Hallowed by Cynthia Hand

Title: Hallowed

Author: Cynthia Hand

Publish Date: January 17, 2012

Pages: 416

Publisher: Harper Collins

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.

My take: Once again, Cynthia Hand has written an excellent book for this trilogy. At the end of the last book (without giving any spoilers), Clara exited from a forest fire, but there were actually two. One started by the Dark Wing, the other a big question mark. Clara is struggling with her purpose and free agency. She's living in Jackson, Wyoming and ready to start her senior year. Her mother has secrets. Oh, lots of secrets and I have a feeling they have not been appropriately addressed. I have a guess about one of them and I think she sort of lied in Hallowed. Clara's brother is sullen and disappears mysteriously. Tucker is her boyfriend. Christian is finally paying attention to her but she is Tucker's girlfriend.

Open scene: Clara begins her senior year. Her glowing blonde locks will no longer take hair color so her hair causes a stir when she starts school. She spends a lot of time arguing with herself over Christian vs. Tucker which annoyed me. I know there's the purpose and all but gee, two really great guys vying for her attention.

I almost called this book a filler book for the series but then stuff happened. Revelations were made, although nothing earth shattering. Clara is being pursued by the Dark Wing which adds some interest to the story. Clara's mother admits that he is part of her 120 year history but I don't think she told the whole truth. Angela continues to be quirky and curious and uncovers disconcerting information. More angels are revealed but Clara's purpose does not become any more clearer. What is revealed happens more to the end of the book and it's pretty important. Clara is much more valuable to the scales than she imagined. 

It's a quiet book. The action is more internal, although I believe the third and possibly fourth book is being clearly set up with the information. Angela went to Italy last summer and she's going this year, too. Clara will be accompanying her. My guess is that Angela's father will be revealed. Then I'd guess a fourth book is forthcoming for Clara's first year of college.

It's going to get really interesting.

4.5 Stars