11:15 The Making of a Halfling

Halflings #0.5

by Heather Burch

... 11:15 The Making ofa Halfling ...

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Angels, Fiction, Paranormal, Christian Fiction, Ebooks

23 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 2011

About the author

Heather Burch is a #1 Amazon bestselling author whose books have been translated around the world.

She writes upmarket women's fiction novels that explore what it means to be a family. Her books have sold over half a million copies worldwide.

Heather also writes edge of your seat paranormal YA novels about swoon-worthy angels. Her Halflings series is a #1 New Release.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As 'teasers' go - this was definitely a good one. Heather's ability to create the perfect image in my mind was amazing. I had what I thought the boys should look like then I flipped the page and saw the illustration. I was dead on! Now I have to patiently wait until Halflings is released. The sanity saving factor for me is that I can re-read 11:15 anytime I want on my e-Reader. Thank you Heather, for making the anticipation even stronger than before.

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short prequel more than I did Halflings, book one in the series. It had a great story line and full of suspense. Although, I must admit, the fight at the beginning between Raven and Vine is kind of boring. The thing I liked best about 11:15 was that you got to hear more of Vine's story, and how tapped to become a halfling. I liked Vine in the first book, but we didn't get to hear much about him until this prequel. I was amazed that he found the problem at the concert almost right away. The illustrations in the ebook are drawn really well. They give a lot of insight to what the characters look like, and they looked way different in my head. This was a very enjoyable prequel. I kind of wish I would have read it before I read the book. I think if I would have read the prequel first, I would have liked the first book better.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read much in this genre, but this little "intro" into Halflings intrigued me. Raven, Mace, and Vine seem like a tough couple of boys--I mean, the opening scene they are beating each other up. Ouch! But they also seem to have each other's best interests at heart...at least I think so. Raven seems to have a painful way of showing it.

And that last scene, with Nikki, has me curious. Can't wait till she crosses paths with these brothers. We shall see!

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a YA paranormal book, I thought it was pretty good. It intrigued me to read the book Half ling that this is the promo for.

I do think that this series has the typical YA quirks. It has some cheese, unrealistic characters, apparently half lings and those they interact with are incredibly gorgeous. This is a common trait in YA that I have noticed over the years though and nothing new.

The story itself, is about beings that are half angels and half humans referencing scripture in Genesis when the sons of God had the women that were daughters of man. The parents are not in the halflings lifes for their own safety apparently and the halflings are under the care of an angel.

In this promotional story, we meet the halflings Mace, Raven and Vine who are under the care of the angel, Will. At the beginning of this story, Vine has not 'matured' as a halfling yet.

Its a cute story. Quick read.

[Wanda Hartzenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a Christian fiction YA short prequel to a series. I suppose it is marketed for young teenage boys! I can’t imagine young teenage girls not liking the story as well. What I found surprising is the fact that it is illustrated. I found that to be a nice touch. The story is short and an easy read. Something that I really like in a prequel. The characters is well formed and as half human / half Angels also surprisingly human, with human shortcomings and weaknesses. The premise of the story is intriguing and I can see this becoming a well loved series. I give this prequel a 5 * rating and find myself very proud of the standard of Christian YA fiction available these days.

[Janelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really my cup of tea.

[Debra Raupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

weird

[Sara · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay for a short story but it didn't really make much sense to me. The story felt jumbled and very rushed.

[Novelish Delish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick and easy read. Kept my attention and left me wanting more!

[Kendra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my normal read

This was not really my type of book or genre but was good for not being interested in reading it

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short story about the Halflings Mace, Raven, and Vine. It starts out with them training, and Raven beating up Vine since Vine has not tapped into his powers yet, since he is only 15. Then their father figure/angel gets a message that the halflings are supposed to stop an attack at a concert in St. Louis at 11:15. Vine is not allowed to go, but Will decides to let him go if he just stays on the sidelines, and does not engage in any action. What ensues is a little action, and Vine getting his powers early. And we are introduced to Nikki, who akakes from a dream of seeing these angels with wings.

This was just a simple story of Vine coming into his powers earlier than any other halfling. It gave a little insight into the event, since it was not fully revealed in book one.

Favorite quote about Will: "Not bulk muscle like Will, which reminded Mace of bunches of cauliflower with the occasional arm or leg attached..." loc 12% makes me laugh;)

Great series I recommend to angel lovers.

[Charlotte · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought this an interesting read and I liked the air of mystery created by the factor that you never truly find out what a halfling is, other than some kind of cross between a human and an angel that fights demons, although demons never come in to the story other than through small hints. The story line and characters were very strong with some excellently portrayed illustrations, however I think the book itself was rather weak. It could be some thing very great if taken back and revised in to a larger edition, with more of the rough cuts added back in to make things a little easier to understand at times in conversation because of how many characters are introduced in such a short time. I also really liked the twist ending, which happened in the second book I finished today, but obviously not the same ending. The character I liked best was Vine, thought he was portrayed extremely well and that he stood out as a main character, even though his part was kept to a minimal. Liked the cross cutting to the other characters throughout also.

[Juli · Rating 5 out of 5]

New angel, Vine, is working on obtaining his wings, but he’s still got much training to do. In the midst of one training session, they receive a call from the Head Honcho to check out a local rock concert. There’s something funny going on there.

Vine and company arrive and can’t see what’s got the head office all in an uproar.

Yep. Someone wants the concert to end with a bang, and it’s up to Vine and company to help save the auditorium full of unsuspecting teenagers. But what can he do? He still hasn’t gotten earned his wings yet—or has he?

Short stories are always a bit of a challenge to review, but I enjoyed this and look forward to reading more. The story is punctuated by delightful comic book panels depicting the events of the story. If you’d like a taste of Heather Burch’s new young adult paranormal romance series by Zondervan, this will give it to you.

IF paranormal romance is your thing, check 11:15: The Making of A Halfling out. I think you’ll enjoy it.

[Michelle's Paranormal Vault of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice short story, that gives us a better look into Mace, Raven and Vine, before they meet Nikki. I enjoyed it, and hey, its free. :)

Mace and Raven are given a mission to stop a catastrophic event. With his halfling abilities still untapped, Vine is allowed to join the mission, but only as a spectator. The clock is ticking and the tragedy is proving difficult to stop. Will Vine be able to sit back and watch, or will the power of heaven unleash just in time? (from Summary from Amazon)

Visit my blog for more reviews and some extras, some free short stories are there too.

[Elizabeth "Liza" · Rating 5 out of 5]

11:15: The Making of a Halfling is prequel to Halflings (see my review here) and it gives a nice introduction to their world.


This short story starts when Mace, Raven, Vine and Will just move to be near Nikki, but they hadn’t received an assignment yet. Will receives a message from heaven and the three Halflings have to stop an event that will happen at a certain time and at a certain place (that’s all they know too!)


The story is good and it explains why Vine is an active participant alongside his “brothers”. Also, Nikki makes a short appearance. The other very cool thing is that the story has a few illustrations that I am dying to see in color!


This is a must read for Halflings fans ;)

[Leyla · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I had to give an opinion of the series based solely on this short story, it would be way more positive than if I considered the first installment, too.

First of all, the pictures are wonderful. The halflings weren't exactly as I had imagined them, but the result was just so angelic that my imagination could't have done better. Also, the brotherlike relationship between Vine, Raven and Mace is just what Halflings needed to become a little more interesting.

I'm sorry I the series wasn't quite what I was expecting, but I really don't think I will continue it.

[Cheryl M-M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really well put together novella, which offers an idea of the series [[ASIN:B006BEQPPI Halflings (A Halflings Novel)]]. I have to say I was impressed with how good it looked and liked the idea of adding the occasional graphics or images of scenes. I believe that will appeal to the intended market, the YA and older teens.
The concept of half angel half human isn't new, but I think offering the visual images will make this stand out a little more from the rest of the crowd. The storyline eventually leads to an oncoming battle and this novella introduces a young girl, who is haunted by images of men with wings.
Interested to see where this one will go.

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Halfling series is about some beings that are here on earth that are half-human and half angels. The three boys, Raven, Mace, and Vine live with Will, their angel master. They follow commands from heaven, acting against evil, and the minions of the devil. In this short story, Vine, the youngest boy, receives his wings. This is a prequel for Heather Burch’s Halflings series. This is an exciting series and this short story is a race from beginning to end as the boys go on a mission to save a group of kids at a concert. Burch weaves a gripping story, sure to please teen readers and a great many more. If you like clean, gripping, action, you will love this!

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting but very short introduction to the Halfling series - not that I'm complaining as it's free! We are introduced to Mace, Raven and Vine who are half angels training to be warriors for the Brotherhood. Their job is to protect humans from demons and hell hounds.

You are given just enough to make you want to pick up the first book in the series Halfling and luckily I already have that one on my to read pile. I really liked the illustrations too, they were a nice added extra to the story.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a short story! It still took me about an hour to finish though... :(

Anyway, I haven't read the Halflings series yet so I don't know who these people are, but from what I can tell, they are compassionate people. Might be a nice series read. :>

As for this prequel, I can say that it can stand alone on its own. It doesn't have a gigantic plot, and it does have a sort of cliffhanger at the end, but it was an entertaining read.

Raven*Mace*Vine*Will*and the girl...forgot her name haha.

**EDIT: it's Nikki (:

[Shayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting short story

Loved the drawings that went along with this. A full length novel with drawings interspersed would definitely be at the top of my reading list!

Like I said, this is a short story, (took less than 10 minutes to read) but I got a good feel for the characters. Well, not the girl at the end who came in randomly. I wouldn't mind seeing more of this story as the plot did keep my interest. My only gripe is that the writing felt juvenile to me. Other than that, I liked this very much.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short prequel to Halflings. It was well written and the character development was fairly strong even though the story itself is rather short.
I haven't read 'Halflings' yet, in fact I hadn't heard of it until I stumbled across this free story on http://www.amazon.co.uk, but based on what I've read so far, I will definitely be checking out the novel.

[Sandra "Jeanz" · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE REVIEW
I enjoyed this prequel novella, it gave a sneak preview of what to expect and what is to come with the full length book, which I am now even more eager to read. I loved the camaraderie between the characters. The way Vine literally begs to go on the mission, even if he can only go as an observer. In the end it seems that Vine taps into his powers at a crucial moment and kind of saves the day. This sets the scene well for the following book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short story about the Halfling brothers. Nikki doesn't appear in it till the end. It centers on Vine and opens with Raven beating Vine up with unnecessary roughness. The author is surprisingly good with male characters and the violence was believable and not overdone. Vine has a sweet innocence that makes him the most admirable of the brothers, and it was cute seeing the brothers fight and relate--also finding out if Vine got his wings at the end.

[John E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the introduction to Mace, Raven and Vine in the prequel. Raven is being a jerk--as usual--and Mace is trying to keep him from pounding Vine into hamburger. Vine's got a few tricks up his sleeve, though and when Will calls them into battle to save a few hundred teenagers at a rock concert, Vine proves his worth. Great short story and just what you need to get you ready for Halflings!

[Rayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I suppose it was okay, I mean, what else can I say about a 14 page story with about 5 of those pages occupied by drawings? About those drawings, they were very pretty most of the time, some, not so much.

[Katie Rodante · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read! This short story has lively characters, an intriguing plot line involving training to battle demons and hell hounds, and gorgeous illustrations to bring it all to life. I liked the training scenes, the conflict between Raven and Mace, and the overall story.

[Alissa Nolan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick read and introduces Will, Mace, Raven, and Vine. It concentrates on Vine transitioning into a halfling. There is also a quick peek from Nikki, but she is not central to this short story.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Now this is the story of Vine I've been waiting for! It fits perfectly with the beginning of the series. If you are planning on reading the Halfling series, or already have, read this too. It is short but well told and is a cure in wanting to learn more about Vine.

[Bridget · Rating 3 out of 5]

uMMM it was okay though very short and stuff wish there had been more