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Victoria Vassallo
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Welcome to Halfling House: An Urban Fantasy Novel (The Briarmoor Chronicles, Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Victoria Vassallo (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 419 ratings

What do you get when you have a renegade Greek Goddess, a fiery witch, a toddler dragon, a fae child, and a temperamental teenage bogeyman in one house?

Chaos.

Not literally, of course. Ellie – or more accurately, the Greek Goddess formerly known as Eleos – left the true embodiment of Chaos behind when she abandoned the Greek Pantheon for the mortal world.

Spilt milk, giant sunflowers and random spot fires are just par for the course when you’re raising Halflings, the outcasts of the magickal world. Fortunately for Ellie, she has Clara – the first Halfling she adopted – to help navigate the thin line between the mortal and magickal worlds.

A new Halfling’s arrival brings more challenges than expected when a legend from Ellie’s past emerges, determined to destroy the newborn. Trusting strangers is not in Ellie’s skillset, but even this immortal Goddess needs to learn a thing or two if she’s going to protect her own from those who would rather they didn’t exist.

Follow Ellie and her brood as they navigate the everyday hassles of life, the extraordinary battles with the magickal, and uncover the mysteries of the town they call home, Briarmoor.

This series is perfect for anyone who loves heartfelt and hilarious stories about found family, protective mama bears, diverse magic and creatures, slow-burn fade-to-black romance, and LGBTQIA+ representation.

***Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards in 2024***

Readers have fallen in love with The Briarmoor Chronicles, now it's your turn!

'This is an adorable cozy urban fantasy and I loved it! Pick this up if you want a feel-good read with action, adventure, a touch of romance, and of course, magic' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'This story has romance and fantasy in the best mix of action and drama you could ask for. I cannot wait for Book #2!! Well worth the wait' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I am so glad that I took a chance on an indie author and now eagerly await the release of the next book' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Awesome book. I did cry though, more than once. The love, friendship, and family is just amazing. I need to read the rest. I'm hooked' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Briarmoor Chronicles:
Halfling House Origins - Prequel
Welcome to Halfling House - Book One
Merry Magickal Mischief - Christmas Story
Rescued by Halfling House - Book Two
Sanctuary at Halfling House - Book Three
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 1 of 4
    The Briarmoor Chronicles
  2. Print length
    181 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    July 28, 2024
  6. Reading age
    13 - 18 years
  7. File size
    4.9 MB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

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 See full series
There are 4 books in this series.
This option includes 2 books.
2 unreleased or unavailable books are excluded.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CZWZWPZQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Victoria Vassallo
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 28, 2024
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.9 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 181 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1763539105
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 1 of 4 ‏ : ‎ The Briarmoor Chronicles
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 13 - 18 years
  • Best Sellers Rank: #113,555 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 419 ratings

About the author

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Victoria Vassallo

Victoria Vassallo

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Victoria Vassallo can be described in many ways. However, the most accurate would be a tea-loving storyteller obsessed with creating worlds inspired by ancient myths and legends. She is also an Australian solo mother-of-two who spends her days keeping the real world at bay with the endless mystical and magical possibilities that her imagination and an empty page possess.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
419 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this urban fantasy novel engaging, with a unique plot and well-developed characters. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its writing quality and emotional depth, with one customer noting its focus on healthy relationships. Additionally, customers appreciate the well-paced narrative and consider it a great start to a new series.

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ReadabilityStory qualityCharacter developmentWriting qualityAuthor's potentialEmotional contentPace
27 customers mention "Readability"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable to read, with one customer describing it as an adorable cozy urban fantasy.

"...it is about found family and how strong that love can be. Great read" Read more

"Great book..." Read more

"From the first chapter to the last line this book was a joy to read. The characters were well developed and just easy to get to know...." Read more

"Sweet, beautiful and filled with hope winning just the way I needed to find a little of faith that things can go right" Read more

23 customers mention "Story quality"23 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story of this urban fantasy novel, appreciating its unique plot and well-developed world-building.

"Sweet, beautiful and filled with hope winning just the way I needed to find a little of faith that things can go right" Read more

"...of Greek mythology and contemporary Australian life in this cosy urban fantasy...." Read more

"This story is a great start to a new series. This story will catch your attention and keep it till the end." Read more

"Really fun glimpse into different worlds. Nice speed, no boring lulls in the story...." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers love the characters in the book.

"...The characters were well developed and just easy to get to know. Here’s hoping book 2 is as good." Read more

"...It's light hearted except for the warring part and the characters are fresh. We have a little of Olympic and fairytales and monsters...." Read more

"I loved the concept of the storyline. The characters were fun and playful. I am looking forward to the next book." Read more

"I enjoyed reading this well written story. The characters are likable and real in their concerns and love. They are also fully developed...." Read more

7 customers mention "Writing quality"7 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, noting it is well composed and edited, with one customer mentioning there are no crazy grammar mistakes.

"...Nice speed, no boring lulls in the story. Also very well edited, no crazy grammar mistakes which for me makes a book much more enjoyable!" Read more

"...is a series by a new author that has an interesting story and is well written...." Read more

"Loved every single line. Now I want a Haling House! I can’t wait to start the new book. Hope to see much more from this author" Read more

"...Pick this up if you want a feel good read with action, adventure, a touch of romance, and of course, magic." Read more

6 customers mention "Author's potential"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's potential and consider this a great start to a new series.

"This story is a great start to a new series. This story will catch your attention and keep it till the end." Read more

"...It's a good start by a new author and I am looking forward to finding where it leads...." Read more

"The author has a lot of potential. I look forward to reading more of her work. There is a depth of story and a very good way of sharing emotions...." Read more

"Must read - Great New Author..." Read more

6 customers mention "Emotional content"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one review noting how the characters' concerns and love are portrayed realistically, while another mentions its light-hearted tone and focus on healthy relationships.

"...It has a relatively gentle pace, and a focus on healthy relationships." Read more

"...I loved this tale. Ellie's warmth and compassion are clear to see. The kids are quirky and believable and the danger is palpable...." Read more

"Not PG but cute. It's light hearted except for the warring part and the characters are fresh...." Read more

"...The characters are likable and real in their concerns and love. They are also fully developed. The plot is unique, entertaining, and well paced...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pace"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-paced, with one mentioning they read fast to see what happened next.

"...It has a relatively gentle pace, and a focus on healthy relationships." Read more

"Really fun glimpse into different worlds. Nice speed, no boring lulls in the story...." Read more

"The story starts slowly. But mid way it starts to pick and moves fast. Thoroughly enjoyed the halfling babies. They are so cute!..." Read more

"...for them, laughing, worried for their safety and reading fast to see what happened next. I couldn't put it down...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Cally Walker
    5.0 out of 5 stars some k on new gotta do it
    Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    When the gods leave their get around and no one wants them who to take care? Ellie in the Australian small towns
    Helpful
     Report
  • laffwithlinda
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it.
    Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    From the first chapter to the last line this book was a joy to read. The characters were well developed and just easy to get to know. Here’s hoping book 2 is as good.
    Helpful
     Report
  • M R G
    4.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read
    Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I liked the combination of Greek mythology and contemporary Australian life in this cosy urban fantasy.

    It has a relatively gentle pace, and a focus on healthy relationships.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Happy I read this
    Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Sweet, beautiful and filled with hope winning just the way I needed to find a little of faith that things can go right
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This story is a great start to a new series. This story will catch your attention and keep it till the end.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Brittany Ellis
    5.0 out of 5 stars very fun read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Really fun glimpse into different worlds. Nice speed, no boring lulls in the story. Also very well edited, no crazy grammar mistakes which for me makes a book much more enjoyable!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • LA Hill
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice start for a new author!
    Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is a series by a new author that has an interesting story and is well written. It's a good start by a new author and I am looking forward to finding where it leads. I'm hoping it gets a bit more in-depth with character background information as to me that lays the foundation for the readers to become interested in what happens to them. She's done well here, just not as much as I'd like. It brings in the capriciousness of the Greek gods, which I've always found interesting. I hope you enjoy it too!
    Helpful
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  • Brenda Higgins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book pulls you in, I stayed up most of the night reading it. You come to care about the people in the story. I can't wait to read book 2.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • AA Lee
    4.0 out of 5 stars For Single Moms
    Reviewed in Canada on May 16, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This one is definitely for all the single moms, who will appreciate Ellie's efforts to raise 3 not-human children with very special needs (and talents) - I am not including Clara and Shade in that count, and even with their help, she is outnumbered. Ellie's struggles to allow her oldest fosterlings to stretch their wings and to learn to be take adult responsibilities is poignantly realistic - I know that I would have problems beating down my protectiveness too. All in all, this is a touching glimpse at what a family should be, even with troubles popping up like Alora's sunflowers. A mother's work is never done, is it?
    Report
  • Cassandra A.J. Lee, Founder & Head Lifestyle Designer, InSight Lifestyle Design
    5.0 out of 5 stars heart warming with just enough action to keep it interesting
    Reviewed in Australia on January 29, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I don’t even know that this well crafted tale was the work of a first time author until I reached het note at the book’s end.
    A beautiful blend of heart, action and some cool bits of myth and folklore that come from the lesser known parts of Greek and Celtic mythologies, with a tiny sprinkling of shy romance.
    Great character work….. everyone has their own personality and written so well that even the background characters had enough going that their personalities were clearly peeking out ready to be explored more fully in further stories.
    A complete tale within this book, that would have done fine as a standalone story.
    Super happy to see that it has at least two more stories (one released and one to go) on kindle unlimited…. Also spotted a prequel that is pay to play, planning to read it as soon as my budget allows.
    Report
  • marina
    4.0 out of 5 stars Protect your family and dare to love.
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on July 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Ellie is Elios , a greec goddess, who lives her life on her own on earth. She has a house in Brairmoor Australia where she fosters halflings.
    Most people don't know those children have magical abilities and the human parents are terrified of their extra powers. The magical parents consider halflings weak and inferior and want them dead. The halflings that survive need a safe place which Ellie with her own powers can give. Or not?
    The story starts with the arrival of a new halfling, she is dropped at the fire station. Mason, a firefighter with a good heart, has started a drop-off point for abandoned children there.
    Ellie has prevented a attack on one of her fosters and discovers that her own powers are diminishing and she start to become a mortal. She has to seek help from others to keep her family protected.
    The story throws the reader in an whirlwind of emotions. It starts with a feeling of safety, compassion and love. The flashbacks to Ellie's former life makes the story more believable and also more dangerous. Her fear of dying and not being able to protect the halflings grows and she needs to have courage to trust someone else to help her. That help and trust is somewhat forced upon her and the dynamics in briarwood changes. Can the halfling house survive?

    There is a unique point of view about greec gods. The twenty plus years of starting the halfling house is a bit underexposed and I would like some more background stories. I hope the next book has more of that.
    I wanted for Ellie to protect her family and to let it grow. The powers and antics of the halflings make you laugh and you also feel the exhaustion and insecurities when taking care of them.

    Looking forward to the next book.
    Report
  • Fiona
    5.0 out of 5 stars paranormal family drama action romance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Fascinating characters and events. Gods, goddesses, and other paranormals, and DIY. Lots of feels and banter, with found family and biological family mixing. Lots of plot, action and quips. Engaging read.
    Report
  • Suzanne Reid
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A very good story with great, believable characters. A story with love, fear, prejudice and misunderstanding, in fact t, all the emotions and feelings one can have.
    Report

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