One-line summary:

In “Hallowed,” the second book in the “Unearthly” series by Cynthia Hand, Clara Gardner struggles to balance her angelic duties, her human desires, and the growing darkness that threatens her world.

Clara’s Angelic Destiny:

In “Hallowed,” Clara Gardner, a part-angel known as a “Quarterling,” continues to navigate the complexities of her dual nature. As she grows older, Clara becomes more aware of her angelic powers and the responsibilities that come with them. She is haunted by visions of a forest fire and a mysterious boy, Christian, whom she is destined to save. Clara’s angelic purpose becomes increasingly urgent, and she must find a way to fulfill her destiny while also grappling with her human desires.

The Struggles of Love:

Alongside her angelic duties, Clara also faces the typical challenges of a teenager. She is torn between two boys: Christian, the boy from her visions, and Tucker, her childhood friend and love interest. While Clara feels an undeniable connection to Christian, she also shares a deep bond with Tucker. As she grapples with her feelings, Clara must make difficult choices that could impact her relationships and her angelic destiny.

The Rising Darkness:

As Clara tries to balance her personal life and her angelic duties, a growing darkness threatens her world. The Black Wings, fallen angels who have turned to evil, are gaining strength and wreaking havoc. Clara’s mother, an angel herself, is captured by the Black Wings, adding to the urgency of Clara’s mission. With the help of her friends and allies, Clara must confront the darkness and protect those she loves.

Throughout “Hallowed,” Cynthia Hand explores themes of destiny, love, and sacrifice. Clara’s journey forces her to confront her own desires and make difficult choices. She must decide between following her heart and fulfilling her angelic purpose. As the stakes rise and the darkness looms, Clara’s strength and determination are tested.

Key takeaways from “Hallowed” include:

• Embracing one’s destiny can be challenging but ultimately rewarding.
• Love is complicated and sometimes requires sacrifice.
• Choosing between personal desires and responsibilities can be difficult.
• Friendship and support are crucial during times of adversity.
• Darkness can come from unexpected sources, and it is important to remain vigilant.

As Clara faces the trials and tribulations of her angelic journey, she learns that her choices have consequences. She must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and sacrifice, all while battling the rising darkness. “Hallowed” is a captivating continuation of Clara’s story, filled with suspense, romance, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

In the words of Cynthia Hand, “Sometimes love means letting go when you want to hold on tighter.” This quote encapsulates the central theme of “Hallowed” and the challenges Clara faces as she grapples with her own desires and the greater good.