Sue Reviews: Boundless by Cynthia Hand

Boundless by Cynthia Hand
Narrator: Samantha Quan
Series: Unearthly Series #3
Published by HarperTeen
Published on: January 22, 2013
Genres: Young Adult
Length: 11hrs
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchased

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The past few years have held more surprises than part-angel Clara Gardner could ever have anticipated. Yet from the dizzying highs of first love, to the agonizing low of losing someone close to her, the one thing she can no longer deny is that she was never meant to live a normal life.

Since discovering the special role she plays among the other angel-bloods, Clara has been determined to protect Tucker Avery from the evil that follows her . . . even if it means breaking both their hearts. Leaving town seems like the best option, so she’s headed back to California - and so is Christian Prescott, the irresistible boy from the vision that started her on this journey in the first place.

As Clara makes her way in a world that is frighteningly new, she discovers that the fallen angel who attacked her is watching her every move. And he’s not the only one. . . . With the battle against the Black Wings looming, Clara knows she must finally fulfill her destiny. But it won’t come without sacrifices and betrayal.

In the riveting finale of the Unearthly series, Clara must decide her fate once and for all.

This third and final installment to the Unearthly Series is breathtaking. Really. It’s everything a conclusion to a series should be. Cynthia Hand, managed to surprise me many times throughout Boundless. Hand, has certainly solidified herself as an authentic voice in YA because she consistently delivers enjoyable novels and I think she is an amazing YA writer. I read this in a couple of days. The flow is so easy; it was hard to put this down. While I do recommend you read the first two books, there is a 2.5 novella that is mentioned in this book, but I don’t think you’ll miss anything if you decide not to read it.

We start with Clara continuing on as a freshman in college with Angela and Christian, who have all followed suit and settled in at Stanford. There is a great balance with introducing normal everyday college life simultaneously with their angel antics. This novel is anything but funny, although it does have its sweet and funny moments. All of Clara’s relationships are tested. One of the things that Hand has been so good at, in all three novels, is her incredible grasp of teenage dialogue. She is a master, and I bow to her.

Clara has become one of my favorite YA heroines of all time. She’s mature and all of her decisions are consistent with the character we’ve come to know.  While scenes surprised me, Clara did not. I was able to stay in this story without any distractions of her not doing anything out of character. She’s strong, and makes some tough decisions. There are little gems of wisdom that she realizes regarding her mother’s death. This is something that she deals with throughout the entire novel. She is healing and transforming, as one does after a death.

The triangle between Clara, Christian and Tucker, is one of the best in YA that I’ve read. I know people are sick of the love triangles, but trust me; this one works. Of course with this final installment Clara must make her choice. I won’t spoil the ending, but I wasn’t happy! Tucker does not make a huge appearance in this third book, which I found odd since he is very much a contender for Clara. Clara mourns what happened in the second book and we see her mature and deal. Boundless, gives the reader a closer look at who Christian is and what his true intentions are regarding Clara, his purpose and his feelings. Like all of the characters in this book, Christian, is a well-rounded male lead.

Even though this book is about angels, I feel it’s important to mention that I’m so impressed with how Cynthia Hand deals with the religion issue. After all, angels are associated with God etc. Hand manages to convey how the angels work for the greater good without giving the reader too much detail. This is effective because we only learn what Clara herself learns, which is limited. Yes, there are a few bible quotes, but ultimately this book is about Clara and her reconciliation with who she is and her destiny. Her choices, inadvertently touch and affect everyone’s lives. This causes Clara to pose questions about the meaning of destiny and whether or not one follows a path or creates one. Translation: you don’t have to believe in God to enjoy this book.

I’m quite sad to see this series end! If you haven’t started this series, go to my review of the first book, Unearthly, and then and go start!

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