Radiant
Cynthia Hand
Series: Unearthly #2.5
Genre:YA Paranormal
Publication date: December 4th 2012
by HarperTeen
Publication date: December 4th 2012
by HarperTeen
Clara is desperate to get away—from the memories that haunt her in Wyoming and the visions of a future she isn't ready to face—and spending the summer in Italy with her best friend, Angela, should be the perfect escape. . . .
For as long as she can remember, Angela has been told that love is dangerous, that she must always guard her heart. But when she met a mysterious guy in Italy two years ago she was determined to be with him, no matter the costs. Now she must decide whether she can trust Clara with her secret, or if telling her the truth will risk everything she cares about.
Alternating between Angela and Clara's perspectives, Radiant chronicles the unforgettable summer that will test the bounds of their friendship and change their lives forever.
*This review is spoiler free for the series.*
As this fantastic series is coming to an end, I decided I would actually go ahead and read its novellas as well--a rarity for me, which is a good sign you need to read this series if you haven't yet! Plus, I kind of don't want it to end, so I'm doing all I can to stretch it out.
A far as novellas go, Radiant was a gratifying journey into Angela's love life. Angela is a character I both adored and questioned in the previous book, thus I was excited to learn this novella would bring us into her life and show us a bit more about who she really is. After reading this short but worthy novella, I do feel that I know her a little better. Her motivations for her secrecy is made obvious once you find out who this love interest is.
We're not left wondering how Clara will react, however, as we get her perspective alongside Angela's in this story. It was good to see her again after the events of the last book, it was also interesting to see her reactions to this relationship. I'm always happy when a protagonist is conscious of the potential lies or betrayals that her or her friends might have on their plate. The characters are the main reason I've greatly been enjoying this series, after all.
I'm not sure how Cynthia plans to bring in the subject of this relationship in the third novel for those who haven't read this novella, but I do think it would be a good idea to read it before the finale so you have a better grasp on Angela's feelings as well as Clara's towards this matter. Plus, we're introduced to a character whom I'm assuming will become a big part of the final installment.
Overall, I give this novella two thumbs up for entertaining me for half an hour! < -- This is not as easy as you might think!
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The Unearthly Series:
