Team Novel Teen Blog Tour: Halflings by Heather Burch
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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This is a debut novel. I love helping newly published authors get the word out about their books, especially if I liked the book. When I read the book I wasn't for sure it was a series so when it ended I was in sort of a tailspin. I really liked the book and wanted more. I am happy to say it is a three book series.
I have never read a book before about the fallen angels creating halflings with humans. I have heard that some people believe that is what actually took place. What a fun topic to explore and imagine what would have happened IF that were true. Would they be dark like their fallen angel side or would they have redeeming qualities? This series takes a look at one idea on that subject. It also addresses the evil forces at work here on Earth.
I loved the characters. Nikki goes through so much. She goes after what she thinks she should, seems fearless at times. But she needs someone to help her and finally accepts that. The three teenager Halflings are very different from each other. You will have to form your own opinions of each one as you read. I do feel sorry for Raven and his struggles with good and evil, but he isn't my favorite of the three.
As I read it and watched how things unfolded and the powers of evil were involved and were stalking Nikki, I just wanted to keep reading so I could find out how she handled it and how the Halflings helped or didn't help. There is so much left untold in the story in part one that you just want more. There is a mystery going on and you get just a taste of it here and there. I can't wait to get book two and see that unfold a bit more. I love books that have things I can try to figure out as we go along and then at the end find out if I had it right or not.
This book is intended for age 15 and up. I think this would be a good book to read and use to get interest in angels started in your youth. Then you could check out what the Bible says about them. My husband has led a study with our kids on that subject. You could dig even deeper with a teen. I can't wait for books 2 and 3.
This book is intended for age 15 and up. I think this would be a good book to read and use to get interest in angels started in your youth. Then you could check out what the Bible says about them. My husband has led a study with our kids on that subject. You could dig even deeper with a teen. I can't wait for books 2 and 3.
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Great review Terri!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYeah, it was really cool to read about what things might be like IF there were halflings. Really neat idea! Burch has a wonderful imagination, and portrayed the halflings and their complex situation in such a believable way.
ReplyDeleteYes, GREAT imagination. That is why I love books so much (I am officially a bookaholic!" because the GREAT ones can take you into another place and time and it is so believable. God gave us such a gift of imagination. I love seeing how so many people use it the right way.
DeleteYes, I also loved the new perspectives on angels and the supernatural in Halflings. And while I felt sympathetic towards Raven he was not my favorite of the three either, but his views on things throughout the novel gave us some really interesting perspectives and food for thought.
ReplyDeleteI really love your idea of using this novel as a conversation starter for teens, Terri! It's such a good idea.
Yes, Raven did have interesting thoughts. I did feel badly for him and hope that somehow he is "redeemed" at the end. There has to be that hope for him.
ReplyDeleteI am ALWAYS looking for points of conversation in books. That is one thing I love to do with my kids, read and discuss!
Thanks so much for the great review! It's so fun to read different perspectives on Halflings. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you downloaded the FREE Halflings game app? Here's the link. :)
http://halflings.ning.com/page/game-app?xg_source=shorten_twitter
I like your review. I think it's interesting to check into what the Bible says on it... since the Bible seems to say a lot of weird stuff sometimes! I pretty much freaked myself out starting out with Genesis 6 and tracking these fallen angels. And I think it's SUPER-COOL how Heather Burch took that - how bad it would be for angels to mess with the bloodline of humans, intercepting Jesus or important characters in history and then asked the question of What would the children produced by those angels feel like?! I really love how much connection she has with what I found snoopin' around on my own!
ReplyDeleteActually...
DeleteHere's my post where I totally went OFF about it:
http://burgandyice.blogspot.com/2012/02/ya-paranormal-activity-giveaway-hop.html
Yes, it is totally cool to see what the Bible says. But sometimes it is hard to determine what the Bible means, but it is fun to try to figure it out.
DeleteI agree that this novel really gives you alot to think about and is a great discussion starter. I saw alot of allegorical spins with the sin nature vs. heavenly nature that humans battle with, just more emphasized with the Halflings. Great review, by the way!
ReplyDeleteOut of curiosity, who WAS your favorite Halfling?
I think Vine is my favorite. I am hoping she will elaborate more on his character in the next two books. He has spunk and courage.
DeleteI love Vine! I heard a rumor somewhere, it escapes my mind where, that Heather might write a book focused on Vine. That would be amazing if she did! If she reads this maybe she can confirm if this rumor is true or false. :)
DeleteGreat review! I've read other books about half-angels in the past, but Heather's book really reinvented the concept for me.
ReplyDeleteAlso, in response to your comment above, Vine was my favorite of the trio, too. :)
Thanks for the review, it was good. I really liked this book and can't wait for the others. I have hope that Raven will be able to sort things out and can't wait to see how they all develop and where the story goes from here. Good review.
ReplyDeleteI agree ~ this was one enticing read and very thought-provoking! I like that in books. :)
ReplyDelete