My rating:

add to my books

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

by Cynthia Hand (Goodreads Author)

4.21 · rating details · 15,174 ratings · 2,862 reviews

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that

...more

Hardcover, 435 pages

Published January 4th 2011 by HarperTeen

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

There is a good chance some of your friends read this book. Sign in to see!

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Beautiful Book Covers of 2011

3rd out of 642 books — 2,852 voters

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

YA Novels of 2011

11th out of 926 books — 5,044 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 42,640)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Nov 04, 2011

Tatiana rated it

Recommends it for: fans of teen paranormal romance

Shelves: romancelandia, ya, 2010, series-in-progress-still-like, urban-fantasy, 2011

Honestly, after reading at least one of the following books - Hush, Hush, Halo, Fallen - do you really believe there is a good paranormal YA romance about angels out there? A book about proms, love triangles, hawt boys, that doesn't make you want to hurl? No? Neither did I before reading Unearthly.

I was very much impressed by this novel. I was cautious and not trusting of positive reviews of it, and it ended up exceeding my expectations. The book never even once made me roll my eyes ...moreHonestly, after reading at least one of the following books - Hush, Hush, Halo, Fallen - do you really believe there is a good paranormal YA romance about angels out there? A book about proms, love triangles, hawt boys, that doesn't make you want to hurl? No? Neither did I before reading Unearthly.

I was very much impressed by this novel. I was cautious and not trusting of positive reviews of it, and it ended up exceeding my expectations. The book never even once made me roll my eyes - something that I always expect to do when I open any teen romance. It is not driven by the main character's stupidity, like many paranormal romances are. It is not focused on some girl's obsession over a guy who treats her like crap. It is pretty much a breath of fresh air.

Clara is an angel-blood (1/4th angel, 3/4th human). She just received her purpose - a task that all angel-bloods have to fulfill in their lives. This purpose has something to do with a boy Clara sees in her visions and she thinks it is her duty to save his life. She moves closer to him, tries to get to know him and has a bit of a crush on him. Only it seems her purpose in regards to Christian is not quite clear and neither are her feelings towards him.

Apparently, it is possible to write a paranormal romance which employs all standard elements of the genre, and make something good out of it. Cynthia Hand proves with this novel that you can write a teen girl with supernatural abilities and not make her a complete Mary Sue. That there can be a romance between a supernatural and a human, and neither is obsessed with another and ready to die of despair if they break up. That nobody in the relationship has to be a stalker or a doormat. That teens can fall in love with each other not because one of them is inhumanly hawt or sparkly, but because, you know, they spend time together and TALK first.

The story is well paced and never gets boring. The mystery of Clara's purpose is sufficiently mysterious and creates a nice tension. The romantic story line is sweet and, oh my, HEALTHY! Can you believe it?

The angel mythology unfolds at a good pace as well. Whenever you write something about angels, there is always this question of God, how to place him in the story. Hand does a great job of not mucking the concept of angel by making angels in her novel some sexy beasts who are allowed to do whatever and still remain angels. And God's place in the story is also carefully written, avoiding being preachy (for non-believers) or blasphemous (for those who believe).

Unearthly might not be one of the books that I recommend to anyone who would listen (like I do with Lips Touch: Three Times or Melina Marchetta's novels) and that I am in awe of. But I can guarantee you will at least not want to bang this book against the wall. It is not morally reprehensible, misguided or poorly written. As far as teen paranormal romance fluff goes, Unearthly belongs in the top tier IMO. I am even impressed enough to read the sequel, many plot lines remain open and I am curious!(less)

like 210 likes

· see review

Nov 04, 2011

Stephanie Sinclair rated it

Recommends it for: Everyone losing faith in Angel PNR

Recommended to Stephanie by: Myself

Shelves: angels, 2011-reads, i-didn-t-see-that-coming, i-loved-it, i-need-to-buy-this-book, original-and-creative, oh-yeah-baby, awesome, i-need-it-like-a-fat-kid-needs-cake, gimme-gimme-gimme, 2-am-or-later, surprised-me, best-relationships, best-characters, deserves-every-one-of-those-stars, favorites, i-need-the-next-book-like-yesterday, mind-blowing-good, omg-that-ending, pure-win, smart-heroine, so-glad-i-read-this, strong-heroine, to-buy-soon, young-adult

It's been a few months since I finished this book and I'm still swooning. You shall be read again soon my precioussssss...

Actual rating: Teetering on 4.5 stars

Hush, Hush, who? Halo, what? Fallen, huh?

After reading the catastrophe Hush, Hush, I had pretty much given up on reading any more books involving angels. As far as I was concerned it would be my first and last angel book. I resisted the urge (mostly thanks to my dear Goodreads friend's reviews) to pick u...more

like 88 likes

· see review

Mar 14, 2011

Wendy Darling rated it

Shelves: favorite-ya, pn-angels, young-adult, read-2011, crush-worthy-boys, ebook-egalley, 2011-favorites, snowy, 2011-publication, read-2012

4.5 out of 5 stars Finally, a well-written angel series! Clara's physical appearance, the wings, the flying, the "glory"--make angels sound impossibly beautiful. The descriptions are so well done that you can really picture and feel what it would like to be in the presence of one. The supernatural aspects are well-balanced by a solid grounding in Clara's day to day life as a teenager with excellent descriptions of school projects, relationships with her friends and her brother, and es...more

like 43 likes

· see review

Jun 28, 2011

Lora rated it

Recommends it for: anyone looking for a GOOD YA paranormal series

Shelves: g-ya-angels, 2011-debut-author-challenge, series-still-follow

Clara Gardner is a Quartarious angel-blood. This means that one quarter of her blood is that of an angel's. This gives her wings that she's not yet learned how to use and abilities that are still developing. Lately strange visions of a mysterious boy and fire have been plaguing her, and that's just one aspect in the myriad of things she's yet to understand about her place on this earth. Believing that these visions are tied to her "purpose"---the one thing all angel-bloods are charged ...more

like 40 likes

· see review

Feb 24, 2011

Penny rated it

Recommends it for: Lovers of YA paranormal romance/anyone who's lost interest in the genre

Recommended to Penny by: Tatiana

Shelves: paranormal-romance, penny-s-favorite-books, reviewed-books, angels-demons

When I saw that one of my favorite goodreaders, Tatiana, gave this book four stars I thought she'd gone insane. I mean, it's a YA book featuring angels for crying out loud! Surely it can't be good let alone worthy of four whole stars from Tatiana, so clearly she lost her mind. But I purchased the audiobook anyway because it was January 13th and I was anxiously awaiting the release of Shadowfever which was still five days away at the time. Plus it didn't hurt that this audiobook was reasonab...more

like 40 likes

· see review

Nov 12, 2011

Cillian Beyond Birthday rated it

Recommended to Cillian by: Wendy Darling, Stephanie, Mocha, Sandy

Shelves: wendy-said, non-shitty-angels, me-owns

Holy fucking shit!
Review to come.

Mocha, Wendy, Jillian, Sandy, Hana, Stephanie, Lani, I love you cupcakes!
Let's all tangle our arms together in a group hug!

Me after reading Unearthly...

YES!
YES!

I was fooled by the blurb and the awful cover. Really I was.
Please not another angel love crapola, with boy-of-her-dreams bonus nightmare.
I'm so glad that I moved past my prejudice (I'm still belching Jennifer ...more

like 49 likes

· see review

Jan 04, 2012

Kira rated it

Shelves: angels-and-demons, ya, awesome-heroine, not-amazing-but-not-shit, will-read-the-second-one

Well, well, well. It's angels again.

Angelology is back-breaking work. I have a trunked angel work that I will one day revisit. I've worked too hard to drop it. And I mean that sincerely. I began writing it two years ago, and I am still not finished with the research. I still have stacks and stacks of angel-related references lying around, from fiction to dictionary-format archives, from endless websites to spin-off scripture, from links to Renaissance artwork to holy books. I've read...more

like 39 likes

· see review

Nov 05, 2011

Vinaya rated it

Shelves: books-i-liked, ya-fantasy

Is this a revolutionary, earth-shattering book that will change the face of YA fantasy? No. Is this a book that will forever change the way people look at angels? No. Is this a riveting, un-put-downable read that will make it to the top of the bestseller lists? No. Should people read this book? Absolutely. Now, I know you're thinking I'm bonkers, but let me tell you why 'Unearthly', despite it's girl-next-door appearance, should be winning Miss America.

But before I begin, may I just...moreIs this a revolutionary, earth-shattering book that will change the face of YA fantasy? No. Is this a book that will forever change the way people look at angels? No. Is this a riveting, un-put-downable read that will make it to the top of the bestseller lists? No. Should people read this book? Absolutely. Now, I know you're thinking I'm bonkers, but let me tell you why 'Unearthly', despite it's girl-next-door appearance, should be winning Miss America.

But before I begin, may I just say how strongly I feel that whoever wrote the blurb for this book ought to be fired. And when s/he's walking out of the building, throw a ten-ton stone from the twelfth floor on his/her head. Seriously. Read this blurb.

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

Now, if you're like me, and have read too many terrible YA PNRs to count, this blurb pretty much represents your worst nightmare. It's got all the ingredients necessary for a horrible cliched story that reminds you of every other story of this sort you have ever read. Love triangle, check. Boy of your dreams (literally!), check. Small town school with dark mysterious beings in the woods, check. And so on. So you read the blurb, and you shudder at the prospect of reading this book, and you move on (like I did). Then someone whose taste you trust writes a review and says, this is a fabulous book, you should read it. And you read it, and like it, and then you get to the point I started out from, which is, the death of the blurb-writer.

Unearthly is a book that is absolutely worth reading. When I first started it, I was like, why are people recommending this book to me?! There were prophetic dreams of hot boys and now Clara (what a horrible name, btw) was moving across the country to get to said hot boy. Obviously she was going to meet him, and he was going to fall for her super-specialness, that he managed to divine by glancing at her boobs and she was going to fall for his pretty face, since fate had decreed it so. Welcome to the Twilight Zone (pun intended). But I was SO wrong. Cynthia Hand twists her story very, very cleverly. SO much so that you're feeling all smug and superior for more than half of the book because all your expectations of shitty YA fantasy have come true. And then, halfway through, all your expectations are shattered and you're no longer reading about some stereotypical names-on-a-page, They have actually become real people with real problems, and everyday emotions.

So Clara ends up falling not for some guy she's only seen in her dreams, but for an actual person with whom she has spent time, someone with flaws, someone who gets her, and whom she gets. And more importantly, once they have fallen in love, it is not all smooth sailing. It's not like "Oh, you're angel, that's great, I have no issues with the fact that you start going out with me without giving me some pertinent details about your life." Because, you know, real people aren't really like that. If you lie to them, they get angry, and they want you to go away. (Becca Fitzpatrick, take note!)

I also like that all the other female characters in this book aren't bitchy wanna-bes who pale in comparison to the heroine. Even Dream Boy's bitchy-seeming girlfriend has a core of humanity; Clara's best friend is not some milk-and-water miss but a dark girl with bite and an actual personality. Clara's mom is a little annoying, but Hand does a good job with making her convincingly secretive. Clara has a believable love-hate relationship with her brother.

There are a lot of open-ended plotlines in the book that I am looking forward to exploring in the next book. I actually like Clara and Christian and Tucker, none of whom are too good to be true, and I'm looking forward to seeing what their story is going to be. Unearthly does a great job stirring up interest for the series, and it is a relief to read about teens with healthy relationships who can be counted on to behave like normal people. Glory be !

(less)

like 40 likes

· see review

May 30, 2011

Nic rated it

Shelves: 2010, angels, favourites, swoon-worthy-read

Edit: This is how I imagine Tucker http://irresistiblereads.blogspot.com/20...

Favourite Quote: "He seems to gaze right into me, like he's seeing me for who I truly am. And in that moment, I want to tell him the truth. Crazy, I know. Stupid. Wrong. I try to take a step back, but my foot slips and I almost go headfirst into the river but he catches me."

Wow! Surprisingly I loved it! I have been having a bad run with angel books lately. But this is exactly what I...more

like 29 likes

· see review

Jul 01, 2011

Elle rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: first-of-series, 2011-read, heart-fluttering, own-read, fantasy-and-paranormal, elles-reviews

I feel it only fair to warn you guys that I am involved in a one-sided fictional relationship with Cynthia Hand. In which we spend our evenings sipping martinis and laughing hysterically at the craptasticness of all the recent angel novels, while Jericho Barrons kneels at my side sporting a Galactica flight suit and feeding me chocolate-dipped cherries.

(Apparently, my fantasies have a knack for getting out of control at times. Just roll with it).

Anyhoodle, Unearthl...more

like 31 likes

· see review

Oct 04, 2011

Giselle rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: ebook, favorites

Lovely!! I really, really enjoyed this. It's a YA novel, but somehow it felt very different. For once, it wasn't just about the paranormal aspect, or the exciting new world the protagonist is thrown in. It was about finding oneself. Trying to fit in. Finding love. Life (with wings!)!! Everything I was hoping for while going into this.

Clara is part angel, and she has just received a hint of what her purpose on earth is. After finding out the location, they pack up and move there. It's ...moreLovely!! I really, really enjoyed this. It's a YA novel, but somehow it felt very different. For once, it wasn't just about the paranormal aspect, or the exciting new world the protagonist is thrown in. It was about finding oneself. Trying to fit in. Finding love. Life (with wings!)!! Everything I was hoping for while going into this.

Clara is part angel, and she has just received a hint of what her purpose on earth is. After finding out the location, they pack up and move there. It's quite a big change for Clara and her brother: California to the middle of nowhere, hick town. I loved the setting of this book. I loved the scenery descriptions. The country appeal. I'm a country girl myself - not as hardcore (I don't ride horses or fish) but it still had the small town charm that I grew up in. Everyone ~~is in everyone's business~~ knows everyone else, it's sweet!

The whole time I was reading I was completely into the story. I never once pondered where we were going with this and what the point of it all was. It just had a great flow that you could just breeze through the story and enjoy every minute of it. The plot of soft and sweet. It's not tedious, it's not a hit in the face, it builds up gently and manages to suck you in completely. You get a chance to care for the characters, for their lives and their relationships.

As for the characters. I adored them. Especially the way they were all present. They all had a purpose in the story and they all had distinct voices and personalities. I love when an author manages to do that. What really stood out for me was the fact that her mother was very present and motherly - which is often overlooked in YA. Likewise, her brother was also how I imagine having a brother would be like. Sometimes a pain in the butt, sometimes an accomplice. I imagine we haven't heard the end of him as well. But the protagonist - Clara - she's great! Finally a girl who does not see a guy and immediately yearns for him as though she can't live another second without him. Those often lack way too much chemistry. The romance in Unearthly was totally and completely sweet! It did NOT go at all in the direction I was sure Hand was going to go make it go in. It really took me by surprise that she took a much different route from other YA novels. I truly enjoyed how it all transpired.

The highlight of this book is definitely the character development with just a bit of world build up. The angel picture I have in my mind is absolutely stunning. I loved all the details we were given and how beautiful it all seems. as for the plot - there wasn't any big plot developments, but it's coming. I'm happy she didn't go all "Whoo apocalypse" right away. I love getting to know and care for the characters before the big story materializes. It builds up realism as well as charisma.

This novel was pure flowing beauty!(less)

like 18 likes

· see review

Feb 22, 2011

Nomes rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, lived-up-to-the-hype, paranormal-stuff, fave-reads-of-2011, i-had-no-idea-i-would-love-this-so, i-own, love-triangle, rainy-day-comfort-reads, swoon-worthy-crushes

4.5 and a definite favourite of mine :)

My review: ...in which I RAVE about a paranormal YA (!)

Mate, how much did I LOVE this book?

So... when I read Unearthly ~ it was just the perfect book for the mood I was in:

seamless, well-written prose that's easy to sink into (the pages fly by ~ OKAY, so I got addicted and couldn't put it down...). A main character to love, a couple of fictional boys whom I was oh-so-delighted to be introduced to, and a story...more4.5 and a definite favourite of mine :)

My review: ...in which I RAVE about a paranormal YA (!)

Mate, how much did I LOVE this book?

So... when I read Unearthly ~ it was just the perfect book for the mood I was in:

seamless, well-written prose that's easy to sink into (the pages fly by ~ OKAY, so I got addicted and couldn't put it down...). A main character to love, a couple of fictional boys whom I was oh-so-delighted to be introduced to, and a story that kept me charmed the whole way through.

You know when you read a book and then later emerge from the pages and feel like you have literally been transported to another place and time? That was me and Unearthly ~ the setting was LOVELY ~ I just soaked it up. It was so easy to become immersed in it: the small town vibe, the high school halls and the forest ~ all beautiful.

The characters are REAL, man. Like contemp characters: fleshed out and interesting and Clara is an MC you will fall in love with. She's spunky and fun, and also a little unsure of herself. I LOVED her brother and her mum and the family dynamic. I liked the semi-complicated girl friendships, and I ADORED the two boys in Clara's life

I LOVE a convincing and anti-melodramatic love triangle. Hand has NAILED it in Unearthly. She has all the right components that make it a compelling, non-cliche, tangled-up swoon-y triangle. AND, the LOVE STORY that emerges in the second half of the book would rival some of your favourite YA couples ~ it has so many funny, fun, genuine, butterflies in your tummy moments. Sigh... I LOVE that feeling of swooning along with the MC and I would DARE you not to swoon in this book :) Young TUCKER has leapt on to my literary crush list ~ what a guy ;)

The whole VIBE of the book was just refreshing. It's a book you could happily pass on to younger YA readers (the angle lore was done really well, it felt good and clean and intriguing) ~ yet will also appeal to anyone who enjoys a GOOD coming-of age. There was nothing tacky or cringe-worthy about it.

Unearthly also features a pretty STUNNING kind-of twist in the climax ~ which has me SO hanging out for the sequel ~ yet it didn't leave me with a painful cliff-hanger. Perfectly done.

Recommended: why, yes, yes, yes. You know when Anna and the French Kiss came out ~ and non-contemp readers were falling all over it and in love? Unearthly is (for me) it's paranormal equivalent. I have fallen in love with it ~ I couldn't put it down. I swooned, I found it utterly compelling with gorgeous prose and charming characters. It's a definite favourite of mine. <3 <3 <3(less)

like 24 likes

· see review

Jan 02, 2011

Kristi (The Story Siren) added it

Shelves: own-arc, books-i-own, favorites

I read this book back in October.... and I've been dying for it to be released to other people could bask in it's fabulousness!! I have to say that in the midst of all the 'angel' themed book hitting the YA market right now. This one is my favorite! (of the ones I've read so far....)

Let's talk about how wonderful this book is, shall we?

I was so glad that Clara knew she was angel. This isn't a story of a girl discovering an she's part angel... even though I initially thought i...moreI read this book back in October.... and I've been dying for it to be released to other people could bask in it's fabulousness!! I have to say that in the midst of all the 'angel' themed book hitting the YA market right now. This one is my favorite! (of the ones I've read so far....)

Let's talk about how wonderful this book is, shall we?

I was so glad that Clara knew she was angel. This isn't a story of a girl discovering an she's part angel... even though I initially thought it was because the synopsis I read said "When Clara Gardner leans she's part angel...." at least the one above says she "recently learned"... but I think both of them are a little misleading. Yes, she's recently discovered she's an angel, but I think the novel is about much more than that. I mean you could totally take out the angel part and it could easily be a novel about a girl choosing between her heart and her duty. Except the angel aspect makes it so much more awesome!

Hand's writing is so very easy to read, it seemed like I had just turned a few pages, when actually I was a few hundred pages in. And if her descriptions of Wyoming do not make you want to pack a bag and jet-set to this beautiful area, I think you might be a little bit crazy.

Clara is a character you are going to like. Despite her angel-i-ness she is very much a normal teen girl. Insecure, smart.... she underestimates herself, but I think that is what made me like her. She's the type of character that you'd want to be friends with. And the boys. I can' fail to mention the boys. Totally DID NOT see some of that coming, I don't really want to give to much away... but whew. Watching the relationships develop between Clara and Tucker and Christian was probably my favorite part of the novel, especially the slow, sweet relationship between Tucker and Clara. Awwww. I probably shouldn't have said that! These boys couldn't be more different..... and I'm very interested to see how it's going to play out with all the developments at the end.

Speaking of developments at the end.... there are quite a few. There is some resolution, but we also get an open can of worms.... a big can. There is definitely more to this angel business than what Clara is privy to, and I'm interested in finding out what exactly it is.

Unearthly is a perfect blend of realism with a supernatural twist, not to mention a unpredictable plot line and a beautiful love story. Everything that I want in a story and more. Can't wait to be captivated by the rest of this series.(less)

like 26 likes

· see review

Nov 08, 2011

Bonnie rated it

· review of another edition

Recommended to Bonnie by: Wendy Darling

Shelves: pn-angels, ya, read-in-2011

4.5 stars

Interested in more of my reviews? Visit my blog!

Alright, yes, I admit… it’s November 2011 and I’m just now getting around to reading this. I was extremely skeptical about this one regardless of the glowing reviews. Honestly I wasn’t expecting much from a YA paranormal romance book about angels. I can’t even count how many issues this book could potentially have… but I decided to read this at the perfect time because I was totally in the mood for something exactly...more

like 16 likes

· see review

Oct 11, 2011

Lissa rated it

· review of another edition

Shelves: angels, kick-ass-heroine, paranormal, young-adult, want-to-re-read, love-this-boy, it-s-so-pretty, ya-pnr, 2011

EDIT
I am jacking this up to 5 stars because I keep thinking about it, and how great it is, and how much I want to re-read it. I think the only reason I originally gave it 4.5 stars is because it's written in present tense, which I HATE WITH A PASSION. But I have come to realise that marking a book down half a star for a stylistic device that I hate but that actually works in the novel isn't really fair. It's still a great story with hardly any plot holes, a decent lead heroine who isn't sh...more

like 13 likes

· see review

Apr 09, 2011

Kate rated it

Shelves: wishlist, thank-you-pioneer-library, ill-read-the-next-one, swoon-worthy-males, read-2011

Everyone told me that you should read Unearthly if you were repulsed by Halo/Fallen/Hush Hush. Which I was (repulsed that is). And I have to agree with nearly all GRers, after reading this, that it's reassuring to know that there is in fact a good ya PNR about Angels. Unearthly is really very good. And like I said a great relief to read. I dare say it's even a bit original.

like 9 likes

· see review

Feb 12, 2011

Sandy rated it

Shelves: favorites, can-t-stop-thinking-about, chemistry-sigh, favorite-character, i-own, read-in-2011, settings-i-love, signed

Finally...an angel story we paranormal fans can get behind. Today's angel stories are riddled with weak heroines, obsessive "love interests", and shoddy mythology (Fallen and Halo, anyone?). With its strong characters, swoon-worthy guys, and unique angel lore, Unearthly is now my gold-star standard for angel books.

I grew up on a ranch near where this story takes place, so reading Unearthly felt like coming home. Cynthia Hand creates a vivid setting and characters that spoke...moreFinally...an angel story we paranormal fans can get behind. Today's angel stories are riddled with weak heroines, obsessive "love interests", and shoddy mythology (Fallen and Halo, anyone?). With its strong characters, swoon-worthy guys, and unique angel lore, Unearthly is now my gold-star standard for angel books.

I grew up on a ranch near where this story takes place, so reading Unearthly felt like coming home. Cynthia Hand creates a vivid setting and characters that spoke to me. She perfectly captures the western charm of Wyoming and Idaho (Tucker, anyone?) and I couldn't put this stunning debut down.

Unearthly really shines in its characterization. Cynthia creates a strong, likeable heroine through Clara's voice and actions. Instead of being the well-worn whimpering heroine who needs everyone to save her, Clara is smart and resourceful, yet relatable and believable. Too many authors try to make their heroine appear strong by making her cold or distant or unfeminine, but Clara is warm and kind and isn't afraid to wear a dress. She faces challenges and struggles but doesn't let them overcome her. (None of that "I'm going to DIIIIIIIE" because of boy troubles for our heroine.) From Clara's friends to her mom, Cynthia Hand creates engaging, believable characters that I care about.

Tucker. You had me from "Carrots." It was Anne and Gilbert all over again, and I loved it. Cynthia weaves some delicious romantic tension between Clara and Tucker that had me coming back chapter after chapter (I may or may not have let my kids play at the park for hours so I could stay on my bench and keep reading). Instead of the ridiculous "I loved you because I saw you from across the hall" that's way too prevalent in today's young adult books, Cynthia lets the attraction simmer and build, with a lot of "pulling the hair" antics and teasing along the way that had me smiling. It felt real and believable, and I LOVED IT.

Unearthly is an enchanting tale oozing with unputdownable qualities. It delivers on the promises made by that gorgeous cover with its believable, likeable characters; intriguing mythology that reveals just enough to be satisfying but holds back some answers for a sequel; and one of the most team-deserving guys to grace the pages of young adult literature in a long time.

I am seriously clamoring for a sequel.(less)

like 25 likes

· see review

Dec 29, 2010

Krystle Yanagihara rated it

I've been burned so many times by angel books; Hush, Hush, Fallen, Angelfire, and what have you, so I was quite set to hate this book. I thought, "let's just give it a chapter" and then what do you know. That one chapter turned into five and then ten and all of a sudden I just could not stop reading. I *had* to know what happened next and my god the amount of times I screamed at the book for the girl to HOOK UP WITH THE GUY was so mind boggling. I could not put this book down. It had a...moreI've been burned so many times by angel books; Hush, Hush, Fallen, Angelfire, and what have you, so I was quite set to hate this book. I thought, "let's just give it a chapter" and then what do you know. That one chapter turned into five and then ten and all of a sudden I just could not stop reading. I *had* to know what happened next and my god the amount of times I screamed at the book for the girl to HOOK UP WITH THE GUY was so mind boggling. I could not put this book down. It had an uber strong addictive enchantment over me that couldn't be broken.

If you were looking for some quality book with angels in it, I think you might have just found it.

I can't tell you how much I loved this book. Clara is awesome. She already knows she's part angel in this book so there's no slow burn of her finding out her deep dark origins which would normally already be obvious from the beginning. Yes, it's explained how she actually found out because, you know, having a back story is always important. I love that while she's blessed with good looks, an ability to do things just right, and what have you she's not perfect. She has to learn how to use her growing powers and *develop* in to them. And this is not an overnight fix either. She has to work for it throughout the book. And surprising as it may be, she's not entirely perfect. And she's not a walking angst-fest either. Confused, cautious, and perhaps distant for her own good, yes, but not a sullen I-want-to-slap-you-so-hard because you won't wake up type of girl.

The romance. My goodness. I can't tell you how much I was so emotionally invested in it. I have never cheered so hard for a romantic pairing in my life. I was literally raving the whole time with "What are you doing? Go with HIM! HIMMMMMMMM!!!!" And when you read the premise for this book it TOTALLY leads you in the wrong direction and I am so glad it went the way it did in the book. He's a sweet, down to earth guy, and he called her "carrots"! If you don't love him after that whole Gilbert Blythe-vibe there is something wrong! The love triangle was kind of... different to say the least. It's not something you're expecting and it's not this swinging back and forth deal. The whole romance was DEFINITELY one-sided and you like both guys but well, the other guy is just much better. Sorry. Haha.

I love how her friends were portrayed. They weren't just props for the main girl. They both had their own sort of subplot going on and I loved to see that they weren't just goodie cardboard cutouts that supported Clara in everything or were just there to force her to hook up with some guy. They all had independent goals that they strove for and weren't stupid dunderheads that served no purpose than to provide comic relief. All of her friends had life and contributed something to the pages. There was one moment when I wanted to smack one of them for giving her poor advice but I don't care, it ended the way I wanted it to anyway.

Unearthly is fabulous. There's lots of tension, a real plot that carries throughout the book, an AWESOME romance that isn't overly done, and has you CRAVING, just CRAVVVVVVVVING for the sequel. I have to get me a finished copy of this book.

In a word? AWESOME. Get this book now.(less)

like 32 likes

· see review

May 01, 2011

Luisa rated it

Shelves: ya-paranormal

I expected this book to be another crappy Twilight knockoff, but with angels, in vein of Hush, Hush, Fallen, and Halo, but I was wrong. About the crappy part, not the knockoff part. Bravo, Cynthia Hand, for making me eat my words.

like 10 likes

· see review

Dec 31, 2011

Heidi rated it

· review of another edition

Four stars: A wonderful debut book! I highly recommend this one!

This was my first book about angels and what a pleasant surprise it was! As intriguing as the whole angel aspect was, I admit I was more enamored with the setting, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. It is the absolute best part of this novel. Jackson Hole and the Grand Tetons, are an excellent backdrop, to this beautiful story about a young lady, plagued by visions of a forest fire and a handsome, young stranger. Clara is not your ...more

like 10 likes

· see review

Jan 18, 2012

Tanu Das rated it

Shelves: owned

I can not believe I am giving this book 3.5 star. I mean, for most of the first half of the book, I was hating it and wondering why so many people with such excellent taste liked this book. After going over their review again, I devised this hypothesis: All the YA sommeliers out there had endured books like Halo, and other bad pnr. Thus this book must have felt like heaven in comparison.

Hence to fully appreciate this book, I must read crap first.

Since I am not mad or ...more

like 9 likes

· see review

Jan 03, 2012

Lyndsey rated it

Shelves: about-angels-fallen-etc, reviewed-4-stars, reviewed-2012, romance-love-triangle, love-interest-friendship, love-interest-destiny, made-me-laugh, made-me-turn-pages-complusively, my-top-ya-paranormal, about-super-special-chosen-few

So... I was wired on Christmas Stocking candy while writing this. I'll warn you once. Only read the underlined parts:

Unearthly's all about earth stuff. Just Kidding. It's not. Just Kidding. It is. Just Kidding. It's not... It's about UN-earth stuff. Like angels. Just Kidding. It's about devils. Just Kidding. I'm evil like a devil. Just Kidding. I am evil like a G6. Just kidding. I'm actually fly like a G6. Just Kidding. I don't even know what a G6 is. Just Kidding. Of course, I do. I...more

like 24 likes

· see review

Dec 29, 2010

Nicole added it

Why you should read this book:

1.I love LOVE this story! It’s exciting and romantic, plus it has me wanting to take a trip to Wyoming.

2.The story is about Clara, an angel-blood, who must figure out her purpose, which we get a hint of in the very mysterious prologue. Clara must save a boy, the very cute Christian. He is her destiny and believes that they belong together. However Clara starts falling for the wrong boy and instead becomes attached to Tucker. Ooh the drama!

...more

like 7 likes

· see review

Dec 05, 2010

Jessica rated it

Shelves: 19-arc-ebook, 05-literary-crush-worthy, 17-angels

I don’t know why but I had an incredibly hard time reviewing this book and I still find it hard to talk about what I liked and what I didn’t like for fear of giving too much away. So let’s see what I can say without spoiling you.

Unearthly wasn’t at all what I expected. I have to admit that I wasn’t too impressed at first. There were some things that, well...bothered would be a bit too strong of an expression, but there were things that didn’t sit well with me somehow. I quickly adjus...more

like 23 likes

· see review

Feb 12, 2012

Nina ♥ rated it

Recommends it for: angels/mythology fans

Shelves: first-in-series, favorites, ridiculously-hot-guys

What a beautiful cover! ~~It's a shame I have the blue one.~~

“So often we only do what we think is expected of us, when we are capable of so much more.”

4.5 stars.

-Review-

Oh man, this was good. I never expected it to be so good. I was blown away by the sheer goodness of this book that I stayed up until 4:00 am to finish it, which I never do. The only reason I didn't read Unearthly when it first came out was because of all the hype--that is usually...more(less)

like 5 likes

· see review

Aug 14, 2011

Aleeza Rauf rated it

Shelves: 2011-read, absolute-favorite

review update: so i'd initally given the book 4 stars, but upon a bit of rereading i've discovered that i actually reallllly like the book. like, will-read-it-many-more-times kind of like. so i'm upping up to 5 stars, even though the first half is sort-of-kind-of boring.

also, this bears repeating: GO TUCKERRR!

Original Review:

The best way to describe Unearthly, in my opinion, would be: Twilight sans the annoying characters and anti-feminism. And of course, it ...more

like 11 likes

· see review

Dec 16, 2010

Brenda rated it

Shelves: paranormal, young-adult, netgalley

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 previou...moreWhy 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.(less)

like 6 likes

· see review

Jan 09, 2011

Mocha ღ Latte (YA Reviewer) rated it

Recommends it for: Teens, Young Adults and Adults

Shelves: alltime-favorites

More of my reviews at "A Cupcake and A Latte"*updated daily*
It all begins with a vision. A boy with his back towards you, standing in the trees amidst an uncontrollable fire, you call his name but you don't know what it is. He begins to turn and then.....

Clara Gardner is an angel blood, a quartarius(quarter angel). Being an angel blood means that you are not only unbelievably attractive but you are also smarter, stronger, faster and have a "purpose". Your purpo...moreMore of my reviews at "A Cupcake and A Latte"*updated daily*
It all begins with a vision. A boy with his back towards you, standing in the trees amidst an uncontrollable fire, you call his name but you don't know what it is. He begins to turn and then.....

Clara Gardner is an angel blood, a quartarius(quarter angel). Being an angel blood means that you are not only unbelievably attractive but you are also smarter, stronger, faster and have a "purpose". Your purpose is the reason why you exist, what you are truly meant to do on earth. Your purpose could be anything from saving someone from a potentially life threatening incident to passing a message along to someone and Clara learns that it isn't as easy as she thought it would be. Clara begins to have visions of a boy in a forest, back turned to her, in the mists of a raging fire. She realizes fufilling her purpose is harder than she thought, the only clues she's given in her visions are the silhouette of a boy, the lodgepole pine trees and a silver avalanche with the license plate 22 99CX. Luckily, those clues are enough to send Clara, her mother and brother to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the place they are certain the vision takes place, leaving their friends and home in California behind.

Clara and her brother Jeffrey are forced to begin a new life at Jackson Hole High. Jeffrey seems to be having no trouble at all fitting in but Clara isn't so lucky. Being the punch line to a lot of jokes(ie; Hot Bozo) because of her flaming orange hair courtesy of her mother's attempt at conceiling her "glory"(irridescent light that identifies you as an angel blood and serves many other purposes). On Clara's first day of school she discovers the silver avalanche with license plate 22 99CX in her school parking lot and discovers who the mysterious boy in the visions is. Christian Prescott is a god, the popular guy that every girl wants but Christian has a girlfriend, Kay, who isn't so nice to Clara. Clara, of course, is drawn to Christian like a moth to a light but there's another guy as well. Enter Tucker, a guy who's not so godly, handsome and a lot more attainable.

Unearthly is a novel like none other i've ever read. It isn't your typical book about Nephilim, it's got a back bone and a strong one at that. Not only does Clara struggle with what it means to be an angel blood but she also has a hard time coping with "what" an angel blood actually is. There is romance(it's not over-fluffy), action, and a compelling sense to dig deeper into the world that Cynthia Hand has created.

My notion is that i absolutely love Unearthly. I wasn't sure i was going to be crazy happy with it when i placed it on my reading list but i decided to give it a try. There were a lot of mixed reviews and i can tell you honestly i have no idea why some people hate it. Clara is realistic(besides the fact that she is an angel blood). She's a girl who is struggling with what she is and who she is and trys to hold onto a possibility of a normal life while also dealing with the fact that she needs to fufill her purpose. Luckily, Clara has two friends, Wendy and Angela. Wendy is a down to earth, unpopular but adventurous girl who sides with Clara immediately into the story. Angela is a very necessary character to the plot, i can't really talk much about her since it'll spoil the story for those who haven't read it yet. Wendy and Angela , no doubt, are the perfect combination, they both ground her in more ways than one and keep her head straight. Christian is, well, hot and the bane of Clara's purpose. It drives me nuts how everything in the book is about Christian(specially since i'm not a big fan of his) but i can see how it is impossible to escape since he is part of Clara's purpose. I actually wanted to smack him around a bit, that is, if he were a real guy. I liked Tucker a whole lot more, sorry Christian. I have absolutely no doubt that anyone who enjoys reading fantasy, paranormal, and romance novels will enjoy it, if not absolutely love it. I am itching for the sequel to Unearthly, especially after that ending.(less)

like 9 likes

· see review

Jan 07, 2011

Danny rated it

Shelves: november-2010, netgalley-read, 2011-debut

Read Review at the Bewitched Bookworms
Of course I loved it! It's an Angel story - and I just adore good Angel stories and this is most definitely one of those good books!
The story is about Clara who found out 3 years ago that she is part Angel, has wings, can fly and apparently has a purpose to fulfill. The purpose's been revealed in form of visions and soon Clara, her mum and brother are moving from the sunny California into the mountains in a small village.

Her purpose l...more Read Review at the Bewitched Bookworms
Of course I loved it! It's an Angel story - and I just adore good Angel stories and this is most definitely one of those good books!
The story is about Clara who found out 3 years ago that she is part Angel, has wings, can fly and apparently has a purpose to fulfill. The purpose's been revealed in form of visions and soon Clara, her mum and brother are moving from the sunny California into the mountains in a small village.

Her purpose lives there: Christian. But this is all she knows, she just sees him over and over in her vision in a burning forest - but she has no clue what it means, only that she apparently has to safe him. Her mother is no help either, she doesn't talk about her purpose and insists that Clara will figure out everything right in time.

When enrolling at the new school she sees that Christian attends also her school and she tries to get closer to him to figure out what her vision means and what she's supposed to do. She feels drawn to him - instantly. Christian is like the perfect guy - he's hottness in person, he's kind, sweet, good at sports... well you get the hint! But, he also has a girlfriend!

Clara is one of the sweetest, cutest characters I've met in a long time. She's trying to figure out what it means to be part Angel and also tries everything to get closer to Christian, since he's apparently her purpose. The interactions between him and Clara are sometimes so awkward, it's simply cute! Clara sometimes says things that made me bang my head on the table. But hey! Who would know ALWAYS the right thing to say? So I found it rather real and just cute!

When Christian is gone for the summer break and Clara is alone she spends more and more time with Tucker, the Twin brother from her best friend. Clara begins to change and forgets more and more that she's an Angel who has a purpose and is just a girl that enjoys her summer. Soon the importance in Clara's live shifts and at the end she has to decide to follow her heart or her purpose.

I'm in love with Clara most all, which is a first! Normally I fall mostly in love with the guys in the books, but this time I love Clara the most. Tucker is a wonderful boy and I love how he always teases Clara.:)
Still, the end leaves you completely hanging in the air and I hate that I have to wait to read the next book in this series.

I can recommend this book to everyone who loves Angel stories, a cute character and a wonderful love story on top! (less)

like 13 likes

· see review

Feb 07, 2011

Stacia ~ platonic rated it

Shelves: young-adult

A solid 4.5 stars. I almost considered a 5 because I was quite impressed with the book, but there were a few minor details that held me back. Either way, this is a definite keeper and one that I will highly recommend.

If this one hadn't been a group read for 2 different groups, I probably wouldn't have picked it up because I'm really tired of mediocre angel books. Sure, everyone was saying, "but this one is different, trust me!" Even with that, it's hard to get over bein...more

like 8 likes

· see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 1421 1422 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Who do you think Clara will end up with? Who do you want her to end up with?	113	177	Feb 18, 2012 03:13pm
Tucker Avery or Christian Prescott?	159	530	Feb 18, 2012 12:27am
♥Teen Book Club♥: Your Favorite Character	6	24	Feb 09, 2012 11:53pm
Girls only YA boo...: Unearthly	3	3	Feb 05, 2012 04:30pm
~Young Adult Enth...: Unearthly	10	8	Feb 04, 2012 10:09pm
Amazing Young Adu...: Unearthly	22	5	Feb 02, 2012 09:26pm
Paranormal Romanc...: Unearthly	267	36	Feb 02, 2012 01:35pm

combine
Other Editions (19)

More editions...

Videos About This Book

Add a comment

Genres

Young Adult

663 users

Paranormal > Angels

538 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

331 users

Fantasy

308 users

Romance

220 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

120 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

86 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

66 users

Young Adult > Young Adult Fantasy

43 users

Young Adult > Teen

43 users

See top shelves...

Readers Also Enjoyed

About Cynthia Hand

Cynthia Hand grew up in southeast Idaho (very near the Wyoming border). Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and two small children. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University. Unearthly, her debut YA novel, was published by HarperTeen in January 2011, out in paperback on 11-1-11. The sequel, Hallowed, will be released on January 17.

More about Cynthia Hand...

Books by Cynthia Hand

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Pin It

Trivia About Unearthly

6 trivia questions
4 quizzes

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Unearthly

“Tucker: "But she gave me the perfect gift."
Clara: "What?"
Tucker: "You.” — 372 people liked it

“Tucker," I say. "I'm so glad you're still here."
I throw myself into his arms. He hugs me tightly.
"I couldn't leave," he says.
"I know."
"I mean, literally. I don't have a ride.” — 295 people liked it

More quotes…

Groups That Shelved Unearthly

Girls only YA book club

180 members

last activity Feb 05, 2012 04:30pm

shelf: currently-reading

♥!The Young Adult Book Cl...

5284 members

last activity 2 hours, 51 min ago

shelf: read

title link	preview: Unearthly
avg rating	preview: Unearthly Goodreads rating: 4.21 (15174 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7488244-unearthly?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1324782984m/7488244.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7488244-unearthly?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Unearthly by Cynthia Hand[/url]

Unearthly (Unearthly #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Readers Also Enjoyed

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website