Split. After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret---and the wings that come with. A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys' powers, as well as her role in a scientist's dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.
Halflings (Halflings Book 1)
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Editor reviews
Reviewed by Jillian Van Leer February 08, 2012
Last updated: February 08, 2012
Top 10 Reviewer - View all my reviews
Enticing debut for this series!
Okay, if you've read most of my reviews, you know I'm a huge fan of books that deal with fallen angels. So, I was really excited to read this book and I was hooked from page 1. Heather Burch has a fantastic writing style. Her words and chapters flow so well and I honestly could not put the book down. I started it one afternoon and my family had to pry it out of my hands for dinner that evening and then I picked it right back up and finished that night!
Nikki is a head strong seventeen year old who is not only confident and courageous, but is also a great role model for young girls. She doesn't just sit idly by and let a boy take care of her. She also stands up for herself, even when a pack of wolves are chasing her. She also discovers she has a unique power of her own. I found that refreshing because it wasn't just the boys/men who had some sort of "super" power.
Raven, Mace and Vine are fantastic characters. Raven is your typical bad boy. Mace is the good boy, and Vine is the newbie enjoying the ride. Wait, did I mention they are fallen angels? *squee* When the three angels save Nikki, not only does she intrigue them all but they are called to protect her. Raven finds himself having feelings he didn't even know he could have and Mace is falling head over heals for her, but neither one can do anything about it, or they will be destined to live an eternity in Hell. Vine is the newest, and youngest, member of the group and he is just enjoying everything this "life" has to offer. When Nikki starts learning their secrets, they must decide is they should tell her and allow her to help, or simply protect her, no matter the cost.
This book had me on the edge of my seat. I wanted things to happen that just couldn't happen and it was killing me. I adored Mace. He is a gentlemen, caring and an all around good guy, er angel. Raven is annoying and bad, but still has that intriguing pull to him. Part of me wanted Nikki to go for him instead of Mace. A teeny tiny part of me.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. So much that when I finished I wanted to cry knowing that I have to wait awhile for the second book. I'm sure it will be worth the wait! I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of books with fallen angels in them!
User reviews
Average user rating from: 2 user(s)
Not Preachy, Yay!
For the most part, I try to be a fairly open-minded reader of fictions. While I obviously prefer certain genres to others, I do read most of them occasionally. The main exception to that is christian fiction. I just can't deal with most of it, although I have tried.
Believe it or not, I actually have a minor in theology, so it's not that I'm not willing to consider other belief systems or that I'm categorically opposed to the possibility of god. I'm an agnostic, so, basically, who the heck knows.
Anyway, all that lead in was just to explain that, despite my fairly open mind, constant biblical references and the sugar-sweetness that I've found in the Christian books I've tried up to this point have turned my stomach. Thankfully, Halflings did not fit that mold. I honestly never thought that I would be requesting anything from Zondervan. Even less did I expect that I might enjoy said title. The reason I requested Halflings, even though I feared that I would hate it, is that the author, Heather Burch, is part of the Apocalypsies, a group of really awesome debuting authors who have yet to disappoint me.
The religious stuff is definitely in Halflings no doubt, but Burch doesn't beat you over the head with it too much, thank goodness. The story opens with a bible quote, but she did not feel it necessary to open every chapter that way, as so many do. Nikki begins reading the Bible and is converted from her faith in science to faith in a higher power. And, of course, the major players are the forces of heaven and of hell. All of this is done in a light enough way, though, that believer and non-believer can enjoy the tale.
Just because it's Christian does not mean their cannot be some serious love triangle up in here. Of course, Mace is the obvious favorite from the beginning. Personally, I think he's kind of blah. So far, I just don't see too much interesting in him. Raven is the quintessential bad boy with the possibility for more, which I generally do not much care for, but he's just so much more interesting than Mace. Plus, Raven totally encourages Nikki's strength (she's a black belt in karate) and wants to help her protect herself. He's a feminist, woo!
I love when trying a book I wouldn't usually give a chance pays off! I definitely plan to read the next book in the series.
Amazing debut novel
Nikki Youngblood is just an ordinary 17 year old girl who loves karate and motorcycles, until she is chased by a pack of hellhounds and almost ran over by an suv. Nikki's life just got alot more complicated and she finds herself being guarded by 3 beautiful boys Mace, Raven and Vine.There is something strange and other worldly about them. Nikki finds out they are Halflings, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.There is a growing attraction between Nikki and 2 of her protesters. The sweet and caring Mace that makes her feel safe and the bad boy Raven that brings out the wild side of her and makes her feel strong and like an equal. She soon finds out that they may never fall in love with a human or risk losing their souls.
Halflings was an amazing adventure with equally amazing characters.The plot kept me engrossed and guessing to the very last page.I loved all the Halflings and their personalities. I cannot wait for the next installment in the series.
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