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4.11 AVERAGE
4.11 AVERAGE
It was well written but the story was way to long and predictable. I was bored multiple times throughout and nothing really pulled me in. I liked the idea and the way it was worded, but that's about it.
Rating: 5/5 Penguins
Quick Reasons: filled with mystery, drama, intrigue, and magic; fabulous world-building; gorgeous, atmospheric prose; unique, creative monsters; this was a race to the finish line; complex characters with believable motivations
HUGE thanks to E.J. Dawson, Literary Wanderlust Publishers, and R & R Book Tours for sending a free galley of this title my way in exchange for an honest review. This in no way altered my read of or opinion on this book.
I'm going to start with some honesty, Penguins--I am not typically a "high fantasy" girly. If you had told me that this book was CLOSER to high fantasy than not, before I picked it up, I may have made a different decision. This different decision would have been a mistake; I would have missed out TREMENDOUSLY on an absolutely amazing read!
The world building E.J. Dawson uses throughout this read is clear, vibrant, and easy to follow. The prose is gorgeous, painting vivid pictures of the world, the magic, and the monsters seamlessly. This reads almost like a dance, the poetic prose both describing and mystifying in turn. This was such an easy story to fall into, making it difficult to put the book down or take myself "out of" when I most needed to sleep (or work, or do any other number of things).
These characters are complex, multi-faceted, and so easy to connect with and root for (or loathe, I suppose, depending). The main group goes through SO much growth on their journey--growth that is believable and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat, not daring to even breathe, hoping for the best--and for me, this is a difficult feat to achieve in a book!
I definitely recommend picking this title up if you're a fan of dark fantasy, atmospheric world building, and complex characters who toe the line between "for the better" and "risking it all." Be wary of the echoes, Penguins--there's more to these dangers than meets the eye.
Quick Reasons: filled with mystery, drama, intrigue, and magic; fabulous world-building; gorgeous, atmospheric prose; unique, creative monsters; this was a race to the finish line; complex characters with believable motivations
HUGE thanks to E.J. Dawson, Literary Wanderlust Publishers, and R & R Book Tours for sending a free galley of this title my way in exchange for an honest review. This in no way altered my read of or opinion on this book.
I'm going to start with some honesty, Penguins--I am not typically a "high fantasy" girly. If you had told me that this book was CLOSER to high fantasy than not, before I picked it up, I may have made a different decision. This different decision would have been a mistake; I would have missed out TREMENDOUSLY on an absolutely amazing read!
The world building E.J. Dawson uses throughout this read is clear, vibrant, and easy to follow. The prose is gorgeous, painting vivid pictures of the world, the magic, and the monsters seamlessly. This reads almost like a dance, the poetic prose both describing and mystifying in turn. This was such an easy story to fall into, making it difficult to put the book down or take myself "out of" when I most needed to sleep (or work, or do any other number of things).
These characters are complex, multi-faceted, and so easy to connect with and root for (or loathe, I suppose, depending). The main group goes through SO much growth on their journey--growth that is believable and compelling. I was on the edge of my seat, not daring to even breathe, hoping for the best--and for me, this is a difficult feat to achieve in a book!
I definitely recommend picking this title up if you're a fan of dark fantasy, atmospheric world building, and complex characters who toe the line between "for the better" and "risking it all." Be wary of the echoes, Penguins--there's more to these dangers than meets the eye.
I love the premise of the book. The idea of castes within a pseudo-religious type of organization that includes knights and magic is interesting. However, I think the delivery of it could use a little work.
The writing read a little like an early draft of the book. The book could definitely be longer and offer a lot more for the reader. There were a lot of times throughout the book where I was looking for more explanation, more details, and even more world building. The plot twist at the end was great. I definitely didn’t see any of that coming. I do think the climax was a little too fast paced though. Again, more detail and world building would definitely benefit this book. I am also still a little confused about the Evercry; is it it’s own entity or just what the person turns into once they have been overtaken? Is there one Evercry that separates its power into agents? Unknown at this point.
The character growth was great. The empowerment at the end made the read worth it. The side characters are also likable. I do think there could have been a little more tension/animosity drawn out between Larissa and Valare. The almost immediate give in to the friendship was a little disappointing.
eARC received from NetGalley via BooksGoSocial
The writing read a little like an early draft of the book. The book could definitely be longer and offer a lot more for the reader. There were a lot of times throughout the book where I was looking for more explanation, more details, and even more world building. The plot twist at the end was great. I definitely didn’t see any of that coming. I do think the climax was a little too fast paced though. Again, more detail and world building would definitely benefit this book. I am also still a little confused about the Evercry; is it it’s own entity or just what the person turns into once they have been overtaken? Is there one Evercry that separates its power into agents? Unknown at this point.
The character growth was great. The empowerment at the end made the read worth it. The side characters are also likable. I do think there could have been a little more tension/animosity drawn out between Larissa and Valare. The almost immediate give in to the friendship was a little disappointing.
eARC received from NetGalley via BooksGoSocial
I seem to be drawn to sisterhood stories lately and this was no exception. I really loved seeing Larissa's character develop and come to terms with the magic in her. The fact that we get to see the cast of darkkins in the story really gave it an interesting dimension, we're not seeing the story from the society's heroes' eyes. The journey she went through was a ride ! So many things happened, it doesn't let any time for boredom, it's action packed, and not pretty. Harsh with the external and internal battles Larissa had to fight, I'd recommend it to anyone looking for action, character development, hidden truths and plot twists !
I do enjoy a fantasy prologue. This one was economical and to the point. The book functions as a bildungsroman for Larissa, the main character and covers her education and being tested against harsh realities. This is a world where magic is both powerful and costly. While it is not very rare it is treated with extreme distrust and has the power to corrupt absolutely. This means there is a constant lure of forbidden knowledge. This sets up an inner conflict for the protaganist between her nature and desire and what she has been taught. This conflict never abates. I was impressed that ambiguity is maintained through the entire book. Like Larissa we are often unsure whether her actions are right, whether her view is clouded and what is true. This is not a book of easy answers. Some fantasy draws very distinct lines between good and evil this not the case here. Larissa acts as an outsider but also remains part of an established order and forces some change on that order.
The descriptions of fight scenes were very good, giving a clear view of the action and interesting descriptions.
Initially Larissa is convinced there is one right way for her life to unfold but she begins to see that her own path is very different and important.
Sometimes the narrative seemed like in was about to careen off the rails like the over strained mind of the protagonist but the roller coaster was always skillfully landed back on the tracks.
I would’ve liked to linger more over Larissa’s school life before she left for her quest. I also wish I could’ve spent more time with Larissa growing her complex connections to her companions. Both of which would’ve made for a longer book so I could’ve stayed immersed in the fascinating world longer. Well, I’ll just have to hope for another book.
The descriptions of fight scenes were very good, giving a clear view of the action and interesting descriptions.
Initially Larissa is convinced there is one right way for her life to unfold but she begins to see that her own path is very different and important.
Sometimes the narrative seemed like in was about to careen off the rails like the over strained mind of the protagonist but the roller coaster was always skillfully landed back on the tracks.
I would’ve liked to linger more over Larissa’s school life before she left for her quest. I also wish I could’ve spent more time with Larissa growing her complex connections to her companions. Both of which would’ve made for a longer book so I could’ve stayed immersed in the fascinating world longer. Well, I’ll just have to hope for another book.
This is Larissas story; It is a retelling of her quest, of her coming into her own, of her echo of the evercry. Filled with adventure, magic, bad ass female knights (and creatures and castles too) we're thrown into a world with an abundance of FMCs, it's a sisterhood- yes, while men do still exist in this world, the women are the ones mostly running all factions with the fair ladys order being of most importance here.
The world building was so immersive, it sucks you right in. Add fantasticly written complex main characters and this book has everything you want from a fantasy read. I have definitely been left me wanting more of the story!
(Crossing my fingers hoping its gonna be a series
The world building was so immersive, it sucks you right in. Add fantasticly written complex main characters and this book has everything you want from a fantasy read. I have definitely been left me wanting more of the story!
(Crossing my fingers hoping its gonna be a series
4.25/5
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the review copy! This is an honest review.
E. J. Dawson's "Echo of the Evercry" delves into a world where the intricate balance between magic and its costs is delicately explored. This story delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the complexities of familial bonds. Within the pages of this dark and gritty tale, readers are introduced to Larissa, a young woman burdened by the weight of her mother's legacy and struggling to reconcile her own forbidden affinity for magic with the rigid expectations of her order, the Fair Lady's sisterhood.
Dawson's masterful portrayal of Larissa's internal turmoil and her relentless quest to define her own path in the face of societal constraints invites readers into a richly textured and emotionally charged narrative. Larissa's journey of self-discovery and redemption unfolds against the backdrop of a meticulously crafted world, one where the lines between light and darkness blur, and the true nature of power is revealed to be more complex than meets the eye.
As Larissa navigates the treacherous landscapes of betrayal and deceit, she grapples with the stark realities of her heritage and the tangled web of allegiances that shape her world. Dawson's captivating storytelling weaves a compelling narrative that invites readers to delve into a world where the very fabric of truth appears to be shrouded in mystery. The only drawback for me was the inclusion of the attempted sexual assault, which I found unnecessary. This one is dark at times for sure.
"Echo of the Evercry" stands as a testament to Dawson's skillful storytelling and her ability to craft a captivating world. With its richly developed exploration of the complexities of moral ambiguity, this novel is a gripping tale that I deeply enjoyed.
Thanks to the author and R&R Booktours for the review copy! This is an honest review.
E. J. Dawson's "Echo of the Evercry" delves into a world where the intricate balance between magic and its costs is delicately explored. This story delves into themes of identity, destiny, and the complexities of familial bonds. Within the pages of this dark and gritty tale, readers are introduced to Larissa, a young woman burdened by the weight of her mother's legacy and struggling to reconcile her own forbidden affinity for magic with the rigid expectations of her order, the Fair Lady's sisterhood.
Dawson's masterful portrayal of Larissa's internal turmoil and her relentless quest to define her own path in the face of societal constraints invites readers into a richly textured and emotionally charged narrative. Larissa's journey of self-discovery and redemption unfolds against the backdrop of a meticulously crafted world, one where the lines between light and darkness blur, and the true nature of power is revealed to be more complex than meets the eye.
As Larissa navigates the treacherous landscapes of betrayal and deceit, she grapples with the stark realities of her heritage and the tangled web of allegiances that shape her world. Dawson's captivating storytelling weaves a compelling narrative that invites readers to delve into a world where the very fabric of truth appears to be shrouded in mystery. The only drawback for me was the inclusion of the attempted sexual assault, which I found unnecessary. This one is dark at times for sure.
"Echo of the Evercry" stands as a testament to Dawson's skillful storytelling and her ability to craft a captivating world. With its richly developed exploration of the complexities of moral ambiguity, this novel is a gripping tale that I deeply enjoyed.
Overall 3.5! I enjoyed the world building and character developments. Some character choices I didn’t fully .. go with butttt it wasn’t too bad! I really wanted more Jyan and Valare so hopefully we get that in the next!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Although I didn't enjoy this book at a 4 star level (mood reader problems) it definitely deserves those 4 stars. I really loved the story and the magic system is well thought out and really great. The characters were interesting and it was well written. I didn't enjoy it that much... and it took my waaay too long to read even though it was 328 pages... not sure why I wasn't invested in it much but I would read it again in the future to see how I feel about it then. I would def recommend to fellow fantasy readers.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I received and reviewed an ARC, but my review has not been influenced in any way by the author or publisher.
History is not always sung by heroes. It is sometimes written by the villains who told their story first.
In Dawson's Echo of the Evercry, it can be hard to work out who is a hero and who is a villain. Yes, there are characters that are fighting against the evils of magic users gone bad. And yes, there is clearly a problem with the corruption that stems from unchecked use of magic. But it's not ever that simple in the real world, nor is it simple here.
There is a lot of conflict in this book, between characters and between factions. What keeps it interesting is that while the cause of conflicts is often apparent, it's not always what it first seems, and there is often not a 'good' and 'bad' side. Dawson has created characters that are complicated, have mixed feelings, don't always act in their own best interest, and sometimes need a good slap over the back of the head... in other words, they are people.
Mild spoilers ahead, read at your own risk.
There are a faction of knights, called to destroy the magic users who have been corrupted by power. The knights are well trained, respected (or feared), and powerful. But they also rely on their own magic users to know their enemy. But who is the enemy, really?
The lead cast are all women, with a matriarchal organisation of great power. Men exist in this world, have positions of authority and otherwise, but are not the focus of the story at all. There are hints of romance, but much more than that there is a classic story of growing up being forced into a way of life that is not by choice, and learning that you have a choice.
I heartily recommend this book, and I'm left wanting to know what happens next.
There is a lot of conflict in this book, between characters and between factions. What keeps it interesting is that while the cause of conflicts is often apparent, it's not always what it first seems, and there is often not a 'good' and 'bad' side. Dawson has created characters that are complicated, have mixed feelings, don't always act in their own best interest, and sometimes need a good slap over the back of the head... in other words, they are people.
Mild spoilers ahead, read at your own risk.
The lead cast are all women, with a matriarchal organisation of great power. Men exist in this world, have positions of authority and otherwise, but are not the focus of the story at all. There are hints of romance, but much more than that there is a classic story of growing up being forced into a way of life that is not by choice, and learning that you have a choice.
I heartily recommend this book, and I'm left wanting to know what happens next.