Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (1 Feb 2012)
• Language English
• ISBN-10: 0310728185
• ISBN-13: 978-0310728184

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.

Enjoying a quiet moment in the woods whilst she sketches, seventeen year old Nikki is attacked by vicious dogs. As she runs for her life, she is observed by three young men. Vine, Raven and Mace. Halflings on a mission. But with Nikki’s eyes wide open during the dog attack, the rescue isn’t going to go unnoticed.

As Halflings, the children of Fallen angels and mortal women, they are bound to carry out any mission entrusted to them, with the hope that one day they will be admitted into Heaven. And now their mission seems to involve Nikki. Posing as high school students, they integrate into her life, growing closer to her and flirting with danger. The Halflings carry a curse where Heaven will be out of reach and their souls will be damned if they fall in love with a human.

Nikki knows there is something different about the three boys. And she can’t stay away from them. With their good looks and obvious appeals, they open her eyes in ways the other boys at her school never have before. Mace makes her feel safe beyond measure as she swims in his cerulean eyes. Raven makes her feel strong and able as he teaches her how to fight.

I cannot express enough how refreshing it was to come across a YA protagonist like Nikki. Too often nowadays when a teenage girl is confronted with things she believed impossible, she accepts it no questions asked, because the guy telling her gives her the eyes. Nikki is resistant at first, accepting a little at a time what she knows deep down in her heart to be true.

I loved being able to get into the head’s of Mace and Raven – two very different characters but with the same focus and goals. And now with one thing in common: Nikki. There have never been two different types of guy vying for a girl’s attention. Mace, one of the strongest male characters I’ve ever come across, determined to do the right thing yet unable to stay away from what could ultimately become his downfall. Literally. And Raven. The ultimate bad boy. Already resolved in his beliefs, he sees no reason to stay away or heed warning.

Halflings was an awesome romantic adventure with loveable and sympathetic characters. The plot was easy to follow yet kept me engrossed and guessing to the very end. I absolutely adored all Halflings and their inner musings. One thing is for certain – I cannot wait for the next instalment of what is sure to be a hit series.