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narcissia's review against another edition
4.0
I adored Unearthly, and couldn't wait to start reading Hallowed. The story picks up shortly after Unearthly's conclusion, with the characters dealing with some of the fallout and questions leftover from the fires. Clara is still a pretty great character. She's conflicted. She knows what she wants but is worried that she can't have it, or isn't meant to have it, or that it wouldn't be fair to others if she did have it. She is confused by everything that has happened. Christian kinda aggravated me in this one because I felt like he was taking advantage of Clara's confusion a little bit to suit his purposes, though he also is there for her as a friend when it's needed. I just question his motivations. Angela is still the same, curious and excitable and a little pushy. Jeffrey is angsty. Tucker is still amazing, but doesn't have quite the same presence that he did in Unearthly, which I missed. A lot. But I suppose it does help for Clara to spend more time with her thoughts and feelings in this one and less time fishing and kissing with Tucker.
The plot in this one is driven partially by Clara's new vision. She must figure out what it means, who it's about, how it could potentially relate to her purpose, and once she does figure it out, she has to deal with what that means for herself and her family. The other part of the plot is about Clara's internal struggles with her confusion and feelings regarding how she handled her previous vision and what her angel status means for the future of her relationship with Tucker vs. her lustful feelings toward Christian, who is like her and may be a large part of her purpose. There are a few revelations revealed in this installment as well - some that I saw coming, some that I didn't, and some that left my heart aching for these characters.
I definitely liked Hallowed, but I did miss the Clara + Tucker cuteness that took place in Unearthly. The way that this one ended left me anxious for the next book. There's not a cliffhanger, but it leaves so much for me to worry about for Clara that it's still enough to drive me a little bit crazy! I am excited to see how it all is taken care of in the future, and I hope that I won't have my heart broken. If you enjoyed Unearthly, then you'll probably love Hallowed as well.
The plot in this one is driven partially by Clara's new vision. She must figure out what it means, who it's about, how it could potentially relate to her purpose, and once she does figure it out, she has to deal with what that means for herself and her family. The other part of the plot is about Clara's internal struggles with her confusion and feelings regarding how she handled her previous vision and what her angel status means for the future of her relationship with Tucker vs. her lustful feelings toward Christian, who is like her and may be a large part of her purpose. There are a few revelations revealed in this installment as well - some that I saw coming, some that I didn't, and some that left my heart aching for these characters.
I definitely liked Hallowed, but I did miss the Clara + Tucker cuteness that took place in Unearthly. The way that this one ended left me anxious for the next book. There's not a cliffhanger, but it leaves so much for me to worry about for Clara that it's still enough to drive me a little bit crazy! I am excited to see how it all is taken care of in the future, and I hope that I won't have my heart broken. If you enjoyed Unearthly, then you'll probably love Hallowed as well.
laura_mayfair's review against another edition
5.0
"Hallowed" surpassed my expectations. I could not put the book down. I love the backstory that we get and -- unlike what I so often experience when reading trilogies -- it did not feel tacked on. There is an arc to Hand's storytelling that connects the second book with the first in a way that is seamless. I love the way Cynthia Hand continues her theme of destiny and purpose as she continues to explore the very human desire to discover our place. Beautiful book...I loved this one.
letsbebookfriends's review against another edition
4.0
*4.25 stars*
This is how a love triangle should be done!!! This is the angst-y love I crave!
Some of the secondary characters annoyed me, which is why this isn't a five star rating, but it was still really good. Also, the climax was a bit anti-climatic for me.
This is how a love triangle should be done!!! This is the angst-y love I crave!
Some of the secondary characters annoyed me, which is why this isn't a five star rating, but it was still really good. Also, the climax was a bit anti-climatic for me.
byp's review against another edition
2.0
Someone stop me from reading sequels to books I didn't really like in the first place.
alzena28's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
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...