Counterpoint

I’m happy to say I didn’t just like 'Counterpoint' (Song of the Fallen, Book 1) by Rachel Haimowitz; I loved it. If time had allowed, I would have finished it days sooner, but maybe it’s for the best that I couldn’t rush through it...as I so wanted to do. I didn’t want to put it down, yet I wanted to take my time over it. I wanted to take my time, because I didn’t want it to finish. I didn’t want to finish because even a third into the book, I sensed I would want the next one...IMMEDIATELY, and when I did close the last page, it was with protesting cry that in the absence of the next book, I wanted to flip back to the first page and start again. Why?

Tension.

Tension tension tension. Tension and characters that you ache show more for, and desire to see happy. Contrary to one or two reviews where readers (for various reasons) said they struggled to get into this book -- although they said they loved it once they did -- I had no such problems falling straight into the story. Maybe my love of the fantasy genre helped, or maybe it’s because this book is a higher calibre than many modern romances, which are written in a rush to satisfy the reader by getting to the sex so fast there’s the risk of forsaking the story. This book is far from riddled with sex, but those scenes are worth waiting for, and all the more significant because of the journey to get there.

These scenes occur at the perfect moments and are written in a wonderfully sweet, blindingly powerful way, without the need of coarse words, or making these men speak soppy to each other. Even moments of violence are written in an effecting way without being deliberately graphic. I also couldn’t be more delighted to say there’s no unrealistic dialogue or action (one of my personal aversions) as well as a good use and variety of language, all blended into a proper story. How refreshing! show less

What an amazing book! Fantasy is not my favourite genre and yet I was immediately captured and held spellbound! The characters are so well developed, the plot interesting, and the pacing perfectly suited to the scene - from slow and unhurried to racing at breakneck speed! I didn't much care for the cliffie but it's not a big deal as I already have the sequel in my hot little hands!

Heh... well. My main thought: BITCHES LOVE STOCKHOLM SYNDROME.

XD That was Katie's fault.

The book was interesting. And long O.O and then didn't END! ARGH! XD Now I'll have to read the sequel.

I'm not a big fan of the whole master and slave concept so that was a bit off putting, I was imagining something more like love despite adversity, not coming to love one's captor which I'm not a huge fan of. And seriously, enough with the 'twas 'twould and 'twere! XD

That said... I think I am going to read the sequel.

Many people will tell you that you can't choose who you fall in love with. And sometimes that is a distressing reality. As Ayden finds when he leaves his elven brethren and enters service of Freyrik, a human prince. Not only must they contend with the long history of enmity between their two races, but Ayden's strong will is something he hopes will be enough to fight off any feelings of attraction that he senses are creeping up. But strong will can translate to passion and close proximity to someone who takes your breath away is bound to break down a wall eventually. The question is what to do once it comes crashing down. For Ayden and Freyrik, that's not an easy question to answer.

I really enjoyed reading "Counterpoint" book 1. The author has done a great job with the world building. The battles scenes are realistic and feel organic within the whole. Language wise she has managed to convey an other worldliness without it being disruptive to the flow of the text.

I liked the way Rachel didn't flinch from introducing the dark elements into the story. Blood does flow, but not gratuitously. Her characters are true to themselves, and their connection takes times to build.

Although it's only the first book in a series, there is a degree of completeness to this section, so don't fear reading it immediately. Having said that, I can't wait for the next episode. There are many ways the plot could develop from here, so I look show more forward to see what path Rachel takes. show less

I've started reading Crescendo (Song of the Fallen, #2) right after. The way this ended, I couldn't not start on the second book right away. Interesting book and I like Freyrik and Ayden, but the world they live in... I could sympathize better with Ayden's world view. Humans don't seem all that worth saving. From what I've seen they're rather petty, mean and bloodthirsty.

I rarely find a fantasy romance book that has an in depth culture description, plot, and great sex. They usually are mutually exclusive.


This had the nail biting tension of the Sword of Truth series, but the added bonus of a passionate romance. Not to mention it is a male/male romance.


If you like male/male and fantasy, then you need to pick this up.


One note, this book ends abruptly, so be prepared to jump right into the second one.