After the heart-wrenching, bittersweet ending to “Hallowed,” I’ve been waiting eagerly for the 3rd and final installment to Cynthia Hand’s “Unearthly” series. Clara Gardner is a part-angel girl who receives visions of tasks she is supposed to carry out in the future, that may go against what she believes is right and keep her from living the life she wants. I was excited to find out whether Clara would choose her own path or do what seems to be expected of her. Will she be able to live a normal life while avoiding the notorious black-wing angels? Can she forget about the boy she loved and had to leave behind? Can she move on from the death of someone she loved and find happiness elsewhere?

There has obviously been no shortage of paranormal romance in the young adult genre over the past couple years. “Boundless” and the books leading up to it consist of much more than a sappy love triangle combined with a good vs. evil theme. The emotions and Hand’s way of writing make it seem more real, and create a sense of  connection to the characters as they have to deal with tough situations and decisions that not only have to do with paranormal aspects, but with family, life and morality in general. The plot and the quirky characters draw you into the story of love, loss and choosing your own way in life while also accepting things the way they are and doing what is right.

As for whom she ends up with? Well, both guys have their moments and both are flawed in some way or another, but Hand keeps the story moving and keeps you guessing till the final moments. “Boundless” was nearly impossible to put down with surprising revelations, memorable moments between characters, mystery, and the suspense of not knowing how things will turn out in the end.