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The Halder Brothers #1
Knife Point
17-year-old Dylan Towns has lived a life filled with pain and suffering. Her past surfaces in the form of intimacy issues and flashbacks. Thinking she was less than deserving, Dylan never imagined that she’d be asked to attend an elite boarding school for the rich.
With a sprawling campus nestled within a private forest, Halder Academy was something out of a dream; even when she learns she’s required to choose a specialty to train in. When an error forces Dylan to spend time with three drop-dead gorgeous brothers, her time at Halder Academy becomes a bit more complicated.
Dylan has to learn to navigate: a new school; a specialty she didn’t want; her growing feelings for Seb, Connor, and Gray; and the unwanted attention of a stalker.
This is a reverse harem novel. Book 1 of 3 in The Halder Brothers series.
With a sprawling campus nestled within a private forest, Halder Academy was something out of a dream; even when she learns she’s required to choose a specialty to train in. When an error forces Dylan to spend time with three drop-dead gorgeous brothers, her time at Halder Academy becomes a bit more complicated.
Dylan has to learn to navigate: a new school; a specialty she didn’t want; her growing feelings for Seb, Connor, and Gray; and the unwanted attention of a stalker.
This is a reverse harem novel. Book 1 of 3 in The Halder Brothers series.
161 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2021
60 people are currently reading
166 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 8, 2022
Kinsman, Emily Knife Point The Holder Brothers, #1 25 - 2552 161 Seiten 07.07.2022 - 08.07.2022
This is a Reverse Harem contemporary ya romance. It's described a slow burn and that's true. This was what made me give it a try: a slow burn romance. But I was disappointed, I like the characters but the story plot was also very slow and at some points it makes no sense.
This is a Reverse Harem contemporary ya romance. It's described a slow burn and that's true. This was what made me give it a try: a slow burn romance. But I was disappointed, I like the characters but the story plot was also very slow and at some points it makes no sense.
December 16, 2021
Not an impressive start for a series.
Try as I might, I could not care for Dylan, who I found needlessly abrasive. She starts the conflict with Seb because, as she put it, she never asked to be sent to Halder Academy. Then later admits that the moment her case worker informed her she had been accepted into a boarding school, “It was like a gold mine. I didn’t have any reason to question it, I just packed my shit and got in the car.” She may not have asked for it but, by her own admission, she was there quite willingly. Her being difficult about adapting to her new curriculum was just an excuse to be rude to Seb.
Most adults in the book are either ineffective – including the entire campus security -- or nefarious, like the Halders’ grandfather, who openly ogles an underage girl’s naked photos. And while this isn’t unheard of in this type of story, it reaches the point of absurdity when the teenaged protagonists can openly bully them without consequence. Grey assaults campus security and Dylan sends Jameson slinking away with nothing more than a firm tone of voice and a glare. I could believe the Halders being able to get away with that kind of thing since their name holds power, but Jameson has been presented as an openly hostile figure of authority – am I really expected to believe he left a student talk to him the way Dylan did and did nothing about it?
How is it that Dylan has no questions as to why they are teaching children ‘specialties’ that include knife throwing at moving targets, of all things? This is meant to be high school in a contemporary setting. And when they say that, if a student does not find a specialty among all those that the academy provides, they will make one for them – what is the limit? Must they all be related to espionage? Can a student’s specialty be yak herding? There are no clearly established rules on this important part of the plot.
The writing also lays Dylan’s pity party on thickly. Every two sentences we’re reminded she’s had a crap life and woe is her, as if we somehow forgot from one paragraph to the next. All this and the writing’s constant ignoring of ‘show, don’t tell’ makes this book a rather forgettable experience, as it offers nothing new to the genre. I can think of a number of other RHs with the same basic structure of ‘girl with a harsh life is adopted by 3+ guys who provide her with everything she lacked in life’ but do so in a far more charming way than Knife Point ever did.
While I will certainly not be continuing this series I understand this is the author’s first book, so I will be happy to try any future releases by her, so long as they are not related to Dylan and the Halders, who did nothing to endear themselves to me in this book’s 161 pages.
Try as I might, I could not care for Dylan, who I found needlessly abrasive. She starts the conflict with Seb because, as she put it, she never asked to be sent to Halder Academy. Then later admits that the moment her case worker informed her she had been accepted into a boarding school, “It was like a gold mine. I didn’t have any reason to question it, I just packed my shit and got in the car.” She may not have asked for it but, by her own admission, she was there quite willingly. Her being difficult about adapting to her new curriculum was just an excuse to be rude to Seb.
Most adults in the book are either ineffective – including the entire campus security -- or nefarious, like the Halders’ grandfather, who openly ogles an underage girl’s naked photos. And while this isn’t unheard of in this type of story, it reaches the point of absurdity when the teenaged protagonists can openly bully them without consequence. Grey assaults campus security and Dylan sends Jameson slinking away with nothing more than a firm tone of voice and a glare. I could believe the Halders being able to get away with that kind of thing since their name holds power, but Jameson has been presented as an openly hostile figure of authority – am I really expected to believe he left a student talk to him the way Dylan did and did nothing about it?
How is it that Dylan has no questions as to why they are teaching children ‘specialties’ that include knife throwing at moving targets, of all things? This is meant to be high school in a contemporary setting. And when they say that, if a student does not find a specialty among all those that the academy provides, they will make one for them – what is the limit? Must they all be related to espionage? Can a student’s specialty be yak herding? There are no clearly established rules on this important part of the plot.
The writing also lays Dylan’s pity party on thickly. Every two sentences we’re reminded she’s had a crap life and woe is her, as if we somehow forgot from one paragraph to the next. All this and the writing’s constant ignoring of ‘show, don’t tell’ makes this book a rather forgettable experience, as it offers nothing new to the genre. I can think of a number of other RHs with the same basic structure of ‘girl with a harsh life is adopted by 3+ guys who provide her with everything she lacked in life’ but do so in a far more charming way than Knife Point ever did.
While I will certainly not be continuing this series I understand this is the author’s first book, so I will be happy to try any future releases by her, so long as they are not related to Dylan and the Halders, who did nothing to endear themselves to me in this book’s 161 pages.
December 24, 2022
Okay story. Like the main FMC. The relationship could use some more build-up and the plot especially the aftermath could be better developed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2021
I Liked It
It is so hard to rate short books. As someone who likes a great deal of description and detail, I am often disappointed since there isn't the page count to provide the level of development I need typically to fully connect to the characters and the story. Sadly this was the case here. There were some consistency issues such as Gray's scar moving from his right to left brow and Seb getting a text ping on his phone right after he smashed it by throwing it at the wall but otherwise it was written well. I just didn't feel much but I should have (at least with Dylan's horrific backstory). Also, I was thrown off by the strangeness mostly in not understanding character motivations but also elements like the school. What is it's purpose? Why make kids have specialties such as rowing and gymnastics but also strategy, knife throwing and hand to hand. If it is some type of "spy" school or something similar why wouldn't there be cameras and better security? Why weren't those things there anyway with a bunch of super rich kids? I know some of this will be answered but it just felt a little illogical and convenient. Anyway, I didn't dislike this book but I think there are definitely people out there that will enjoy this more than I.
It is so hard to rate short books. As someone who likes a great deal of description and detail, I am often disappointed since there isn't the page count to provide the level of development I need typically to fully connect to the characters and the story. Sadly this was the case here. There were some consistency issues such as Gray's scar moving from his right to left brow and Seb getting a text ping on his phone right after he smashed it by throwing it at the wall but otherwise it was written well. I just didn't feel much but I should have (at least with Dylan's horrific backstory). Also, I was thrown off by the strangeness mostly in not understanding character motivations but also elements like the school. What is it's purpose? Why make kids have specialties such as rowing and gymnastics but also strategy, knife throwing and hand to hand. If it is some type of "spy" school or something similar why wouldn't there be cameras and better security? Why weren't those things there anyway with a bunch of super rich kids? I know some of this will be answered but it just felt a little illogical and convenient. Anyway, I didn't dislike this book but I think there are definitely people out there that will enjoy this more than I.
September 2, 2021
A book of polar opposites and startling similarities
This is a great read. You have 17yr old female MC arriving at a super exclusive boarding school, she has had a horrific, abusive background, has nothing to her name bar her experiences, her personality and determination. Her room mates are 3 brothers, super rich, Kings of the school, who on the surface have everything.... And yet they too have a dark background, are lonely and in meeting the MC they find a kind of family in each other. There's a load of wierd stuff going on, stalkers, strange teachers, intense "training" classes, wierd info on who is paying her fees, her finding out more about her background and the more that happens the more the brothers protect her.
It is mysterious, and horrifying in places, but also a very sweet book in Dylan coming out of her shell and finding who she is with these three amazing brothers.
I am very much looking forward to book 2. This is the authors first ever book, and is the first in a planned 4 book series.
This is a great read. You have 17yr old female MC arriving at a super exclusive boarding school, she has had a horrific, abusive background, has nothing to her name bar her experiences, her personality and determination. Her room mates are 3 brothers, super rich, Kings of the school, who on the surface have everything.... And yet they too have a dark background, are lonely and in meeting the MC they find a kind of family in each other. There's a load of wierd stuff going on, stalkers, strange teachers, intense "training" classes, wierd info on who is paying her fees, her finding out more about her background and the more that happens the more the brothers protect her.
It is mysterious, and horrifying in places, but also a very sweet book in Dylan coming out of her shell and finding who she is with these three amazing brothers.
I am very much looking forward to book 2. This is the authors first ever book, and is the first in a planned 4 book series.
February 16, 2022
Rating⭐: 3.5/5
Knife Point is the first book in The Halder Brothers series.
Dylan has been through hell before being offered a place at an elite boarding school. However when there is a mix up with her room, she ends up having to share with 3 hot brothers. But Dylan is in danger, and when they start asking questions it becomes clear that there is more to Dylans past than even she knows.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast oaced and the plot has plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages.
I also liked the chemistry between the characters. It is slow burn, but the banter and tension between them was great and I can't wait to see how their relationships develop in the next book.
Please check TWs before reading
Knife Point is the first book in The Halder Brothers series.
Dylan has been through hell before being offered a place at an elite boarding school. However when there is a mix up with her room, she ends up having to share with 3 hot brothers. But Dylan is in danger, and when they start asking questions it becomes clear that there is more to Dylans past than even she knows.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was fast oaced and the plot has plenty of twists to keep me turning the pages.
I also liked the chemistry between the characters. It is slow burn, but the banter and tension between them was great and I can't wait to see how their relationships develop in the next book.
Please check TWs before reading
July 15, 2024
Okay this book was full of plot twists. The freaking guidance counselor was the one who arranged her kidnapping. She did it for her brother who was obsessed with Dylan. The brother is the one who hurt her and scarred her when she was 8. She found out that she wasn’t adopted, but her parents aren’t her parents. Turns out that her “mom” is actually her aunt. It is interesting to me that her father tried to stab her, leading to her fear of knives, which she excels at throwing. Who is she really? What’s the backstory between the Halden brothers and their father, their grandfather…the headmaster? Who paid for her schooling? I wouldn’t think that the guidance counselor would be able to afford the tuition for her, so who paid for it?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2021
Dylan has been abused by her parents for years. When they get sent to prison, she has a chance to start fresh at an academy. But there are more secrets, a stalker, and three hot brothers. This seems to be a debut, and I really liked it. Dylan a survivor. She is independent, and I loved seeing her growth. I also loved how she set her boundaries and the guys respected that. This is a slow burn but you feel the attraction. The story ends with the resolution to one of the plots, and it is sort of a happy for now, but there are still things left to be discovered and I can’t wait to go on the ride :)
March 5, 2022
Great story
This book was a nice touch of mystery. I love that our FMC has been through some stuff and doesn’t let it define her, I love that she is strong willed and willing to learn to defend herself. I love our three MMC’s as well. I loved that they had to go through the channels of figuring out who’s stalking her, who she really is and where she’s from while learning how everything ties into her being in this elitist type school. I also loved the character building in this story between our 4 main characters. Can’t wait to read book two!
This book was a nice touch of mystery. I love that our FMC has been through some stuff and doesn’t let it define her, I love that she is strong willed and willing to learn to defend herself. I love our three MMC’s as well. I loved that they had to go through the channels of figuring out who’s stalking her, who she really is and where she’s from while learning how everything ties into her being in this elitist type school. I also loved the character building in this story between our 4 main characters. Can’t wait to read book two!
September 16, 2021
This was such a great book I loved Dylan she is so
Strong for all that she has been through I love that the guys instantly took to her and wanted to protect her. There is still so much we don’t know and I have plenty of questions I need answers too but I am so looking forward to seeing the relationships grow between Dylan and the guys as well as finding out what the F is going on there is plenty of mystery and suspense and I can’t wait for the next book!
Strong for all that she has been through I love that the guys instantly took to her and wanted to protect her. There is still so much we don’t know and I have plenty of questions I need answers too but I am so looking forward to seeing the relationships grow between Dylan and the guys as well as finding out what the F is going on there is plenty of mystery and suspense and I can’t wait for the next book!
August 29, 2021
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book. This genre is something I’m reading a lot of right now and so I’m very picky. I love character building in this book is full of it. Dylan it’s a girl with a past but that doesn’t define her. I enjoyed every minute of this and I stayed up all night to finish I can’t wait until the next book!
September 2, 2021
AWESOME READ!
I loved this book I read it in one sitting! Dylan is awesome and I love her attitude and character !! Her men are awesome and protective and I loved how they took her under their wing!! The plot is also intriguing and I need to no more!! Great start to a series!! Can’t wish for the next one!
I loved this book I read it in one sitting! Dylan is awesome and I love her attitude and character !! Her men are awesome and protective and I loved how they took her under their wing!! The plot is also intriguing and I need to no more!! Great start to a series!! Can’t wish for the next one!
September 3, 2021
Okay start
The plot is promising but the fmc wasn't that likeable for me. And the guys were okay but I didn't connect with them. I felt like the writing was too sharp. It didn't flow. The guys were all of a sudden nice to her, when one chapter before they were just eh. Overall, a good read. But could still be imrpoved.
The plot is promising but the fmc wasn't that likeable for me. And the guys were okay but I didn't connect with them. I felt like the writing was too sharp. It didn't flow. The guys were all of a sudden nice to her, when one chapter before they were just eh. Overall, a good read. But could still be imrpoved.
September 3, 2021
Awesome Read
Wow this is was crazy story and I’m so glad I read it . I can’t wait for book two. Dylan has been through so much thanks to her evil “parents “ and the evil they kept around them. There’s so many secrets to be revealed and I can’t wait for them . Karma needs her revenge.
Wow this is was crazy story and I’m so glad I read it . I can’t wait for book two. Dylan has been through so much thanks to her evil “parents “ and the evil they kept around them. There’s so many secrets to be revealed and I can’t wait for them . Karma needs her revenge.
March 1, 2022
Good book
This was a good book. It had a mystery to solve about a stalker that was interesting, while also having an overarching plot about the FMC. I did really like the FMC and the guys. I hope we can get to know the guys a bit more in the next book. Triggers. RH. Steam is low in this book.
This was a good book. It had a mystery to solve about a stalker that was interesting, while also having an overarching plot about the FMC. I did really like the FMC and the guys. I hope we can get to know the guys a bit more in the next book. Triggers. RH. Steam is low in this book.
September 22, 2021
a good first book
You can definitely tell this is her first book. An okay story line. However, it needed more buildup and more details. I am excited to see this author grow and see what is next for Dylan and her boys.
You can definitely tell this is her first book. An okay story line. However, it needed more buildup and more details. I am excited to see this author grow and see what is next for Dylan and her boys.
January 11, 2022
good story
Good story, left some answers, and doesn’t look like we will get those anytime soon. Told mostly in Dylan’s pov, this is a story, very short on sexy time, and very heavy on plot. Wish there was another book.
Good story, left some answers, and doesn’t look like we will get those anytime soon. Told mostly in Dylan’s pov, this is a story, very short on sexy time, and very heavy on plot. Wish there was another book.
February 1, 2022
OK
It’s was okay, short easy read, finished it in a couple hours. I wish there was a bit more detail involved. It felt like it just jumped from event to event. No real details. Honestly I am a bit confused still.
It’s was okay, short easy read, finished it in a couple hours. I wish there was a bit more detail involved. It felt like it just jumped from event to event. No real details. Honestly I am a bit confused still.
February 8, 2022
Holy whirlwind of emotions
Please check trigger warnings prior to reading. That being said, I absolutely loved this book. I am excited to read the remainder of their story. It kept me on my toes right up until the very end!
Please check trigger warnings prior to reading. That being said, I absolutely loved this book. I am excited to read the remainder of their story. It kept me on my toes right up until the very end!
October 16, 2023
I didn’t realize that this was a YA why choose book. There is NO spice, a lot of tension and two times they kiss. But they don’t really start anything together until the last chapter. Check TW. There is AS of a minor mentioned.
September 5, 2021
💥💥💥💥
An amazing first book!! Seriously loved this once I started I had a hard time putting it down! I need to know all the things- can’t wait for the next one
An amazing first book!! Seriously loved this once I started I had a hard time putting it down! I need to know all the things- can’t wait for the next one
September 15, 2021
Enjoyed
This was an interesting start. I’m left with all kinds Of questions and I’m looking forward to the next book. I liked the characters.
This was an interesting start. I’m left with all kinds Of questions and I’m looking forward to the next book. I liked the characters.
February 15, 2022
Great Story
Nice to read a story with strong female lead. Absolutely loved the story. Can't wait to dive in to book 2!
Nice to read a story with strong female lead. Absolutely loved the story. Can't wait to dive in to book 2!
Read
August 21, 2022Seems cliche--not giving it any rating since I was only about 5% in before hearing that it was YA and dropping it cause I'm a h*e who likes smut :/
December 1, 2022
First book by Emily. I give 3.5 stars. While it was a slow burn, i felt like something was missing. It didn't stop me from continuing though. I am looking forward to read the next book.
April 5, 2023
Awesome
This book had so many twists and turns and the instant attraction between Dylan and the brothers. I'm living the whole mystery thing and can't wait to find out more.
This book had so many twists and turns and the instant attraction between Dylan and the brothers. I'm living the whole mystery thing and can't wait to find out more.
June 23, 2024
Meh DNF 48%
December 9, 2021
This book was right up my alley and I couldn't put it down once I started.
Dylan has known nothing but pain and suffering.
Her earliest memories of being adopted at 4, but that was her last "happy memory."
When her adoptive parents are sent to prison, Dylan is given the chance to attend an elite boarding school for the rich.
How? She has no idea and that only has her questioning more things.
Being roomed with three hot brothers definitely sweetens the deal.
Especially when they seem to start caring and helping Dylan.
Something she has never known before.
When danger seems to be following Dylan around, she begins asking questions.
Questions that lead to even more questions and the truth of her life.
Who exactly is Dylan and why does chaos seem to follow her?
I was immediately sucked into this story line and instantly fell in love.
Not only with the plot but with the characters as well.
I love that the guys are so different yet exactly the same.
If that makes any sense.
And Dylan is someone I would love to befriend.
She doesn't let the life she's lived get her down.
She overcomes her fears but isn't afraid to ask for help.
Though she gets annoyed with the over-protectiveness of the brothers, she understands their reasoning.
Seb, Connor, and Gray are amazing guys and I loved watching their characters develop.
Individually and relationship wise.
Definitely a slow burn.
We are only just seeing the possibility of a harem develop toward the end.
While we know Dylan is falling for each, she is still under the notion that it wouldn't be feasible to start a relationship with any of them.
She is fine staying as friends.
Only that doesn't exactly work when her attraction starts making itself known.
This story is told from multiple points of view.
Though mostly from Dylan's.
And of course it ends on a cliffhanger.
Wouldn't be a series if it didn't.
Highly recommend picking this series up.
I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book will have in store for us.
Dylan has known nothing but pain and suffering.
Her earliest memories of being adopted at 4, but that was her last "happy memory."
When her adoptive parents are sent to prison, Dylan is given the chance to attend an elite boarding school for the rich.
How? She has no idea and that only has her questioning more things.
Being roomed with three hot brothers definitely sweetens the deal.
Especially when they seem to start caring and helping Dylan.
Something she has never known before.
When danger seems to be following Dylan around, she begins asking questions.
Questions that lead to even more questions and the truth of her life.
Who exactly is Dylan and why does chaos seem to follow her?
I was immediately sucked into this story line and instantly fell in love.
Not only with the plot but with the characters as well.
I love that the guys are so different yet exactly the same.
If that makes any sense.
And Dylan is someone I would love to befriend.
She doesn't let the life she's lived get her down.
She overcomes her fears but isn't afraid to ask for help.
Though she gets annoyed with the over-protectiveness of the brothers, she understands their reasoning.
Seb, Connor, and Gray are amazing guys and I loved watching their characters develop.
Individually and relationship wise.
Definitely a slow burn.
We are only just seeing the possibility of a harem develop toward the end.
While we know Dylan is falling for each, she is still under the notion that it wouldn't be feasible to start a relationship with any of them.
She is fine staying as friends.
Only that doesn't exactly work when her attraction starts making itself known.
This story is told from multiple points of view.
Though mostly from Dylan's.
And of course it ends on a cliffhanger.
Wouldn't be a series if it didn't.
Highly recommend picking this series up.
I'm looking forward to seeing what the next book will have in store for us.
February 2, 2025
Está bastate buena y se lee rapido
Ya me supuse que el chico de la tienda estaba involucrado porque cuando se presento él sabia quien era ella y justo un segundo más tarde dice que no comparte clases porque esta en un curso atras y no comparten comedor entonces como puede saber su nombre y quien es
Buff... que sorpresa con la profesora de arte sea la hermana del hombre que le hizo daño a la chica de niña y se obsesiono con ella
Creo que el padre de ella va a ser una persona muy poderosa o peligrosa
Ya me supuse que el chico de la tienda estaba involucrado porque cuando se presento él sabia quien era ella y justo un segundo más tarde dice que no comparte clases porque esta en un curso atras y no comparten comedor entonces como puede saber su nombre y quien es
Buff... que sorpresa con la profesora de arte sea la hermana del hombre que le hizo daño a la chica de niña y se obsesiono con ella
Creo que el padre de ella va a ser una persona muy poderosa o peligrosa
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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