Reviews

Echo in Onyx by Sharon Shinn

rebeccazh's review against another edition

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4.0

sharon shinn is back at it with another series with a very intriguing set-up. i devoured this trilogy and the first-person narration works really well.

jkeppeler's review against another edition

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3.0

See review for "Echo in Amythst."

sunneyone's review against another edition

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5.0

Really great read. I loved the characters and the world building. Looking forward to reading the next book.

continuity23's review against another edition

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1.0

DNF. Mostly because I didn’t like the narration, but on looking at the reviews and spoilers...not worth finishing.

elionamac's review against another edition

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Just couldn't get on board with the ideas of echos. They just made no sense!

rede4trip's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

thecaptainsquarters's review against another edition

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3.0

Ahoy there me mateys!  I absolutely love Sharon Shinn and featured her works in me Broadside No. 2.  I finished the Elemental Blessings series, was sad and then Matey Nicole @ bookwyrmknits told me that this YA series existed and of course I had to track it down.  The author's website describes the world of these books as:
In the Kingdom of the Seven Jewels, many of the highest nobles are attended by one or two or three echoes—creatures who look exactly like them, who move with them in perfect synchronicity, but who have no thoughts or volition of their own. Centuries ago during wartime, the echoes were a gift from the triple goddess, who bestowed them as a way to keep nobles safe from constant attempts at assassination. But what if an echo wasn't always exactly as it appeared . . .

I read the three books back to back and enjoyed them.  Just be forewarned about two things:

a) the echoes and how they work make no real sense; and
b) each plot is basically the same: young non-noble girl meets rich noble man, doesn't recognize him, insta-lust ensues, shenanigans ensue, happy ever after.

Now normally both of those things would irk me to no end.  However, this is Sharon Shinn and I love her writing.  Sure things don't make sense and these plots are super problematic but I still enjoy the world building and characters.  Even if even the characters were kinda special snowflakes and things worked out for them rather easily.   The echoes are a concept are fascinating and so I loved reading about them.  Each book focuses on a slightly different aspect of echoes.  Just don't think too hard about them cause inconsistencies abound.  I needed a distraction from life and these worked perfectly for the mood and moment.

This were fun and fluff but I have no urge to own them.  I also got them as part of Kindle Unlimited and so didn't have to pay the absurd ebook price for them.  The concept is both the strongest and weakest part of the book.  These are not her best books (in fact may be her weakest) and I wouldn't recommend them but I am so very glad I read them.

If ye be interested in any of Sharon Shinn's works, I suggest ye hoist those sails and visit her amazing website.  Literally one of the best author websites I have ever seen.  Arrrrr!

wslockard's review

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3.0

Enjoyable and pleasant!

caitibeth's review

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4.0

I enjoyed this book - Shinn's fantasy worlds are always interesting, and her prose is a pleasure - although it wasn't my favorite Shinn and there is a LOT of suspension of disbelief required. The plot often felt "forced" as well.

But it was still a pleasant read! :)

msripley's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75