Halfling

by Karin Shah

The crippled reject of a scorned people, seventeen-year-old Valayan wanderer Deyna has never eaten, owned, or used anything she didn't scrounge or steal. She's used to life at rock bottom, but when her father sells her to be the annual Sacrifice to their enemies, the winged darklings, she discovers a new low. Marked for death at the hands of the darkling king, only the discovery that she's half darkling saves her life. As a servant in the darkling palace, Deyna thinks she's landed on her feet. She has fresh, clean food, a real bed, and people, like young Lord Ahran, the handsome captain of the king's guard, who might actually care if she lives or dies. But all is not well in the darkling lands. The mysterious Jackal-Wolf is stealing grain shipments and raiding armories. A civil war is brewing, the gods have plans for her, and Ahran may not be exactly what he seems. Will the girl who's spent her whole life running take a stand-even at the cost of her own life?

Genres: Young Adult

304 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2015

About the author

I picked up my first Harlequin presents at age 11 and proceeded to voraciously read every kind of Romance under the sun, but fell in love with the wild side, Scence Fiction Romance, Paranormal Romance, and Fantasy Romance.
After getting my degree in English as a Writing Art at SUNY Oswego and a Masters in Library Science at the University of Buffalo, I worked as a school librarian for five years in Webster, NY, before chasing my dream of publication.
I live with my family and two dogs( a basenji and a vizsla) in Columbus, Ohio.

Reviews

[Floryie · Rating 5 out of 5]

* I received a free copy from the author through Making Connections group*

The first time I read the book blurb I was hooked. And the book cover with the "lovely" darkling at the top and the war at the bottom confirmed that I would be reading this book. I love books which have lots of action in it. And this book promised a treat in that respect by its cover and blurb.

I knew that I would like the story very much because of the Robin Hood-y feel to the book and the heroine, Deyna because she is an underdog of sorts. I absolutely love people who can go to the top from the very bottom. And Deyna is one such character with her stout determination and fighting spirit. She doesn't break even when she is sent away to the Darkling Lands, which is a mystery to her people. And she is very tenacious when she is defending her people. And then there's Ahran, the male protagonist who seems insensitive at the beginning till the book starts his view of events. Then I felt that he is brave and loyal, trying to do good for the people and his family without compromise. All other characters add life to the story and make it three dimensional with their emotions and feelings. I felt that the main characters were well developed including the villain of the story, Morlor with his dark and devious nature.

The story was well written with secrets revealed at surprising points which kept me interested in the plot till the end. The pace was steady till the last part of the book where I felt it was kind of rushed and the scenes were cut short. But then the events unfolded at such a speed that the book ended before I could catch up with everyone emotionally. There was a twist at the end which had me thinking - "Justice at last!"

The magic system of the book was familiar and different at the same time but good.I would love to have that kind of powers in real life. It would make life interesting! The world built around humans and darklings was fresh and unique. I liked the pairings of the characters and the soft romance between them. The book has the right blend of romance, action, adventure and magic to make a great read. I found it very enjoyable and I would recommend it to all romantic fantasy lovers out there.

My one line review : Robin Hood-y tale in a fantastical setting equals Halfing!

My rating : 5/5

My reread factor : 4/5

Floryie @ http://thebookdrealms.blogspot.com

[Melissa (missy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story was well written with secrets revealed at surprising points which kept me interested in the plot till the end. The pace was steady till the last part of the book where I felt it was kind of rushed and the scenes were cut short. I liked the book and would read something else written by this author, but I wish the ending had of had the same steady pace as the rest

[It's Super Mushroom! · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars!!! This is a beautiful story. NO CLIFFHANGER! A SATISFACTORY ENDING!

I was so afraid that this was one of those adventures that would last through several books, but everything came together nicely in the end. It was a natural flow of storytelling. There was no rush, that is, no sudden burst of action that left you reeling and confused. I think it was the writer's style of writing that appealed to me.

As for "Ahran", *sighs dreamily* he was just so cute. ~

[Fenley Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't read a lot of YA, but a YA fantasy intrigued me. First of all, THANK YOU for not having a love triangle--I despise that YA trope. The start of the book is excellent, with vivid descriptions and gut-wrenching viscerals--you really feel like you're in her skin. The middle and end of the book don't seem to have the same level of detail, however. I liked the book and would read something else written by this author, but I wish the detailed editing ran throughout the entire novel.

[Abrielle Fuerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfectly gripping! Vivid setting and deep, remarkable characters. Knew from page 1 that I must read this book:)