My FIRST Official Review: Halflings by Heather Burch, available now!

Hi again!!!
I am back with my first official review and debut for 2012!!!
I couldn't believe that a newbie like me was approved by NetGalley to read/review this :)

Title: Halflings 
Author: Heather Burch
Release date: (Orig. February 1, 2012) January 2012 (available now!) 
Age Group: Young Adult 
Publisher: Zondervan Publishings 
Available Formats: Paperback (288 pages), Ebook 
Author's website: http://www.heatherburchbooks.com/ and 
http://halflings.ning.com/

"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."

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Halflings. Half human... half angel.

That's all I needed to know!
It starts off quick with lots of action and you instantly get sucked right in, running through the forest and trying to catch your breath while trying to figure out what is going on, right along with Nikki Youngblood.
Nikki was definitely not who I expected her to be! From the synopsis, I got the impression of 'damsel in distress', but she is quite the opposite - this girl is super smart, gutsy, stubborn and forthright.

Meet the "Lost Boys"...  Mace. Oh, sweet Mace!
The leader. The rule follower. The one with the biggest heart.
And then Raven. Raven.
The confused 'bad boy' - but instantly you can tell that it is all just a front and you will grow a soft spot for this tough guy...
And lastly, but certainly not the least in one bit, Vine.
Vine is the youngest of the three 'brothers' - innocent, sweet, and probably the strongest.

Halflings reminded me of Peter Pan's story - the angels refer to themselves as 'lost boys' and Mace definitely played the Peter Pan lead-role, while Nikki was a lot like Wendy; and "Captain Hook" and his minions are everywhere!

This book is fast paced, the story is laid out well, the writing is good and easy to follow...
but I can't help but feel that the book was a bit short! It ended too quick for me - it left me hanging and wanting to know more about ALL the characters, which is good! It ends a good spot where you know that the story will pick up where it exactly left off and storm ahead with more action, love... and lots of angel wings!

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The sequel to Halflings is called Guardian, and will be released in September 2012.
The third, and last book to the trilogy, Risen, is currently scheduled to be released towards the end of 2012 as well.

In the meantime, you can also get your hands on 11:15: The Making of a Halfling -
a FREE illustrated ebook, right now!! !

"Mace and Raven are given a mission to stop a catastrophic event. 
With his halfling abilities still untapped, Vine is allowed to join the mission, but only as a spectator. The clock is ticking and the tragedy is proving difficult to stop. Will Vine be able to sit back and watch, or will the power of heaven unleash just in time?"

I would suggest reading this 20 page sort-of synopsis first!
It definitely gives you a feel of what to expect in Halflings, a peek into their world, a sense as to how a halfling becomes one and introduces you to all the main characters!

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So, how did I do???
Thanks for stopping by! Until next time!!!