Halflings
Author: Heather Burch
Category: Teen
Release Date: 2/1/2012
Rating: 

After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, 17-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.

         This book starts off with a bang. I have to admit, I was a little skeptical before reading this book. I love fallen angel stories, but given their recent popularity, so many of them seem to have lost that passion and mystery that the fallen seem to entail. We quickly learn about Nikki and the three young "halflings" who were sent to protect her.

         My personal favorite of the halflings is Raven, he has so much going on, but is slowly losing his faith. The story says that with every mission, his eyes get darker. He is slowly giving in to the enemy, but you can feel him struggling to stay on the side of the Throne. In fact. as he gets closer to Nikki, his eyes begin to lighten. Maybe he can save himself by saving another.
         Mace is a good guy, he fights hard for what's right and always remembers that he is meant for a higher purpose. He puts his calling before his personal wants and desires, which makes him such a strong character.
         Vine is the baby in the bunch, his innocence allows him to view the world through fresh eyes. He loves his "brothers" and there is nothing he wouldn't do for them, which includes saving them from themselves, when necessary.

           Nikki, what can I say about Nikki. She is one of my favorite literary females. So many authors write young ladies (especially teenagers) as though they need someone to protect them. They have no real ambitions or minds of their own. They need the story's hero to rush in at just the right moment to rescue them. Not Nikki, she is a black belt and an artist. She is strong, but not pushy. Sure she needs help, but that doesn't mean she will stop trying to help herself. Nikki faces some real challenges in this book. She learns about a new world, suffers some serious losses, faces horrors we can only dream of, but she never runs. Nikki is a fighter, and we see that fighting spirit in her all the way to the end.

         I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out! Luckily, we only have to wait until September. For those of you who enjoyed The Mortal Instruments Series or Fallen by Tom Sniegoski, this book is definitely for you. Also, if you are waiting for Goddess Interrupted, Torn, or Underworld to come out. This book will definitely ease the ache I know you are feeling in your hearts. Thank you Heather Burch for bringing such a wonderful story into the world for us to enjoy. :)