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?

Comments

  1. Great review! I loved Hallowed! I agree that it was more emotional and less action-packed. The emotion was nice contrast to the action in Unearthly, in my opinion. I loved both books, though, and I think they compliment each other nicely.

    Amber
    http://falln2books.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree! Sometimes middle books in a trilogy can feel stalled, but this one did a good job of raising the stakes emotionally.

      Delete
  2. Awesome review! I loved Hallowed. It really continued on with the story well. I can't wait for the next book after the way this one ended.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me too. Does anyone know what it's called or when it's coming out? Or what color the cover will be? Purple, then blue. Any guesses??

      Delete
  3. Sounds like an excellent story :) I just checked out both Hallowed and Unearthly, and I love their covers. I'm guessing the next installment will have a muted red color.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is EXACTLY what I think. Not pink, not red, but sort of a deep rose color.

      Delete
  4. that is an awesome review and thanks for the brief blurb on Unearthly!! I really want to get Unearthly now... It's just a matter of time lol :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have a copy of HALLOWED, but have not had a chance to read it yet. Good to know thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I need to start this series because I keep hearing such great things about them.

    Shanan
    http://thebookaddictnet.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ok I definitely need to hurry up and read Unearthly. I just know I will love this series. It's an angel book which I absolutely love and you got guys which I'm sure I will swoon over. Well good news is that I don't have to wait for the sequel lol.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sometimes it's great to wait until the books are all written and then you don't have to suffer through Cliffhanger Syndrome :)

      Delete
  8. Honestly, I think I liked Unearthly better but this was good to. Do you like Christian Or Tucker better? (I always like to know that guy lol.) and I really like your background for your blog. Its cool;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I answered you on you blog, but I'll go on the record here. In book 1 I was totally Team Tucker, but I like Christian a LOT more after book 2.

      Delete
  9. Angels are so popular now! Is it true that this trilogy might be made into a tv series?

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you will share your thoughts on this post!