Counterpoint Series: Song of the Fallen #1
on December 12, 2011
Pages: 387

I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This book may be unsuitable for people under 18 years of age due to its use of sexual content, drug and alcohol use, and/or violence.

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Synopsis

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.

Ayden's life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. When he's captured in battle, he must for his sister's sake swallow his pride and endure slavery in the service of a human prince, Freyrik Farr.

Freyrik's always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. Can his life of service to his people leave room for this attraction? Dancing on a dagger's edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world.

Between prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance and their love.

Note: This edition is a re-release of the same novel first published in 2010 by Guiltless Pleasure Publishing.

This title is #1 of the Song of the Fallen series.

"Warning, this title contains the following sensitive themes: explicit violence"

My Review

WARNING! SURPRISE CLIFFHANGER!

Okay, we’ve got that out of the way. I just don’t like those kinds of surprises. I’ll be reading the second book, but I don’t like being shoved into it just because I liked the first book. *off my soap box*

The culture in this fantasy book was so different from the real world, but the author made it entirely believable. I found myself nodding my head, agreeing with explanations of actions that I would abhor in my world. The love story between elf and prince was woven through a lovely, magical story. The tactics in the battle with the darkers were explained so well, I could SEE it in my head. The business on the ladders was magnificent!

“Ayden had heard much in his years on earth, and little held the power to surprise him anymore. Yet here he was, voluntarily shackled, sitting in a human’s bed with his arms wrapped round said human as if round a child, petting and shushing and consoling the man as he cried into Ayden’s shoulder.”

I cried every time the males cried. I wept my way through the ending … until it hit a wall on the last page. This would have been five stars without that unpleasant surprise.

If Hollywood comes calling, wanting to make this a movie, please consider Frankie J. Grande for the role of Ayden. Ayden glows. Frankie sparkles. Close enough.

Honestly? This book was hard to put down.