Wound up tighter than an eight day clock...

...  That's exactly how you feel once you get to the end of this stunning novel. Cynthia Hand is my debut author for January. (I know I am a bit late with it but I wasn't able to get the book until after January.) And even though this is Hand's first published book... she is anything but amateur. She created a world of teenagers that are without angst but filled with maturity and personality. You not only love these characters, they become your friends. You find yourself grinning at their consistencies and saying "that's just like ______ to do that." As if you know each of them personally. At times you forget there is anything supernatural about the book and at others you can't imagine there being anything "normal" about it. Hand's use of angel mythology is brilliant. And her writing is breathtaking. The love that she creates is so intense you will find yourself welled up with tears, flooded by lust and torn up inside completely during each romantic scene. Hand managed to convey a very spiritual feeling without bombarding you with religion. She kept it neutral, any person, no matter their beliefs, could read and enjoy this book. The emotions I felt during Unearthly reminded me very much of reading A Certain Slant of Light by Laura Whitcomb.  These are the types of books that change my mind in small ways. Broadening my thinking. Making me feel things I have not felt in a long time.

I was able to guess a few of the plot lines as I went along but not because she was predictable but because that was how I wanted the story to go. There are a few other ideas I have for the next books and I am going to be very impatient while waiting for them. Although I am happy to hear that this will be a trilogy, I am also disappointed because the idea of waiting for more is unbearable. It would almost be easier for it to just be over now.