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Customer Reviews for Zondervan Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Zondervan Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
After being assailed by demons, Nikki Youngblood entrusts her life to half-human, half-angel Mace, Raven, and Vine. But when Nikki falls for Mace and Raven and they for her, their attraction endangers their souls. Will the rift between the two boys distract them from the dark plot that could make Nikki's attack seem like child's play? 272 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.
Average Customer Rating:
(9 Reviews) 9
Rating Snapshot (9 reviews)
5 stars
5
4 stars
1
3 stars
2
2 stars
0
1 star
1
7 out of 978%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Review 1 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Halflings
Date:July 5, 2012
Meets Expectations:
1
out of
5
I am afraid I can't write a remotely good review for this book.
I did not like it at all.
I did not like it at all.
The writing was awkward at best -at worst it was simply bad- there was no plot to speak of, the world-building was absent, and the characters underdevelopped and most of the time, really unlikeable.
Now on to more important stuff.
How can you write a book about angels and ignore basic theology of the Bible?
How can you be honest with your readers, when you completely ignore the presence of the christian God in your angel-story? The Bible was mentioned a couple of times. It was quoted once, I think, at least once correctly. That was it.
And all the time it was implied that there is this major war in the spiritual realm going on. A spiritual war with no mention of sin or redemption or the blood of Christ. Or grace, and love, and God for that matter.
How can you write a book about angels and ignore basic theology of the Bible?
How can you be honest with your readers, when you completely ignore the presence of the christian God in your angel-story? The Bible was mentioned a couple of times. It was quoted once, I think, at least once correctly. That was it.
And all the time it was implied that there is this major war in the spiritual realm going on. A spiritual war with no mention of sin or redemption or the blood of Christ. Or grace, and love, and God for that matter.
Now, I don't say that picking angels and demons for your subject is necessarily a bad thing.
But if you are to pick a biblical subject, just get your facts straight.
Or at least pretend that you are ignoring that the whole thing -the Bible, that is- altogether. That the book doesn't even exist, like Cassandra Clare or Becca Fitzbatrick do. Never mind that in there is the original mention of angels or demons. That is a minor detail.
But do not call your book 'christian fiction'. That's where I draw the line.
But if you are to pick a biblical subject, just get your facts straight.
Or at least pretend that you are ignoring that the whole thing -the Bible, that is- altogether. That the book doesn't even exist, like Cassandra Clare or Becca Fitzbatrick do. Never mind that in there is the original mention of angels or demons. That is a minor detail.
But do not call your book 'christian fiction'. That's where I draw the line.
This book isults my beliefs.
It isnults the Bible, the written word of God.
And I have a feeling, it may be insulting Him too.
It isnults the Bible, the written word of God.
And I have a feeling, it may be insulting Him too.
Rating: 0/5
I received this book very kindly from Zondervan in exchange for an honest review.
blog
bookshelfstories dot blogspot dot com
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Review 2 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Hooked on Halfings!
Date:July 2, 2012
Quality:
4
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
Some strange things are happening to Nikki Youngblood. She’s been chased by ugly dogs and followed by some really cute guys. And she’s not sure why. The next thing she knows, all three guys enroll in her school and are in all her classes! How weird is that? But the more she learns about Mace, Raven, and Vine, the more she learns about why those weird things were happening to her. One thing is certain: life will never be the same!
Whoo! Now this was a fun read—and a quick one too. (I love quick reads.) Heather Burch has crafted an intriguing storyworld with her Halflings (half angel/half humans) and their history.
One thing... The premise of angels having mated with humans bothers me. While there are some who interpret the passage in Genesis 6:4 to mean that demons mated with human women, I find that disturbing and suggest a deeper study of Genesis 6:4. (I highly recommend Randy Alcorn’s article on the subject.) I realize, however, that not everyone holds my view of this subject and that this is a fictional story. But if that kind of subject matter bothers you, this story might.
That being said, I was drawn into the story from page one and couldn't wait to see how this story would turn out. Luckily I knew in advance what I was in for. This is the first book in a trilogy. So I knew there would be a bit of a cliffhanger headed my way as to the overall mystery. No matter. It was still a fun, romantic read. I have no guesses as to which angel boy Nikki might choose—or if she even will! But I look forward to reading the next two books. I hope it won’t be too long of a wait because I am hooked on Halfings!
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Review 3 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
"It's time to choose a side..."
Date:March 19, 2012
Jessica Laurie
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
4
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
4
out of
5
"Everyone is in the middle of this war, Nikki. Humans, Halflings, and angels--both fallen and heavenly. You've ignored the battle for seventeen years, but something on the inside of you knows my words are true. You're in a war and it's time to choose a side. If you don't, a side is chosen for you."
Nikki Youngblood has become a prime target in a supernatural war. She's strong and feisty, but those character traits won't save her from the mysterious evil that's bent on hunting her down for some unknown purpose. However, she's not in this fight alone. Nikki has three Halfling--half-human/half-angel--young men sent to protect her. There's innocent, adorable Vine; brooding, complex Raven; and good, protective Mace. As events begin to rapidly unfold, not only the lives, but the hearts and souls, of Nikki and the three Halfling brothers, also known as "The Lost Boys," are at stake.
I'm a huge sucker for anything Peter Pan, and Halflings by Heather Burch has a sort of darker Peter Pan feel with a "Wendy" character and the "Lost Boys" who live in their own type of "Never Neverland." To be honest, I was a bit wary about the whole "half-angel/half-human" plot, but I believe the author handled it really well. It could almost be viewed in a allegorical sense with the whole sin nature vs. heavenly nature choice.
I was also a bit nervous about the love triangle. I'm not a huge fan of those, but I thought the Mace/Nikki/Raven love triangle was handled pretty well. It was frustrating and addicting at the same time. One moment I would be "Oh, it's sooo obvious she's going to be with him" then "Oh, well, no, maybe it's this guy..." I could totally relate to Nikki's love and confusion over both guys, because even I would really love Mace one moment then all of the sudden be highly irritated with him, or would want to punch Raven one minute and then hug him the next. I have no idea who Nikki is going to choose, which I believe shows some pretty dang good writing on the author's part.
One part of the writing did bother me though. Often when the story switched scenes, it was kind of choppy or abrupt. At one point, I had to pause and turn back a few pages to figure out how one character came to a certain conclusion. Halflings also raised many unanswered questions that left me a bit unsatisfied, like I was reading only half a novel, but the questions also made me even more eager to read the next books. Since this is Heather's first book, the first book in a series, and the story is just plain intriguing and fun, these things are easily forgiven, and the second book is already on my to-be-read list.
*I would like to thank the publisher and author for sending me an Advanced Reading Copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
mystoryshelf.blogspot.com
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Review 4 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Good book for teens
Date:March 18, 2012
Virtuous Girlhood
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
I had the pleasure of reviewing Heather Burch's book The Haflings recently. When I first read the synopsis to this book I was a little amused. I mean, I am a HUGE fantasy/sci-fi/weird book genre lover, but angels? It all sounded too Twilightish to me and that isn't meant as a compliment by the way.
Haflings is a book about three angels who are sent to protect a girl who is in alot of trouble. The book is a real page turner and is actually quite interesting.
I started to read the book and it didn't pull me in from the start. I thought that in the beginning/middle it was a little, well fluffy. A typical teenage book. I was convinced that it was going to end in a disaster. I was wrong though. It got better. In fact it got alot better. And by the end of the one I couldn't wait to read the next book in the series. The book is a very light read, but it is enjoyable. I loved the comedy thrown into it.
I loved Vine. He was adorable and reminded me so much of a good friend of mine, I honestly didn't care much for Mace. He was just too perfect. I did feel horrible for Raven though I felt like underneath his bad-boy image there was just a lost and hurting young man. :/ And Nikki? Well, I admired her bravery and wanted her motorcycle.
One thing that I didn't like was the perfect looking characters. I like my characters to be flawed, the more flawed they are the better. Maybe that is because I am just a weirdo who likes to find the good in the unlovable/ugly. However, that is just a personal preference and doesn't affect the book whatsoever!
I wouldn't say it is my favorite book ever, but I did enjoy reading Halflings.
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0points
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Review 5 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Good Read!
Date:February 18, 2012
Jaimo
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
First off, the premise of Heather Burch's book from Genesis raises thought-provoking questions. I'd never thought of that verse, "The sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair and took them as wives," in that way. From the first page, Burch jumps into the action. You don't have to wait long to figure out what this book is gonna be about, but there are many twists and turns along the way. At first I thought maybe the main character, Nikki, was a halfling herself . . . although we do get hints as to why Nikki's important, we're left hanging for Book 2 (which I really hope is scheduled for a release THIS year). It was beautifully written, wonderfully paced, and manipulated my emotions the whole way through. Really refreshing for a YA paranormal 'Christian' published novel (the first of its kind, I think). . . demonic wolves, angels, a love triangle, and still safe for my tween to read! No doubt that if you read this you'll be scanning the shelves for the sequel every time you hit the book store (I know I will). ~Go Team Raven:)
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Review 6 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
New Phenomena
Date:February 11, 2012
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
Evil targets 17 year old Nikki beginning with an attach from the Hounds of Hell, but some strange great looking guys save her life out of the blue. Nikki discovers that the young men who saved her are her guardians, but not guardian angels. Suddenly, a new, old friend appears in her parent’s life, then insinuates himself in hers. The story races from the beginning, as Nikki discovers secrets in her life and taking the reader on a wild ride that doesn’t stop at the end of the book…it only pauses.
I cannot wait for the next book in Burch’s series to continue the wild ride. A Christian answer for the Twilight phenomena, though Halflings is Young Adult, it will appeal to anyone who enjoys paranormal novels with a romantic element.
Received Galley from NetGalley.com
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Review 7 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Halflings Delivers Heavenly Heroes
Date:February 10, 2012
Rabid Reader
Location:Pittsburgh, Pa.
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality:
3
out of
5
Value:
3
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
3
out of
5
Nikki Youngblood is one happenin’ chick. At 17 her ride is a Kawasaski Ninja 600. She’s a black belt, and an artist just beginning to be recognized for her talent. She’s beautiful and just a bit awkward around guys. It’s true Nikki’s very down to earth – but heaven and hell have taken notice of her.
Heather Burch’s book Halflings opens with Nikki being chase by hell hounds bent on taking her down. But three hunky heavenly heroes fly to her rescue. Thus begins a harrowing otherworldly adventure for Nikki and her Halfling bodyguards Raven, Mace, and Vine.
Burch’s concept for Halflings is taken from Genesis 6 where the “sons of God” saw the “daughters of men” were beautiful. In Burch’s world Halflings are descendants of the “marriage” of demons and man: half fallen angel/half man. Unfortunately for Nikki’s Halfling friends, they don’t belong in heaven or in the human realm, but are destined to fight for The Throne because God is worthy – even if they themselves are beyond redemption.
Nikki deals with Heaven, Hell, and high school with equal amounts of breathless, starry-eyed romance and throttle turning, butt-kicking action. Her hot-wings love interests: bad-boy Raven and vulnerable Mace- will make young teenage girls everywhere wish they were her.
That being said Nikki’s budding romances are nothing but chaste and seemingly hopeless. Halflings and humans just can’t mix.
In Halflings Burch is obviously laying the groundwork for the two remaining books of the trilogy to follow. Toward the end of the book the action seemed tighter and the plot pace picked up considerably. It definitely leaves you with a sense of anticipation.
Halflings is certainly a good alternative to the emo-teen romance fiction out there. Peopled with characters who desire to serve the light even when darkness is closing in, Burch’s first novel promises to captivate its audience with a wing and a prayer.
Heather Burch’s book Halflings opens with Nikki being chase by hell hounds bent on taking her down. But three hunky heavenly heroes fly to her rescue. Thus begins a harrowing otherworldly adventure for Nikki and her Halfling bodyguards Raven, Mace, and Vine.
Burch’s concept for Halflings is taken from Genesis 6 where the “sons of God” saw the “daughters of men” were beautiful. In Burch’s world Halflings are descendants of the “marriage” of demons and man: half fallen angel/half man. Unfortunately for Nikki’s Halfling friends, they don’t belong in heaven or in the human realm, but are destined to fight for The Throne because God is worthy – even if they themselves are beyond redemption.
Nikki deals with Heaven, Hell, and high school with equal amounts of breathless, starry-eyed romance and throttle turning, butt-kicking action. Her hot-wings love interests: bad-boy Raven and vulnerable Mace- will make young teenage girls everywhere wish they were her.
That being said Nikki’s budding romances are nothing but chaste and seemingly hopeless. Halflings and humans just can’t mix.
In Halflings Burch is obviously laying the groundwork for the two remaining books of the trilogy to follow. Toward the end of the book the action seemed tighter and the plot pace picked up considerably. It definitely leaves you with a sense of anticipation.
Halflings is certainly a good alternative to the emo-teen romance fiction out there. Peopled with characters who desire to serve the light even when darkness is closing in, Burch’s first novel promises to captivate its audience with a wing and a prayer.
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Review 8 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Wonderful angel story for teens
Date:February 7, 2012
Halflings is the debut release by author Heather Burch. It is targeted to teens and has strong supernatural characters. I've been waiting for this book since meeting Heather in September. My daughter stole the book the moment it arrived at our house. She literally couldn't put it down, reading it in the car, at the gym and everywhere in between.
Here's what she has to say:
Halflings was a really interesting book. It has a Percy Jackson feel minus the Greek mythology. It has a Christian spin with angels, hell hounds, demons, and other supernatural characters called halflings. All are battling over a teenage girl. The halflings are tasked with protecting her from the dark forces chasing her for unknown reasons. Nikki changes from a normal teenager to a girl fighting for her life. When the halflings first save her, she has no idea what they are other than they are gorgeous. Then she learns they are half angels/half human and determined to save her. She's just as adamant about protecting them. The battle is happening in a realm no one else can see. The Halflings look like normal teenagers to her friends.
Nikki isn't a Christian but through the battles begins to believe there could be more than science can explain. This is definitely the first book in a series that ends with the intensity of books like Percy Jackson.
What I liked most was the characters -- they were amazing because they were vibrant and I could picture them easily. Even though there are creatures in it that I've never seen I cared about them. A must read for lovers of mythic books.
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Review 9 for Halflings: What if Following Your Heart Meant Losing Your So ul, Volume , The Halflings Novels
Overall Rating:
Excellent Read!
Date:January 16, 2012
Key Master
Location:Florida
Gender:male
Quality:
5
out of
5
Value:
5
out of
5
Meets Expectations:
5
out of
5
The first page starts off just grabbing and pulling you right into the story. It was a great read and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the second book "Guardians". Get it! It's worth every bit!
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