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mikibooks's review
5.0
Me cuesta armar una reseña con cierta estructura gramatical; hay demasiadas ideas, pensamientos, sensaciones dando vueltas. Pero creo que puedo destacar o sacar en limpio algunas cuestiones.
Por un lado, no puedo cansarme nunca de remarcar las infinitas capas que tienen siempre las historias de Voinov, su natural e inevitable talento para ofrecer historias de múltiples aristas, que se alejan de la chatura y planicie de tantas miles que ofrece el mercado. A su vez, su capacidad natural y trabajo meticuloso y dedicado para ofrecer personajes complejos, a veces sufridos, de duro exterior, pero que siempre se te quedan prendidos por su infinita potencia, pasión, dulzura y franqueza. Ya lo dijo Lenore al final de su reseña, con absoluta precisión: "Aleksandr Voinov is a master in creating dark, strong, tormented and passionate characters and in unraveling their tender and loyal and spirited and committed side."
Pero otro de los aspectos que sobresalen en Counterpunch es el tema de la libertad. De lo que implica. Y me hizo pensar, mucho más a la luz de los últimos sucesos harto conocidos, en qué entendemos realmente por "ser libres". Y si podemos verlo como algo más que un valor en sí mismo, como algo que no sea un bien absoluto, un horizonte moral al que todos deben aspirar. ¿Por qué se supone que es deseable?, ¿hay matices o puntos grises, o ser -o no- libres se constituyen solo como elementos inmutables, cerrados sobre sí mismos?" Un colega argentino escribió acertadamente en un diario de circulación local que "Como todas las libertades, la de expresión es contextual, enmarcada en normas, costumbres, climas de época y consensos sociales. El orden que requiere la libertad para poder existir es un orden que requiere responsabilidad en su ejercicio."
El universo en el que transcurre Counterpunch no es tan diferente al nuestro. Es la efectivización o la concreción -en una ley o mandato explícita- de esos mismos valores absolutos que Occidente ha impuesto a todo el resto de la civilización, cual bandera, sin entender de contextos ni circunstancias.
La historia es hermosa. Tiene una alucinante galería de personajes principales y secundarios, que van encastrando cual maquinaria aceitada y pivotean alrededor del protagonista. Ay, Brooklyn Brooklyn. Se metió bajó la piel desde el vamos, por la certeza de sus ideas y la fuerza de sus emociones. Brook tiene muy en claro lo que implica la esclavitud y la libertad, en qué escala se mueven y el enorme volumen de hipocresía de los que se dicen “hombres libres”. Lo amé con ferocidad, y la dinámica con Nathaniel es -para mí- completamente verosímil, más allá de ciertas dudas con cómo se terminó resolviendo el misterio detrás del abogado. Y de que me cueste un poco más entender y justificar sus acciones hacia/con Brook. Si bien el impacto de recibir afecto real y humano, cuando siempre te han tratado como una herramienta para un propósito, debe ser muy desestabilizante, no siento que sea solo eso lo que explique el amor entre ellos. De todas formas, sí me resultó un poco apresurado el final, como envuelto para regalo en los últimos 5 segundos, y con cierta de sensación de “esto fue un poco corto”.
Espero con mucha ansiedad ahora saber de qué manera estos hombres van a lidiar con la nueva condición de libertad. Cualquiera que sea.
Por un lado, no puedo cansarme nunca de remarcar las infinitas capas que tienen siempre las historias de Voinov, su natural e inevitable talento para ofrecer historias de múltiples aristas, que se alejan de la chatura y planicie de tantas miles que ofrece el mercado. A su vez, su capacidad natural y trabajo meticuloso y dedicado para ofrecer personajes complejos, a veces sufridos, de duro exterior, pero que siempre se te quedan prendidos por su infinita potencia, pasión, dulzura y franqueza. Ya lo dijo Lenore al final de su reseña, con absoluta precisión: "Aleksandr Voinov is a master in creating dark, strong, tormented and passionate characters and in unraveling their tender and loyal and spirited and committed side."
Pero otro de los aspectos que sobresalen en Counterpunch es el tema de la libertad. De lo que implica. Y me hizo pensar, mucho más a la luz de los últimos sucesos harto conocidos, en qué entendemos realmente por "ser libres". Y si podemos verlo como algo más que un valor en sí mismo, como algo que no sea un bien absoluto, un horizonte moral al que todos deben aspirar. ¿Por qué se supone que es deseable?, ¿hay matices o puntos grises, o ser -o no- libres se constituyen solo como elementos inmutables, cerrados sobre sí mismos?" Un colega argentino escribió acertadamente en un diario de circulación local que "Como todas las libertades, la de expresión es contextual, enmarcada en normas, costumbres, climas de época y consensos sociales. El orden que requiere la libertad para poder existir es un orden que requiere responsabilidad en su ejercicio."
El universo en el que transcurre Counterpunch no es tan diferente al nuestro. Es la efectivización o la concreción -en una ley o mandato explícita- de esos mismos valores absolutos que Occidente ha impuesto a todo el resto de la civilización, cual bandera, sin entender de contextos ni circunstancias.
La historia es hermosa. Tiene una alucinante galería de personajes principales y secundarios, que van encastrando cual maquinaria aceitada y pivotean alrededor del protagonista. Ay, Brooklyn Brooklyn. Se metió bajó la piel desde el vamos, por la certeza de sus ideas y la fuerza de sus emociones. Brook tiene muy en claro lo que implica la esclavitud y la libertad, en qué escala se mueven y el enorme volumen de hipocresía de los que se dicen “hombres libres”. Lo amé con ferocidad, y la dinámica con Nathaniel es -para mí- completamente verosímil, más allá de ciertas dudas con cómo se terminó resolviendo el misterio detrás del abogado. Y de que me cueste un poco más entender y justificar sus acciones hacia/con Brook. Si bien el impacto de recibir afecto real y humano, cuando siempre te han tratado como una herramienta para un propósito, debe ser muy desestabilizante, no siento que sea solo eso lo que explique el amor entre ellos. De todas formas, sí me resultó un poco apresurado el final, como envuelto para regalo en los últimos 5 segundos, y con cierta de sensación de “esto fue un poco corto”.
Espero con mucha ansiedad ahora saber de qué manera estos hombres van a lidiar con la nueva condición de libertad. Cualquiera que sea.
joyousreads132's review
5.0
Counterpunch is a novel set in an alternate universe where slavery is an acceptable trade and punishment for criminals. We meet Brooklyn, who was a former cop, charged for the murder of an MP's daughter. The world in itself is sort of hard to explain; but I keep seeing a visage of a decrepit world ruled by thugs and corrupt government officials. There were abusive slave handlers who took advantage of their ward and the punishments ranged from being caged like animals, severe beating and rape.
Brooklyn was sold to slavery and had become a prize fighter. That in itself, was the kicker for me. As soon I saw those words, I'm sold. There is something fierce, scary and beautiful about the violence he unleashes on the ring. It's hard to figure out his state of mind. He's overwrought with guilt for the crime he committed and yet he's like madman when he's fighting. He loses all his compassion and sense of right and wrong. He's fearless and strong and very much a submissive to his Master, fate. He thinks he deserved all he gets but he at the same time he never loses hope of being free. I have spoken of Aleksandr's diverse characters before; more often, authors tend to create one that's an echo of a previous work. But this author continue to amaze me with men of differing personalities.
As usual, Aleksandr's prowess remain his ability to create something beautiful in the ugliest of situations. Here, the slavery is brought to the extreme. But there's something so sublime about finding love in the darkest underbelly of London's society. And seriously, the best thing about his books is the feeling that this is not just your ordinary Erotica read. He writes so much more than just filthy sex and temporary gratification. This book for one, is a short read by anybody's standards and I've said it before that it will not leave you with questions but a want for more.
I could go on and on about Mr. Voinov but I fear words will fail me every single time. Keep cranking those gears in your head, Aleksandr. I'm dying to meet more of your men!
Brooklyn was sold to slavery and had become a prize fighter. That in itself, was the kicker for me. As soon I saw those words, I'm sold. There is something fierce, scary and beautiful about the violence he unleashes on the ring. It's hard to figure out his state of mind. He's overwrought with guilt for the crime he committed and yet he's like madman when he's fighting. He loses all his compassion and sense of right and wrong. He's fearless and strong and very much a submissive to his Master, fate. He thinks he deserved all he gets but he at the same time he never loses hope of being free. I have spoken of Aleksandr's diverse characters before; more often, authors tend to create one that's an echo of a previous work. But this author continue to amaze me with men of differing personalities.
As usual, Aleksandr's prowess remain his ability to create something beautiful in the ugliest of situations. Here, the slavery is brought to the extreme. But there's something so sublime about finding love in the darkest underbelly of London's society. And seriously, the best thing about his books is the feeling that this is not just your ordinary Erotica read. He writes so much more than just filthy sex and temporary gratification. This book for one, is a short read by anybody's standards and I've said it before that it will not leave you with questions but a want for more.
I could go on and on about Mr. Voinov but I fear words will fail me every single time. Keep cranking those gears in your head, Aleksandr. I'm dying to meet more of your men!
kristinafh's review
3.0
I'm not a big fan of boxing so the book was at a disadvantage before I even started it.
I liked the main character well enough. There were a couple of times that I had to scratch my head over his behavior. It just didn't seem to fit.
My main issue with the book though is that I didn't feel like it went deep enough into character development. Too plot driven for me. I wanted more character substance.
I liked the main character well enough. There were a couple of times that I had to scratch my head over his behavior. It just didn't seem to fit.
My main issue with the book though is that I didn't feel like it went deep enough into character development. Too plot driven for me. I wanted more character substance.
liza5326's review
4.0
Another great book in the Belonging verse, where slavery is legal. Brooklyn was a cop until a huge mistake resulted in a death and him in slavery. He is bought by a boxing company and spends his days training and his nights servicing the people who pay his fee. He has no hope for anything else in life until he meets Nathaniel. The more time he spends with Nathaniel, the more hope he has that his life can actually change and maybe he can be free someday.
I love how this story progressed. There weren't any easy answers and every time you thought you had it figured out, there was another twist. It was dark, with some pretty heavy moments that hurt, but still an underlying hopefulness. You really didn't know what Nathaniel was all about or how he fit into it all.
I love how this story progressed. There weren't any easy answers and every time you thought you had it figured out, there was another twist. It was dark, with some pretty heavy moments that hurt, but still an underlying hopefulness. You really didn't know what Nathaniel was all about or how he fit into it all.
daydreamer45's review
4.0
I enjoyed the style, the characters (most of them, at least) and the story.
A great read.
A great read.
foreverbeautifulbooks's review
5.0
I am a somewhat newbie to the whole M/M erotic genre. I used to just turned away from anything that had to do with M/M, I read one story awhile back, and I felt that I was reading about a man and woman. That put me off. Although, I know that is the stereo type to most M/M relationships, for some reason it just doesn’t do it for me when I am reading about intimacy with two males. I want masculine, I want fire, I want heat, I want some dirty talk. I want two sweat, hot, delicious pieces of men getting it on for my wicked reading pleasure. But I need story too. For some reason I have this sick need to read a good plot with my smut. Call me an old fashion kind of girl, but I need meat to my reading. Even if I am reading the genre of fiction most people go “Oh, you read THOSE kinds of books.”
Well, I hate to break it to the haters, but this was one of the best books I have read so far this year. Not only did it give me grit, guts, and passion. It left me wanting to rail at some of the characters in the book. I was engulfed, imprisoned in this pseudo reality where punishment for crimes can mean jail time or to become slaves. I have to say, the men might just have it better than the women in this world. Women seem to be, like always, just breeders or sex objects. And although Brooklyn was subjected to sexual slavery, he was a warrior in his own right. Brooklyn is the type of male I hope to read about in a M/M book. He is strong, clever, witty, and yet he holds a key vulnerability that put me on his side the entire time I was reading this book. It was both impressive and intoxicating to read.
Every inch of this story drew me, consumed me, and I had a hard time putting it down to get other tasks done around the house. The story had a smooth plot that didn’t jerk me or jar my reading. In fact, it was like watching a movie in my mind. I could see this on the big screen or sitting in my room watching it late at night. I feel in love with Brooklyn, if I was in that world he would be my hero. I would also want to free him, which to be honest, I don’t think I would fall into the 1% of that time period. The story had some very light BDSM elements that wetted my appetite for a little D/s. I wouldn’t really call this a ‘romance’, for me the plot was so intricate, so well done that it was just a great story to read.
Nathaniel was a character we all fell in love with. He was masculine and sensitive and we all wanted fall into his arms. Even if he didn’t swing towards the ladies, he was a man you wanted to admire, and at the same time you just couldn’t understand some of his actions, which were all sorted out in the end. The villain element was brilliantly executed. Not only did I want to kill them, but I wanted to subject them to the same torment that Brooklyn was after an incident in the book(trying to not spit out spoilers). I have to say, from beginning to end the book was a very satisfying read, and even if you aren’t sure about a M/M read, I would take a chance on this book. Well written, fantastically executed, I recommend this to all readers!
Well, I hate to break it to the haters, but this was one of the best books I have read so far this year. Not only did it give me grit, guts, and passion. It left me wanting to rail at some of the characters in the book. I was engulfed, imprisoned in this pseudo reality where punishment for crimes can mean jail time or to become slaves. I have to say, the men might just have it better than the women in this world. Women seem to be, like always, just breeders or sex objects. And although Brooklyn was subjected to sexual slavery, he was a warrior in his own right. Brooklyn is the type of male I hope to read about in a M/M book. He is strong, clever, witty, and yet he holds a key vulnerability that put me on his side the entire time I was reading this book. It was both impressive and intoxicating to read.
Every inch of this story drew me, consumed me, and I had a hard time putting it down to get other tasks done around the house. The story had a smooth plot that didn’t jerk me or jar my reading. In fact, it was like watching a movie in my mind. I could see this on the big screen or sitting in my room watching it late at night. I feel in love with Brooklyn, if I was in that world he would be my hero. I would also want to free him, which to be honest, I don’t think I would fall into the 1% of that time period. The story had some very light BDSM elements that wetted my appetite for a little D/s. I wouldn’t really call this a ‘romance’, for me the plot was so intricate, so well done that it was just a great story to read.
Nathaniel was a character we all fell in love with. He was masculine and sensitive and we all wanted fall into his arms. Even if he didn’t swing towards the ladies, he was a man you wanted to admire, and at the same time you just couldn’t understand some of his actions, which were all sorted out in the end. The villain element was brilliantly executed. Not only did I want to kill them, but I wanted to subject them to the same torment that Brooklyn was after an incident in the book(trying to not spit out spoilers). I have to say, from beginning to end the book was a very satisfying read, and even if you aren’t sure about a M/M read, I would take a chance on this book. Well written, fantastically executed, I recommend this to all readers!
ezichinny's review
4.0
This wasn’t a light read for me, but it was engaging. I know coming into a Voinov novel, not to expect a simple, shallow read, and I wasn’t disappointed. While this story wasn’t all hearts and flowers, there was light at the end of the tunnel and so the journey was worth it to me. The writing was very visceral and I just felt the emotions from the main characters. I was firmly rooted in Brooklyn’s corner and I was pulling for him to win both in the ring and in his life.
See full review at Oh My Shelves Blog: http://ohmyshelves.com/?p=1472
*Special Thanks to Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for the reading copy.
See full review at Oh My Shelves Blog: http://ohmyshelves.com/?p=1472
*Special Thanks to Riptide Publishing via Netgalley for the reading copy.
shazov's review
4.0
I wasn't sure what to expect from this one. I know that Aleksandr Voinov has a very dark style of writing and I was slightly apprehensive to be honest. But while yes, it wasn't what you would call a light or fluffy read, it wasn't as dark as I feared. And boxing is definitely not a sport for me, so that added another layer to what could have been a very difficult book to read.
I love the continuation of the 'slave' theme that started in Anchored. Even though the whole idea of owing slaves is abhorrent to me, the world that has been created here is brilliant. I hope to be able to read more set in this world. Maybe a story where the whole slavery idea gets addressed...
I love the continuation of the 'slave' theme that started in Anchored. Even though the whole idea of owing slaves is abhorrent to me, the world that has been created here is brilliant. I hope to be able to read more set in this world. Maybe a story where the whole slavery idea gets addressed...
paracosmere's review
5.0
I'm really weak to Aleksandr Voinov's writing style. I can't pinpoint what it is but he always manages to perfectly harmonize erotica, romance, and gore in his books (the ones I've read so far anyway). And Counterpunch is again one of them.
I'd been curious how the story would play out between a slave and a free man but the transition from a situation to the next seemed seamless to me. It's so easy to get swayed and dragged along by the characters' stories and just not question anything, just fully trusting Voinov wherever he wanted the story to go. I wasn't even worried.
This wasn't a full-blown romance but I think it covered enough premises to still give me tingles down to my toes. I might even call it cute. That little twist at the end (though I was not really surprised) was a very welcome addition to the plot. Only that I hoped we could have at least gotten an epilogue to catch a glimpse of their family life. How wholesome would that be?
Anyway, this one is easily a 5-star read for me.
I'd been curious how the story would play out between a slave and a free man but the transition from a situation to the next seemed seamless to me. It's so easy to get swayed and dragged along by the characters' stories and just not question anything, just fully trusting Voinov wherever he wanted the story to go. I wasn't even worried.
This wasn't a full-blown romance but I think it covered enough premises to still give me tingles down to my toes. I might even call it cute. That little twist at the end (though I was not really surprised) was a very welcome addition to the plot. Only that I hoped we could have at least gotten an epilogue to catch a glimpse of their family life. How wholesome would that be?
Anyway, this one is easily a 5-star read for me.