ARC Review: Everneath by Brodi Ashton - Blog Tour

Title: Everneath
Series: Debut!
Author: Brodi Ashton | Website
Available: Now!
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: YA
Source: Teen Book Scene












Synopsis via Goodreads:


Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever. 

She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists. 

Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen. 

As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's..

Quotable Quotes:

“Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with.”

My thoughts:


Main character, Nikki Beckett, has just returned from the Everneath. While there she spent 1000 years attached to Cole who fed on her emotions. Nikki chooses to return to the life she left behind in order to say goodbye. Only 6 months have passed in the real world, but rumors are swirling with speculation about where Nikki has been and the relationships she left behind have been damaged by her unexplained absence. Nikki has 6 months to say goodbye before she’ll return to the Everneath permanently. Emotionless and physically spent, readjusting to her old life is harder than she could have ever imagined, but Nikki is determined to right her wrongs and say goodbye to her father, brother, and the boy she loved.

Loved this book! I was so impressed with the world Brodi Ashton created and her ability to make me feel such a strong array of emotions. I loved her take on the story of Persephone and the tidbits of Greek mythology that were laced throughout the plot. The best part was the characters. I’m very much what you would call a “character driven reader” and Everneath contains characters I just adored.


Now let’s talk about these fabulous characters. Oh my!  Everneath contains characters I couldn’t help but to connect with and care about. Nikki has experienced so much heartache. She returns from the Everneath depleted of all emotions. She is a shell of what she was before, but as memories return the wounds she forgot begin to surface. I’ve read reviews that fault Nikki for her choices, but girl had spent 1000 Everneath years attached to what can only be described as an emotion sucking leech. She lost memories right along with those emotions. A lack of good judgment, confusion, and delayed reactions are expected.

Oh poor tortured Cole. Where do I even begin. I should hate him. Cole is the book’s “bad guy”. Initially I didn’t like him at all. I mean he did escort Nikki to the Everneath in order to feed on her emotions. Yet, as the story progressed I found I felt sorry for him. As strong and secure as he presents himself, there just seems to be something more to him. A layer he doesn’t expose. We see hints of his vulnerability during Everneath, and I have to admit it made me warm up to him bad guy or not.  I have a soft spot for damaged, but redeemable characters. Not 100% sure if Cole fits that description, but I’m looking forward to getting to know him more as the series continues.

Jack is just 100% good guy. He is your boy next door. Loved him! He doesn’t offer the mysterious edge that we get with Cole, but he is so freaking sweet.  I can totally see why Nikki thought of him constantly while trapped in the Everneath and opted to come back in order to see him one last time.

The presence of two boys kind of sort of screams love triangle, but it isn’t at all what you expect. I’m not even sure if Cole is in the running for love interest. There is a connection between him and Nikki, but the struggle we see in some YA where the MC is conflicted over which boy she loves more is not present in Everneath. I don’t mind love triangles (actually I kind of like them), but I wanted to put this out there for those of you who don’t. 

So yes I really adored Everneath. It is a strong debut, with fantastic writing, and amazing characters. I can’t wait for the next!

 My Rating:

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Review: Clarity by Kim Harrington

Title: Clarity
Series: Clarity #1
Author: Kim Harrington
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal
Reading Level: YA
Source: Vine












Description via Goodreads:


When you can see things others can't, where do you look for the truth? 

This paranormal murder mystery will have teens reading on the edge of their seats. 

Clarity "Clare" Fern sees things. Things no one else can see. Things like stolen kisses and long-buried secrets. All she has to do is touch a certain object, and the visions come to her. It's a gift. 
And a curse. 

When a teenage girl is found murdered, Clare's ex-boyfriend wants her to help solve the case - but Clare is still furious at the cheating jerk. Then Clare's brother - who has supernatural gifts of his own - becomes the prime suspect, and Clare can no longer look away. Teaming up with Gabriel, the smoldering son of the new detective, Clare must venture into the depths of fear, revenge, and lust in order to track the killer. But will her sight fail her just when she needs it most?


My thoughts:


Clarity "Clare" Fern's abilities have earned her more than her fair share of bullying and teasing. She has a little thing called retrocognitive psychometry. She can pick up on memories just by touching things. Teamed up with her telepathic mother and an older brother who can talk to ghosts, they earn a living giving readings to the tourist community of Eastport. When the usually boring town discovers a tourist was shot at a local hotel, Clare finds herself enlisted to help the police solve the crime. This has her working closely with the dangerously handsome son of the new detective, and also the ex she can't forgive for doing her wrong. She is also attempting to prove the innocence of her brother, Perry, who was the last person to see the murdered girl alive, and finding it difficult to keep his secrets when working so closely with the police.



I devoured this book in practically one sitting. I loved both the main and secondary characters, and was very impressed with how well developed they were considering the book's length (242 pages). Clare is a sassy chick who refuses to let the her peers teasing get her down. When faced with their taunts, her quick witted nature always provides her with a snarky reply. I'm a girl who loves a book with a healthy serving of snark so this was greatly appreciated ;) I also absolutely adored Clare's eccentric mom, and the interactions between mother and daughter. I can just imagine the edge telepathy would provide when it comes to parenting, but I thought Clare's mom did a pretty great job of not overstepping boundaries while being a strong and consistent presence in her children's lives.


Now lets talk about the boys! This book is filled to the brim with cute boys! Perry is Clare's older brother and a bit of a womanizer. Gabriel is the new hottie in town, and he has the bad boy image down to an art. Clare's ex Justin is trying to win her back after an alcohol induced mistake (FYI Don't cheat on a psychic and expect to not get caught!). He actually seems like a great guy, but who can blame Clare for not being able to forgive his indiscretions. Nate is Perry's best friend, and an all around sweetheart. He works at the local paper as an intern, and while his role wasn't screaming love interest, I think he is a great match for Clare. So like I said lots and lots of boys with serious "book boyfriend" potential ;)


Clarity features such a great mix of paranormal elements, and a mystery that had me guessing until the very end. The author has a writing style I thoroughly enjoyed, and she did such an excellent job of executing the plot of this book. I felt like every possible hole had been filled. Towards the end of the book, we find Clare asking a very unlikely ally questions, and receiving some seriously cryptic answers in response. Now I'm fiending for book #2 in a bad, bad way. There are so many secrets left to unravel in the coastal town of Eastport. I have a feeling this just might be the beginning of a series I am going to love! Also keep in mind when recommending this to younger teens that Clare's wit isn't always PG, and where there is murder there will be violence. I'd be hesitant to recommend this to anyone under the age of 15.


Cover Thoughts: I love it! Totally how I pictured Clare while reading. The background really emphasizes that it takes place in a coastal town.

My Rating:

Review & Giveaway: The Secret of Spruce Knoll by Heather McCorkle

Title: The Secret of Spruce Knoll
Series: The Channelers #1
Author: Heather McCorkle | Website
Available: Now
Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy
Reading Level: YA
Source: Author












Description via Goodreads:


It’s hard enough being a teenager under normal circumstances; imagine being orphaned, sent to live with an unfamiliar aunt—and learning that there really is magic in the world. Following the tragic death of her parents, Eren Donovan moves to Spruce Knoll to live with her aunt. Little does Eren know the entire town of Spruce Knoll is filled with “channelers”—a magical group of people who immigrated to the small Colorado town when they were driven out of their own lands. 

Channelers are tied to the fate of the world. As the world slowly dies, so do they—and they alone have the power to stop the destruction of Earth. Now, Eren learns she not only lives among them, but she is one. When she meets local boy Aiden, his charm convinces her that being a channeler may not be all bad. 

As Eren and Aiden’s relationship blooms, so too does a mystery in Spruce Knoll. The town holds many secrets—and many enemies. It soon becomes apparent that the untimely death of Eren’s parents-and Aidens-was no accident and that her life might be in danger, too. Only time will tell if Eren has the power to protect the people she has come to love


My thoughts:


Heather McCorkle’s debut novel takes us into the mysterious community of Spruce Knoll. Main character, Eren, is forced to move with her aunt to the small-town after the death of her parents. Once she arrives she quickly realizes there is something more to the isolated community than meets the eye. Separated by culture and extremely protective of what land is theirs. Secrets soon come to the surface and she is informed she is a Channeler with powers linked to the earth. Talk about information overload! Eren finds a new friend (and crush) in an Irish boy named Aiden. He seems to make her strange new life almost bearable. Then the drama begins to unfold and Eren is thrust into a web of danger and deceit.

I have always enjoyed reading Heather’s blog posts and following her journey into the world of a published write. The Secret of Spruce Knoll contains the same well thought out and structured writing I’ve come to associate with Heather. The world building is truly amazing. She paid great attention down to the smallest detail. As a reader it was so easy to imagine myself running beside Eren as she explored her new home. Speaking of Eren, I really enjoyed getting to know the Channeler in training. She’d been dealt a tough hand at the start of the book and seemed to be taking it better than I would in her shoes. Life in Spruce Knoll isn’t easy for her. It isn’t common for residents to marry outside of their culture, so her Mayan/Irish blood made her a target for dirty looks and hate. 

There was also a really great mystery and loads of suspense. Eren didn’t expect so much excitement when she first laid eyes on Spruce Knoll. Unfortunately, she finds herself the focus of some not so nice people who definitely don't want to see her cozying up to the Irish hottie, Aiden. As Eren gets deeper and deeper into the drama she is shocked by the discoveries she makes.

The Secret of Spruce Knoll is a beautifully executed debut novel. I’m excited to see what Heather McCorkle has planned for the lovely Eren next. Please keep in mind The Secret of Spruce Knoll does contain scenes that may be a little dark and heavy for younger teens. I’d recommend it for ages 15+

My Rating:

Giveaway:

Books aren’t the only thing I get all passionate and crazy about. I’m also a HUGE animal lover. This seems to be something I share with the lovely Heather McCorkle. She is doing something awesome and donating a portion of the proceeds from a special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll to her favorite charity that helps endangered species. So I decided I would love to give a copy to one of you.

Open to residents of the U.S

To enter leave a comment telling me what your favorite endangered species is along with a way to contact you (email/twitter/carrier pigeon/etc.)

Ends 11/27

If you would like to order your very own special edition of The Secret of Spruce Knoll & help some endangered critters info can be found here: http://thecompasspress.blogspot.com/

ARC Review: Shattered Souls by Mary Lindsey

Title: Shattered Souls

Author: Mary Lindsey

Available: 12/8/11

Reading Level: YA

Genre: Paranormal

Source: Teen Book Scene

Description from Goodreads:

A thrilling debut story of death, love, destiny and danger

Lenzi hears voices and has visions - gravestones, floods, a boy with steel gray eyes. Her boyfriend, Zak, can't help, and everything keeps getting louder and more intense. Then Lenzi meets Alden, the boy from her dreams, who reveals that she's a reincarnated Speaker - someone who can talk to and help lost souls - and that he has been her Protector for centuries.

Now Lenzi must choose between her life with Zak and the life she is destined to lead with Alden. But time is running out: a malevolent spirit is out to destroy Lenzi, and he will kill her if she doesn't make a decision soon.

My thoughts:

I hadn't had the best of luck with books involving reincarnation prior to reading Shattered Souls, but I do love a good ghost story so I knew I had to read this. Thankfully, I enjoyed reading this story immensely. What a relief right? Mary Lindsey wrote a book that I think has the ability to knock readers socks off. It has the paranormal elements and romance that is so hot in YA right now, but she delivers it with a genuinely unique premise.


Shattered Souls is such a perfectly executed tale of ghost stories and past lives. It is a combination guaranteed to please. I find the subject of reincarnation so intriguing, but up until this point I'd found most attempts to explore it in fiction to be a huge let down. Mary Lindsey takes this intriguing topic and really creates something special with it. She has such a great voice, and the plot's pace flowed so wonderfully. 


I loved Lenzi, and her relationship with Alden wasn't typical of what we expect to see in YA, but it was still 100% swoon worthy. Then there is Zak. He is seriously troubled, and the interactions between him and Lenzi really give the book an edge. Things do get a little dark and intense between the two, but it only adds depth and emotion to an all ready well-constructed story. Be warned the suspense in this one is killer. I couldn't bring myself to put it down once I started reading. 


I highly recommend giving this fabulous debut novel a chance to wow you! I don't think you'll be disappointed. I also wanted to add that I think this is a standalone novel, but I would love to read more about the characters I met in Shattered Souls.

My Rating:

Mary Lindsey on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

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Review: The Taker by Alma Katsu (Blog Tour)

Title: The Taker
Author: Alma Katsu | Website
Available: 9/6/11
Genre: Historical/Paranormal
Reading Level: Adult
Source: Publisher












Description from Goodreads:

True love can last an eternity . . . but immortality comes at a price. . . .

On the midnight shift at a hospital in rural Maine, Dr. Luke Findley is expecting another quiet evening of frostbite and the occasional domestic dispute. But the minute Lanore McIlvrae—Lanny—walks into his ER, she changes his life forever. A mysterious woman with a past and plenty of dark secrets, Lanny is unlike anyone Luke has ever met. He is inexplicably drawn to her . . . despite the fact that she is a murder suspect with a police escort. And as she begins to tell her story, a story of enduring love and consummate betrayal that transcends time and mortality, Luke finds himself utterly captivated.

Her impassioned account begins at the turn of the nineteenth century in the same small town of St. Andrew, Maine, back when it was a Puritan settlement. Consumed as a child by her love for the son of the town’s founder, Lanny will do anything to be with him forever. But the price she pays is steep—an immortal bond that chains her to a terrible fate for all eternity. And now, two centuries later, the key to her healing and her salvation lies with Dr. Luke Findley.

Part historical novel, part supernatural page-turner, The Taker is an unforgettable tale about the power of unrequited love not only to elevate and sustain, but also to blind and ultimately destroy, and how each of us is responsible for finding our own path to redemption.

My thoughts:

The Taker is told in both modern time as well as with the help of flashbacks. There are even flashbacks within the flashbacks. I was initially drawn to this title because of my love of historical novels. Paranormal elements are still so rare in historical novels, and I was excited to see how Alma Katsu used the historical setting and paranormal elements together. I also must admit this book turned out to be not at all like I had expected. After seeing so much about the epic romance it contained, I expected something a little more swoon worthy and was completely surprised by how dark and disturbing a large majority of the story was. This isn’t to say I didn’t enjoy The Taker. I did very much so. It just ended up being nothing like I had anticipated when I started reading.

This is a tale that will bring on so many emotions and is most definitely not for the faint of heart. Even though I found some parts difficult to read, I still became completely invested in Lanore's story of her past and extremely curious about how Luke would factor into her future. I kept telling myself just one more page as I read deep into the night. I couldn’t tear myself away. 

The writing in The Taker flowed so beautifully even when paired with a cast that seemed almost deranged at times. This is unlike anything else I have ever read. I don’t want to give much away in my review. I feel the synopsis is vague for a reason. This is a book that is meant to be read with only a brief idea of what to expect. Part of the pleasure is uncovering the secrets, scandal and drama while reading. I’d recommend The Taker, but please keep in mind it does contain violence and sexual situations some may find difficult to read about.

My Rating:

ARC Review: Born at Midnight by C. C Hunter

Title: Born at Midnight
Series: Shadow Falls #1
Author: C. C Hunter | Author Website
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult












Description from Goodreads:


Don’t miss this spectacular new series that will steal your heart and haunt your dreams,  Welcome to Shadow Falls camp, nestled deep in the woods of a town called Fallen…

One night Kylie Galen finds herself at the wrong party, with the wrong people, and it changes her life forever.  Her mother ships her off to Shadow Falls—a camp for troubled teens, and within hours of arriving, it becomes painfully clear that her fellow campers aren’t just “troubled.”  Here at Shadow Falls, vampires, werewolves, shapshifters, witches and fairies train side by side—learning to harness their powers, control their magic and live in the normal world.

Kylie’s never felt normal, but surely she doesn’t belong here with a bunch of paranormal freaks either.  Or does she?  They insist Kylie is one of them, and that she was brought here for a reason.  As if life wasn’t complicated enough, enter Derek and Lucas.  Derek’s a half-fae who’s determined to be her boyfriend, and Lucas is a smokin’ hot werewolf with whom Kylie shares a secret past.  Both Derek and Lucas couldn’t be more different, but they both have a powerful hold on her heart. 

Even though Kylie feels deeply uncertain about everything, one thing is becoming painfully clear—Shadow Falls is exactly where she belongs…

Favorite quote:

“Just because a guy rings your bell, doesn’t mean you have to toot his horn” 

My thoughts:

Kylie finds herself caught at a party with alcohol (that she wasn’t even drinking), and shipped off to a camp for troubled teens. Or at least that is what her therapist claims. On day one she discovers it is a camp for teens with supernatural lineage. Werewolves, faeries, and even vampires. Unfortunately, they haven’t figured out what Kylie is, and she strongly denies having any type of preternatural skills. She quickly gains the attentions of a boy named Derek, and meets another boy from her past who scares her witless (even with all his hotness). While balancing boys, new friends, and family drama, she also has to come to terms with the fact it is very likely she has supernatural abilities.

You will never look at summer camp the same way again. Really, how cool a setting did the author choose for her YA debut? I loved her take on supernaturals (especially vampires) and how she threw them all together in a camp setting. Add in hot boys, a love triangle (yes, I still love them!), and a mystery to solve, and you have a book that rocked my socks! 


Kylie is an amazing main character. I just loved her. She isn’t afraid to stand up for herself even when the person she is standing up to could rip her to shreds. You might not love her at first, but her character really evolves so much over the course of the book. She has to come to terms with so much change in such a short time. I really felt for the poor girl, but she handled it quite well. There is also a great cast of secondary characters who I hope to see more of as this series continues. 


Now let us discuss previously mentioned hot boys. Derek is your typical nice guy. I really liked him and he is a great love interest for Kylie, but if you know me or read my blog often, you’ll know I’m addicted to the bad (but sweet behind the tough facade) boy. In this case that would be Lucas. He won me over even though I initially didn’t like him. As the book progressed I became firmly fixed on the Team Lucas side. He has all the characteristics that blend to create the perfect "bad boy". Mystery, attitude, dangerously good looks, and he is a werewolf! In the battle of hot fae and hot weres, the furry guys always win with me.


Still loving YA paranormal books, but want a fresh take? Give Born At Midnight a try! I think even adult fans will enjoy this series. In case you didn’t know C.C Hunter is a pseudonym for romance author Christie Craig. While this is definitely aimed at young adults, the writing had a certain feel that can only be created by a seasoned romance writer. This series just has so much to offer. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

My Rating:

Source:

Around the World Tours

Review: Hickey of the Beast by Isabel Kunkle

Title: Hickey of the Beast
Author: Isabel Kunkle
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult













Description via Media Kit:


Connie thought freshman year might suck. She never thought it'd be literal.

Bad dreams? No big deal. After all, Connie Perez is starting her first year in the prep school her mom runs. Anyone would be a little stressed, right? When she starts dreaming about strange creatures and places that don't make sense, she doesn't think much about it: there's other stuff on her mind. Then she starts noticing that the people she dreams about get sick right afterwards.

Then everything gets weird.

There's something bad on the campus of Springden Academy. Something that feeds on students and warps their minds. And, as Connie and her friends try to figure out what's going on, it starts to look like she's the only one who can stop it.

Freshman year was hard enough without having to fight evil after class.

My thoughts:


Connie Perez is the daughter of Springden Academy’s headmistress. She is excited and nervous about making the transition from a faculty kid to an actual student. As the new school year progresses she finds herself plagued with nightmares involving a swarm of angry mosquitos. Coincidently her little brother is also having bad dreams. As the dreams evolve and students fall sick, Connie sets out to find answers with two of her closest friends.


Hickey of the Beast is told in the format of a letter from Connie to her friend Amanda. I really enjoyed this style. I felt it gave the book a nice and easy flow. I think readers will like the up close and personal look into the main character’s mind. Main character Connie was easy to like, but she does have a bit of a potty mouth at times. I would have liked to see more development with the secondary characters. Something to make them stand out I guess. 


I thought the mystery surrounding the illness infecting some of the female students at the school was paced well. While I did have my suspicions about who was behind the attacks, I wouldn’t call the plot predictable. My interest was definitely held, and I was shocked by how quickly I finished reading. Obviously the mystery was one I was eager to figure out. The ending was great. The author provided answers to all the questions raised, and I appreciated her tying up the loose ends so readers aren’t left hanging.


This is a really fun and unique book. I’d defiantly recommend it if you dig books with paranormal elements especially with a boarding school setting. While the format in which the author tells the story has a few minor flaws, I still enjoyed the all around feel it gave Hickey of the Beast.

My Rating:

Source:

ARC Review: Through Her Eyes by Jennifer Archer

Title: Through Her Eyes
Author: Jennifer Archer | Author’s Website
Available: 4/5/2011
Reading Level: Young Adult












Description from Goodreads:


Sixteen-year-old Tansy Piper moves with her grandfather and her mother, a horror writer, to the setting of her mother's next book--a secluded house outside of a tiny, desolate West Texas town. Lonely and upset over the move, Tansy escapes into her photography and the dark, seductive poems she finds hidden in the cellar, both of which lure her into the mind and world of a mysterious, troubled young man who died sixty years earlier.


My thoughts:


To say Tansy isn’t happy to be leaving her home, friends, and school would be a serious understatement, but the choice isn’t really hers to make. Her mom writes horror novels, and hopes to find her muse in an old house in Texas. Tansy feels like she doesn’t fit in from day one, and quickly loses herself in her photography. It is through the lens of her camera that she discovers the ghost story taking place around her.


I absolutely LOVE a good ghost story, and Through Her Eyes delivered! Tansy is transported through time to witness the tumultuous story of a man named Henry unfold. I don’t think the author could have picked a better vessel to give Tansy a front row seat to the past. As the story progresses and secrets unfold, I was turning each page with bated breath. I loved when the plot began to intertwine with Tansy’s family tree. 


This book features some top-notch main and secondary characters. I admired Tansy’s individuality and lack of desire to conform. She handles her relocation better than could be expected, and I liked that her relationship with her mother and grandfather (Papa Dan) was so very normal and healthy. I identified with the heartache she was experiencing watching her grandfather fall victim to dementia having experienced the same thing with my grandmother a few years ago. This plot detail and Tansy’s bond with her grandfather really touched on one of the most difficult periods of my life, and memories that I tend to keep buried deep. This earned Through Her Eyes a special place in my heart, and allowed me to connect on a level other readers might not be able to experience. It isn’t often that I can say this about a book.


Mysterious Henry is charming in an uber-creepy way. I couldn’t decide if I wanted to love him or fear him. Unlikely friend, Bethyl Anne AKA Stinky, was a delight. I dare you to not love this girl who speaks in Shakespeare quotes! Love interest, Tate, gives you the small town jock first impression, but there is so much more to this boy than meets the eye. As Tansy was losing her reality to the ghost of Henry, I was losing mine to this book. Fantastic premise, ideal pacing, and great characters! 


I’d recommend Through Her Eyes to readers who enjoy ghost stories or stories of the paranormal, especially those partial to a small town setting (like me!). Standalone novels are becoming a rare find, so if that is your cup of tea give this one a try. I consider myself a “series kind of girl”, but I absolutely loved this one and was left feeling sated at the end of the final page.


I also have to add that Jennifer Archer wrote Women’s Fiction prior to her jump into the YA writing pool. I haven’t read her other titles, but I was thoroughly impressed with her YA debut!

My Rating:

Order from Amazon:

Pre-ordering will enter you in the Through Her Eyes Gargantuan Giveaway Jennifer Archer is hosting. Check out her website for all the details!

Book Trailer:

Source:

ARC Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Title: Unearthly
Series: Unearthly #1
Author: Cynthia Hand
Available: Now
Reading Level: Young Adult


5 out of 5 Stars












Synopsis via Goodreads:

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 apurpose, 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?

My thoughts:

Clara Gardner is the daughter of a human father and a half angel mother. Her parents are divorced, and she lives in California with her mother and younger brother. She was recently let in on the family secret. She is an angel who will have to fulfill a purpose. Now that the visions have started, she knows she’ll have to save a boy from a forest fire. Her visions lead her and her family to beautiful Wyoming. Clara quickly locates the boy she is to save, and is instantly smitten. Only thing is he is taken, and throwing Clara some seriously mixed signals. Soon things seem to be falling into place, but where would the fun be if a few complications didn’t arise.

Wow! Just wow! This is one of those books that has the kind of amazingness that sneaks up on you. I started reading expecting another tale of angel loves human, but things didn’t go at all as anticipated. The authors writing and the plot pace flowed easily. This didn’t feel like a 400+ page book. When I reached the end I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters I’d grown to love. As time passes I still find myself mulling over the events that occurred in Unearthly, and growing to love it even more. This is one for my shelf of favorites.

I loved the strength Clara encompassed, and I’m not just talking about her super angel strength. She is an excellent character who I loved from page one. I also enjoyed the family dynamic that was represented. It was so refreshing to see a present mother who wasn’t stupid or flakey. The twists and turns of the plot were nicely done. The love triangle was anything but typical, and didn’t progress as I expected. With that said I couldn’t have been more satisfied by how the ending played out. 


Unearthly is an absolutely stunning debut. Truly a breath of fresh air in the world of Young Adult. My only complaint is I now have another sequel to pine for.

Cynthia Hand on the web:

Website | Blog | Twitter

Buy Unearthly from Amazon:

Source: Around the World Tours