Official Review: Halfling by Donna Marie Robb

[Amagine]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Halfling" by Donna Marie Robb.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In Donna Marie Robb’s Halfling, there are two worlds. One world is our own world which is called,“Realearth” and the other world is “Dreamearth.” Dreamearth is an alternate world that is created and maintained by the dreams and thoughts of people from Realearth. In Dreamearth, watching the dreams of people is entertainment for the inhabitants. They watch and act out roles in the dreams, for example, pretending to be a person’s loved one, but they also make sure to keep a distance. The reason for that is because it is forbidden for Dreamearth inhabitants to have relations and children with those from Realearth. A child born from such a union is a "halfling", a powerful and dangerous being who can easily enter both worlds and be a great danger to both as well.

Our main character, Remmi Clearwater, is a halfling who grows up in the gloomiest province of Dreamearth. She lost her mother, doesn’t know who her father is and is forced to live her life pretending to be a mindless drone in fear that others will discover her powers and identity. When her secret is discovered, she is forced to escape and try to start a new life. During this time, she discovers things about herself, the truth about her parents and ultimately, she must save Dreamearth from its slow and imminent destruction when people’s dreams become distorted by a mysterious being who wishes to end the world.

Halfling is a coming of age, fantasy book that will draw readers of all ages. The plot is both exciting and complex as readers learn more about the inhabitants of Dreamearth and the role they play in the dreams of people. The author creates an interesting, alternate reality. In another reality, people’s dreams are treated like movie productions. Inhabitants with special abilities are hired to act out scenes in the dream which is watched by the entire world. Once a dream has ended, the person from Realearth will wake up in their world, not even knowing that they had visited an alternate reality. Even though it is a fantasy book, there are still many elements of realism. We see a lot of it with the character of Remmi.

Remmi has special powers. She can create illusions, fly and other telepathic abilities. Despite her power, she is still an ordinary teen who is struggling to find herself and find her way around a world that refuses to accept her existence. We see her struggles and loneliness, but we also see her determination to create a happy life for herself. Remmi’s character goes through many changes and development. She was first introduced as a frightened girl who has had to take abuse almost her entire life. As time goes by, her character grows stronger as she is determined to fight back,“I’d been bullied by these brutes ever since I was a small child and had to take it for fear of my life. But that no longer mattered. If I was to die, I’d do so fighting.” Also, even though her life in Dreamearth wasn't ideal, she still does everything in her power to try to save the world and its people. Remmi is the kind of character that readers will either relate to or wish they were more like.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. The reason that I’m giving it only three is because while I loved the plot and Remmi’s character, there were a lot of parts that were quite confusing. There were a few things that I felt should have been better explained. There were also times when the fantasy was a little too much and the plot became hard to follow. Towards the end of the book, it seemed a little rushed and even more confusing when the author tries to combine all the subplots together with the main plot. Despite these negatives, I still enjoyed the story and would recommend it to any reader who enjoys fantasy. This book is one that they will want to have on their shelves.

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Halfing
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Note from Author: On the website, DonnaMarieRobb.com, we have added a tween/teen book club and homeschool curriculum for HALFLING. Donna is dedicated to literacy and hopes this will excite and engage students to read!

[MarisaRose]

This sounds like such a unique and imaginative plot! That being said, I can see how aspects of it could get confusing. That being said, I'm still intrigued by the premise! Thanks for the insightful review

[kandscreeley]

I've read quite a few books that are confusing lately. It's like the author has this picture in their head but can't quite communicate it to the readers. It's too bad. Sounds like an interesting book though. Thanks.

[Amagine]

Thank you for reading, ladies! I really appreciate it!

[Dh_]

The idea behind the book is unlike anything I've ever read. It sounds pretty interesting. I liked you descriptive review!

[Amagine]

The idea behind the book is unlike anything I've ever read. It sounds pretty interesting. I liked you descriptive review!

Thank you so much for reading!

[Jaime Lync]

This book sounds very intriguing. It sounds like the sort of book that garners a second reading from people like me who only like to read a book once. Great review!

[Amagine]

This book sounds very intriguing. It sounds like the sort of book that garners a second reading from people like me who only like to read a book once. Great review!

Thank you for reading, Jaime!

[Heidi M Simone]

Dreamearth and Realearth...this definitely sounds like a unique tale, which is great nowadays. I like that Remmi is still a relatable teenager though she has special powers. Too bad about the confusing parts, but I'm glad that you were still able to enjoy the book!

[Amagine]

Dreamearth and Realearth...this definitely sounds like a unique tale, which is great nowadays. I like that Remmi is still a relatable teenager though she has special powers. Too bad about the confusing parts, but I'm glad that you were still able to enjoy the book!

Thank you for reading!

[Kitkat3]

I think that I would like this book and Remmi's character. It's too bad that the end was a little abrupt, but I really like the idea of the story. Great review!

[Amagine]

I think that I would like this book and Remmi's character. It's too bad that the end was a little abrupt, but I really like the idea of the story. Great review!

Yes, Remmi was an awesome character! Thanks for reading!

[christinac_2585]

I like the concept of two worlds. The main thing I'm interested in is the one thing that isn't supposed to be conceived, a halfling, is what can save Dreamworld. I enjoy reading these types of books. Thank you for the review!

[Amagine]

I like the concept of two worlds. The main thing I'm interested in is the one thing that isn't supposed to be conceived, a halfling, is what can save Dreamworld. I enjoy reading these types of books. Thank you for the review!

Thank you for reading!