Halflings

Gr 7–10—The angelic (or in this case half angelic) YA invasion continues with this series opener. Nikki Youngblood is just an average 17-year-old, which means she's a black belt in karate, an intuitive artist whose work is already in a gallery, a science nerd, a motorcycle chick, and, of course, beautiful in an unconventional way. She is also being chased by assorted human and otherworldly bad guys (and hell hounds), possibly under the control of the mysterious Damon Vessler. Not to worry; a trio of super-hot blond guys-not angel or human but something sadly in between-has been tasked with keeping her safe. Halflings are the offspring of rebellious angels and human women. While they are allowed to fight on the side of good, they aren't given the possibility of a heavenly afterlife or even allowed to fall in love. No surprise that Good Boy Mace and Bad Boy Raven are both attracted to Nikki. Religion is addressed but isn't particularly intrusive; secondary characters are pretty stock (the ditzy BFF, the antisocial computer-nerd Halfling); and Nikki, despite her many talents, is more Bella than Katniss. Still, fans of the Romeo & Juliet model will enjoy, and the cliff from which readers are left hanging should entice them to return for Book 2.—Mara Alpert, Los Angeles Public Library