Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

Book Blurb
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 Review
I absolutely adored this book- it was so hard to put it down.  It is by far the best angel Y.A. book I have read yet!


Characters
The characters were so well-done.  NONE of the characters seemed flat to me- and I'm picky about characterization.  I really enjoyed putting together bits and pieces along with Clara to learn about her friends, love interests, and "purpose".  Clara was an extremely likeable, and still realistic, teenager.  I loved the friends that she made in Wyoming, and that the author took the time to build each character so that they felt real.  


Plot
It's hard to talk about the plot with out spoiling, but I'll just say I don't think the book blurb/product description gives it credit- because it makes it sounds so generically paranormal YA.  I'll just say it was tight plotting, and that I can't wait for the next one to see where the story goes- I feel like there is a lot more left to come.  


Relationship
Wow. Wow. Wow.  I loved how Clara's relationship with Tucker developed.  I was reading as fast as I could to see what would happen between them.  Lots of spark, major connection, and perfect pacing.  


Overall
I really loved this one. It's definitely my favorite book so far of 2011.  5 stars