Review #138: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Hallowed is the second book in the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand. Goodreads says:

For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions,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.

For my review of the first book, Unearthly, click here.

Damn, this was a good sequel. I loved every minute of it. From the first sentence, I was pulled in, lapping up the action, romance, relationship drama, everything. I loved the story, especially since it took me through the full spectrum of emotion. The idea of Clara's purpose not being over fascinated me, and I kept trying to figure out who it was that was going to die. I was utterly intrigued the entire time, and the ending wrenched my freaking heart.

Clara was fabulous in this novel. I liked how Ms. Hand showed her flaws, yet kept her likable and had me rooting/sympathizing with her. Her development was great, she really grew which I loved. She was also still herself, which I also loved. Tucker, I still adore you! He was also still excellent in this installment. I so wish he were real, so I could kiss him. I hope somehow in the final book he will have the ending he deserves. Then there's Christian, the third part of the triangle. I love how Ms. Hand did not make this love triangle a stereotypical one. Although, admittedly while learning more about Christian was cool, I wish he wasn't as prominent as he was, because I am still firmly Team Tucker, despite the course of events from the novel. Angela also got some great development, staying her awesome self. She was funny and wickedly awesome. Jeffery was not as much in the periphery again, but I still felt so bad for him. He was overlooked in favor of Clara for so long, I can understand his anger. I hope he gets a happy ending in the final book. Samjeeza still creeped the hell out of me, and I loved every minute.

Ms. Hand kept up the awesome. She expanded her world well, had the characters develop well, and still has an awesome writing style. Keep it up Ms. Hand!

Was it worth the hype? For sure :)

I'll next e reviewing Article 5 by Kristen Simmons.

Until next time, viva la literature!