Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
8:00 AM
Author: Cynthia Hand
Release Date: January 17, 2012 (hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 416
Source: Bought
Overall: 5 Stars
Summary:
For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions, but she wasn’t prepared for the choice she had to make that day. And in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.
Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.
In this compelling sequel to Unearthly, Cynthia Hand captures the joy of first love, the anguish of loss, and the confusion of becoming who you are.
My Thoughts:
When it comes to angel books, I'm always more on the nervous side to read them because it's too often that they've left me disappointed in some way. But last year, when I first read Unearthly, my hope was once again restored in the genre and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. And oh my! Cynthia Hand's Hallowed was most certainly well worth the wait!
Hallowed was everything and more I had hoped it would be! The aspects that frustrated me in the first book disappeared in this one, and I was so happy to learn more answers to the questions raised surrounding the angel mythology Cynthia Hand has created and the part Clara has to play in fulfilling her purpose. And after the surprising revelation at the end of Unearthly concerning Christian, I loved seeing him take on a greater role in this novel and seeing how Clara's previous actions the day of the fire had altered their futures. He's more than just a boy in Clara's visions who she thought she had to protect before.
I felt rather sympathetic towards Tucker this time around. He's still the incredibly sweet boy that we all grew fond of in Unearthly, but there are things about Clara's angel heritage which he'll just never be able to understand or relate with that Christian can on the other hand. But once again, I must give full credit to Cynthia Hand for not over-playing the love triangle between Clara, Tucker and Christian. Clara might have chosen Tucker by the time Unearthly finished, but that never stopped Christian from being a supportive friend. He knows not to over-step his boundaries when it wouldn't be right. And Clara had so much more on her shoulders than just boy problems, so I'm glad she had her priorities straight when she had difficult decisions to make.
I absolutely loved Cynthia Hand's Hallowed! As Clara continues to discover what destiny has in store for her, she faces emotional moments which will tear at your heart. It's not very often that I find paranormal novels as beautifully written as both Unearthly and Hallowed, but Cynthia Hand makes it all look so easy. I cannot wait to see how the trilogy will end!
2 comments
Oh I need, need, NEED to get my hands on this soon! I really adored Unearthly and everyone has been raving about Hallowed. I'm happy that the love triangle isn't over-played. The best ones are NOT when the protagonist is constantly obsessing over who to choose, with both guys pushing in on her from each side.
ReplyDeleteI'm sadistically excited for those moments that will 'tear at my heart' - I love when a novel can affect my emotionally. This sounds like such a stunning follow up from the first, amazing review!
Great review, Liz! I've been really curious, although a bit nervous, to read this one. I thought Unearthly was fantastic and kind of worried that the love-traingle in Hallowed would be played up. I'm glad to hear that's not so! Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDelete