Summary: Clara Gardner is not your average high school gal. She's an angel-blood, one quarter angel (Quartarius). Something revealed to her by her mother, who is half angel (Dimidius), when she was fourteen years old. Its hard enough dealing with the usual teenage problems, but being an angel-blood means having an additional obligation or "purpose", the reason for being placed on earth. Each angel has a unique one. Its so important to fulfill this "purpose", Clara's family moves from California to Jackson Hole, Wyoming when she starts having visions. Visions of a forest fire and the young man she is supposed to save. Starting over at a new high school, searching for the guy she's supposed to rescue Clara encounters many obstacles, but nobody ever said it would be easy. As the school year comes to a close, things finally start to fall into place. However, when the school ends, everyone leaves for the summer, an unexpected birthday gift proves to be a great distraction. Will Clara get back on track to fulfill her destiny or with she unexpectedly fall in love and follow her heart, but face the consequences? 
 Ramblings: Unearthly is set in the beautiful town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Its the first book in a Trilogy. The next one is due to be released in January 2012. The book doesn't start off at a quick pace. It trots along, slowly building the characters and action. Cynthia Hand, a 2011 debut author, likes to create mystery and suspense in many aspects of the story. For example, Clara's mother doesn't tell her she's an angel-blood until she's fourteen. Even after she's revealed this to her, she still doesn't tell her everything she knows about angel-bloods. Its clear she's withholding information. But why? Also, the visions Clara has slowly become more vivid. With each one another piece to the puzzle fits into place. Techniques like these keep the reader interested, building a strong desire to keep turning the pages passionately. 
 Some topics explored in this book are teen relationships, following your heart and the desire to do what's right and fitting in. Clara, the main character and narrator of the book has a mostly normal life, facing many of the same problems teenagers have today. She's definitely both believable and likable. Even though she has a lot to deal with she seems to handle things well. One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is how Cynthia Hand has created her own "angel lore". The reader learns alongside of Clara about the secrets of being an angel-blood and all the unique aspects and terminology along with it. Here are just a few terms which will be defined in the book: "Black Wing", "Glory", and "Angelic". It would have been nice if the story ended with more of a conclusion and some small sense of closure. As it turns out, cliffhangers seem to be "in vogue" and this book is no exception. Too many questions are left unanswered. Unfortunately, all of us who are invested in the series will now have to wait until January of 2012 to find out what happens next. 
 Recommendation: I recommend this Unearthly to readers 14 years and older who are interested in an angel story with a twist. I also believe since there is quite a bit of romancing going on girls may be drawn more to this novel than boys. Still, I do feel the book has strong male characters and enough action boys will enjoy it, too. Though a love triangle exists in the story line, the action is only PG. If you are turned off by cliffhangers or hate having to wait too long for sequels to be released, I'd advise waiting a little longer to read this one, but don't miss out, its a really great read!!