18 Jun Book Review: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand

When I first read Unearthly, it was one of those reads that snuck up on me. I thought I was just dipping into another paranormal YA with angel wings and high school angst, but what I got was surprisingly tender, slow-burning, and full of introspection. Cynthia Hand’s take on angel mythology is more grounded than most, and the story leans into family, personal purpose, and identity in a way that made it feel a lot more emotionally sincere than I expected going in.

What’s it about?

The story follows Clara Gardner, a sixteen-year-old who’s just discovered she’s part angel — a Quartarius, to be precise — meaning one-quarter of her DNA comes from angelic lineage. She’s stronger, smarter, and more intuitive than most humans. But the real kicker? She has a divine “Purpose.” All angel-bloods are born with one, though they don’t know exactly what it is at first. They’re given glimpses — visions — that hint at a moment or mission they are meant to fulfill.

Clara’s visions start to show her a boy in a forest fire. She doesn’t know who he is, where he is, or when it’s going to happen. But she sees herself saving him. That’s it. That’s her Purpose. Her mother, who’s also part-angel, takes the whole thing seriously enough to uproot the family and move them from sunny California to the rugged, forested landscapes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming — because that’s where the scenery in Clara’s visions seems to line up.

Starting over in Jackson Hole is overwhelming. Clara, her little brother Jeffrey, and her mom are all trying to fit into this new life while keeping their true identities a secret. Clara starts high school and quickly identifies the boy from her vision: Christian Prescott. He’s handsome, popular, kind, and practically glows. But of course, he already has a girlfriend, and getting close to him isn’t exactly easy — especially when Clara is trying to act normal while also planning how to save him from a fiery doom.

As Clara tries to decode the details of her Purpose, she navigates the usual high school turbulence: trying to make friends, avoid enemies, and not fall apart under the pressure of being, well, not quite human. She befriends Wendy, a local girl who’s down-to-earth and warm, and slowly begins to form real friendships. Then there’s Wendy’s twin brother Tucker — a cowboy-type who makes fun of Clara at first but clearly takes notice of her in a way Christian never quite does. And surprise surprise: the one who was supposed to be a background character becomes something more.

Meanwhile, Clara is learning more about her abilities — flying, enhanced senses, a kind of inner “glow,” and a quiet voice that sometimes nudges her when she’s meant to do something. But she’s not the only angel-blood around. She meets Angela Zerbini, another student who clearly knows more than she lets on and seems to be watching Clara with unnerving interest. There are hints that the angelic world is more layered — and more dangerous — than Clara’s mom has admitted.

As Clara gets closer to Christian, she realizes he’s not as perfect or as accessible as she imagined. But Tucker? The guy who wasn’t even in the visions? He starts to become her real-life anchor. Their romance builds in quiet, believable steps — horseback riding, wildflower-picking, shy glances that grow into something real. It complicates everything Clara thought she knew. How can she be destined to save Christian if it’s Tucker she’s falling in love with?

All of this builds up to the fire. The same one from Clara’s vision. It comes on suddenly, raging through the forest with Christian trapped in its path. Clara has to make a choice: act according to the vision or follow her heart. The moment of crisis doesn’t unfold the way she expected, and she discovers Christian may not be as helpless — or as unaware — as he seemed. In fact, there are more angel-bloods at play in this story than she realized, and not all of them are on her side.

The novel closes with more questions than answers. Clara’s Purpose might not be what she thought. Her mother has been keeping secrets. Her feelings for Tucker are stronger than ever. And Angela’s cryptic hints suggest that a much bigger game is being played — one that Clara has only just stepped into.

What This Chick Thinks

A Refreshingly Thoughtful Angel Book

What struck me most about Unearthly is that it takes its time. It’s not all swoony stares and world-ending stakes from page one. It’s quieter, more internal. Clara’s not a chosen-one-with-a-sword type — she’s a teenager trying to figure out who she is, how to love someone without losing herself, and what it means to have a fate that may not fit her heart. And honestly? That kind of coming-of-age mixed with supernatural pressure really works.

A Love Triangle That Actually Feels Earned

I usually groan when the love triangle shows up, but here it felt organic. Clara’s attraction to Christian is based on mystery and destiny. Her relationship with Tucker is built on real moments. Late-night swims, awkward silences, teasing that turns tender — their chemistry develops over time. And because of that, when Clara has to choose between them, it matters.

Great Worldbuilding That Leaves You Wanting More

There’s enough angel lore here to intrigue without overwhelming. We know the basics: angel-bloods have Purposes, powers, and enemies. But there’s clearly more under the surface, and the slow reveal works in the book’s favor. The hints about darker forces, forbidden romances, and angelic factions are delicious without feeling info-dumpy. You’ll want book two immediately.

Final Thoughts

Unearthly is that rare YA paranormal that balances plot and emotion without sacrificing either. Clara’s journey feels authentic, even in a world where people can fly and glow in the dark. The story is layered, romantic, and just mysterious enough to keep you flipping pages. If you’re a sucker for stories about finding your purpose (with a little angel dust thrown in), this one will absolutely land.

Rating: 8.5/10

Try it if you like:

• Fallen by Lauren Kate – Explores themes of reincarnation and forbidden love between a human girl and a fallen angel.
• The Darkest Powers series by Kelley Armstrong – Follows a group of teens with supernatural abilities uncovering dark secrets, blending action with emotional depth.
• Evernight by Claudia Gray – A gothic romance set in a mysterious boarding school, where secrets abound and love defies the odds.