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Counterpoint (Song of the Fallen #1)

by Rachel Haimowitz (Goodreads Author), Nathie Block (Cover Artist)

3.94 of 5 stars 3.94 · rating details · 1,233 ratings · 172 reviews

It is the twilight of mankind. Depleted by generations of war with a dark race, the human kingdoms and their ancient alliance stand on the brink of extinction. The outlands are soaked with the blood of the fallen. The midlands are rotting with decadence and despair.

Elfkind, estranged by past crimes, watches and waits for nature to run its course.

And then the two collide.

Ay...more

ebook, 414 pages

Published July 31st 2010 by Riptide Publishing

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Dec 29, 2011 Jenre rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, m-m, romance

I've read various reviews of this book and had mixed feelings about reading it. On the plus side is the fact that I like fantasy stories, and I also like master/slave or captor/captured stories (no comments about what this says about me as a person, please!). On the minus side, I often find it difficult to read stories where one character is so wholly under the power of another to the extent that they are completely helpless. In the end, after reading another book by this author, I decided to gi...more I've read various reviews of this book and had mixed feelings about reading it. On the plus side is the fact that I like fantasy stories, and I also like master/slave or captor/captured stories (no comments about what this says about me as a person, please!). On the minus side, I often find it difficult to read stories where one character is so wholly under the power of another to the extent that they are completely helpless. In the end, after reading another book by this author, I decided to give this a go and see whether I would have the same reaction as my fellow reviewers.

The story is a high fantasy set in a fictional country where the land is divided between men and elves. There is enmity between the two peoples stretching back about 300 years and as a result elves are viewed with deep hatred and suspicion by men. The story begins as we meet elf Ayden who ventures into human territory to rescue his sister who is about to be captured by men who wish to sell her as a slave. Unfortunately, Ayden fails and he and his sister are brought to the Prince Regent, Freyrik. Freyrik enslaves Ayden for himself, attracted by his handsome looks. Life is not easy for the two heroes though - Ayden finds life as a slave dull, despite his growing attraction and respect for Freyrik and Freyrik is caught up in an oncoming battle between humans and bespelled beasts. More importantly, there's growing dissatisfaction amongst the people about the king's 'pet elf'.

Usually when I read a book where one of the characters is forced into slavery my feelings are mostly on the side of the slave. I found it intriguing then that most of my sympathy in this book was directed towards Freyrik. As slavery goes, Ayden has it pretty easy. He's kept in comfort, provided with all the clothes and food that he needs, and is actually quite indulged by Freyrik. He's allowed to speak his mind to the king - a luxury few have - and although Freyrik has every right to demand and even take his sexual pleasure with Ayden, he doesn't whilst the elf isn't willing. Therefore I found Ayden to be a rather petulant character, prone to fits of surliness and temper. On the other hand, I also admired his pride, spirit and determination not to be cowed by his slavery. The points in the book where I did feel some sympathy for Ayden was when he was exposed to the scorn and hatred of the soldiers. Even then, Ayden isn't broken, choosing to fight back rather than stand and take the insults. By the end of the book, where we see Ayden at his most noble and self-sacrificing, I had grown to like him.

I still liked Freyrik better though! He is standing in as king for an absent brother, something which weighs heavily on him. I felt sorry for Freyrik for most of the book. He has a deep and abiding love of his country and the people he governs and that love is returned. I thought the author did a good job of showing how well respected Freyrik is as a ruler, and how that respect is slowly eroded through his relationship with Ayden. If had any frustrations with the story, it was at how unfair his subjects treat him over his love of an elf, how he is scorned behind his back and forced into a difficult situation just because of his feelings.

Fantasy stories are dependent on good world-building and I felt in this book the author hadn't offered me anything too new - it was the usual high fantasy setting of courts and kingdoms, of battles and glory. Having said that, it also didn't bother me as I felt comfortable within the setting and that the important parts of the book were in the relationships and characterisation, not any elaborate or unusual setting. The book excelled in characterisation and not just with Freyrik and Ayden, but also with the secondary characters who move in and around the couple, helping and hindering in turn. I felt there was a good mix of court machinations, quiet couple time, high drama on the battlefields and tense confrontations to keep my interest throughout the book. In fact, I found it very difficult to put the book down and would have read the whole 350 pages in one sitting if it hadn't got so late!

One final thing to say is that this book is the first part of a duology. As a result, this book finishes half way through the story. I didn't think it was too bad a place to leave it - the heroes are about to move away from the current setting into a new one and embark on what could be a dangerous journey for them. However, that didn't stop me feeling disappointed about having to wait until the second book is released (later this year, apparently).

Those of you who love high fantasy will not be disappointed in the sweeping narrative of the story, nor the tightly written scenes of high drama and intrigue. Those of you looking for a quick erotic read need to steer clear of the book. There is eroticism, but it plays a second role to relationship, character and plot. I enjoyed Counterpoint a great deal and I suspect it will be a story which stays with me for some time. Now I just need to be patient and wait for book 2!(less)

19 likes · like · see review

Jul 24, 2012 Nikyta rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to Nikyta by: Anne

Shelves: ebook-and-pbhc, all-time-favs, cruelty-abuse, scifi-fantasy, friends-or-enemies-to-lovers, injury-recovery, kidnapped-hostage-taken, little-or-no-smexing, m-m, magic, master-slave, military, otherworld, royalty, series-serial, stockholm-syndrome-kinda, warriors, cliff-hanger, published-on-amazon

I loved this book. I was putting it off because of the cliffhanger everyone was talking about but after finishing it, I'm really glad I read it. The cliffhanger wasn't as bad as I was anticipating, though. Or maybe because I knew it was coming that I didn't have such a problem with it. To me, it felt as if it was just a not so subtle warning that there will be a sequel to Counterpoint. And how glad I am about that. This book had everything in it that pushes my buttons. Hostage situation, slavery...more

14 likes · like · see review

Apr 03, 2011 MsMiz (Tina) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-all

Lent to me - Kindle

Dearest Rachel - Hmmm lets see - it is late right now. I could not put the book down. I had to know how the story unfolded as I was unable to plot its course while reading. Therefore, I may not make complete coherent sense. So let me try:

1. I was deep into the story and the characters. I hated them, I loved them, I wanted to scratch their eyes out, I wanted to hold them. I am a character driven reader. I need to know and feel who they are or the story is just a story and to me...more

23 likes · like · see review

Sep 07, 2012 Aleksandr Voinov added it

Okay, I started this a while ago - I had to read a couple other things first, and I was planning to read this when the worst stress of the year would be over. Boy, am I glad I did (wait). I'm not sure this book would have fitted into a busy life. It's too long to be read during a stolen afternoon, and too engrossing to want to rush it or share headspace while the rest of your life's too busy to enjoy it.

This is to say, this is one of those fantasy reads that I've been missing like all hell: Goo...more Okay, I started this a while ago - I had to read a couple other things first, and I was planning to read this when the worst stress of the year would be over. Boy, am I glad I did (wait). I'm not sure this book would have fitted into a busy life. It's too long to be read during a stolen afternoon, and too engrossing to want to rush it or share headspace while the rest of your life's too busy to enjoy it.

This is to say, this is one of those fantasy reads that I've been missing like all hell: Good writing. Haimowitz has a hugely readable style that sucks you in and doesn't let you go. As a novelist, she doesn't cut corners. She handles action/battle scenes just as well as character exploration and sex. While the romance is a large part of the story, I'd be hard-pressed to call this book a romance, because it's much larger than that. Ultimately, it's about how two people come to trust each other and overcome a lot - a lot - of bad blood, while the rest of the world has very clear roles for both of them (or at least the human side does - the elves seem somewhat more laisser-faire).

There's politics, and beautifully written magic (I say that as somebody who prefers no magic, no elves, and certainly no glowing elves), and an exploration of culture. You have noble, self-sacrificing Freyrik, and super-snarky, hard-headed, easily-bored Ayden, and their dialogue often resembles a fencing bout.

The power dynamics are hugely entertaining as well. Both struggle - against themselves, each other, and ultimately, for their love. This is well-realised, well-crafted fantasy at its best. It's about human nature, believable, emotionally authentic. (I want to shout "THIS is how you do it, idjit!" to all those fantasy writers churning out 900 page bricks where nothing interesting happens.)

The twist at the end provides a great set-up for the second book, and I'm looking forward to that one. The editing is almost impeccable (I found one missing period), the cover works very well for the novel, too. If that's the level of quality that Guiltless Pleasure, the publisher, puts out consistently, I expect great things from them as well.

I didn't finish "Wheel of Time". In fact, I flung the second book as far as it would go, and remember it with revulsion. "Counterpoint" made me acquire everything Haimowitz has written so far, and I'll be getting a paper copy of the book. There's a keeper. And they are rare.(less)

18 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2011 Bookwatcher ~Mary MooCow~ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-gay, fairy, fantasy, favorites

The begin of the book is soooooooo great and I adore this first part, when you will be introduced to the elf Adyden.

With his uncontrollable hair and wild spirit Ayden is perfect. I love this character, and was astonished by his bravery. Trying to save his sister from humans he will be captured, finishing in the hands of the king's brother, the Prince Freyrik.

Freyrik is desperate fighting against ferals, and will see in Ayden the weapon against those magical perverted animals. Indeed the elf is...more

18 likes · like · see review

Dec 23, 2010 Emanuela ~plastic duck~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: rainbow-gay, glbt, fantasy

I loved this book. I would have finished in a couple of days if real life had stopped interfering with it.

The world building is compelling and lyrical, so is the writing. The musical theme was present throughout the book, weaving the world, the characters and the words together. What is expressed and the way it is expressed always fit and you are really taken to another world.

The relationship between the elf Ayden and the human Freyrik is beautiful and precious. Freyrik is immediately attracted...more

10 likes · like · see review

Nov 16, 2011 DarienMoya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: three-dollar-bill-reviews, 2011-reads, fave-books-of-2011, favorites, historical-m-m, my-m-m-lovin, fave-m-m-characters

^^A POINT WELL EFFIN MADE!^^

Counterpoint is one of those epic love stories, that completely engages the reader and makes you fall in love. I was completely caught up in the characters, and the world created. I will say honestly that I wanted to read this book, because the cover is just so impressive. It drew my eye, and it turned out that this book is more than just a pretty cover (pffft, pretty cover, more like a sexy cover).

This book as I said before is epic, epic fantasy that is. Its pure fi...more ^^A POINT WELL EFFIN MADE!^^

Counterpoint is one of those epic love stories, that completely engages the reader and makes you fall in love. I was completely caught up in the characters, and the world created. I will say honestly that I wanted to read this book, because the cover is just so impressive. It drew my eye, and it turned out that this book is more than just a pretty cover (pffft, pretty cover, more like a sexy cover).

This book as I said before is epic, epic fantasy that is. Its pure fiction, from the war with the ferals; to its hatred between men and elves. It can also be described as historical, without actually being historic. From the horses, lands armour and fighting soldiers. It offers up all the things I like in my historical romance, but with a great twist, and an elf that just makes me happy. It is a book for all my fantasy lovers, and those looking for a book with romance, that was a progression and did not happen in like 20 pages into the book.

Ayden is an eight-hundred year old elf. Watching a war play out between humans, and feral beasts. Feral beasts are animals that have been taken over by some form of darkness, and changed them into beasts. Their intent is to destroy, and their targets are humans. Ayden feels no love for the humans, he thinks them beasts also, arrogant, and stupid, and they share the land has enemies. The elves on their side, and the humans in their own little world. Until his sister enters human territory, and he has no choice but to go in and save her, when humans soldier are hot on her trail. He fights to protect his sister, but loses the battle and is captured, him and his sister both.

Acting King, Freyric is up to his ears in politics and war, he is prince but his brother crowned king is away due to the war with the ferals. That leaves Freyric to the responsibilities of life at court. When word gets to him about the capture of elves, one of the elves slaying sixteen of his men, his job is to lay out punishment. That becomes hard when his eyes land on the beautiful and battered Ayden. The stirrings of lust rushes forth, but Freyric is feeling something else, and makes Ayden his personal slave. This leads to a passionate story about a man fighting to save his people, and an elf warrior fighting to save his sister and leave the human world. What they never expected was to fall in love.

I thought this book was gonna be one of those stories, where the captured falls in love with his evil and domineering master. Forced to succumb to his lust, but eventually starting to care for the man. I was in for a treat, Miss Haimowitz manages the progression of feelings so beautifully. Here is a Freyric a man of power, who can take what he wants from Ayden, yet he was always such a gentleman. Never perfect, not always gentle but his attitude and apparent feelings for the elf was one of the reasons why this book was so enjoyable.

A friendship is formed wrapped in powerful emotions, and it’s through this, man and elf found a bond. Freyric must convince Ayden to help with the war, but Ayden cares nothing for humans and they care nothing for him. The people of Farr would love to see Ayden suffer, but their prince protects him and this very reason is causing suspicion of Freyric. Therefore, it becomes a story of sacrifice, what man/elf is willing to give up in the name of love. Will Freyric risk the love and respect from his people, and will Ayden throw out pride and sacrifice himself all in the name of love.

This book is for fans of true romance, who enjoy a good plot, and smart and witty characters. I am a fan, because I fell in love with Ayden’s humour and his strong spirit. I love Freyric’s loyalty and his compassion; he is just a “wow” of a character. I loved that sex played a secondary role to the story, and its characters. I loved the sexual tension. I loved the world building. I freaking loved it all. I recommend this read in a big way (BIG WAY).

I look forward to the second, because this book ended with my heart in my throat.

Reviewed for TDB Reviews

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8 likes · like · see review

Jan 05, 2011 Cat rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ok I just wanted to say that after reading this book I was mad and hurt... I was mad that I had to wait almost a whole year until the next one comes out. This book is a great story of Understanding, Patience and in the end love with some other stuff in the middle. I was caught hook, line and sinker and could not put it down. I swore after reading the ending I heard the dramatic music of supise and possible pending doom. Or was it..............

6 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Vivian rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adored, captive-slave-forced-marriage, gaymance

~~The first kiss--~~

~~Bloody fucking swoon~~

-----------------------

Review edited 16/4/2013

I know that this review is going to be a huge jump from my previous review and rating (which started off from a perfect 5 till I weaned it down to 4, now 3.5).

I think that previously, I was a worried (and perhaps a bit scared) about having a different review amongst what seemed to be the raving masses. Nowadays however, it bugs me every time I see this review. So now I've just decided to adopt a 'fuck this' atti...more

11 likes · like · see review

Apr 14, 2013 Dreamer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle, m-m-para-romance, magic, slave, own-series, elves, 5-star, epic-fantasy, lip-bitingly-good, love-a-bad-boy, unputdownable, war, shit-hot-cover

Just loved this book! Read this in one fell swoop, all 414 pages (apart from a quick dog walk). I'm a sucker for the combination of fantasy and m/m especially from author Rachel Haimowitz. The elf Ayden agrees to his master Freyrik's terms in order to save his sister fellow-captive Ella's honour. Straight on to book two..
description

'When Ayden looked back up, there was steel in his eyes of a kind Freyrik knew well: a warrior's commitment to a hopeless battle.
"If you keep her safe," he continued, "I will do...more

7 likes · like · see review

Aug 04, 2010 Tal Valante rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone who enjoys sinking his/her teeth in a rich fantasy world of erotic romance.

Rachel's debut novel is a tight weave of epic fantasy and hot passion between sworn enemies. No easy solutions here--Rachel will take you on a roller coaster ride, from resentment to defiance, from love to betrayal and back. You'll fall in love with Ayden's snark and with Freyrik's struggle between duty and passion.

If you enjoy erotic romance that has strong, vivid characters and an actual story to it, you'll love Counterpoint.

Caution: The book revolves around a homoerotic relationship. It's als...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Jerry rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy, favorites, military, true-love, violence

Wow, what a ride with two strong men (oops, I mean 1 man and 1 elf. An emotional roller coaster with heights so beautiful and lows so draining. I don't know how I can wait till the fall when the sequel comes out. But I bet it will be a series and the ending of the next book will be equally mad making. The setting reminded me a little of Lord of the Rings without it being the same at all. A great fantasy, the romance is tied up in there but there is so much more as well. Recommended for those who...more

5 likes · like · see review

Jun 19, 2011 Kumar naorem rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m-books, favorites

for those who gets connected with characters deeply i suggest you to wait till the second book is released. and for those who doesn't like books with not happy ending dont read it, not that is a completely tragic book, there were few happy moments but altogether it is barbaric, betrayal, romance and everything an epic should contain.

once i finished the book i searched for the second book and when i found out it is not released yet, whole night i was not able to sleep at the undecidability fate o...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Bree Cheese rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, romance, m-m

This book is more romance then erotic, despite what the cover might lead you to believe. Also, it's definitely in the fantasy genre. Overall, this is rather a sweet love story complete with an arrogant elf and a sexy prince holding him captive!

2 likes · like · see review

Jul 29, 2012 Gwen rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: alphabet-soup, the-light-and-dark-fantastic

Book #2 in the new series "Because Gwen is a Sucker for a Pretty, Pretty Cover." (Book #1 is Country Mouse, which, despite the blecchy title, has quite a fetching gentleman on its cover.) And I read primarily on a Kindle, so you'd think cover art wouldn't even be a factor in my picking up a book, but such is life.

Lucky for me this book is one of those worth judging by its cover. It's good. Very, very good even. So good that I'm trying not to sound like a rambling idiot here.

Okay. Let's do this....more Book #2 in the new series "Because Gwen is a Sucker for a Pretty, Pretty Cover." (Book #1 is Country Mouse, which, despite the blecchy title, has quite a fetching gentleman on its cover.) And I read primarily on a Kindle, so you'd think cover art wouldn't even be a factor in my picking up a book, but such is life.

Lucky for me this book is one of those worth judging by its cover. It's good. Very, very good even. So good that I'm trying not to sound like a rambling idiot here.

Okay. Let's do this.

The world is wonderfully set up from the get-go. You're dropped in right at the start and expected to keep up. It's what any good fantasy author does, presenting their vision of the world and the people therein as is and only giving the right hints and expostion in their proper times and places instead of inundating the reader with one huge infodump. Haimowitz does it well.

The idea that there is music vibrating through and from everything isn't all that new, but Haimowitz manages to make it fresh, a source of magic of its own, which I haven't really seen done before. The obvious presence of magic was actually a turn-off for me at first, because like a lot of people, I come from a fantasy tradition were magic lurks in the background. At first, to be honest, Ayden summoning lightning and whatnot brought back flashbacks of playing World of Warcraft. But I was able to get over it, especially since the use of obvious spells was eventually tampered down and replaced with that which was much less theatrical, with the pyrotechnics eventually happening almost completely off-page.

The language did bother me sometimes as well. I think there was a bit too much reliance on the word 'twas for example. 'Twas starting this sentence and the one after and for good measure reappearing a few more times in the same paragraph, and soon it just got old. And then there was the use of invented slang, which I actually had no problem with, seeing as how I've read most of Tolkien in existence, but I still found the constant use of "cracking" as an adjective/epithet to be jarring at times. I just kept imagining jaws popping after a particularly vigorous yawn, since that's the most experience I've had with "cracking" used in such a way.

I did enjoy the characters, especially when you could actually begin to see them acting in yes, counterpoint. Ayden and Freyrik are able to move independently of each other, and each has his own rhythm, but when they finally join together, they create harmony. Same with Ayden's sister Ella and the female antagonist Kona. They're so different from each other, sweetness to scheming, actual power to powerlessness, but they actually manage to get along and produce a harmony of their own.

The action does plod in places, and I could understand Ayden's frustration quite well, as for a very long time it seemed like nothing was ever going to happen outside of meetings and endless planning. But when the action picked up, it picked up fast and never actually slowed down, given how the book ends on a cliffhanger. Luckily my buying of books based on their covers extended to Crescendo, although now I have an entirely different reason for diving straight into it.(less)

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Jul 12, 2012 Jon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

An arrogant elf, a prince, fantasy, battles, awesome writing style...'tis all I need.

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 03, 2011 Christina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, elves, captive, pnr, enemies-to-lovers, m-m

I'm a big fan of fantasy and I've been looking for a good story in the m/m genre. I finally found it! Counterpoint is the first book in the Song of the Fallen series. This is an epic, world-building fantasy of Elves and Humans, two races who've hated each for centuries.

Although I loved the descriptive world and characters, it did take me some time to get used to the lyrical narrative style. After a few chapters it was smooth sailing.

Ayden is an 800 year old elf who can hear and feel people's e...more

I'm a big fan of fantasy and I've been looking for a good story in the m/m genre. I finally found it! Counterpoint is the first book in the Song of the Fallen series. This is an epic, world-building fantasy of Elves and Humans, two races who've hated each for centuries.

Although I loved the descriptive world and characters, it did take me some time to get used to the lyrical narrative style. After a few chapters it was smooth sailing.

Ayden is an 800 year old elf who can hear and feel people's emotions through song. The closest description of Ayden I think of is a Bard with magical abilities. He is strong-willed, proud, always has a quick witty come back and above all he loves his sister, Ella. Although Ayden hates humans, he is forced to cross into the their lands in order to save his sister. He fights and kills along the way and eventually Ayden and his sister are captured by the humans.

Prince Freyrik Farr, the acting King is instantly fascinated and attracted to Ayden. He is a strong and compassionate man. At the time Ayden is enslaved, Freyrik is preparing for the upcoming Surge. This was a bit confusing to me a first. I knew the Surge was an upcoming battle between the humans and the Ferals(crazed beasts) but I wasn't exactly sure the history behind the Ferals. I wanted more details. I felt the history and the relationship between the Ferals, Elves, and Humans was lacking in the beginning. It was eventually explained but I would have liked a bit more up front.

I absolutely adored the relationship between Freyrik and Ayden. And the sexual tension was off the charts! Freyrik is constantly torn between his duty and love for his people and his attraction and ever building connection to Ayden. Freyrik's people despise and want to kill Ayden. Fredrik wants nothing more than to please his people and rule fairly but how does he do this while trying to win Ayden's affections? Ayden does nothing but push Freyrik away and wants nothing to do with him. Even though Freyrik wants Ayden he never forces himself upon him. Behind closed doors Freyrik slowly falls in love with Ayden, while in public he puts up a front for his people. It's like a juggling act that slowly eats away at Freyrik.

Ayden is also constantly battling his emotions. All he wants to do is save his sister and gain their freedom. He will do anything to assure Ella's safety. In the beginning, Ayden has nothing but hatred in his heart for Freyrik and keeps him at arm's length. He doesn't understand human politics or the decisions Freyrik makes as acting King. Every move Ayden makes or insult he hurls could end up hurting Ella. However, he slowly realizes that Freyrik is an honorable and intelligent man. This confuses him and he begins to question everything he was brought up to believe. These emotional contradictions are a constant irritation for Ayden.

So, Freyrik and Ayden both have to face their prejudices and begin to look beyond their years of hatred. They both have so much to lose. How far will they go to be together and what will they have to sacrifice?
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Jul 24, 2012 ❂ Endless rated it 5 of 5 stars

Recommended to ❂ Endless by: Heather C

Shelves: erotic-re-read

I LOVE IT when a book runs like a great movie in my head! This book did just that. That is my utmost compliment to the author for writing it in such beautiful flowing detail that instead of hearing someone narrating or me just being the audience looking through a window, I was there living and breathing with the characters in that world and feeling all of their emotions with them!

I got sucked right in from the very first page and got spat out at the end with that maddening cliffhanger.

"What mann...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 27, 2011 Trix rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, mm-novels, sorcery, abuse, adventure, angst, bi-sexual, first-time, military, suspense, sword

It's a bit hard to decide exactly what rating to give this book. I finally settled for a 3 star rating.

The reason why the story got this rating is due to the first half of the book. Personally, I found it hard to relate to the characters, despite the thorough attention to put the reader in that fantasy world (characters and environment alike). Perhaps I am too immersed in what I believe to be behavior for prisoner and jailer. [spoiler ahead]And one thing that truly surprised me (and had me put d...more

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Dec 03, 2010 Kari Gregg rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt, fantasy, capture

Captured by his human enemies, Ayden is presented and enslaved to Freyrik. Freyrick, however, has a soft heart toward his elf captive and rejects the blind hatred that rules Ayden's every thought and emotion. He seeks to win Ayden over with compassion -- as much as this story world's culture allows, at any rate. While Freyrik's sexual attraction to Ayden is immediate and urgent, he chooses to court Ayden to him, but that doesn't stop Rik from using Ayden's skills as a warrior to defend the very...more Captured by his human enemies, Ayden is presented and enslaved to Freyrik. Freyrick, however, has a soft heart toward his elf captive and rejects the blind hatred that rules Ayden's every thought and emotion. He seeks to win Ayden over with compassion -- as much as this story world's culture allows, at any rate. While Freyrik's sexual attraction to Ayden is immediate and urgent, he chooses to court Ayden to him, but that doesn't stop Rik from using Ayden's skills as a warrior to defend the very humans who robbed him of his dignity and his freedom.

Counterpoint is, by no means, a light read. If you're looking for shallow characterization and frivolous plot, keep looking because this ain't it. The story world the author paints for us lives and breathes. Rik and Ayden are fully realized heroes -- they sweat and make mistakes and sacrifice for the ones they love. The scope of the book (and the one to follow, no doubt) is truly epic.

The only quibble I had with this book was the style. I prefer a much more sparse -- even terse -- text and as a result, I occasionally skimmed paragraphs to go forward to the next bit of dialogue, the next action, the next step ahead in the plot. That is not to say that the author overly belabored descriptions or anything of the sort. That was not the case. I simply have the attention span of a gnat on crack and love to see white space on the page. Give me a word, maybe three, pointed words, deliberate word choices that have been carefully honed to paint my mental picture of the scene, the characters' emotions and the actions taking place and I am one happy woman. Rachel Haimowitz doesn't write like that. Which is fine. Just a matter of personal taste. It didn't distract or pull me from the story.

Overall, I can say that although I'm widely read in GBLT, I've never seen a story world and characters as richly drawn and layered as Counterpoint's. It stands as genuinely unique, a rare treasure the reader would be a fool to pass up. Highly recommend.

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Jan 10, 2011 Joelle added it

I cried I cheered and I cried. I loved this m/m romance

Okay so I picked this one up on a whim, in the middle of quite a number of other books and it blew me away. In fact I can't rate it, it is the first in an epic story the likes of which I haven't seen in a long time. The world is so developed the love so heartbreaking between the characters I was hooked. Throughout all my tears I was really and fully hooked it is the best m/m fantasy romance I have read so far. Can't wait for Book 2

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Apr 19, 2013 Sara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Loved it, simply loved it! Couldn't put it down all day, not until I reached the last page. A mighty feat, as I'm usually quite picky with my fantasy stories. And the fact that I was reluctant, due to my not-so-enjoyable experience with another book of Rachel's.

I enjoyed the character building, and loved the fact that they stayed true to themselves all throughout the book. Strong, brave, prideful soldiers, the both of them. And I liked seeeing Ayden struggle with his pride and his understanding...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Eden rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bless-the-gay

Word of advice: soldier on through the first three or so chapters. I promise it gets better. I actually discarded the book as unreadable, and only picked it up again for a reading challenge. And oh, how glad I am of it. (So like, the first chapter is cool, the next two-three chapters are varying levels of what is this crap, and then it gets good.)

The book begins with Ayden the elf being delightfully alien and using magic described as song. Ayden then proceeds to be an idiot (why couldn't he have...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Sophia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

I have been on a high fantasy romance kick lately and have been trying out new to me authors in the process. I was attracted to this one based on the genre and the blurb. This story was absolutely breathtaking in its scope of world-building, plot and characters. Rachel Haimowitz is a talented author that grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it to the end (I'll try to forgive her for ending on a cliff-hanger that had me scrambling for book two since book two was in print already and I...more I have been on a high fantasy romance kick lately and have been trying out new to me authors in the process. I was attracted to this one based on the genre and the blurb. This story was absolutely breathtaking in its scope of world-building, plot and characters. Rachel Haimowitz is a talented author that grabbed my attention from the beginning and kept it to the end (I'll try to forgive her for ending on a cliff-hanger that had me scrambling for book two since book two was in print already and I didn't need to wait).

Elfkind and Mankind are in a three-pronged conflict that also involves a darker group or creatures who make up the no-man's land sort of place in between. There is much mistrust and hatred from centuries' long fighting. Elfkind and mankind alike are dying off. Elfkind because they're not as proliferate in producing and mankind because they are being slaughtered by the darken group.

Across into human lands the elf Ayden must go to rescue his sister who is on the verge of being taken by humans. His efforts only land him into slavery to a human prince. The prince is nothing like Ayden expected, but that doesn't change the fact that he is a hated human who has enslaved him and forces him to do his bidding by using Ayden's beloved sister as leverage.

Freyrik takes one look at the beautiful elven male and wants him while at the same time he knows he must use him to help save Freyrik's people from extinction. Freyrik sets out to win the elf's regard, but he is fighting a battle against the elf's hatred and the hatred of his own people who would like nothing more than either killing the elf or stripping him of his power and selling him into slavery.

Ayden and Freywik slowly come to terms as they go through many things together. But in the end is all they have accomplished and overcome for nothing in the face of blind hatred and fear?

This story offered it all when it comes to what I enjoy about fantasy. There was the creative world that the characters inhabit, there was the dangerous threat to existence along with the need to get past ignorance and fear regarding perception of others, and there was the intense build to a strong, passionate romance.

The plot and world-building were fantastic, but for me it was the characters that made this story truly sing. I could read about Ayden and Freywik for a long time without tiring of them because they are just that well written. Other characters tended to be distant seconds or even more minor just because these guys were huge scene-stealers. I adored Ayden's sister and I truly wanted bad things to happen to Ayden's petty, scheming sister in law that I just loved to hate. I so want her to get hers.

Now off I go to find out what happens next. Highly recommend this tale of m/m fantasy romance.

Thank you to Net Galley for providing the copy for review purposes.(less)

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Nov 14, 2012 Jaya rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: series, good, slashreaders

SlashReaders: One of my biggest problems with these books is actually the cover of the first one. While, it is a lovely picture (the cover art for both books was done by Nathie, whom you can find on Deviant-Art), unfortunately I like to be able to carry my book around without worrying about which co-worker or family member might pick it up. Mostly, because I honestly just don't want to hear the tirades that might come out of various people's mouths. So, while the cover art is lovely I would pref...more SlashReaders: One of my biggest problems with these books is actually the cover of the first one. While, it is a lovely picture (the cover art for both books was done by Nathie, whom you can find on Deviant-Art), unfortunately I like to be able to carry my book around without worrying about which co-worker or family member might pick it up. Mostly, because I honestly just don't want to hear the tirades that might come out of various people's mouths. So, while the cover art is lovely I would prefer something a little less.... hmmm obvious, I suppose is a good word.

That being said, I actually enjoyed both books (though I would not suggest reading them if you do not have copies of both in your possession when you begin, because if you like the first one... you will want to jump right into the second one). So let me see, you will not want to read these books if you don't enjoy a fair amount of angst because they contain a great deal of it. You will most likely enjoy these books if you like fantasy, elves, angsty relationships--though the relationship as a whole evolves well.

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Oct 23, 2011 Andrea rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm, fantasy

I really enjoyed this. The characters were three-dimensional and engaging, and the romance between them was a satisfying combination of rising tension and personal realizations, artfully constructed throughout most of the book. The setting felt complex and real, but at the same time not bogged down with unnecessary details. I loved the settings, and the difference in the ways that Feyrik and Ayden interracted with each other within the confines of Feyrik's quarters, and the way they were out of...more

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Jan 22, 2011 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More added it

Ayden is an eight-hundred year-old elf living in a world where his race is at war with humans. He follows his sister into enemy territory where he’s confronted by human soldiers. He fends off his captors by killing sixteen of them, but ultimately is captured, along with his sister, and they become prisoners of war.

Prince Freyrik is the ruler of the human territory where Ayden was captured, and the prince is immediately attracted to the elf. He decides to enslave Ayden, and claims him as his pers...more

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Nov 20, 2010 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

Well, be warned friends when you start this novel, almost 350 pages long in small characters, don’t expect to arrive to the end and be finished: that Song of the Fallen Book 1 is a fair warning, this is only book 1 in a probably longer series about the same two main characters, Prince Freyrík, a human, and Ayden, an elf.

The starting point of this novel, a human Prince who takes as captive a warrior elf, chaining him in his own bedroom in exchange of the safety of the elf’s sister, Ella, reminde...more Well, be warned friends when you start this novel, almost 350 pages long in small characters, don’t expect to arrive to the end and be finished: that Song of the Fallen Book 1 is a fair warning, this is only book 1 in a probably longer series about the same two main characters, Prince Freyrík, a human, and Ayden, an elf.

The starting point of this novel, a human Prince who takes as captive a warrior elf, chaining him in his own bedroom in exchange of the safety of the elf’s sister, Ella, reminded me of the old savage romance, and I was thinking, well, I’m ready to read once more a breeches ripper, hot sex in a fantasy medieval setting. But 100 pages after the hot sex had not yet happened, as it hadn’t after 200… more than 2/3 of the book was indead spent to let the two men know each other, and as in an old fashioned courtship, the sex arrived only when the two men respected each other and were ready to trust and love.

Actually the reader has a clue right at the beginning of the story, when Freyrík reassures his captive that, even if he is a prisoner, and confined in the Prince’s bedroom, he is not at risk of being raped. Freyrík has no need to rape men, or women, not only he has more than one wife consort, he has also male willing lovers, and I had the feeling that he was more interested in having a day relationship with Ayden, made out of friendship and respect, than a sexual one. Now don’t get me wrong, Freyrík is attracted by Ayden, but he has not sexual urges to posses him: sometime, in those old fashioned savage romance, you wondered if the men were sexually deprived since it seemed that for them it was absolutely necessary to have sex with the women otherwise they would go insane. Freyrík instead is sexually sated, he has no “need” of Ayden in that way, and he is more interested in conquering the elf’s trust, something that is even more difficult than conquering his body.

On the other way, Ayden plays the role of the tough elf, not interested in anything that is human, but oddily I found him funny sometime, like he had a friendly and light mood that wanted to awake Freyrík from his boring life. So, strange as it sounds, I read Freyrík as a lover and a gentle soul, and Ayden like a playful one, and both characters were forced in a situation, being enemies, that no one of them really wanted. When Freyrík plays at being the ruthless ruler, he is doing it out of his people custom, he doesn’t really feel like that; same Ayden, that inside the bedroom is more like a scared teenager than a seasoned warrior. Both Ayden than Freyrík have two personalities, public and private, and apparenlty their private personalities can be lover while instead the public ones should remain enemies.

As I said, be patient, since the romance in the story will arrive later, or at least the romance of lovers; I didn’t mind much, I like also the slowly friendship and trust blossiming between them, so much that when the sex arrived, it was more realistic, even if it was a fantasy setting. Another thing readers have to be warned of is that, as much time was given to the friendship to develop, not the same was for the love: I think most of this part of the story will be developed in the following book, this one was only an appetizer.

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Apr 01, 2011 Shira Anthony rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: angst, captor-captive, dub-con, fantasy, m-m-slash, to-re-read

Rachel Haimowitz has quickly become my favorite M/M romance writer - her writing is truly a joy, and her characters are engaging and full of flaws. "Counterpoint" is no exception - it is a stunning fantasy romance, a love story between two men (well, one is really an elf) with beautiful, poetic narrative reminiscent of Marion Zimmer Bradley or J.R.R. Tolkien.

The love story here is most definitely a slow, angsty burn. Just how I like it. Freyrik is a prince, presiding over a dying society that h...more Rachel Haimowitz has quickly become my favorite M/M romance writer - her writing is truly a joy, and her characters are engaging and full of flaws. "Counterpoint" is no exception - it is a stunning fantasy romance, a love story between two men (well, one is really an elf) with beautiful, poetic narrative reminiscent of Marion Zimmer Bradley or J.R.R. Tolkien.

The love story here is most definitely a slow, angsty burn. Just how I like it. Freyrik is a prince, presiding over a dying society that has suffered much at the hands of the "darkers," animals enchanted to attack and kill humans. The darkers were created by elves centuries before, in retaliation for the elves' betrayal at the hands of their human neighbors. Ayden is an elf, hundreds of years old, who lived through the great betrayal and despises humans with a deep passion.

Unlike some other M/M authors who have taken what is essentially one book and split it up into different parts, this book is lengthy and a stand-alone, in spite of the mild cliffhanger at the end. You will not feel "cheated," as I have with other books that were too short and are then followed by a sequel, which is really Part 2 of the book. Instead, I'm guessing you, as I, will be eagerly awaiting the second book in the series.

MILD SPOILERS TO FOLLOW: (view spoiler)And yes, there are things about the universe Ms. Haimowitz created that are uncomfortable (I speak of the misogynistic society of the humans, where women are treated like second-class citizens or prizes to be won), but that is part of the appeal. This is not a sweet, fairy-tale world. It is flawed, as are its inhabitants. So much the more interesting for readers.

Outstanding work. I look forward to the sequel with baited breath.

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Jan 25, 2011 Lil' Grogan rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, humour, 4, romance, m-m

This was my intro to high fantasy done by a romance author. I have to admit I wasn't too keen (my own prejudices), and probably wouldn't have read this if I hadn't won it through the author's blog tour.

Found this to be an interesting balance of fantasy and romance (while allowing for eroticism): balancing the tropes of magic in old world times, the big battle, betrayal among races, court intrigues, the romance between captive and indulgent captor. I liked the gradual world building and found th...more

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About Rachel Haimowitz

M/M erotic romance author, freelance writer and editor, sadist with a pesky conscience, shamelessly silly, proudly pervish. I'm a twitter addict (@rachelhaimowitz), and I blog every M/W/F at Fantasy Unbound. To learn all about my current and upcoming projects, please stop by my website. I love to hear from folks, so feel free to drop me a line anytime at metarachel (at) gmail (dot) com.

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Quotes from Counterpoint

“Now you die while we live on, and you’ve no one to blame but your selves. So do not speak of betrayal behind my back, humans. For the Great Betrayal is your shame, not mine. ~ Ayden” — 9 people liked it

“All the world seemed suddenly dream, for in what waking world would a prince deceive his own people for the benefit of a slave?
~ Ayden” — 6 people liked it

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Counterpoint (Song of the Fallen #1)

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