Scan barcode
stuckinafictionaluniverse's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars.
A solid first installment in a YA paranormal trilogy.
Unearthly is by far the best angel book I've ever read, but I didn't like it as much as everyone else. The story only mildly interested me, and the romance was nothing but acceptable.
Clara started becoming annoying as the book went on, and the ending was messy and not my cup of tea.
I might read the second book, just to find out what happens.
A solid first installment in a YA paranormal trilogy.
Unearthly is by far the best angel book I've ever read, but I didn't like it as much as everyone else. The story only mildly interested me, and the romance was nothing but acceptable.
Clara started becoming annoying as the book went on, and the ending was messy and not my cup of tea.
I might read the second book, just to find out what happens.
sazana28's review against another edition
3.0
Omg! First of all, I totally cannot wait to read the second book. It better come fast because I'm not good at waiting for a long time! Lol. I totally loved Clara, and Christian, and Tuck. Mostly Tuck, though! =D I loved the story a little too much. Like screeching when something awesome happens, and I usually did it while I was in my room, but people heard me anyway. Lol. So my mom thought I was going crazy every time I yelled out, "OMG!!! No she did not!!!!!!!!!" And then she would say, "yes she did! Shut it!" Lol. Yeah, I can get into books a little too much. Anyway, omg, I just can't wait till I can read the next book, and Cynthia Hand is a genius! =D Best Book Ever!!
bookdevouringmisfit's review against another edition
4.0
My Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Reasons why I love Unearthly
1.) Clear and fresh writing.
Hand's vivid writing about all the details that make up an angel from its wings, the glowing thing called "glory" and everything else made it easier for me to picture one.
2.) Smooth transition and well-constructed plot.
I really admired how Hand was able to fit the narration of the events happening in varied times fit in just one chapter. I didn't think it was possible to happen with not ruining the story but Hand proved that it was indeed possible.
3.) Lovable and entertaining heroine.
Finally! A female character that I actually love! Clara is likeable, easy to understand and isn't a boring narrator. And huzzah to Clara for that line above. Four for you, Clara Gardner!
4.) Swoon-worthy romance.
It would be impossible (for me, anyways) for a paranormal book to really work without the romance especially the very famous love triangle. I am completely averse of one but with Unearthly, the love triangle really did work!
Really. Thank goodness the love triangle did not go down the typical clichéd love story route! Hallelujah for real. There was no insta-love between Clara and Tucker. Crush in Tucker's side, maybe. But Hand actually let the relationship begin for Clara and Tucker at the right moment and at the right circumstances especially for Clara's life.
At this point, I really thought it was endgame already for Clara and Tucker but then the twist happened and now I'm not so sure. I'm glad that there might be a Clara and Christian thing in the next book since we didn't see much of him here.
Good thing, too, because I'm still quite unsure whether I’m Team Christian or Tucker. I completely adored Christian. But then he left and he became no longer necessary in Clara's life if it wasn't for him being her purpose.
So when boom! Tucker made a move, I was blown away. Tucker has completely enamored me.
He can really make girls swoon over him.
He's got quite a sense of humour, too!
Christian on the other hand, I suggest you to talk more please in the second book!!! The only memorable line I got from him was:
Hmm.. this could really come in handy in one of those postcards. :) lol
Okay so almost everything about this book was a big check. Check. CHECK!
Well.. almost...
Having a slow pacing and then giving the book a rushed ending was a big no-no. You don't do that. The pace didn't pick up until the last few pages and when things got more intense, Hand abruptly ended it. Sigh.
I was so close to giving this a dashing five stars, real close. Oh well, despite that I still completely loved this book! Hurrah!
P.S. If it wasn't for the group challenge I'm taking part of, I would have just dump Unearthly into the kind of Fallen, Halo and Hush, Hush which I've been told are horrible angel books.
Phew!
What a relief!
Reasons why I love Unearthly
1.) Clear and fresh writing.
Hand's vivid writing about all the details that make up an angel from its wings, the glowing thing called "glory" and everything else made it easier for me to picture one.
2.) Smooth transition and well-constructed plot.
I really admired how Hand was able to fit the narration of the events happening in varied times fit in just one chapter. I didn't think it was possible to happen with not ruining the story but Hand proved that it was indeed possible.
3.) Lovable and entertaining heroine.
“I won’t be that girl who lets the guy treat her like crap and still fawns all over him.”
Finally! A female character that I actually love! Clara is likeable, easy to understand and isn't a boring narrator. And huzzah to Clara for that line above. Four for you, Clara Gardner!
4.) Swoon-worthy romance.
“What do you see in a guy like Christian Prescott?" he asked me that night when he dropped me off from prom. And what he was really saying then, what would have come through loud and clear if I hadn't been so blind was, why don't you see me?”
It would be impossible (for me, anyways) for a paranormal book to really work without the romance especially the very famous love triangle. I am completely averse of one but with Unearthly, the love triangle really did work!
Really. Thank goodness the love triangle did not go down the typical clichéd love story route! Hallelujah for real. There was no insta-love between Clara and Tucker. Crush in Tucker's side, maybe. But Hand actually let the relationship begin for Clara and Tucker at the right moment and at the right circumstances especially for Clara's life.
At this point, I really thought it was endgame already for Clara and Tucker but then the twist happened and now I'm not so sure. I'm glad that there might be a Clara and Christian thing in the next book since we didn't see much of him here.
Good thing, too, because I'm still quite unsure whether I’m Team Christian or Tucker. I completely adored Christian. But then he left and he became no longer necessary in Clara's life if it wasn't for him being her purpose.
So when boom! Tucker made a move, I was blown away. Tucker has completely enamored me.
He can really make girls swoon over him.
“I'm looking at you. Why are you always trying to hide how pretty you are?”
He's got quite a sense of humour, too!
"What did the fish say when it hit a concrete wall?"
"What?"
"Dam!"
Christian on the other hand, I suggest you to talk more please in the second book!!! The only memorable line I got from him was:
“Have you ever been to a place you're supposed to love, but all you can think about is home?”
Hmm.. this could really come in handy in one of those postcards. :) lol
Okay so almost everything about this book was a big check. Check. CHECK!
Well.. almost...
Having a slow pacing and then giving the book a rushed ending was a big no-no. You don't do that. The pace didn't pick up until the last few pages and when things got more intense, Hand abruptly ended it. Sigh.
I was so close to giving this a dashing five stars, real close. Oh well, despite that I still completely loved this book! Hurrah!
P.S. If it wasn't for the group challenge I'm taking part of, I would have just dump Unearthly into the kind of Fallen, Halo and Hush, Hush which I've been told are horrible angel books.
Phew!
What a relief!
jenny_hedberg's review against another edition
4.0
You know why I liked/loved this book? Because it's something I've never seen before. Cynthia has written a totally new "Hey, I'm an angel!"-book and she has done it well. What more can I say? Oh wait, that Clara doesn't hook up with the mysterious guy (we all know the type, he is in every book)! I mean, FINALLY!
magikspells's review against another edition
2.0
SERIOUSLY!? What the hell?!
I'm really glad that I didn't write this review right after finishing this book. I was so annoyed that most of my intial comments were probably not meant for children. I'm not going to go a lot into the plot of this book, I don't feel it's necessary. This book drug on forever with no real action and a pretty pitiful climax. Not to mention, there's very few answers about anything!
I understand how series work. The author wants to keep people coming back. But I feel like this book is just exploiting the fact that it's a series. When I get to the end of a book, I expect a certain amount of closure and some new questions. Instead I'm left with nothing of use other than this mythology that the author has created (which honestly I really liked) and what felt like a bunch of half started ideas.
I gave this book 2 stars because at least it had likable characters. Tucker was adorable and I really liked Angela despite the narrators bored voice whenever she read Angela's dialogue. It kind of put a damper on her parts despite the fact that her story is incredibly interesting. Clara really isn't bad either, she's a likable narrator.
I'll have to carefully consider if I want to read anymore.
I'm really glad that I didn't write this review right after finishing this book. I was so annoyed that most of my intial comments were probably not meant for children. I'm not going to go a lot into the plot of this book, I don't feel it's necessary. This book drug on forever with no real action and a pretty pitiful climax. Not to mention, there's very few answers about anything!
I understand how series work. The author wants to keep people coming back. But I feel like this book is just exploiting the fact that it's a series. When I get to the end of a book, I expect a certain amount of closure and some new questions. Instead I'm left with nothing of use other than this mythology that the author has created (which honestly I really liked) and what felt like a bunch of half started ideas.
I gave this book 2 stars because at least it had likable characters. Tucker was adorable and I really liked Angela despite the narrators bored voice whenever she read Angela's dialogue. It kind of put a damper on her parts despite the fact that her story is incredibly interesting. Clara really isn't bad either, she's a likable narrator.
I'll have to carefully consider if I want to read anymore.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Why I read it: netgalley review copy
The Plot: This is a really refreshing change from other YA paranormals I've read. There's still a girl who finds out she has paranormal powers, but as the story opens, she already knows she has them. No mysterious hot boy has to give her the news. Does that mean this book is without a mysterious hot boy? Of course not--that'd be asking a little too much, I think. Clara, our main character is an angel-blood. She has recurring dreams about the previously mentioned boy, a forest fire, and that she needs to save him. Her mother explains to her (her mother is also an angel) that this dream is her purpose. So, as details of the dream reveal themselves, they figure out the boy is in Wyoming and move their little family (she also has a brother who is an angel) there. There she begins high school life, trying to fit in, meeting the boy from her dreams, a couple of good friends, and another boy, Tucker, who shows her the beauties of Wyoming (they're in Jackson Hole). So, yes, another thing that would be too much to ask would be no love triangle. We can't have everything. This one is different though, and you'll just have to take my word for it and read it to see why.
The Characters: Clara is actually really likable. She's not bland and boring, all the while attracting the eye of every boy in the story. She just seems to be a fairly normal girl who happens to be an angel. But the real draw, for me, was the love interest. Normally when I read YA paranormals, the minute the love interest is introduced (and throughout the story) I think the guy is such a tool. Only attractive in that the author is telling me so, and not in anything I read in the story. But this time, what's left over of my teenager heart was really crushing on Tucker. Oh how I would have loved an attractive cowboy to show me around beautiful country. Cynthia Hand really does it right here. I'm finally reading a love interest that I can root for.
The Setting: I've already mentioned that most of the story takes place in Jackson, Wyoming. The author does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of the place and making the reader want to be there. I've never actually been there, so I can't say how accurate it is, but if it is anything like how it is in the book, I want to live there.
Who Should Read This? Every fan of YA, especially those who are burned out on the crap (yes, I said crap) that's out there right now.
Final Thoughts: Sometimes you want to read a book that doesn't require a lot of thought, and just sweeps you away in the adventure of the story. This is one of those books. I was charmed the whole way through the novel, and I absolutely adored it. It seems like this has to have a sequel, and I really hope it does. I want to read more by this talented author!
Grade: A
Cover Thoughts: The cover is pretty, but it's a little too pretty for the story. Clara goes hiking, rafting, fishing, flying--she's a girl who seems to love adventure and the outdoors, not an untouchable pretty girl, which is what this picture looks like to me. Still, it could be worse. I can kind of see what they were trying to do here with this cover.
The Plot: This is a really refreshing change from other YA paranormals I've read. There's still a girl who finds out she has paranormal powers, but as the story opens, she already knows she has them. No mysterious hot boy has to give her the news. Does that mean this book is without a mysterious hot boy? Of course not--that'd be asking a little too much, I think. Clara, our main character is an angel-blood. She has recurring dreams about the previously mentioned boy, a forest fire, and that she needs to save him. Her mother explains to her (her mother is also an angel) that this dream is her purpose. So, as details of the dream reveal themselves, they figure out the boy is in Wyoming and move their little family (she also has a brother who is an angel) there. There she begins high school life, trying to fit in, meeting the boy from her dreams, a couple of good friends, and another boy, Tucker, who shows her the beauties of Wyoming (they're in Jackson Hole). So, yes, another thing that would be too much to ask would be no love triangle. We can't have everything. This one is different though, and you'll just have to take my word for it and read it to see why.
The Characters: Clara is actually really likable. She's not bland and boring, all the while attracting the eye of every boy in the story. She just seems to be a fairly normal girl who happens to be an angel. But the real draw, for me, was the love interest. Normally when I read YA paranormals, the minute the love interest is introduced (and throughout the story) I think the guy is such a tool. Only attractive in that the author is telling me so, and not in anything I read in the story. But this time, what's left over of my teenager heart was really crushing on Tucker. Oh how I would have loved an attractive cowboy to show me around beautiful country. Cynthia Hand really does it right here. I'm finally reading a love interest that I can root for.
The Setting: I've already mentioned that most of the story takes place in Jackson, Wyoming. The author does a wonderful job of describing the beauty of the place and making the reader want to be there. I've never actually been there, so I can't say how accurate it is, but if it is anything like how it is in the book, I want to live there.
Who Should Read This? Every fan of YA, especially those who are burned out on the crap (yes, I said crap) that's out there right now.
Final Thoughts: Sometimes you want to read a book that doesn't require a lot of thought, and just sweeps you away in the adventure of the story. This is one of those books. I was charmed the whole way through the novel, and I absolutely adored it. It seems like this has to have a sequel, and I really hope it does. I want to read more by this talented author!
Grade: A
Cover Thoughts: The cover is pretty, but it's a little too pretty for the story. Clara goes hiking, rafting, fishing, flying--she's a girl who seems to love adventure and the outdoors, not an untouchable pretty girl, which is what this picture looks like to me. Still, it could be worse. I can kind of see what they were trying to do here with this cover.
halynah's review against another edition
5.0
Beautiful, unusual and well-written book with interesting characters and unexpected twists of plot. I loved Tucker, I liked Christian, Clara was OK, but I couldn't connect with Angela and Clara's Mom - these characters were somewhat vague. The book is highly recommended for all the fans of paranormal romance, angels, love-triangles.
slimebagel's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Okayyyyyyyy. The influence of Twilight and its consequences lol
This book was fine - probably would have eaten it up in middle school. It’s about a girl and her family who are part angel and learning how to deal with their destiny. She’s in high school so she has to deal with the drama of being a teenage girl. They move from California to a new state based on these visions she has been receiving about a task she has to complete.
Honestly it’s like 90% high school teenager crush and 10% cool angel stuff. Again, it’s not terrible and I think a middle schooler would go bonkers. It’s been on to read list forever lol
This book was fine - probably would have eaten it up in middle school. It’s about a girl and her family who are part angel and learning how to deal with their destiny. She’s in high school so she has to deal with the drama of being a teenage girl. They move from California to a new state based on these visions she has been receiving about a task she has to complete.
Honestly it’s like 90% high school teenager crush and 10% cool angel stuff. Again, it’s not terrible and I think a middle schooler would go bonkers. It’s been on to read list forever lol
mbfeeney's review against another edition
4.0
When I bought this book, I didn't realise it was part of a series. I simply read the blurb on the back and thought I'd give it a go. That was about three months ago, I've had so many books to read, that I kinda forgot I had it.
I sat down yesterday and mooched through the reviews it already had, and was a little wary as the majority of them are singing it's praises. So, with trepidation, I began to read it.
I swallowed the first 60 pages or so in the matter of about 20 minutes. It was extremely compelling, but I wasn't in love with it. Apart from the angel slant, it could have been any other YA High School based book.
It wasn't until Angela came into the story properly that I really began to enjoy it as the paranormal side of the story began to bubble to the surface more than the teen issues. In fact, I think Angela is probably my favourite female character (Tucker's my fvourite male - yep, def Team Tucker).
The main character of Clara didn't annoy me as much I expected her too. I usually have issues with characters who are perfect, but as she is part angel, it was pretty acceptable, as her thoughts were that of any normal 16 year old girl. Especially when faced with confusion over Christian and Tucker.
Wendy, to me, needed more... spark. She's kind of outshone by Clara, Angela and Tucker, which is a shame as I think she could progress into a great character. Jeremy on the other hand, was just right, although I sense more for him in the follow up books.
I ADORED the way Clara and Tucker went from disliking each other, to where they ended up, and it made me well up when they were separated, but following the twist near the end (which I DID NOT expect), I understand why it had to happen.
I didn't expect to fall in love with this book, and I didn't, but I really did enjoy it and will definitely buy the rest of the series as I was left with so many questions at the end.
I really need to curb my YA reading, but there are so many well written books out there in the genre, I just can't help it.
For this, and more reviews, go to my blog: http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/
I sat down yesterday and mooched through the reviews it already had, and was a little wary as the majority of them are singing it's praises. So, with trepidation, I began to read it.
I swallowed the first 60 pages or so in the matter of about 20 minutes. It was extremely compelling, but I wasn't in love with it. Apart from the angel slant, it could have been any other YA High School based book.
It wasn't until Angela came into the story properly that I really began to enjoy it as the paranormal side of the story began to bubble to the surface more than the teen issues. In fact, I think Angela is probably my favourite female character (Tucker's my fvourite male - yep, def Team Tucker).
The main character of Clara didn't annoy me as much I expected her too. I usually have issues with characters who are perfect, but as she is part angel, it was pretty acceptable, as her thoughts were that of any normal 16 year old girl. Especially when faced with confusion over Christian and Tucker.
Wendy, to me, needed more... spark. She's kind of outshone by Clara, Angela and Tucker, which is a shame as I think she could progress into a great character. Jeremy on the other hand, was just right, although I sense more for him in the follow up books.
I ADORED the way Clara and Tucker went from disliking each other, to where they ended up, and it made me well up when they were separated, but following the twist near the end (which I DID NOT expect), I understand why it had to happen.
I didn't expect to fall in love with this book, and I didn't, but I really did enjoy it and will definitely buy the rest of the series as I was left with so many questions at the end.
I really need to curb my YA reading, but there are so many well written books out there in the genre, I just can't help it.
For this, and more reviews, go to my blog: http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/