Posts Tagged: cynthia hand

Hallowed Blog Tour

20 Jan, 2012 by in Uncategorized 2 comments

Fire and Ice is thrilled to be today’s stop on the Hallowed by Cynthia Hand Blog Tour hosted by Mundie Moms. We are posting our review of the book and if you’d like to check out the rest of the tour click here to view all of the sites participating.

Hallowed
Unearthly #2
by Cynthia Hand

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: January 17th 2012
by HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN 0061996181
Source: Netgalley
5 stars
Summary from Goodreads: For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her 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.

Described by Richelle Mead as “utterly captivating,” Unearthly received outstanding reviews, garnered accolades from New York Times bestselling authors, and was named an Indie Next Pick. In this heart-wrenching sequel, Cynthia Hand expertly captures the all-consuming joy of first love—and the agony of loss. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Aprilynne Pike.

Heather’s review: Cynthia Hand’s debut novel Unearthly made my best of 2011 list this year and it looks like Hallowed will be on the my BIR list for 2012. I love this series! Hallowed picks up right where Unearthly left off, and had I a chance to do it over, I would re-read book one before picking up book two. I remembered the plot and characters well, but there are so many little nuances in this installment that you will miss if it’s been awhile. Clara’s vision has come to a close and now she is having dreams as well as an overwhelming sense of sorrow. She’s made her choice clear between Tucker and Christian but that choice may be putting those she loves in danger.


Hallowed is a much more emotionally driven novel with less action than book one, but I soaked up every minute. So much so that I couldn’t pick up another read for a while.  I wanted to fill in the blanks on some things so I actually went back and re-read most of Unearthly when I was finished. We see all the same people in book two, but much less of Tucker’s sister Wendy and her boyfriend Jason. Also, Clara’s brother Jeffrey is a mystery. The one character I have not been able to connect with at all is Angela. So I’m gearing up for more of her in book three.


I had many questions answered about who and what the angel bloods are, about Clara’s upbringing and why her mother has held so many secrets. But the best part of Hallowed by far are the two boys Tucker and Christan. Cynthia Hand knows how to write realistic, amazingly supportive, perfect heroes each in their own way. They are completely different, but each brings out a good side in Clara. So many noteworthy scenes with them both in Hallowed- including a ski trip, fishing, and learning to use glory. Both boys grew on me more than they had in book one. I really didn’t think that would be possible!


Readers will be thrown for a loop with some of the plot twists and will laugh out loud as Hand pokes fun at Twilight stalkerish behaviors and love triangles (though they are used in this book.) The pace of Hallowed is slower but never drags and the tone a little more heavy as Clara is dealing with so many swirling emotions she is picking up from other people and non-people. Some of the content is better suited for an older teens since there are a few heavy make out, a partially undressed scene in a bedroom, and mild violence. No sex or swearing.


I highly recommend both Unearthly and Hallowed. If you are a fan of all things paranormal including angel mythology and the perfect swoon worthy male characters this is the series for you! I’m having a hard time moving on to another book because they influenced me so much. So, if you haven’t read them yet, run and pick up Unearthly today!


About the author– Cynthia Hand grew up in southeast Idaho (very near the Wyoming border). Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and two small children. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University. Unearthly, her debut YA novel, was published by HarperTeen in January 2011, out in paperback on 11-1-11. The sequel, Hallowed, was released on January 17th.

Check her out on Goodreads/ her website/ blog/ twitter

Best I’ve Read 2011 Day 7- Unearthly #BIR2011

17 Dec, 2011 by in unearthly 8 comments

Our final Best Ive Read pick for 2011 is Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. I’ve already read book two in the series, Hallowed and can tell you this is one awesome author!

Unearthly
by Cynthia Hand
Hardcover, 435 pages
Published January 4th 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0061996165
series: Unearthly #1
5 stars

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.

Okay so it’s no secret by now that I am an angel lover. The mythology, the biblical references, the source of the nephilum. This book though…WOW. It’s refreshing, mesmerizing. I picked it up I will unabashedly admit, based on the cover that called to me from the shelves at Barnes and Noble and was not disappointed.

Unearthly is slower paced and took a while for me to get into, but once I clicked, watch out. Locked, loaded, and eyes transfixed until the very end. Easily five stars to this one.

Cynthia Hand emphasizes functional family relationships and I loved that Clara’s mother tries her best to protect her children and keep them innocent. Despite the fact that she is a single mom, she holds her family tight and encourages them to follow their purpose. The idea that each of us has a unique role to fulfill in life and that we have the power to change the course of history is a powerful theme that rang through.

Clara, the main heroine is quirky and awkward so there’s quite a few places to chuckle. What I love is that while she’s half angel, she’s also very human, a believable teen. Tucker, one of the main men is a rodeo cowboy with wicked blue eyes and a fun easy personality. It’s cute how much he looks up to Clara and adores her. I have to say though- I am team Christian and was from the very start. He appears to Clara in her visions, is there to catch her when she falls. Granted he’s also popular and acts unaffected by Clara’s preparatory swooning, but near the end I really hoped Clara would accept his reciprocal interest. I was frustrated when their relationship was left hanging by a thread.

There were a few things that I wondered about. Like why does her hair turn orange? Can’t they take her some where professional and get it done right? And if her dad lives in New York, why didn’t she follow Christian there over the summer to be closer to him? I’m hoping book 2 has a lot more back story and Clara/Christian time! I’m predicting something not so good is up with Clara’s brother.

Unearthly is so far the best book I’ve read in 2011. I would recommend it to all as a clean, fun paranormal read. This book lives up to its hype and when you get to the last page you’ll be craving more.

Visit Cynthia’s website to learn more about the series. http://www.cynthiahand.blogspot.com/

Fire and Ice is giving away one copy of Unearthly to our followers as part of Best I’ve Read 2011. To enter to win click here and fill out the form. Good luck! Be sure to check the BIR home site and blog list for additional giveaways!

Book Review- Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

06 Dec, 2011 by in paranormal YA fiction 1 comment

Hallowed (Unearthly #2)
by Cynthia Hand

Hardcover, 416 pages

Expected publication: January 17th 2012
by HarperCollins Publishers
ISBN 0061996181
Source: Netgalley
5 stars
For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her 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.

Described by Richelle Mead as “utterly captivating,” Unearthly received outstanding reviews, garnered accolades from New York Times bestselling authors, and was named an Indie Next Pick. In this heart-wrenching sequel, Cynthia Hand expertly captures the all-consuming joy of first love—and the agony of loss. This beautifully woven tale will appeal to fans of Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick, and Aprilynne Pike.

Cynthia Hand’s debut novel Unearthly made my best of 2011 list this year and it looks like Hallowed will be on the my BIR list for 2012. I love this series! Hallowed picks up right where Unearthly left off, and had I a chance to do it over, I would re-read book one before picking up book two. I remembered the plot and characters well, but there are so many little nuances in this installment that you will miss if it’s been awhile. Clara’s vision has come to a close and now she is having dreams as well as an overwhelming sense of sorrow. She’s made her choice clear between Tucker and Christian but that choice may be putting those she loves in danger.


Hallowed is a much more emotionally driven novel with less action than book one, but I soaked up every minute. So much so that I couldn’t pick up another read for a while.  I wanted to fill in the blanks on some things so I actually went back and re-read most of Unearthly when I was finished. We see all the same people in book two, but much less of Tucker’s sister Wendy and her boyfriend Jason. Also, Clara’s brother Jeffrey is a mystery. The one character I have not been able to connect with at all is Angela. So I’m gearing up for more of her in book three.


I had many questions answered about who and what the angel bloods are, about Clara’s upbringing and why her mother has held so many secrets. But the best part of Hallowed by far are the two boys Tucker and Christan. Cynthia Hand knows how to write realistic, amazingly supportive, perfect heroes each in their own way. They are completely different, but each brings out a good side in Clara. So many noteworthy scenes with them both in Hallowed- including a ski trip, fishing, and learning to use glory. Both boys grew on me more than they had in book one. I really didn’t think that would be possible!


Readers will be thrown for a loop with some of the plot twists and will laugh out loud as Hand pokes fun at Twilight stalkerish behaviors and love triangles (though they are used in this book.) The pace of Hallowed is slower but never drags and the tone a little more heavy as Clara is dealing with so many swirling emotions she is picking up from other people and non-people. Some of the content is better suited for an older teens since there are a few heavy make out, a partially undressed scene in a bedroom, and mild violence. No sex or swearing.


I highly recommend both Unearthly and Hallowed. If you are a fan of all things paranormal including angel mythology and the perfect swoon worthy male characters this is the series for you! I’m having a hard time moving on to another book because they influenced me so much. So, if you haven’t read them yet, run and pick up Unearthly today!

About the author– Cynthia Hand grew up in southeast Idaho (very near the Wyoming border). Currently she lives in southern California with her husband and two small children. She teaches courses in creative writing at Pepperdine University. Unearthly, her debut YA novel, was published by HarperTeen in January 2011, out in paperback on 11-1-11. The sequel, Hallowed, will be released on January 17.

Check her out on Goodreads/ her website/ blog/ twitter

Book Review- Unearthly

13 Jan, 2011 by in unearthly 3 comments

Unearthly
by Cynthia Hand
Hardcover, 435 pages
Published January 4th 2011
by HarperTeen
ISBN 0061996165
series Unearthly #1
5 stars

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.

Okay so it’s no secret by now that I am an angel lover. The mythology, the biblical references, the source of the nephilum. This book though…WOW. It’s refreshing, mesmerizing. I picked it up I will unabashedly admit, based on the cover that called to me from the shelves at Barnes and Noble and was not disappointed.

Unearthly is slower paced and took a while for me to get into, but once I clicked, watch out. Locked, loaded, and eyes transfixed until the very end. Easily five stars to this one.

Cynthia Hand emphasizes functional family relationships and I loved that Clara’s mother tries her best to protect her children and keep them innocent. Despite the fact that she is a single mom, she holds her family tight and encourages them to follow their purpose. The idea that each of us has a unique role to fulfill in life and that we have the power to change the course of history is a powerful theme that rang through.

Clara, the main heroine is quirky and awkward so there’s quite a few places to chuckle. What I love is that while she’s half angel, she’s also very human, a believable teen. Tucker, one of the main men is a rodeo cowboy with wicked blue eyes and a fun easy personality. It’s cute how much he looks up to Clara and adores her. I have to say though- I am team Christian and was from the very start. He appears to Clara in her visions, is there to catch her when she falls. Granted he’s also popular and acts unaffected by Clara’s preparatory swooning, but near the end I really hoped Clara would accept his reciprocal interest. I was frustrated when their relationship was left hanging by a thread.

There were a few things that I wondered about. Like why does her hair turn orange? Can’t they take her some where professional and get it done right? And if her dad lives in New York, why didn’t she follow Christian there over the summer to be closer to him? I’m hoping book 2 has a lot more back story and Clara/Christian time! I’m redicting something not so good is up with Clara’s brother.

Unearthly is so far the best book I’ve read in 2011. I would recommend it to all as a clean, fun paranormal read. This book lives up to its hype and when you get to the last page you’ll be craving more.

Visit Cynthia’s website to learn more about the series. http://www.cynthiahand.blogspot.com/