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Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations #2
Counterpointe
This book tells Elizabeth's side to the story of Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations. The original story was purposely written from Mr. Darcy's point of view in order to reveal several aspects of his life while keeping Elizabeth's personality and actions in the shadows. In this novel, Elizabeth's character is more fully revealed. She has spent much of her life studying and learning about the many dangers of Europe's nobility. Now, when an odd group of people intrude upon her life, she is thrust headlong into a world she has only encountered in books, and she must use her education and intellect to unravel a mystery that intrigues and horrifies her. House Darcy was built on a foundation of honour and integrity. It has stood for generations as a symbol of the best ideals in England. Now, during a time of war, murder, spies, and intrigue, House Darcy will rise, and it will do so upon the shoulders of a remarkable woman. But, before the house can rise, she must rise, and before she will rise, she will fall.Current Timeline of booksPride & Prejudice & AssassinationsCounterpointe (Same time frame as PPA but from Elizabeth's viewpoint)A Darker DarcyTo Please a Princess(Currently being written as of December 2013)Short These are free short stories that do not fit into the timeline in any particular way other than that they take place after they are married. They have no real affect on the plot.Elizabeth WaitsDarcy Waits
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 12, 2013
2 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
February 18, 2016
As this is part of a series, which I am usually not inclined to read, it was necessary to read this second book in order to continue on. However I was disappointed. First as in the first book the need for a proof reader, even the help of a beta assistant, was obvious. There were several glaringly obvious errors in transferring the information in canon smoothly to this variation. The first I noted was in relating how the trip with her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner was originally planned to visit the Peaks and then Derbyshire and then was changed to visit Derbyshire. Mr. Taylor does not say "to visit only Derbyshire" in the latter part, which would have read more succinctly. Then we have the author telling us that the plans for Lydia's wedding were managed from Longbourn when every JAFF reader knows that they were planned from the Gardiner residence in the Cheapside area of London. (Those are only 2 examples.)
This story, a variation of P&P, is told mainly from Elizabeth's POV but we are privy to Darcy's thoughts at times. In this we do learn of how Elizabeth came into possession of a dagger, which was quite shocking in the first book in this series. I take issue with Mr. Bennet, much less any other father, giving to his daughter a dagger! But so be it.
I found that in my opinion this story deals in large part with Elizabeth's developing an interest in and then knowledge as to the field of espionage and sleuthing. She is, as I said in my review of the previous selection; much like a Sherlock Holmes in the she picks up on looks, hesitations, written and oral clues, etc. and then not only ponders on their possible meanings in order to arrive at a determination of such but also uses resources at her hand plus develops other resources. She learns who can and who cannot be trusted and she learns to respect the Darcy family’s mission upholding honor and Nobless Oblige.
I am intrigued with this story line as I have always liked spy and detective stories. Darcy has already thought on how Elizabeth would make a good partner and he was not only thinking along the lines of a marriage partner. I do look forward to reading the rest of the story...and am hoping that the hints about proofreading are taken to heart. I also wish there to be more along the lines of romance or sexual tension or some sort of hint of attraction between these two characters. The author writes very little of that in this story…at least not enough for my satisfaction.
This book was a loan, for which I am thankful to Claudine.
This story, a variation of P&P, is told mainly from Elizabeth's POV but we are privy to Darcy's thoughts at times. In this we do learn of how Elizabeth came into possession of a dagger, which was quite shocking in the first book in this series. I take issue with Mr. Bennet, much less any other father, giving to his daughter a dagger! But so be it.
I found that in my opinion this story deals in large part with Elizabeth's developing an interest in and then knowledge as to the field of espionage and sleuthing. She is, as I said in my review of the previous selection; much like a Sherlock Holmes in the she picks up on looks, hesitations, written and oral clues, etc. and then not only ponders on their possible meanings in order to arrive at a determination of such but also uses resources at her hand plus develops other resources. She learns who can and who cannot be trusted and she learns to respect the Darcy family’s mission upholding honor and Nobless Oblige.
I am intrigued with this story line as I have always liked spy and detective stories. Darcy has already thought on how Elizabeth would make a good partner and he was not only thinking along the lines of a marriage partner. I do look forward to reading the rest of the story...and am hoping that the hints about proofreading are taken to heart. I also wish there to be more along the lines of romance or sexual tension or some sort of hint of attraction between these two characters. The author writes very little of that in this story…at least not enough for my satisfaction.
This book was a loan, for which I am thankful to Claudine.
November 22, 2017
My Rating: 3.5*
Counterpointe certainly fills in the details of Elizabeth Bennet that were hinted at in Book #1 "Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations" (which was completely from Darcy's perspective). You truly need to read these books in order. Book #2 is from Elizabeth's point of view. However, as this series has such a unique twist, this Elizabeth is very mature and well educated than normal. She is fascinated with history and has an analytical mind that breaks down each bit of information she acquires and assembles them accordingly. She is fascinated with the Medicis and is an exemplary chess player. At times, however, one does have to suspend belief.
Mr. Bennet has doted on her and fuels her passions, to the point where she starts to surpass him. However, with age comes wisdom and Mr. Bennet has to temper her.
"Lizzy, you are young, and I hope you will never be disappointed, but I should not put such faith in these quick and inexperienced assessments."
This book does follow canon, somewhat. I enjoyed being in Elizabeth's mind as she tried to figure out Mr. Darcy. In book one, I did find Mr. Darcy to be haughtier and more arrogant. I found it interesting that Elizabeth didn't see the same qualities in herself, which is why he rubbed her the wrong way. Their banter was like watching a fencing match...thrust...parry...retreat or counter-riposte. I enjoyed the development of Elizabeth in this tale as she matures even further.
I also enjoyed the little of Jane Bennet we did get to see. She was still as sweet and lovely as ever, but with a bit more awareness regarding Caroline Bingley. Mary Bennet also has a small role in this story, that I hope we will see more development of.
I had a few quibbles that dealt with propriety where Elizabeth was concerned. Also, the Gardiners had very little face time in places that I felt they should have been more prevalent. Overall I am enjoying this variant into spies, intrigue and assassinations. It is definitely 'outside the box' and I look forward to reading more.
Counterpointe certainly fills in the details of Elizabeth Bennet that were hinted at in Book #1 "Pride & Prejudice & Assassinations" (which was completely from Darcy's perspective). You truly need to read these books in order. Book #2 is from Elizabeth's point of view. However, as this series has such a unique twist, this Elizabeth is very mature and well educated than normal. She is fascinated with history and has an analytical mind that breaks down each bit of information she acquires and assembles them accordingly. She is fascinated with the Medicis and is an exemplary chess player. At times, however, one does have to suspend belief.
Mr. Bennet has doted on her and fuels her passions, to the point where she starts to surpass him. However, with age comes wisdom and Mr. Bennet has to temper her.
"Lizzy, you are young, and I hope you will never be disappointed, but I should not put such faith in these quick and inexperienced assessments."
This book does follow canon, somewhat. I enjoyed being in Elizabeth's mind as she tried to figure out Mr. Darcy. In book one, I did find Mr. Darcy to be haughtier and more arrogant. I found it interesting that Elizabeth didn't see the same qualities in herself, which is why he rubbed her the wrong way. Their banter was like watching a fencing match...thrust...parry...retreat or counter-riposte. I enjoyed the development of Elizabeth in this tale as she matures even further.
I also enjoyed the little of Jane Bennet we did get to see. She was still as sweet and lovely as ever, but with a bit more awareness regarding Caroline Bingley. Mary Bennet also has a small role in this story, that I hope we will see more development of.
I had a few quibbles that dealt with propriety where Elizabeth was concerned. Also, the Gardiners had very little face time in places that I felt they should have been more prevalent. Overall I am enjoying this variant into spies, intrigue and assassinations. It is definitely 'outside the box' and I look forward to reading more.
December 29, 2015
Better than the first, but still wanting more...
I enjoyed the insights into Elizabeth's experiences, as she tries to reconcile her new undertaking about Darcy's family and her own sense of honor and duty. However, the plot still drags a little and doesn't offer enough new P&P insights to be rated any differently for me. I will read the third, as that was always my intention, and see if I will continue until book seven. It seems the better ratings have been for the later texts in this series.
I enjoyed the insights into Elizabeth's experiences, as she tries to reconcile her new undertaking about Darcy's family and her own sense of honor and duty. However, the plot still drags a little and doesn't offer enough new P&P insights to be rated any differently for me. I will read the third, as that was always my intention, and see if I will continue until book seven. It seems the better ratings have been for the later texts in this series.
February 3, 2018
See review for Book 1.
May 12, 2014
A re-telling of Pride and Prejudice in which Darcy is an assassin as part of a secret group of aristocrats who believe in policing their own. This is told from Elizabeth's point of view and you get some background on her education with regard to politics, the military, weapons, etc.
February 4, 2015
Fascinating!
Intriguing concepts while so believable! I found it an interesting change from most variants. And all together a very enjoyable read.
Intriguing concepts while so believable! I found it an interesting change from most variants. And all together a very enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews