The story, for all it is a fantasy novel about war stratagems, is written a little like a soap opera. It is Book 1 in the Song of the Fallen series. It’s a very cheesy melodrama, utilizing romance tropes like pining, one-sided feelings, and enemies to lovers. It features a war between humans and mutant feral beasts, and political bad blood between humans and the neighbouring elves, who are enslaved by humans if they ever cross the forbidden border between their lands. Warnings: depictions of racism and misogyny, graphic depictions of violenceĬounterpoint is a fantasy epic slavefic romance novel. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance-and their love. Between prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting. Teetering on a dagger’s edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world. Freyrik’s always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. When he’s captured in battle, he is enslaved in the service of a human prince, Freyrik Farr. For nothing less than the fate of both their peoples rests on the power of their perseverance - and their love.Ayden’s life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. Teetering on a dagger's edge between duty and high treason, Freyrik discovers that some choices can change a life, and some an entire world.īetween prejudice, politics, pride, and survival, Ayden and Freyrik must carve a new path, no matter how daunting.

Freyrik's always known elves to be beautiful and dangerous, but never has one affected him as deeply as Ayden. When he's captured in battle, he is enslaved in the service of a human prince, Freyrik Farr. The midlands are rotting with decadence and despair.Įlfkind, estranged by past crimes, watches and waits for nature to run its course.Īyden's life has long been guided by two emotions: love for his sister, and hatred of all things human. The outlands are soaked with the blood of the fallen. Depleted by generations of war with a race of dark beasts, humanity stands on the brink of extinction.

Counterpoint by rachel haimowitz