{Review} Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #3
Published January 22nd 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Borrowed: Overdrive
Buy: Amazon, Kindle, Book Depository, I Love Books (SG)

The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars

If you have read Unearthly and Hallowed, you should definitely read Boundless to read about the ultimate ending for Clara, Tucker and Christian and see for yourself if Clara did actually fulfilled her purpose.

In Boundless, we read about Clara's life in university, along with Angela and Christian. (No Tucker there). Surprisingly, Angela played quite a major role in Boundless and we get to know more about the Angels thing in this book. It's also interesting to read about Clara's dad and how he's helping her in Boundless and the role Samjeeza played. There are some fun moments in the book and some of it actually involves Tucker. I felt as if I was on a roller coaster ride while reading this book, especially when it comes to the major action parts in hell. I think my heart stopped a few times nearer to the end of the book. Yes, the story affected me.

The ending is beautiful and I'm satisfied with how the whole series ended. It left me craving for more goodness!

Quotes

“How did you do that?” 

I shrug. “I click my heels three times and say, ‘There’s no place like home.’” 

“Uh-huh. So … you think this is your home? My barn? His tone is playful, but the look he’s giving me is dead serious. A question. 

“Haven’t you guessed by now?” I say, my heart hammering. “My home is you.”

...

“We think of happiness as something we can take. But usually it comes from being content with what we have, and accepting ourselves.” 

Review: Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: January 17, 2012
Format: Hardcover
Source: Loaned from Library
Rating: 5/5 Stars

Goodreads 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 Opinion
After reading Unearthly, I knew I just had to read Hallowed to find out what happened to Clara and gang after her disastrous purpose. Cynthia Hand did not disappoint me in her second book in the series. It feels that she has taken her characters to another level, with a added element of surprise here and there AND lots more emotions.

In Hallowed, we continue to follow Clara on her continuous journey to find out what her purpose really was and if she was being punished for having failed to fulfilled it during the "fire episode" in Unearthly. Then she had another vision -- someone close to her was dying. This made her heartbroken and difficult to cope, especially when she knew for sure who that person was.

And guess who's at her doorstep one fine day and filled her with so much happiness and help her tide through her sorrows? You will have your answers when you read Hallowed! Oh... I missed out the danger: Samjeeza & Black Wings. They just had to make the situation worse...

Overall, Hallowed is a fantastic read. In my opinion, it is even better than Unearthly. Once again, I was struggling with Team to side with. I was Team Tucker in Unearthly but... I'm Team Christian now. I'm touched by what he did for Clara. Truly. He was able to understand Clara for what she was (perhaps because they were the same kind) and always there for her to lend her his support. Hallowed evoked so many emotions within me when I read it. I remembering wanting to tear up when I was reading on the train! So beware, unless you want to cry in public, please read the book in the comfort of your own home.

5/5 Stars for Hallowed!

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Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Genre: Fantasy YA
Publication Date: May 1, 2011
Format: Paperback
Source: Borrowed from Library
Rating: 4/5 Stars

Goodreads Summary:

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 a purpose, 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?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.

My Opinion:

Part of the reason I picked this book is because of its rating on goodreads and its unique cover. It has a mysterious feel to it and somehow compelled me to take a look at the summary. I must say I was intrigued by what I saw. 

The book starts with Clara's vision in a burning forest and there's a boy in it. Then the story continues with some introduction about Clara being a part angel and that she has received her purpose. It was as if she was supposed to save him but that was her only clue. So the whole family of 3 shifted to Wyoming, where they guessed the forest fire would occur. Hence, they were thrown into a new environment, a new home and a new school. I'll leave you to read the rest on your own. No spoilers from me. 

What I like about the book is the way Cynthia Hand writes. Her characters were strong. Clara, Christian, Tucker, Wendy, Angela and even Jeffrey. Dialogues were natural. I particularly like the fact that Clara knew that she was part-angel from the start, rather than go one big round before she realizes it in the middle of the book. I get to follow how she learn to use her ability, how she hide it and how people react to it. However, there's quite little on the villain, who only seemed to appear nearer to the end of the book. Wow... So basically the book is about how Clara prepares herself for her purpose. There's still a lot of unsolved mysteries and the ending doesn't seem to really end. I guess that's why we have Hallowed! 

By the way, I started out as Team Christian but as I go along, I switched to Team Tucker. Both guys are equally good, each with their own personality and goodness. It's amazing! If you have read the book, which team are you on? 

Will definitely check out Hallowed and read for myself what happened after the vision! 

4 stars for Unearthly. 

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