for me.
The one thing I was thankful for was that the author gave the main character friends that made sure to tell her she was being dumb and made attempts to dissuade her.
Straight Spoiler Section
There were some parts that I simply had to get out there for discussion, but for those of you who have read it already. Spoilers ahead!
Spoiler
Jeffrey: So why exactly is so much attention being paid to Clara regarding her purpose? Nobody asked Jeffrey about his purpose? But then again why wasn’t he up front and let everyone know what was going on and what he planned on doing? That would’ve made everything a whole lot less confusing and of course the book wouldn’t be what it was if everything went right. But I don’t understand why he gets to hide up in his room and his mom practically ignores him completely yet she bugs Clara incessantly.Spoiler
Their Dad: Come on. So now Clara is some super rare angel and of course so is Christian and OF COURSE they’re supposed to bond completely over their extreme specialness. Personally, I still would have remained intrigued if she was just a simple Quartarius she didn’t have to become uber-special to keep my interest. Overboard I say, overboard.Spoiler
Angela’s Secret Italian Boyfriend: Seriously though, what is up with that? It’s almost like he was thrown in there as a potential future storyline, which is kind of irritating as of right now since I have no clue what the hell is actually going on. And was I kind of sheltered or something, but what 17 year old girl has black lacey lingerie that she takes with her on her yearly trips to Italy?Spoiler
Following her Purpose: So even though I was really happy about how Clara decided to love who she wanted in Unearthly (despite her Purpose), I did have a feeling that it was going to be short-lived. And sure enough, she finally realizes that if she stayed with Tucker he wouldn’t have the life that he deserved and blah blah blah… yawn. Essentially that just negated everything GOOD that she did in the first book because it became pointless. I mean really, what exactly was the point? In this book, Angela tells Clara about her Purpose and how she sees Clara in Stanford so OF COURSE it’s going to happen… so this time around she’s automatically accepting it which I so did not like.Spoiler
Religion:Yes, I understand I’m reading a book about angels so I should expect at least some bits about religion; HOWEVER, in Unearthly the religion aspects were balanced beautifully and I didn’t grumble once. This time around it came all out and definitely made up for the lack of references in Unearthly, which I didn’t like so much. I’ll leave it at that.Final Thoughts
I still enjoyed this, it is still worth the read, but no I didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Unearthly. I also feel a tad cheated as I was under the impression that this was a trilogy and now I hear talk of a fourth one? (Correct if I’m wrong.) I do see how there could be plenty more added on to the story, especially since Clara still has like 100+ more years of life left, but I do hope that we start getting some answers because the ending to Hallowed was a bit frayed at the edges for my liking.
So this IS a trilogy... I'm definitely looking forward to Boundless even more now because there will finally be a resolution and some questions that I've been dying to have answered! VERY EXCITED!
emilywoodal's review against another edition
5.0
Omg I am bawling like a baby. Even though I knew the death was coming, I still wasn’t prepared for all these feels. I loved the relationship Clara and her mother had. I try to mirror the same relationship with my own daughter and the feels hit me extra hard on that.
This was so beautifully written and I am in love with this series. Now I really want my daughter to read this lol
This was so beautifully written and I am in love with this series. Now I really want my daughter to read this lol
ladywestfall's review against another edition
4.0
"Our purpose on this earth is not a single event, an accomplishment we can check off a list. There is no test. No passing or failing. There’s only us, each moment shaping who we are, into what we will become."
Thank goodness! I love this a whole lot better than the first book. The whole angel stuff are unfolding bit by bit and can I just say that I was amazed with the fact that Clara is a Triplare!! And ofc, Christian also. I also kinda like the fact that Tucker and Clara went on seperate ways for now. I'm not really a big fan of their cheesiness at the moment. I love Christian more. His mysterious vibe always gets to me and he is just damn cool (and hot). I cannot say that I'm totally onboard with him being with Clara. I want them to be together (if ever) solely because they genuinely love each other and not because some heavenly power is forcing them to. Also, I have a serious crush on Clara's daddy, Michael! Hotness personified, it is! I also can't wait for Jeffrey's part in all of this. There is something going on with him and I can't wait to know all about it!
*flies to the next book*
Thank goodness! I love this a whole lot better than the first book. The whole angel stuff are unfolding bit by bit and can I just say that I was amazed with the fact that Clara is a Triplare!! And ofc, Christian also. I also kinda like the fact that Tucker and Clara went on seperate ways for now. I'm not really a big fan of their cheesiness at the moment. I love Christian more. His mysterious vibe always gets to me and he is just damn cool (and hot). I cannot say that I'm totally onboard with him being with Clara. I want them to be together (if ever) solely because they genuinely love each other and not because some heavenly power is forcing them to. Also, I have a serious crush on Clara's daddy, Michael! Hotness personified, it is! I also can't wait for Jeffrey's part in all of this. There is something going on with him and I can't wait to know all about it!
*flies to the next book*
krish_'s review against another edition
5.0
My reaction to this book is fittingly more sombre than my reaction to Unearthly. I almost wish it came with a warning for how emotional this was going to be. Read enough YA and you become conditioned, most times, to expect "okay" to "fun" books. But its the likes of Marchetta, for myself anyway, and with books like Jellicoe Road, that I keep taking the plunge, flipping the covers hoping that the story contained in them is something worthwhile. Which is why it surprised the hell out of me when I was left feeling both slightly numb but also winded, not knowing quite where it came from but hitting me, nonetheless, all in a sudden rush.
Its funny how Hallowed is a book about angels yet the message in it (excuse the pun) is unabashedly human. It calls to the forefront of the mind the very human eventualities we must all bear in the short span of our mortal lives. Hand chooses, maybe selectively but perhaps not, some of the more difficult life obstacles. It weighs you down with the impending doom that is Clara's apparent future. And even though her troubles are in the forms of heavenly destiny, visions and fallen angels, they stand as no more than metaphors to the battles we fight very similarly in our everyday lives.
There's a certain grandness to the way Hand presents the hardships of life, the painful decisions that will one day be called upon us, that makes it all somehow seem endurable. Its a determined grandness, slightly romantic but definitely resolute, like finally dusting yourself off, lifting your head and taking that first step towards what's coming; some of that may even be defeat, a resignation to the trials of life because you can't always fight against what the universe throws at you. Accept and persevere and your true character will be decided. But Hand writes in a way that envisions within me a warrior that faces suffering head-on, and one that delights in silent confidence at the mission of overcoming it. Hallowed may not be heavy-handed or preachy, but it does compel us to hold faith, and it also explores the virtue of long-suffering in all its layers of meaning and manifestations.
She brings up so many things in this book both adolescent and mature; appropriately so as Clara is on the verge of adulthood. Some things are so nostalgic and innocent like the fantasy of having Superman and Superwoman for parents, so childlike. Having the memory of looking up at our parents as children and thinking they can do anything, to have that realized is so sweet and comforting. Others are more serious and cautionary like finally growing up and owning up to our responsibilities. Knowing that Hand is a college professor, it seems reasonable that this book might also be a gentle, reassuring nudge to young adults. A small life is hard, but you can do it pat on the back kind of thing. It is possible to brave death and loss, maneuver one's way through confusion and uncertainty and, finally, to figure out things like what we want to be when we grow up. But of course it isn't just for the young. These messages are universal. Regardless of age and experience, I don't think we ever thwart fear when in the threshold of change. We just bear it better as we live longer.
But aside from that, it was just good storytelling. Its an interesting story with great characters that you come to care for. Its refreshing as well that it doesn't fall under the usual traps of this genre, as many reviews have pointed out. They're there but they're done well. The parents are present and loving, the best friends are honest and true, the bitchy popular girl even has some unexpected depth. And yes, yes, I love me some Tucker and Christian. But I am, forever, Tucker's girl. I'll go no further -- but if Hand is reading this, I am staring daggers at you, wagging a very threatening finger and wearing a shirt that says I'll be watching. Just sayin'.
So, I loved the book. I took away a lot from the book. I won't say OMG its the bestest of all YA's ever in life like ever!! It isn't as openly profound as others I've read. Some may even see nothing more than a run-of-the-mill teen fantasy book. But I am at the moment blind to all its faults (if I cared to count any). I don't know if this review gives enough sufficient information, instead of just another rambling post of my incoherent thoughts. But I don't want to say anymore, mainly because its a feeling I want to keep for myself. And I don't want to sell this book too hard...because if you don't give it a try, believe me, its your loss.
Its funny how Hallowed is a book about angels yet the message in it (excuse the pun) is unabashedly human. It calls to the forefront of the mind the very human eventualities we must all bear in the short span of our mortal lives. Hand chooses, maybe selectively but perhaps not, some of the more difficult life obstacles. It weighs you down with the impending doom that is Clara's apparent future. And even though her troubles are in the forms of heavenly destiny, visions and fallen angels, they stand as no more than metaphors to the battles we fight very similarly in our everyday lives.
There's a certain grandness to the way Hand presents the hardships of life, the painful decisions that will one day be called upon us, that makes it all somehow seem endurable. Its a determined grandness, slightly romantic but definitely resolute, like finally dusting yourself off, lifting your head and taking that first step towards what's coming; some of that may even be defeat, a resignation to the trials of life because you can't always fight against what the universe throws at you. Accept and persevere and your true character will be decided. But Hand writes in a way that envisions within me a warrior that faces suffering head-on, and one that delights in silent confidence at the mission of overcoming it. Hallowed may not be heavy-handed or preachy, but it does compel us to hold faith, and it also explores the virtue of long-suffering in all its layers of meaning and manifestations.
She brings up so many things in this book both adolescent and mature; appropriately so as Clara is on the verge of adulthood. Some things are so nostalgic and innocent like the fantasy of having Superman and Superwoman for parents, so childlike
Spoiler
not to mention bad ass! Like woah, Clara's dad is a full on Angel, like no kidding, holy awesome (thanks, Angela) and Mr. Phibbs, like what!! I knew I liked him!!!But aside from that, it was just good storytelling. Its an interesting story with great characters that you come to care for. Its refreshing as well that it doesn't fall under the usual traps of this genre, as many reviews have pointed out. They're there but they're done well. The parents are present and loving, the best friends are honest and true, the bitchy popular girl even has some unexpected depth. And yes, yes, I love me some Tucker and Christian. But I am, forever, Tucker's girl. I'll go no further -- but if Hand is reading this, I am staring daggers at you, wagging a very threatening finger and wearing a shirt that says I'll be watching. Just sayin'.
So, I loved the book. I took away a lot from the book. I won't say OMG its the bestest of all YA's ever in life like ever!! It isn't as openly profound as others I've read. Some may even see nothing more than a run-of-the-mill teen fantasy book. But I am at the moment blind to all its faults (if I cared to count any). I don't know if this review gives enough sufficient information, instead of just another rambling post of my incoherent thoughts. But I don't want to say anymore, mainly because its a feeling I want to keep for myself. And I don't want to sell this book too hard...because if you don't give it a try, believe me, its your loss.
shanmichelle's review against another edition
5.0
This was an amazingly written book!!! It left me wanting to know more about everyone. I hope there is a book written about Jeffery and what he has been going through. I would love to hear more about Clara's mom's story. I really always loved Tucker and think he is amazing but, I have also grown to love Christian just as much!!! Excellent book! It has been awhile since I cried that much when reading.
alyson7's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Her angelic purpose was supposed to be simple, save Christian Prescott from a forest fire. It was what Clara had been training for ever since she and her family moved to Wyoming. But, things did not go according to plan. At the same time as the forest fire from her visions, another fire was set and Clara's boyfriend was caught in the middle of the burning forest. Caught between her angelic duty and her love for her boyfriend Tucker, Clara chooses Tucker instead. By the time she reaches Christian, the events of the vision had changed, meaning that she failed her purpose.
But now, Clara is starting to have another vision. She is at a grave site. There is a funeral going on for someone Clara is close to. The question is... who is going to die. And, in Clara's vision, Tucker is nowhere in sight. Now, Clara has to do everything within her power to keep Tucker safe from the dark forces that threaten to keep them apart.
Sometimes all I want to read is a supernatural young adult book from the 2010s. These sorts of books are my guilty pleasure reads. I may be way past the target age group now, but I still really enjoy reading these sorts of books from time to time. It is a sort of guilty pleasure of mine.
So, as it is usually the case with trilogies, the second book is usually not as good as the first book. This was the case for Hallowed, but I would argue that for a sequel, it is quite strong. There were some points in the book that lagged a bit, but overall, it had consistent action and twists to keep my attention.
The world-building is really strong in this series. The concept of angel-bloods (humans who are part angel and have powers) is really fascinating and there is a lot of potential for more twists and turns in the final book.
As for the love triangle... I am not entirely sure if I really care for either of the love interests. I am much more interested in Clara's discovery of her potential as an angel-blood rather than if she ends up with Christian or Tucker. Even though this is a supernatural "romance" (with emphasis on the romance), I find that neither love interest is really interesting enough to choose. Christian and Tucker are not exactly fleshed-out as characters as much as they should be. Perhaps this will change in the last book.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I am looking forward to seeing how this series ends.
But now, Clara is starting to have another vision. She is at a grave site. There is a funeral going on for someone Clara is close to. The question is... who is going to die. And, in Clara's vision, Tucker is nowhere in sight. Now, Clara has to do everything within her power to keep Tucker safe from the dark forces that threaten to keep them apart.
Sometimes all I want to read is a supernatural young adult book from the 2010s. These sorts of books are my guilty pleasure reads. I may be way past the target age group now, but I still really enjoy reading these sorts of books from time to time. It is a sort of guilty pleasure of mine.
So, as it is usually the case with trilogies, the second book is usually not as good as the first book. This was the case for Hallowed, but I would argue that for a sequel, it is quite strong. There were some points in the book that lagged a bit, but overall, it had consistent action and twists to keep my attention.
The world-building is really strong in this series. The concept of angel-bloods (humans who are part angel and have powers) is really fascinating and there is a lot of potential for more twists and turns in the final book.
As for the love triangle... I am not entirely sure if I really care for either of the love interests. I am much more interested in Clara's discovery of her potential as an angel-blood rather than if she ends up with Christian or Tucker. Even though this is a supernatural "romance" (with emphasis on the romance), I find that neither love interest is really interesting enough to choose. Christian and Tucker are not exactly fleshed-out as characters as much as they should be. Perhaps this will change in the last book.
Overall, this was a fun read, and I am looking forward to seeing how this series ends.
simira's review against another edition
4.0
Yup I'm kinda liking this series. She always introduces a new conflict that makes you want to read the next book. I'm definitely Team Tucker. Love the good ole boy:). Christian is a little pushy for my taste.
andreana_k's review against another edition
4.0
It takes a brave soul to publish a YA novel that contains a good half dozen pot shots at one of the most popular contemporary book series of its genre within its pages.
People who write YA paranormal love triangles probably shouldn't throw stones in my humble opinion. Yet stones were thrown. Thrown with string tied notes around them proclaiming someone else's book, characters and plot were rubbish. Kind of harsh Ms Hand, kind of harsh.
I mean twilight is rubbish, no argument, but is ripping on it within your YA novel, marketed to the same fanbase, the smartest move? Twilight has a HUGE fanbase. Huge. And I'd be a little wary of making Twenemies. Those twifans and twimoms scare the pooh out of me. These are the people who got like a million signatures in one day in a twitter petition because footface wasn't doing a DVD commentary on Breaking Dawn or something. I repeat, they scare the pooh out of me. So yeah, good luck with that.
Other than that this was a pretty good book, not as good as Unearthly, maybe because it moved in a direction I didn't like but still a good story. Some surprises at the end that I didn't see coming, just like in Unearthly. Cynthia Hand has a great knack for keeping those little plot bunnies well secret until she's ready to tell them.
I really enjoyed the backstory with Clara's mother and would love to read a prequel about her life, her relationship with Michael and Samjeeza and what she got up to in those 60 years between meeting Michael and marrying him.
bridgetteramirez's review against another edition
4.0
Ok, I've had time to think about how I feel and I loved this book. The love triangle frustrates me in such a good way, because as much as I love Tucker, I can't find anything to dislike about Christian. I felt Clara's pain with her mother, more than I expected to. And although I kind of expected the twist that came with her father, I was still excited to see everything unfold and hear her mom's secrets. Overall, a 4.25 stars
sarlyslibrary's review against another edition
1.0
*DNF*
I bought the first book in the series at the yearly book fair when I was in eighth grade. I really liked it and I still own the book to this day. most of high school I really fell off of reading. But in my senior year I finally started to pick it back up. I saw this book in my library and I instantly got excited because I wanted to finish the series and because I liked the first book so much. I don’t even think I got to page 50 before I could not take it anymore and just returned it. I felt so disconnected from the characters that I really did love in the first book, and it was so incredibly boring. because of that I never finished the series. Which makes me sad because I really did enjoy the first book. Im not sure if I’ll give this another chance. But I definitely don’t see the possibility of that happening anytime soon.
I bought the first book in the series at the yearly book fair when I was in eighth grade. I really liked it and I still own the book to this day. most of high school I really fell off of reading. But in my senior year I finally started to pick it back up. I saw this book in my library and I instantly got excited because I wanted to finish the series and because I liked the first book so much. I don’t even think I got to page 50 before I could not take it anymore and just returned it. I felt so disconnected from the characters that I really did love in the first book, and it was so incredibly boring. because of that I never finished the series. Which makes me sad because I really did enjoy the first book. Im not sure if I’ll give this another chance. But I definitely don’t see the possibility of that happening anytime soon.