Radiant (Unearthly, #2.5)

by Cynthia Hand

[Kim Deister]

Radiant is a quick read, a short novella chronologically set between Hallowed and Boundless, the next book in the series. The majority of this one is centered on Angela, a character that I have been wanting more of. She has more angel blood than Clara, but often seems to be less of an angel. It didn't really progress the main story line of Clara, but it definitely explained a lot about Angela and why she is the way she is.

There has always been a bit of an oddness about Angela, something that just seemed suspicious. This novella didn't change that feeling for me, but instead deepened it. I am not quite sure on which side she falls and she keeps me guessing! I am betting that is frustrating a lot of fans, but I like the mystery it provides the story as a series.

I think you could probably read Boundless without having read this and not miss anything essential. But there is one pivotal scene in Radiant that is later referenced in Boundless. But it is explained and described well enough in the book that it is completely understandable, even if you hadn't read this novella.

Things to love about Radiant...

--The focus on Angela. We learn a lot about her. She may still be mysterious, but she also seems a lot more human in this novella. Ironic, I know, since she is an angel!

My recommendation: Not absolutely essential to the series, but worth the read!