Early Review of Hallowed (Unearthly, #2) by Cynthia Hand

• Title: Hallowed (Unearthly, #2)
• Classification: Young Adult (Ages 13 and up)
• Genre: Paranormal Romance
• Format: Hardcover, 416 pages
• Publisher: HarperTeen (January 17, 2012)
• ISBN-10: 0061996181
• ISBN-13: 978-0061996184
• Author's Website: http://cynthiahandbooks.com/

Notes: Contains a shirtless kissing scene and talk of the possibility of more.


What if your life was neatly mapped out and all you needed to "read" it was to wait for a vision to tell you what your "purpose" in life was?  Would you embrace it? Would you welcome the day you'd learn what your future held or dread it? What if your vision had you going against what you wanted? What if what you were supposed to do went against all you believed?  If all these things were foretold to you, would you feel like a marionette whose strings were being controlled by a master puppeteer? What if your vision told you a loved one would die and you couldn't prevent it? Would your "gift" start feeling like a curse? What if you didn't fulfill your "purpose"? What would happen to you?

These are some of the questions Clara and all angel-bloods might need to face at some point in their lives. In, 'Hallowed', the unspoken question, "What if I don't fulfill my purpose?", is finally asked. The fallout from the events that happened in 'Unearthly' are finally revealed, and if you think you know all that went on, you're sorely mistaken.

We're taken farther into the world of angel-bloods, and a new 'vision' has come to Clara. People dressed in suits and their Sunday best are gathering together. There is a sense of great sorrow. When Christian hears the description of the place being described, he immediately knows where the vision is set and what event must be taking place there, for he's been there before. It's the place where his mother is buried. It's a cemetery. Now the only question is who dies?  Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.

We slowly get hints as to what Angela's, Christian's, and even Avery's purposes are, and let me tell you their visions are as fragmented as Clara's are, yet all their fates seem to be intertwined. I feel a bit like someone following a path of bread crumbs in which some crumbs have been eaten by birds and there's no clear ending in sight. I can't wait to see what comes next.

The love triangle developing between Christian, Clara, and Tucker is heart wrenching. Both are great guys and while I favor Tucker, I can't help but feel for Christian as well. Then there is poor Clara caught in the middle of her feelings for Tucker and her wish to fulfill her purpose. All while she's experiencing the drama associated with knowing someone she cares about will die. 

This book spans Clara's senior year of high school, ending shortly after graduation. We finally meet Avery's and Clara's father, Michael. The elusive man finally makes a full appearance. We also find out  what happened between their parents and why their dad left.

Why is the book entitled 'Hallowed'? Well, I believe it has to do with the fact that hallowed ground has been consecrated, and Dark Wings can't tread upon it. It would be too painful for then. If you're wondering, Samjeeza does make an appearance in this book and stirs up trouble. 

I have to say this was a gut wrenching read. I was moved emotionally and could feel Clara's pain. I'm usually a 'happy ending' type of person, but somehow Ms. Hand pulled this one off in a way that it didn't leave me feeling upset by the outcome. If anything, I'm more intrigued than I was after the first book. I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses.

Pictures of Jackson Hole, Wyoming:

Order of series: