Just finished reading ... Hallowed

Hallowed
by Cynthia Hand
HarperCollins
January 17, 2012
Source: bought from indie bookstore

Hallowed is the sequel to Unearthly. If you haven't read Unearthly, here's a very brief recap. As always, no spoilers!

In Unearthly, Clara learns she is part angel and that she will have a special purpose to fulfill on earth. Clara dreams about rescuing a mysterious boy from a raging fire. In her dream, she sees a Wyoming license plate, so she and her mother and younger brother move there. She zeroes in on her mystery guy, Christian, but also finds herself falling hard for down-to-earth cowboy Tucker. When a fire does break out, Clara finds herself torn between love and duty. If that isn't enough, she also has to battle a frightening Fallen Angel who seems to have his sights set on Clara's mother.

In Hallowed, Clara has a lot to handle. She can't shake a sense of deep, inexplicable sorrow.
She's not sure if this is due to the fact that she feels she failed at her purpose, or because she's having a recurring dream about the death of someone close to her. She's not sure who dies, but all she knows is that in the dream, Christian's presence keeps her sane.  Sanjeeza, the dangerous Black Wing who attacked Clara's mother, is also never far from Clara's thoughts. A new character appears, revealing startling new facts about Clara's identity and connection to Christian. When Clara figures out the meaning of her dream, she thinks her heart might break.

Hallowed was an emotional read. It doesn't have the same level of action as Unearthly but deals more with Clara's quest to uncover and accept some difficult truths. But there are lighthearted moments as well -- including some good-natured mocking of boys who watch you sleep and the ubiquitous YA love triangle. Speaking of love triangles, that aspect of the story also moves into high gear. Though Clara's in love with Tucker, she can't deny that her destiny is also somehow connected to Christian's.  While I wouldn't say this book ends with a screeching cliffhanger, it definitely left me eager for the final installment in this trilogy. Cynthia Hand tells a good story, and I'm eager to see how she wraps this one up!

Have you read this? What did you think?