Review: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Title: Hallowed
Author: Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #2
Publisher: HarperTeen, an imprint of HarperCollins
Publication Date: January 17, 2012
Pages: 416
Source: ARC from publisher

From HarperTeen:
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.

Oh Cynthia Hand, how you killed me in Unearthly, then brought me back to life and killed me again in Hallowed. 

So we all know how middle books in series usually go. We learn more about back stories and we are left with a huge cliffhanger in anticipation of book three. Well, Hallowed is no exception to this rule. But… Hallowed has a MAJOR heartbreaking event that sets it apart from the normal middle book stereotype. I won’t say what it is of course, but I will say this – have the tissues ready.

Whether you are Team Clara, Team Christian, Team Tucker, Team None of the Above, or whatever, you will be suckerpunched straight in the gut when reading Hallowed. There is so much buildup and unanswered questions that book 3 is going to be chock full of epic angel goodness. This series is definitely one of the most well done in YA paranormal and if you haven’t read Unearthly yet, what are you waiting for?! DO IT!