Crescendo

Song of the Fallen, Volume 2

De: Rachel Haimowitz

Narrado por: Giles Barron

Bridging the hatred of centuries did not come easy for Freyrík Farr and Ayden Vaska. As prince of a war-torn human province, Freyrík could ill afford to fall for an enemy. And Ayden, an elven warrior with 300 years of bitterness in his heart, wanted no part of love. Yet they came together despite themselves and the wills of their peoples, joining hearts and minds to fight a race of Dark Beasts threatening the extinction of mankind.

Yet the Dark Beast threat pales beside the dangers of a summons to the human High Court, home of the Aegis Exalted and the harshest test yet of Ayden’s and Freyrík’s fledgling love.

When the Aegis strips Ayden of his magic, Freyrík is forced to choose between his love for elf, Aegis, and king, all the while seeking the one uncertain path that might save his doomed race. Time is fast running out for mankind, and only by making peace among themselves and with their ancient elven enemies can they end the Dark war - and undo the tragedy that’s plagued humans, elves, and Dark Beasts alike for the last 300 years.

©2014 Rachel Haimowitz (P)2018 Riptide Publishing

Stunning! What a Performance by Barron

Stunning! I'm mad at myself for waiting so long to listen to the second half of this amazing story.

What an epic tale - these characters, this quest, the lavish and gorgeous way that Rachel Haimowitz tells the story. It's quite an experience.

beautiful

one of the best romance books iv listened to so far, it was more than expected

pretty darn good

in the genre of queer high fantasy i give it a solid 8/10. it made me care about the characters.

Sensational Conclusion to this Epic Fantasy Romanc

I eagerly anticipated this sequel after reading through the first book, Counterpoint, and coming up against that astonishing ending. Sometimes its not a good idea to really anticipate a book because then you're setting yourself up for disappointment, but in this case there was no disappointment. This was a strong sequel from beginning to end. Like the first one, this book challenges the emotions with many of the dark events in this odyssey-style story.

This is a continuation story so needs to be read in order behind the first one, Counterpoint.

The story continues from the point where the High King or Aegis sends his emissary to bring Freyrik and Ayden to the capitol. Freyrik is under the Aegis' disapprobation because he didn't immediately send Ayden to him as a slave. Ayden is also worried about what has been going on in the capitol that keeps his brother from returning home to his own kingdom.

The hardships continue for Rik and Ayden. They discover that surviving the Surge, Ayden accepting the punishment of lashes and that finding love together is not enough. Now Ayden is forced into a true slaveship with his elf magic bound while Freyrik is placed in a no win situation that makes him choose between his brother and the Aegis. Either choice will bring betrayal and disappointment. Under it all, the prince and elf still have each other and they will face an epic adventure once again- together.

I don't have a wide range of knowledge when it comes to fantasy romance, but I was fascinated by all the creative twists and turns that the magical world the author thought up.

The plot was riveting. I was already vested since the first story, but most of the times I got so caught up in the story that I couldn't have turned it off to save my life. Just when I was sure it was going to go a certain way, it twisted and took off in another direction. I loved not knowing what was going to happen next. There was a feel that certain things like a few minor characters' fates that I would have liked to have seen neatly tied up in the end because I was curious about them, but in no way did this take away from a superior plot that focused on the fate of the world and specifically the two heroes.

These two heroes- Actually, I could just sit here and gush, but I doubt anyone wants to read that. Heh heh! Truthfully, I found them more than engaging and splendid examples of what good main character should be in the first book. It just got better with the more hardships that were thrown their way in this story. They are tough and strong enough to weather the storm of life without a lot of angst, but they are also tender and there for each other when it counts.

I enjoyed this one in audio format and listening to narrator, Giles Barron, for the first time. I was wary since the narrator is different from the first book, but no need. He handled my well-loved characters like a pro. His British accent worked for this human high court/ elven fantasy story. He captured timing, tone, emotion, and the most intense moments of the story very well. I will definitely be watching for more of his work.

In summary, this was an amazing conclusion to the Song of the Fallen story. I could wish there was more in this world for the side characters, but I was well-satisfied with what I got. I find that this duo of stories, Counterpoint and Crescendo, are terribly easy to recommend to those who enjoy high epic fantasy adventure.

Great story but....

MAYHAP it was good or MAYHAP it wasn't, though I enjoyed the story the excessive use of this one word became an annoying affectation that caused me to crring at it by the final chapters. I don't remember it's use as such in the first book but I think that MAYHAP I could do without seeing it again for the next couple hundred books. As it is I will not be rereading this one.

An Epic Crescendo!

This is book two in a series and it needs to be read in order, as this book picks up after the other.
I will admit I liked the first book better. I had high expectations for this one and it sort of drug out in spots. Don't get me wrong it's still a great book. There is a lot of twists and turns and shocking times that made me cringe. Poor Ayden goes through so much in this book. Both Ayden and Freyrick go through a lot to try to be together. I was a little disappointed that we follow these guys on this epic journey then the battle is slightly skated over. I would have liked to see more of the battle, and had a few loose ends I would have liked answers too. However, the epilogue was cool.
If you like epic fantasy, Elves, and some twists this is for you! Giles Barron gives such a great narration that brings so much to the story. He adds such passion and action that makes this book a hard to put down once you start it.

Incredible Saga

I am so impressed with Rachel Haimowitz’s Song Of The Fallen duo. Written with fine intelligence in words that bring this saga to life in one’s mind. Highly recommended!
I’m looking forward to discovering more rare gems from this author.
Giles Barron narrated both books with skill, clarity, nuance and heart.