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quirkycatsfatstacks's review
5.0
It's that time again! Brindi Quinn has just released a new novel, once again bringing fans back to a fantasy world of her making. A Crown of Echoes is the first novel in a new series of the same name, one that is set in a magical land of intrigue and danger.
Queen Merrin is one of several queens in her realm. In her mind, she may not act like a perfect queen, but at least she sincerely cares for those she is in charge of. She also cares deeply for at least one of her fellow queens, Beau.
That makes Beau's disappearance all the more devastating for Merrin. Now she'll go through whatever length necessary to save her fellow queen and friend. Even if it means strolling through patches of dark magic and woods.
“I suppose the first indication that something was wrong was that very night in the treetop fort.”
A Crown of Echoes is a thrilling fantasy novel unlike any others out there. It is the tale of magic and friendship. Of crowns and love. It takes the concept of realms and magic and throws it into a whole new adventure.
Queen Merrin is bright and alive – a refreshing change for somebody with the title of queen. She's vibrant and passionate and still feels very young in many ways. Yet none of that was enough to stop her from starting this journey.
I've noticed that many of Brindi Quinn's characters tend to be bright, compassionate, and caring. Yet they always also have their own spin to make them stand out even in that format. Merrin is wild and is accurately compared to a lioness on more than one occasion.
The worldbuilding for this new series is on-point, which didn't surprise me at all. While we've only been offered a glimpse into a couple of the realms, it feels like there is so much more to this world. Even Merrin's own realm feels like there is a hidden depth to it, and that is one that we see the most.
As for the magical system? That alone was enough to get my curiosity going. I'm looking forward to seeing what Quinn reveals in future novels. Though what was portrayed here was tied so carefully with the lore of the world, and thus it carried weight.
Naturally, there's a romantic plot as well. That's hinted at in every description of the book, and it does not let down here. It starts off subtle but quickly goes from slow-burn to full romance, with a few surprises here and there along the way.
All things considered, it was absolutely worth the wait to get to read A Crown of Echoes. Brindi Quinn is easily one of my favorite indie authors, and I always treasure her releases. In fact, I may have bought this book digitally to read it asap, only to also buy a physical copy to add to my collection (don't judge me!). I can't wait for the rest of this series!
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
Queen Merrin is one of several queens in her realm. In her mind, she may not act like a perfect queen, but at least she sincerely cares for those she is in charge of. She also cares deeply for at least one of her fellow queens, Beau.
That makes Beau's disappearance all the more devastating for Merrin. Now she'll go through whatever length necessary to save her fellow queen and friend. Even if it means strolling through patches of dark magic and woods.
“I suppose the first indication that something was wrong was that very night in the treetop fort.”
A Crown of Echoes is a thrilling fantasy novel unlike any others out there. It is the tale of magic and friendship. Of crowns and love. It takes the concept of realms and magic and throws it into a whole new adventure.
Queen Merrin is bright and alive – a refreshing change for somebody with the title of queen. She's vibrant and passionate and still feels very young in many ways. Yet none of that was enough to stop her from starting this journey.
I've noticed that many of Brindi Quinn's characters tend to be bright, compassionate, and caring. Yet they always also have their own spin to make them stand out even in that format. Merrin is wild and is accurately compared to a lioness on more than one occasion.
The worldbuilding for this new series is on-point, which didn't surprise me at all. While we've only been offered a glimpse into a couple of the realms, it feels like there is so much more to this world. Even Merrin's own realm feels like there is a hidden depth to it, and that is one that we see the most.
As for the magical system? That alone was enough to get my curiosity going. I'm looking forward to seeing what Quinn reveals in future novels. Though what was portrayed here was tied so carefully with the lore of the world, and thus it carried weight.
Naturally, there's a romantic plot as well. That's hinted at in every description of the book, and it does not let down here. It starts off subtle but quickly goes from slow-burn to full romance, with a few surprises here and there along the way.
All things considered, it was absolutely worth the wait to get to read A Crown of Echoes. Brindi Quinn is easily one of my favorite indie authors, and I always treasure her releases. In fact, I may have bought this book digitally to read it asap, only to also buy a physical copy to add to my collection (don't judge me!). I can't wait for the rest of this series!
Check out more reviews over at Quirky Cat's Fat Stacks
xaboutbooksx's review
4.0
Characters:
So first of before I start writing this review, can we just wait a moment to take a look at this beautifull cover. I love the vibe it's giving me and it does gave away the vibe of the story it selve. So back to the review, let me start by saying that I absolutely loved the characters in this book. We meet both queens in the beginning of the book, and the difference between them are beautifully discribed.
Beau is the one that is kind, sweet but mostly very regal. Merrin is the one that is free spirited and is kind of carefree. When Beau reveals a secret to Merrin, that is where the story really begins for me. I loved both of the characters, but Merrin will be my favorite queen. I love the free spirit thing she has going on, but also the way she rules here queendom is very nice. One of my favorite characters will be Windley, as you all know me by now, I do love me some badboy vibes, and Windley is defenitley giving me that vibe. He is snarky and a bit mysterious. And the way he always forget to call Merin queen is just hilarious. So the other two characters that are in the book are Albie and Rafe. Albie is the protected kind for Merin it's almost like a father figure, and I love that but at some points I disagreed on the things he said. Rafe is one you don't get a lot of info of. So he is kind of mysterious, and I liked that.
The story
The one thing that is very nice in the story is that the world building is amazing. The magic system will reveal itself through out the story, and you start to understand it piece by piece. We only took a glimpse of the word around the characters, it feels like there is much more to it then is revealed in this first book, even Merins queendom seems te have surten potential. So if I take a look at the first part of the book, it was very well writen. You get to know the main characters right in the beginning so you know what to expect from them. I was reading and all of a sudden I was on page 60 so that is a good sign. For the middle part, I think this is very well done. It is never boring and there is action in every corner in the story. The last part killed me, I wanted to read more of Merrin and Winley and find out more of this world, but I guess I have to wait a bit longer for that.
Writings:
This is the part I liked most. The writing style is just amazing. She adds little pieces of Merrins thoughts through out the pages, and that is what makes the story hilarious. While you are reading the book, you can see the things happening in front of you, and that is what I like the most about a fantasy story. One small piece of critic, is that I like to read form Beau's aspect, while she where holding captive, I think that will make the story much more dynamic.
Conclusion:
My conclusion is that I loved this book. I love the characters and the writing style. That is why I gave it a 4 star rating. This book will be publiced on 11th of June so you guys have to wait a bit more, but I can tell you, this book is amazing.
So first of before I start writing this review, can we just wait a moment to take a look at this beautifull cover. I love the vibe it's giving me and it does gave away the vibe of the story it selve. So back to the review, let me start by saying that I absolutely loved the characters in this book. We meet both queens in the beginning of the book, and the difference between them are beautifully discribed.
Beau is the one that is kind, sweet but mostly very regal. Merrin is the one that is free spirited and is kind of carefree. When Beau reveals a secret to Merrin, that is where the story really begins for me. I loved both of the characters, but Merrin will be my favorite queen. I love the free spirit thing she has going on, but also the way she rules here queendom is very nice. One of my favorite characters will be Windley, as you all know me by now, I do love me some badboy vibes, and Windley is defenitley giving me that vibe. He is snarky and a bit mysterious. And the way he always forget to call Merin queen is just hilarious. So the other two characters that are in the book are Albie and Rafe. Albie is the protected kind for Merin it's almost like a father figure, and I love that but at some points I disagreed on the things he said. Rafe is one you don't get a lot of info of. So he is kind of mysterious, and I liked that.
The story
The one thing that is very nice in the story is that the world building is amazing. The magic system will reveal itself through out the story, and you start to understand it piece by piece. We only took a glimpse of the word around the characters, it feels like there is much more to it then is revealed in this first book, even Merins queendom seems te have surten potential. So if I take a look at the first part of the book, it was very well writen. You get to know the main characters right in the beginning so you know what to expect from them. I was reading and all of a sudden I was on page 60 so that is a good sign. For the middle part, I think this is very well done. It is never boring and there is action in every corner in the story. The last part killed me, I wanted to read more of Merrin and Winley and find out more of this world, but I guess I have to wait a bit longer for that.
Writings:
This is the part I liked most. The writing style is just amazing. She adds little pieces of Merrins thoughts through out the pages, and that is what makes the story hilarious. While you are reading the book, you can see the things happening in front of you, and that is what I like the most about a fantasy story. One small piece of critic, is that I like to read form Beau's aspect, while she where holding captive, I think that will make the story much more dynamic.
Conclusion:
My conclusion is that I loved this book. I love the characters and the writing style. That is why I gave it a 4 star rating. This book will be publiced on 11th of June so you guys have to wait a bit more, but I can tell you, this book is amazing.
nastashastarr3's review
4.0
I recieved an e-arc of Crown of Echos from TBR and beyond tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
So first off.... can we just take a moment to appreciate this absolute stunner of a book cover? I know we always say never judge a book by its cover but well... that's why they're there
So first off.... can we just take a moment to appreciate this absolute stunner of a book cover? I know we always say never judge a book by its cover but well... that's why they're there
s1rencalls's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The magic and supernatural elements are so unique and interesting, it was the main reason why I LOVED this book. Merrin breaks the fourth wall A LOT with her inner musings, which can be entertaining, heartbreaking, or thought-provoking. All the characters brought something to the table, plot-wise and personality-wise, and the romance made my heart flutter ngl. Merrin and Windley's relationship was solid from the beginning and seeing Windley's feelings peek through more and more was so AHH!! And the love confession at the end was so AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Violence
Minor: Blood, Death of parent, Torture, and Toxic friendship
shelf_blame's review
4.0
Thank you, Brindi Quinn and TBR and Beyond Tours for the copy of this book!
A Crown of Echoes is a story about Merrin, a Queen who is passionate and fun, and loyal. When her sister Queen Beau goes missing, Merrin sets out on a journey with her Knights, Albie and Rafe to find her. Windley, one of Queen Beau's knights, also joins the band and brings with him secrets and feelings Merrin has to navigate through her growing worry for her friend. Throughout all of this Merrin also has to deal with the fact that she seems to have gained Beau's power of speaking to the forest, and it's much more dangerous than she realizes.
This was a quick, fun read. Merrin is definitely likable. She's funny and laid back in a 'not like other Queens' way. She's not afraid to get dirty and she doesn't hesitate before diving in to help her friend. The other characters add a layer of depth to the story but also function to deepen Merrin's character as well. We have Albie, her faithful knight and father figure. Rafe, the young knight with a painful secret that Merrin doesn't hesitate to reassure and help where she can. Windley, the Spirite knight who has powers Merrin can't imagine, and who Merrin has a growing attraction to. Overall, they all work together to create a cohesive and engaging story.
The budding romance between Windley and Merrin is well done and just enough to keep us begging for more by the end. It's got the perfect amount of angst. Enough to really make me care but not so much that I can't stand reading it.
There was a spot or two I would've liked some more info on the magic systems and the lore behind Rafe and his relationship with the moon. Hoping we get some more of that in book 2!
This book is the first in the series, and I can't wait to read the next one. It ends on a cliff hanger after a really fantastic action scene. I'm so curious to see where it goes next!
Overall, a quick and fun fantasy romance. Would definitely recommend it!
A Crown of Echoes is a story about Merrin, a Queen who is passionate and fun, and loyal. When her sister Queen Beau goes missing, Merrin sets out on a journey with her Knights, Albie and Rafe to find her. Windley, one of Queen Beau's knights, also joins the band and brings with him secrets and feelings Merrin has to navigate through her growing worry for her friend. Throughout all of this Merrin also has to deal with the fact that she seems to have gained Beau's power of speaking to the forest, and it's much more dangerous than she realizes.
This was a quick, fun read. Merrin is definitely likable. She's funny and laid back in a 'not like other Queens' way. She's not afraid to get dirty and she doesn't hesitate before diving in to help her friend. The other characters add a layer of depth to the story but also function to deepen Merrin's character as well. We have Albie, her faithful knight and father figure. Rafe, the young knight with a painful secret that Merrin doesn't hesitate to reassure and help where she can. Windley, the Spirite knight who has powers Merrin can't imagine, and who Merrin has a growing attraction to. Overall, they all work together to create a cohesive and engaging story.
The budding romance between Windley and Merrin is well done and just enough to keep us begging for more by the end. It's got the perfect amount of angst. Enough to really make me care but not so much that I can't stand reading it.
There was a spot or two I would've liked some more info on the magic systems and the lore behind Rafe and his relationship with the moon. Hoping we get some more of that in book 2!
This book is the first in the series, and I can't wait to read the next one. It ends on a cliff hanger after a really fantastic action scene. I'm so curious to see where it goes next!
Overall, a quick and fun fantasy romance. Would definitely recommend it!
popthebutterfly's review
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Crown of Echoes
Author: Brindi Quinn
Book Series: A Crown of Echoes Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, new adult readers, fantasy readers
Publication Date: June 11, 2020
Genre: New Adult Romance Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, alcohol usage, slight violence)
Publisher: Never and Ever Publishing
Pages: 252
Synopsis: Queen Merrin might be the least queenly queen in all the realms. After all, queens don't typically sneak out at night to drink with their guards. When her best friend and neighboring queen, Beau, goes missing, Merrin won't leave rescue to the knights. She sets out from the civilized world and into the wilds to retrieve her lost friend, but with ancient hexes, stolen power, and a mountain of giants' bones, Merrin stumbles into something much greater than a simple rescue mission. Get ready for a swoony whirlwind of dark magic and forbidden romance, as Merrin finds strength in the whispers of the forest and comfort in the arms of a guard with tantalizing abilities.
Review: I thought this was a cute story. I really liked the writing and the character development was very well done. The world building was also good and I was hooked on the story from start to finish. I do have to say that while this is mostly romance driven, which is not my favorite genre, the book does have some great fantasy and adventure elements to it.
The only critique I have is the pacing. It’s really slow throughout most of the book and I felt like it could have been a little faster.
Verdict: A great book!
Book: A Crown of Echoes
Author: Brindi Quinn
Book Series: A Crown of Echoes Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, new adult readers, fantasy readers
Publication Date: June 11, 2020
Genre: New Adult Romance Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, alcohol usage, slight violence)
Publisher: Never and Ever Publishing
Pages: 252
Synopsis: Queen Merrin might be the least queenly queen in all the realms. After all, queens don't typically sneak out at night to drink with their guards. When her best friend and neighboring queen, Beau, goes missing, Merrin won't leave rescue to the knights. She sets out from the civilized world and into the wilds to retrieve her lost friend, but with ancient hexes, stolen power, and a mountain of giants' bones, Merrin stumbles into something much greater than a simple rescue mission. Get ready for a swoony whirlwind of dark magic and forbidden romance, as Merrin finds strength in the whispers of the forest and comfort in the arms of a guard with tantalizing abilities.
Review: I thought this was a cute story. I really liked the writing and the character development was very well done. The world building was also good and I was hooked on the story from start to finish. I do have to say that while this is mostly romance driven, which is not my favorite genre, the book does have some great fantasy and adventure elements to it.
The only critique I have is the pacing. It’s really slow throughout most of the book and I felt like it could have been a little faster.
Verdict: A great book!
bookbriefs's review
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A Crown of Echoes is the first book in the New Adult fantasy romance series by the same name from author Brindi Quinn. I really enjoyed this book, and I can't wait to continue on with this series. January has been an odd reading month for me. I have either LOVED books or really didn't like them at all, so I was a little nervous when I first picked up A Crown of Echoes because I had such high hopes for this book. I loved everything a bout it's first impression- it has a beautiful cover, the summary sounds like a fantasy book that is right up my alley. And I am now happy to report that A Crown of Echoes falls into the love it category! This book was great, and I am super excited to continue on with the series!
In A Crown of Echoes we meet our main character, Queen Merrin who goes out in search of her friend, and Queen of a neighboring kingdom- Queen Beau. First of all, I loved seeing Queens that are friends with each other. What a nice change of pace. Merrin is the type of main character that I love! She is loyal and strong and delightful to read about. I loved seeing a free spirit as a queen. Merrin felt like a fresh and unique main character, and I can't wait to see what is in store for her in the next book!
I also really enjoyed the romance in A Crown of Echoes between Merrin and Windley. The romance was just as vibrant and exciting as all of the characters present in the story, which is really saying something because Merrin is a life force all on her own! I'm very excited to learn more about the world, folklore and magic associated with the lands in the next books. It is super interesting and I feel like Brindi Quinn has so much more in store for us in the coming novels. If you are looking for a fast paced fantasy romance with vibrant characters, look no further than the Crown of Echoes series! I really enjoyed this book and need to read the sequel ASAP.
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