Book Review: Halflings by Heather Burch

Halflings by Heather Burch is the first book in a new young adult series. Nikki is a smart, strong and independent seventeen year old. Suddenly she seems to be under a could of dark intent and three watchful young men are charged with protecting her. Mace, Raven, and Vine are the beautiful misfits charged with watching over Nikki. it is not long before events bring Nikki and one of her protectors close, and she discovers at least part of their truth. Soon everything is at risk as Nikki and her guardians have to fight attraction and those hunting Nikki.

Halfling's main character is Nikki who is clearly something special. This is made clear quickly as this assumedly normal teenage girl being chased by hell hounds and the occasional madman. Three mysterious, impossibly attractive young men ride to her rescue, and it is not long before Nikki guesses at least part of their secret and gets a glimpse of the bigger picture. Attraction between Nikki and two of her new guardians makes everything more complicated, and more dangerous for everyone. Her parents, normal trusted and trusting, seem to be hiding something and a mysterious family friend appears from nowhere. I was initially disappointed when the almost inevitable love triangle made itself known. At first I just sighed and a little annoyed at the fact that a love triangle is pretty much a given when reading teen paranormal books these days. However, I quickly was appeased with the unique angle on the love angst, the developing characters, and mystery elements of the story erased any negative feelings I had about the book.

Halflings is the great start to a new series, and I cannot wait to see where it takes me and its characters. Heather Burch is now on my list of need to read authors. There is a solid balance of world building and urban fantasy aspects with suspense and mystery. The main characters are in a safe enough position that I cannot call the ending a cliff hanger, but it left be seriously craving the next book in the series. There are puzzles stilled to be solved, and I feel a little in limbo waiting to see if my suspicions are right, or if I am out in left field. I recommend Halflings to those that enjoy young adult novels, books with angel mythology, urban fantasy, and a solid read.