Book Review - Halflings

Title: Halflings
Author: Heather Burch
Series: Halflings (book 1)
Publisher: Zondervan
Release Date: 1 Feb 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0310728184

 Synopsis
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.

My Review
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I first read the synopsis of this book, I thought: 'yeah that sounds like a really good book, I'll definitely accept that to review."
I got the book in the post and saw the cover for the first time and I have to say it does fit the story quite well, I always take the cover sleeves off to read as I don't want them to get damaged and the book is a gorgeous red and black underneath.
The book starts with Nikki being attacked by a group of Hell Hounds so you are thrust straight into the action, the book sucks you straight in and I'll tell you know, it doesn't let go.
After the attack Nikki is left with a lot of questions, she also notices three guys following her around, and she thinks she recognizes one of them as her savior from the hounds, but how can that be and who are they? She has a lot to figure out.
The book is told from Nikki's, Mace's and Raven's point of view, and I enjoyed their individual voices. Nikki is not your typical teen, she's a bit shy and has one best friend, yet she is a Black Belt in Karate and a fantastic artist, but she doesn't interact well and is full of self doubt (aren't we all) She does show an inner strength and determination not to give up which I admire. Mace is what I would call a Sweetheart, charming and loveable but fiercely protective. Not afraid to show his sensitive side and put Nikki first. Raven is the typical bad boy, but I feel there is more of him to come and more sides that we have yet to see.
The plot progresses at a good pace and keeps you hooked in. It's a mixture of action, mystery, adventure, love, myth and laughs. I couldn't put this book down once I had started it. I ended up walking round the room trying to make my lunch one handed without looking because I didn't want to put the book down (I had to cave in in the end, it is impossible to open a jar with one hand, lunch had to be made, but I did it as fast as possible.)
The book is a good length at about 286 pages, it gives you the right amount to make you feel like you've been on an adventure but isn't too long. In fact I think I read this in about 2 and a half hours total. It is set for a second book and I cannot wait to read it, I really want the next part and am sad it's not out for a while yet.
If you like Fantasy/Paranormal Romance/ or anything to do with Angels (fans of Fallen, Hush Hush etc will really love this book)

My Rating