Unearthly (Unearthly, 1)

Wow, I loved it. I'll write a longer review later.

Two things I need to get out of the way right away:

1) This was my first book dealing with angels. I went into this pretty blindly and had no idea how this would suit me. I was a little apprehensive to say the least.

2) I was terrified this would be like Twilight. Sorry to any I "Twihards" out there, but that is one series that I just could not enjoy in the least.

OK. I am glad I got that off my chest. So I start reading (I am going to skip the story line because you can more or less read it above and telling much more will give away little secret snippets), and I was very much so like, "Oh my. Twilight with angels." This was mostly due to the high school scenes and the beautiful girls that don't know they are beautiful and the outrageously beautiful boy who doesn't realize just how beautiful he really is. So I was thanking the stars above when I realized that Cynthia Hand is no Stephanie Meyers and can actually write and create characters that have a depth that I actually respect and admire.

Clara is not a sniveling, depressed, mopey teenager. She has strong convictions, and when she is conflicted, it's pretty legitimate. Clara's friends are not annoying. They actually seem pretty intelligent and pretty loyal (but not to an unrealistic point where they never disagree). And the best part is that Clara is that type of friend, too. Heck, I'd hang out with the girl and all her glowing glory.

The men in Clara's life are not cut and dry, black and white. She doesn't pine over a-holes and although I have a clear favorite, I'd understand either decision. It doesn't end up being an irritating love triangle, as you would expect. Clara has her head on her shoulders and her heart in the right place. Admirable.

Clara's mom. What a woman...er....angel. I really love her. She's the kind of mom I would like to be. The one who doesn't necessarily tell her kids everything but protects them and loves them endlessly. That and she can kick butt.

The story is not forgettable. It is (mostly) not predictable. And it is absolutely enjoyable. The ending blew my mind. The scene shortly before the ending blew my mind even more. I had to start the Hallowed immediately after because I already missed the characters.

I have, however, had this feeling that I just do not want this series made into a movie because I don't want to be disappointed. The way I imagine the characters is too beautiful, too attractive for any actor or actress to live up to. (If this is something that is already in the works, don't tell me!)