Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Halfling

Reviews tagging 'Sexual assault'

Halfling by S.E. Wendel

9 reviews

laylareadsthings's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I can best describe this book as the warmest of cozy fantasy romances. If you want to read something that is basically the book form a giant hug right when you need it, this is it.

Looking for something that is pure vibes and emotion? Please read this. That’s not to say there isn’t plot or adventure here, but it’s mostly a story of two people learning how to heal and find themselves, and within that, each other. Even the tragedies are journeyed through in a way to bring hope and solace.

Orek is a character who could easily come off one note, but is handled with wonderful nuance by the author’s descriptions and keen understanding of how to display his tragedies and the shortcomings they’ve created for him as an adult. Sorcha is the epitome of an eldest daughter without being turned into a caricature or her family villainized. She is me and I am her.

And I really loved their love story. It’s almost painfully slow, but to have it any other way would be a disservice to their characters. And when it finally happens, it’s explosive and the spice does not taper off.

I can see how others might find parts of this story repetitive or over-written with the level of description. But anytime I found myself skimming, I always went back to gather the details. Very cleverly, the book doesn’t end once the romance is earned, and it’s a refreshing reminder that “I love you” isn’t the end all be all. There are lives to live and difficulties still to be overcome. I particularly enjoyed the back half of this book and spending time with a wider cast of characters - which it seems will be explored as the series continues with interconnected standalones.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, straight to the point romantic romp (I love those too!) this may not fill the gap, but if you want to fall deeply in love with a new world and some flawed beings with absolute hearts of gold - pour a cup of tea and curl up in a blanket and crack this book open. I promise you won’t regret it!

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kim03's review

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3.5

That third act conflict 😒

This book had an unhealthy amount of sex scenes. (Also who the heck talks about in from of 1. their family and 2. in front of the lord of the land basically and his court?)

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carlaabra's review

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adventurous emotional slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

First half of the book was great, 4.5 stars, slow burn romance. It’s tense and sweet. He rescues her from slavery and treks to return her to her family. There’s some species hostility, surprisingly no language barrier! MMC is a halfling, hated by his orc clan and abandoned by his human mother, drowning in his insecurities and feeling unworthy. He’s a total cinnamon roll with touch-her-and-die orc tendencies. FMC is the control freak oldest sibling, “I’m not a damsel in distress, I’m a callused and capable farm girl”. She was annoying at first, especially ad she took every opportunity to crow about how capable she is, but over time her personality is more fleshed out. They develop friendship then attraction as they travel together; the main angst is miscommunication, “I like them but do they like me”.

Second half, after the feelings reveal and return home, was not great: the pacing was totally off, boring plot, 80% smut and uneventful smut at that. There is a lot of cozy, fluffy family scenes (boring for me). Sorcha’s plotline about becoming her own woman felt forced. Also apparently she’s a badass fighter for some reason, who knew horses were so deadly. The climax in the third act (ESPECIALLY the miscommunication that caused it!) was too much imo.

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dearhaleynicole's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book was just straight-up vibes and I loved it so much! The characters (specifically our main male & female) are one of the cutest couples I've ever read 🥹💕 Sorcha & Orek had so much heart written into them and their stories that so quickly after they crossed paths, I was already in love with them.

You can quote on me on this... I will ALWAYS be down to read a "scary on the outside/cinnamon-roll on the inside" MMC and Orek was that and more. And Sorcha is such a dedicated, older sister who takes on so much responsibility because she thinks she has to earn her place. But then Orek comes along and not only tells her her true worth, but also SHOWS her. Ugh. This is couple goals. Oh and "Orek the Orc"? Stupidly cute. 5/5 stars for that alone.

As I just finished reading the book, I also checked out the author's note at the back of the book and I think Wendel described the book there as a whole SO well when she said: "It's like a cozy blanket and soft cardigan and warm chocolate cookies." I want that tonight and every night from now on out! Overall, just such a sweet, heart-warming read (with top notch spice ✌🏻).

Would highly recommend for lovers of Jenna Wolfhart, who wrote Forged by Magic and Brewed in Magic!

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doahdancer's review

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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saraahh's review

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Such a great read! This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more from them! The pacing felt a little inconsistent at times but the world building, character development and top notch spice more than made up for it.

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