Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

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 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?

I read Unearthly for the Radical Read-Along that I hosted with Kyrstianna and Jenna. It’s a Young Adult novel about angels. I haven’t read many books like this one. In fact, I think it might be the first real angel book I've read. I could be wrong but I’m too lazy to check. Unearthly is Cynthia Hand’s debut novel that came out quite a while ago. I don’t know why I didn't read it sooner but I’m definitely glad I did. I loved this book and gave it straight up 5 STARS.  Maybe it was the fun of reading it with others but I really couldn't find any real problems with the book.
Characters:
The characters are definitely one of my favourite things about this book. The protagonist, Clara was a pretty cool character. Even though she was part angel, she still had all those classic but relatable teenage attributes. The book is also composed of a love Triangle between Tucker and Christian. Tucker is awesome! He’s fun and super likable whereas even though Christian is really hot, he’s really plain. Clara’s mum and brother as well as her two friends Wendy and Angela are all nice additions to the story.
Pros:
Continuing on about the characters, they all had very realistic personalities. They were all mysterious with heaps of layers to unfold. Even now, there’s so much more I need to learn about them. The book was written in a super fast pace that was easy to follow and easy to enjoy. Even though some might say the story isn't original, I think otherwise. So many bombshells were dropped that I didn't even see coming. I love it when books have the element of surprise because not many can do that for me anymore. Without spoilers, the ending was spectacular. It’s one of those perfect ones where everything works out but there are still mysteries left to be solved in the next book.
Cons:
Hm, cons. I don’t think I really have any. Sometimes the characters got annoying but they never got SUPER annoying and in the end, it all worked out.
Summary:
Finally, it's clear that I love this book. I'm about to go to add this to my favourites list on Goodreads now. I recommend this to all Young Adult lovers even if you think you might now like angel novels. I'm super pumped to read the second book.

Buy Unearthly on Amazon
Buy Unearthly on the Book Depository
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Radical Read-Along: Day 5 Discussion

So it's the last day with the last chapters and I'm so sad! I had a wonderful experience with this Read-Along and I'm glad I could discuss with all you lovely people.

In the last few chapters of Unearthly, lot’s of bombshells were dropped. I really liked it when Clara decided to go save Tucker first. I was having a major swoon moment because I’m Team Tucker for life. About a page or two before it actually happened, I realised that Christian was an angel too. I had a face palm moment because I have no idea how I didn't notice earlier! Then when they came and Clara’s like “Show yourself!” and I’m just like OMG IT'S TRUE! Know, I just need to know what happens between them. I swear, it's such a coincidence that so many angels live in the one place. I actually really liked how it all ended. I kind of don’t want to read the next book because I liked it so much. The problem is that there’s so many mysteries left unsolved. I only like the ending because she’s with Tucker and I don’t want that to change. I might go find spoilers to make sure she ends up with Tucker before I read the next book.

Today, for the final challenge, head on over to Rather Be Reading YA for the Review challenge. All you have to do is write a review and you have a chance (a big chance) to win your very own e-copy of Hallowed. My review will be going up as soon as possible. Hopefully tomorrow! Also, I've extended the time for the Cover Remake & Dream Cast challenges which means you still have time to enter them!
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Radical Read-Along: Day 4 Discussion

So close to the end now. Today is the last day of reading! Yesterday I read Chapter 14-18 and today will be for 19-22 and then we're done! OMG! Tomorrow, I'll be posting both the Day 5 Discussion the the final review.

These five chapters were probably my absolute favourite so far. I have yet to see the last four but I'm hoping it has a nice ending. I've made it pretty clear that I am Team Tucker for life so of course I adored yesterday's chapters. So much happened between them. First, they started getting closer because of her birthday. Then when they kissed I was like OMG SWOOON. I swear it was so so cute that I couldn't take it. But then, it ended because she went into glory mode and I was so sad. But then, she told him and it was all okay again. It was so sweet how Tucker took it. It was all going well until Christian called and then like what the hell, Clara's mum tells her to break it off with Tucker?! AND THEN they actually break up?! I was super extremely devastated. I mean I know all good things must come to an end, but why?! Also, Angela came back and started talking about the Black Wings and all. There's something definitely really fishy going on with her. In these chapters, my favourite quote/scene was:
"Is it okay to kiss you?" he asks.
"What?"
"I won't get struck by lightning?"
I laugh. Then lean in to brush my lips against his. His hands on my waist tighten.
"No lightning," I say

Today's challenge should be hosted on Paperback Princess. Honestly though, I'm not sure. Angelica hasn't replied to my email and she hasn't been participating in the discussion so I really don't think she'll be hosting it. Check out her blog and check for it anyway. If not, just for fun, you can do the Acrostic Poem challenge. That was what she was going to host if she didn't.

Also, please vote for which comment system you like best! The poll can be found in the sidebar.
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Radical Read-Along: Day 3 Discussion

It's getting closer and closer to the end! Yesterday Chapters 10, 11, 12 and 13 were read and today I'm here with the discussion post. Remember to read chapters 14-18 today!

Chapter 10 starts off with Wendy and Clara making up. I don't know, I just really think that deep down she's some evil ass. She's probably actually really nice, she just seem TOO nice to me. When Kay broke up with Christian I was laughing so hard because Kay took it so badly. How she rubbed up against Jeffrey and Clara's just like "Wow. Original. Now get off my brother, please." I almost felt bad for Kay, ALMOST. At the end of this chapter, she has another flying lesson. I wonder if she'll ever get there. I felt so bad for her though *frowns*. Then after that, when Clara, Angela, Wendy and Clara's mum were shopping and they bumped into the Black Wing. I was so worried about what was going to happen to them! When Clara built up her courage and asked Christian to prom, I was really proud of her. Except, I don't want her to be Christian! I want her to be with Tucker! Waaaahh. I was kind of glad when Tucker drove her home but I feel like he could have tried harder to win her heart. During the prom, Clara also mentioned going hiking. Maybe it's a connection to forest fire in her visions? Then Clara and Christian started hanging out more and I mean I'm not against them or anything I just really wish Tucker would try harder. It was nice how she finally learned to fly though. I was so proud of her!

Today's challenge can be found on  Oops! I Read A Book Again where all you have to do is let Dianne know which team your on for your chance to win an e-copy of Hallowed, the second book in the series. I think it's pretty safe to say, and pretty obvious that I'm 100% Team Tucker!
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Radical Read-Along: Day 2 Discussion

After reading up to Chapter 9, I'm just loving the book more and more. Today is Day 3 which means that here is my discussion for what I read on Day 2! Today the Chapters 10-13 will be read! Remember to not read this if you haven't read Unearthly yet.

Chapter 5 started with the roots of the Romance. It's funny to see how big of a crush Clara has on Christian even though he's her purpose. What is that all about anyway? I'm so curious to see what her actual purpose will be! I mean, it can't really be for her to become his girlfriend. I've been loving Clara's mum and brother as well. Her mum is like the coolest person ever! And even though it'll probably turn out bad, I like to see Clara's brother rebelling. In these chapters, we also found out all the stuff about Angela. I just knew that there was something going on! It wasn't too big of a surprise though and I think that there's more bombshells to be dropped. One of the funniest scenes was when she was horse riding and how she whispered in Angelic to the horse. Like OMG I wish I could speak every language including Angelic. I don't know who most people would prefer but I'm routing for Tucker against Christian. I just, I don't know, I like Tucker better. At the end of Chapter 9, there's that big show down between Wendy and Clara. I don't know how I feel about it because even though Clara was being kind of mean for hanging out with Angela so much, I still don't really care how Wendy feels. Wendy just doesn't seem right to me. Nek minnit I'm completely wrong and she's actually really good but oh well.

Okay well that was a long paragraph! Phew! Don't forget to link up your discussion posts as well because those five chapters were definitely jam packed with story. Also, today, don't forget to head on over to Downright Dystopian for the Dream Cast challenge.
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Radical Read-Along: Day 1 Discussion

Hey guys! Yay for the first discussion post. So yesterday, to kick start the Unearthly Radical Read-Along, I read 4 chapters. So today, along with everyone else, I'll be discussing! Today will be for Chapters 5-9. Of course, this post will be comprised of spoilers.

As soon as I started reading, I knew I would love it. I love the subtle way that Cynthia Hand introduced the world. I love the concept and how even though Clara is an angel, she still has the normal teenage girl characteristics. Does anyone else think the chapter names are awesome? I always like it when the chapters are more than just 'Chapter One'. I can't wait to get deeper into the story because right now, there are so many characters being introduced. I've labeled Kay the jealous b*tch, Angela the 'weird but going to be a big part of the story girl' and Christian the main guy of course. Then there's Wendy and I don't know how to feel about her. I just feel like there's something fishy about her but I could be wrong. The back in time flashback thing in Chapter 4 was a really cool way to give background to the story. My favourite quote/scene was:
“And when was this?”
“It was April,” she said. “1906.”
 I felt like I was going to throw up. “That would make you what, a hundred and ten?”
“A hundred and sixteen, this year.”
I just though of Twilight and cracked up so much! Haha, okay, now it's your turn to tell me what you though of the first four chapters.

But before that, today I'm hosting a challenge where you could win your own e-copy of Hallowed, the next in the series! All you have to do is remake the cover of Unearthly. It doesn't have to be anything special, just something simple is fine. After all, it's just for fun! You can add it to your discussion post or you can make a separate one if you'd like.
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Radical Read-Along: Kick Off

Ready to kick start the Unearthly Radical Read-Along? If you haven't joined yet, there's still a bit of time. If you already have the book, perfect, if you've already read it, read it again and if you don't have a copy, let me know and I'll see if I can get you an e-copy.

Just a reminder to all the participants if you've forgotten what to read each day. Also, two challenge hosts have been added! Each day, you'll have another chance to win an e-copy of Hallowed, the second book in the series. The only exception is that on the 29th, you can win $15 worth of any book on the Book Depository thanks to Angelica! YAY!  Each day, once you've posted you're discussion post, come back to any of the hosts' blogs (Krystianna from Downright Dystopian, Jenna from Rather Be Reading YA and me) to add your link to the linky. Visit the other blogs and discuss!

The schedule:

Thursday July 25: Kick Off. Read 4 chapters.

Friday July 26: Read 5 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 1. Visit my blog for the Cover Remake challenge.

Saturday July 27: Read 4 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 2. Visit Downright Dystopian for the Dream Cast challenge.

Sunday July 28: Read 5 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 3. Visit Oops! I Read A Book Again for the Team Wars challenge. 

Monday July 29: Read 4 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 4. Visit Paperback Princess for the Poem challenge.

Tuesday July 30: Discussion posts for Day 5. Wrap-up and review! Visit Rather Be Reading YA for the Review challenge.

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Giveaway: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

I have a super fun announcement for you all today. As you may know, along with Krystianna from Downright Dystopian and Jenna from Rather Be Reading YA, I am going to co-hosting the Unearthly Radical Read-Along. We read together, discuss together and enjoy together. Basically, as you can tell by the title, today is a giveaway! I will be giving away an e-copy of Unearthly to two lucky winners. Yep, TWO! This giveaway will end before the Read-Along so that you can get your copy.

This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL! The only rule is that you have to be signed up to the Read-Along. All details and sign ups here.
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Radical Read-Along: Sign Ups

Are you ready to get excited? Krystianna from Downright Dystopian, Jenna from Rather Be Reading YA and I are going to be hosting a Read-Along for Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. Welcome to the first Radical Read-Along! Haven't read Unearthly? Well what better time than now? Already read Unearthly? Read it again! There are going to be set chapters that we and you, because you are going to join, will be reading each day of the read-along. Then, the next day, write up a discussion post, video, update etc. You can put all your discussions in one post if you like but remember to separate them. Throughout the read-along we will also be hosting challenges! You have multiple chances to win the next book in the series. We still need people who can host a challenge so drop me an email or direct message on Twitter if you'd like to.

DON'T HAVE A COPY? DON'T WORRY! WIN ONE NOW IN MY GIVEAWAY.

Here's the schedule if any of that way confusing for you.

Thursday July 25: Kick Off. Read 4 chapters.

Friday July 26: Read 5 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 1. Visit my blog for the Cover Remake challenge.

Saturday July 27: Read 4 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 2. Visit Downright Dystopian for the Dream Cast challenge.

Sunday July 28: Read 5 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 3. Need a challenge host.

Monday July 29: Read 4 chapters. Discussion posts for Day 4. Need a challenge host.

Tuesday July 30: Discussion posts for Day 5. Wrap-up and review! Visit Rather Be Reading YA for the Review challenge.

You don't need to have a blog to enter but make sure you make a post, tweet, YouTube video, Goodreads update or something just to say that you're going to be participating. Then you can do your discussions there as well. When tweeting, make sure to include #rreadalong. Don't forget to grab the button as well.

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