Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

Book Description via Goodreads:

Hardcover, 287 pages

January 7, 2012, Zonderkids

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.

Source: Candice & Zondervan (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

First of all, Nikki was a girl with two sides. She was a fighter: strong, persistent and wise. But she was also an artist: sensitive, perceptive and emotional. I liked Nikki but there were times when her reactions just confused me. There were scenes in which she acted out of character – as if two parts of her were in battle. But so far, she wasn’t the lovey dovey type. She fought against her selfishness, her desire to be with Mace and her weakness throughout the story. She remained rational, weighing her options and considering the possible consequences of every action. I liked this about her.

The love triangle reminded me a bit of Elena-Stefan-Damon from The Vampire Diaries TV series, but instead of vampires, we get Halflings – Nephilim guys. Mace was the sweet, good guy. He was Nikki’s knight in shining armor. He was the type of guy that made girls melt with his warmth, his touch and his charm. He fell for Nikki the first time he saw her. Raven was the dangerous and irresistible badboy. He was handsome, like any Halfling, and he knew it. He used it to his advantage. But underneath the layer of cold calm, rule-breaking and unending tempting, he was vulnerable and suffering. This was probably one of the best forbidden love triangles ever. It really meant life or death, or in this case, eternal punishment without redemption. It was beyond tragic. The two brothers were in danger not just of falling in love with a human but also of falling over the edge. Nikki was torn between sacrificing her feelings and causing serious trouble for the two brothers. I really enjoyed reading about the push-pull drama of this. Sparks flew and hearts ran marathons.

The idea of Nikki having three gorgeous guardian angels was intriguing. First off, why three? Her case must be really serious for heaven to send three Halflings to protect her from vicious hell hounds and demons. The progress of the enemy’s attack as they strived to claim Nikki was good. I could really see how things got worse with every chapter. In the beginning, it was just Nikki. But as the story progressed, more and more characters got involved. The threat to Nikki’s life extended to her family. The urgency, sense of danger and suspense were there. However, I was waiting for the answers to my questions and I’m sad to say some of them weren’t answered. The suspense mounted up in me and I was really waiting, wanting, needing answers that will solve the mystery. But there were hints here and there, as well as big revelations that surprised me.

Halflings is a riveting paranormal romance that will keep readers satiated with its heartbreaking forbidden romance, heart-stopping Halflings and heart-pounding action and suspense. Burch gives readers an intriguing and fresh take on the Nephilim in Halflings. I recommend this to people who enjoyed Hush, Hush, Crescendo and Silence by Becca Fitzpatrick, paranormal romance readers and angel enthusiasts.

Rating: