Hallowed is a nice contributor to the ya paranormal genre featuring angels. Certainly one of the better. Cynthia’s story is fresh and original (for the most part), with well-developed, endearing characters, and a quirky writing style that’s easy to read. One thing that I loved about this book was Cynthia’s ability to move you to tears through beautiful or trying moments, where the characters feelings and thoughts flow off the page and catch you up in it. I wasn’t really impressed with this novel as a whole. I felt it lacking in some spots, and the love triangle and I didn’t get on the right foot. But there were certain aspects that shone and kept me interested.

The concept of this story is original, and executed well. In Unearthly, Clara didn’t fulfill her purpose, it didn’t turn out the way she saw in her vision, and so Hallowed is about her finding a new purpose, and I think finding out what she truly wants, and accept what will happen in her life. When Clara had a vision of what her new purpose is and she was analyzing it, wondering why certain people were there and weren’t there and what she assumed was going to happen, I was shocked! I was so desperate for it to not happen, how could it?! I also wondered if it could have been (view spoiler)[her mother (hide spoiler)], and so when it was, I felt so sad, for Clara and her family. But I think that the way that was done was done beautifully, with just enough emotion to make tears brim in my eyes.

In Unearthly, I remember loving the relationship between Clara and her mother had. In Hallowed, it becomes a little strained, because of secrets. I was worried that their wonderful relationship was starting to fall, and that there would be fights, and lost or challenged love. But when things were revealed, secrets shared or realized, love was built up again, and it was done perfectly. Parent-child relationships are never without their tension and anger, but even when you’re feeling that way, underneath, buried deep, is undeniable love that can never disperse.

So now the characters, they really shine and show their personality more, especially Christian. We learn more about him and what he’s feeling, we get to see into his head. And I appreciated that. While not my favorite character, *cough-tucker-cough* I came to like him more than the previous novel. Though I can’t say I was happy with the love triangle, or some of the things he did. I felt that Christian’s love for Clara, while real (because he's not faking his love), was based on more than friendship or whatever, but based partly on their purposes I guess, (view spoiler)[they’re “destined” to be together (hide spoiler)]. I don’t know quite why I didn’t like them together (well I do, it’s because there’s someone else who I love, who Clara loves) but it just didn’t feel right to me. But, I feel that I am in the minority here, so don’t listen to me, this is just how I felt.

There were several times when I was almost moved to tears. The joy and sorrow the characters felt was so palpable. Especially with (view spoiler)[Midas. That was truly beautiful and precious and just so joyous! (hide spoiler)] But also with the relationships, Clara and her mom; Jeffery and his mom. I really have to hand it off to Cynthia, she sure knows how to tug at readers heart strings. And this is possible partly because of the writing. It’s not spectacular, not the lyrical prose I love so much, but it flows nice, interspersed with love and laughter.

And now I have to talk about Tucker. He’s truly one of my favorite male characters. I love his fun, humorous, charming, laid back personality. I love the relationship between him and Clara. It’s sweet and beautiful, and I wish there was more of it. And while I’m here, that one part with Tucker and Christian (view spoiler)[when he punched him (hide spoiler)], LOVED IT! I thought it was fantastic. Go Tucker! You are my hero.

I think the Unearthly series has many good things in it and to come. It has become treasures to many people who feel tired of paranormal romance books and find something original and inspiring within the Unearthly and Hallowed pages. And while I may not find the story completely original (i.e. love triangle, boy coming through girls bedroom window [which I find exceedingly tiring. What is wrong with the front door!!]), it was still executed well, has wonderful characters, and is fun to read.


This arc was provided by the publisher via netgalley and in no way affected my views.