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Walker Papers #8
Mountain Echoes
You can never go home again.
Joanne Walker has survived an encounter with the Master at great personal cost, but now her father is missing - stolen from the timeline. She must finally return to North Carolina to find him - and to meet Aidan, the son she left behind long ago.
That would be enough for any shaman to face, but Joanne's beloved Appalachians are being torn apart by an evil reaching forward from the distant past. Anything that gets in its way becomes tainted - or worse.
And Aidan has gotten in the way.
Only by calling on every aspect of her shamanic powers can Joanne pull the past apart and weave a better future. It will take everything she has - and more.
Unless she can turn back time...
Joanne Walker has survived an encounter with the Master at great personal cost, but now her father is missing - stolen from the timeline. She must finally return to North Carolina to find him - and to meet Aidan, the son she left behind long ago.
That would be enough for any shaman to face, but Joanne's beloved Appalachians are being torn apart by an evil reaching forward from the distant past. Anything that gets in its way becomes tainted - or worse.
And Aidan has gotten in the way.
Only by calling on every aspect of her shamanic powers can Joanne pull the past apart and weave a better future. It will take everything she has - and more.
Unless she can turn back time...
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
78 people are currently reading
1907 people want to read
About the author
C.E. Murphy
97 books1,795 followersCE Murphy began writing around age six, when she submitted three poems to a school publication. The teacher producing the magazine selected (inevitably) the one she thought was by far the worst, but also told her–a six year old kid–to keep writing, which she has. She has also held the usual grab-bag of jobs usually seen in an authorial biography, including public library volunteer (at ages 9 and 10; it’s clear she was doomed to a career involving books), archival assistant, cannery worker, and web designer. Writing books is better.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
She was born and raised in Alaska, and now lives with her family in her ancestral homeland of Ireland.
She also writes paranormal romance as Murphy Lawless and cozy mysteries as Catie Murphy.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
June 22, 2013
This story, well, it was just perfection for me! ;)
Loved, loved it!!!!
The only sad thing about it, is that apparently the next volume will be the last one of the series. Really?? :(
How can i possibly live without Joanne's antics??? O_O
But this one, Oh MY GOD!!!
Action packed intense, riveting,(flying MUSTANGS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT HORSES, BUT JOANNE'S "PETITE"!) emotional,(yeah, it made me cry! o.O) romantic (Morrison, YAY!!!)funny (Joanne's drives her spirit animals insane!)
This was great!
...apparently one day later i still can't get my feelings in check!
Sooooo....
Joanne is back in North Carolina after having promised never to return.
Her father and Lucas, the father of her son have both gone missing, and she is determined to find out what has happened.
Once there, it becomes clear that the "Master", Joanne's opponent has made another move.
An evilness has permeated the land, making even the mountains scream.
Backed by her animal spirits Joanne tries to fight that evil. But it seems that this time she is more than outnumbered, and Aiden her son may end up having a very relevant role in the upcoming battle.
What i loved more in the book: Joanne's growth as a person and a shaman. She comes to accept the hand she was given in the game. It may not have been perfect, it definitely wasn't conventional, but at the same time it allowed her the use of an unbelievable power...
I guess i was expecting more in the way of her relationship with the son she had given up for adoption, but in the end i have to give it to the author, that things did really go smoothly.
Also, the glimpses into Joanne's past were perfect. Heartbreaking sad at times, but perfect...
Morrison...yeah, the guy gets his own paragraph!
Some of my complaints concerning this series have regarded the romantic aspect of the thing. Normally it's the other way around, but in the Walker series i wouldn't have minded more romance.... basically because the tension between Walker and Morrison (oh, they're still insane with the name thing! *shakes head*) were killing me!
But, boy oh boy, was it worth the wait!!
Morrison is the perfect male character. He's calm,( a little less so when Jo's driving.. O_O..but who wouldn't be) reserved,(who could have guessed his fears) cool under fire....and who could have guessed? Still a little (lol, a lot!) jealous of Coyote!
That first scene where he appears driving Petite (He can drive fast!!) was swoon worthing...LOL...and i'm not even going to mention what happens next! *.* :D
So yes, i loved this story, and i can't wait for the next one...especially after that call....
Loved, loved it!!!!
The only sad thing about it, is that apparently the next volume will be the last one of the series. Really?? :(
How can i possibly live without Joanne's antics??? O_O
But this one, Oh MY GOD!!!
Action packed intense, riveting,(flying MUSTANGS FOR CRYING OUT LOUD! AND I'M NOT TALKING ABOUT HORSES, BUT JOANNE'S "PETITE"!) emotional,(yeah, it made me cry! o.O) romantic (Morrison, YAY!!!)funny (Joanne's drives her spirit animals insane!)
This was great!
...apparently one day later i still can't get my feelings in check!
Sooooo....
Joanne is back in North Carolina after having promised never to return.
Her father and Lucas, the father of her son have both gone missing, and she is determined to find out what has happened.
Once there, it becomes clear that the "Master", Joanne's opponent has made another move.
An evilness has permeated the land, making even the mountains scream.
Backed by her animal spirits Joanne tries to fight that evil. But it seems that this time she is more than outnumbered, and Aiden her son may end up having a very relevant role in the upcoming battle.
What i loved more in the book: Joanne's growth as a person and a shaman. She comes to accept the hand she was given in the game. It may not have been perfect, it definitely wasn't conventional, but at the same time it allowed her the use of an unbelievable power...
I guess i was expecting more in the way of her relationship with the son she had given up for adoption, but in the end i have to give it to the author, that things did really go smoothly.
Also, the glimpses into Joanne's past were perfect. Heartbreaking sad at times, but perfect...
Morrison...yeah, the guy gets his own paragraph!
Some of my complaints concerning this series have regarded the romantic aspect of the thing. Normally it's the other way around, but in the Walker series i wouldn't have minded more romance.... basically because the tension between Walker and Morrison (oh, they're still insane with the name thing! *shakes head*) were killing me!
But, boy oh boy, was it worth the wait!!
Morrison is the perfect male character. He's calm,( a little less so when Jo's driving.. O_O..but who wouldn't be) reserved,(who could have guessed his fears) cool under fire....and who could have guessed? Still a little (lol, a lot!) jealous of Coyote!
That first scene where he appears driving Petite (He can drive fast!!) was swoon worthing...LOL...and i'm not even going to mention what happens next! *.* :D
So yes, i loved this story, and i can't wait for the next one...especially after that call....
June 27, 2018
Mini-Review:
After a bit of thought, I knocked the story from 4 stars to 3.5 Stars. I loved the last third of the book so much that it overshadows the parts that didn't really work for me.
Flying Petite!!! Woo! Shifting, time shenanigans, lots of bonding with key figures and progress in the romance department. Lots of good things to dwell over in this book.
The magic mechs are terrible and super inconsistent. The explanation about the twins and Aidan's powers did not hold water under close scrutiny. While the lore for a good chunk of the story was solid, the way it was used to "explain" why such and such is working/happening/etc did not work for me. There was a lot of mental shrugging and moving forward from my end.
Regardless of the sharp bits that didn't fit well, I really enjoyed the parts that did work for me within the story. YAY! Onto the last book! I can't believe it's almost over.
Ya know, I don't think Murphy wanted to end the series. There's so much that can be done and haven't been explored. I can't believe that there's only one more book left!
After a bit of thought, I knocked the story from 4 stars to 3.5 Stars. I loved the last third of the book so much that it overshadows the parts that didn't really work for me.
Flying Petite!!! Woo! Shifting, time shenanigans, lots of bonding with key figures and progress in the romance department. Lots of good things to dwell over in this book.
The magic mechs are terrible and super inconsistent. The explanation about the twins and Aidan's powers did not hold water under close scrutiny. While the lore for a good chunk of the story was solid, the way it was used to "explain" why such and such is working/happening/etc did not work for me. There was a lot of mental shrugging and moving forward from my end.
Regardless of the sharp bits that didn't fit well, I really enjoyed the parts that did work for me within the story. YAY! Onto the last book! I can't believe it's almost over.
Ya know, I don't think Murphy wanted to end the series. There's so much that can be done and haven't been explored. I can't believe that there's only one more book left!
February 19, 2013
See this review and others like it at BadassBookReviews.com!
"The Walker Papers" is series that tends to get stronger with every book and this installment is no exception. While it wasn't my favorite of the series, it did take some of the most interesting aspects of book seven, including the time travel, and made them smoother and easier to follow. Mountain Echoes is packed with action and never has a dull moment. Plus, fans of the series will love the large amount of page time devoted to Joanne and Morrison. Don't let the synopsis fool you; Captain Morrison is all over this novel. Gary is absent for the most part, and while he is my favorite character, it makes sense because of his last role in the previous book. If you already enjoy this series, you will be very happy with this novel, but I wouldn't suggest new readers try jumping in at this point.
Joanne has returned home to the reservation to help find her missing father. She didn't leave on good terms the last time, and a lot of people don't want her around. She also finds out once she gets there that her ex-boyfriend, and Sarah's current husband, Lucas is also missing. Once Joanne begins to investigation, she can feel the Master's touch behind everything and soon finds herself battling a force that can only be called The Nothing. As Joanne struggles to save her dad and Lucas, she comes face to face with the child she had to give up in the past, Aidan. Though happy with his adoptive mother, Aidan is very much like Joanne and the Master seeks to control her through him. Now Joanne is in a race against time to save the two men that she had previously loved the most and the young son she never got a chance to know. With the rest of the village not willing to help, it takes an opportune arrival by her lover, Captain Morrison, to give Joanne the strength to believe she can succeed against all odds.
The plot was very fast-paced and exciting, but it was the little moments that really made it shine. Learning more about Joanne's time on the reservation and how other people had seen her gave a depth to the story and Joanne's background that had previously been missing. We learned more about why Joanne was the way she was and how so many people around her tried to protect her by keeping her in the dark. Though they had their reasons, the feeling of being lied to and left out shaped Joanne's teenage years and ultimately gave her the personal fortitude to become the shaman she is today. I liked the development we've seen in her and how she has changed throughout the series. She realized that she carries a chip on her shoulder and has worked to change that. She's become more accepting of help and goodwill, but has still stayed strong and sarcastic. She is becoming a much better version of herself in every book and it is wonderful. Not only has she learned to accept her shamanic gifts, she has also learned to accept the world and the people around her into her life.
The development in Joanne and Morrison's relationship was nice to see as well. They have fully transitioned into coupled now and their chemistry is all the better for it. They still squabble and tease, but it's all done in fun. They support and trust in one another and share their strength no matter the odds. You know Joanne has it bad because she wasn't even mad when Morrison drove her car, Petite! I think that Morrison helps Joanne to grow up a little bit and take life and herself a little more seriously, while Joanne helps Morrison to feel younger and freer. She gets him into situations he could never imagine, but his is unflappable and just goes a long for the ride. I really like them together.
Joanne makes some strides in her family life as well. She is able to reconnect with her father in a way she never thought possible and even gets to know her son some. I liked having them in the story and learning more about life in the Qualla Boundary. Joanne also finds her third spirit animal in this book and Renee helps to round out her powers and make her transitions much smoother. She is a nice fit with Raven and Rattler. The one character I've never liked, and still don't after this book, is Sarah. She carries a real grudge against Joanne and I honestly can't stand it. Lucas was the one who got Joanne pregnant and then left her alone and Sarah, instead of helping her friend out, was angry because she liked Lucas. She cut off Joanne but kept in contact with the absentee baby daddy and eventually ended up marrying him. I think Joanne should just haul back and deck her; she's a complete bitca and nothing she has done in any of the books has made me feel any different. I don't feel like Joanne owes her anything. It should be Sarah apologizing to Joanne for being such a crappy friend in the past. If we never see her again, I won't be sad.
This book does end with a patented Murphy cliffhanger, but this time it involves Gary. I'm assuming that means we'll be back in Seattle for the next book and that's fitting since it is the last in the series. I'm excited to see how C.E. Murphy wraps up Joanne's story and am definitely excited by the promise of more Gary time. Readers of "The Walker Papers," get thee to a bookstore on February 26th and buy yourself a copy of Mountain Echoes. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Luna for providing an ARC copy of this book!
"The Walker Papers" is series that tends to get stronger with every book and this installment is no exception. While it wasn't my favorite of the series, it did take some of the most interesting aspects of book seven, including the time travel, and made them smoother and easier to follow. Mountain Echoes is packed with action and never has a dull moment. Plus, fans of the series will love the large amount of page time devoted to Joanne and Morrison. Don't let the synopsis fool you; Captain Morrison is all over this novel. Gary is absent for the most part, and while he is my favorite character, it makes sense because of his last role in the previous book. If you already enjoy this series, you will be very happy with this novel, but I wouldn't suggest new readers try jumping in at this point.
Joanne has returned home to the reservation to help find her missing father. She didn't leave on good terms the last time, and a lot of people don't want her around. She also finds out once she gets there that her ex-boyfriend, and Sarah's current husband, Lucas is also missing. Once Joanne begins to investigation, she can feel the Master's touch behind everything and soon finds herself battling a force that can only be called The Nothing. As Joanne struggles to save her dad and Lucas, she comes face to face with the child she had to give up in the past, Aidan. Though happy with his adoptive mother, Aidan is very much like Joanne and the Master seeks to control her through him. Now Joanne is in a race against time to save the two men that she had previously loved the most and the young son she never got a chance to know. With the rest of the village not willing to help, it takes an opportune arrival by her lover, Captain Morrison, to give Joanne the strength to believe she can succeed against all odds.
The plot was very fast-paced and exciting, but it was the little moments that really made it shine. Learning more about Joanne's time on the reservation and how other people had seen her gave a depth to the story and Joanne's background that had previously been missing. We learned more about why Joanne was the way she was and how so many people around her tried to protect her by keeping her in the dark. Though they had their reasons, the feeling of being lied to and left out shaped Joanne's teenage years and ultimately gave her the personal fortitude to become the shaman she is today. I liked the development we've seen in her and how she has changed throughout the series. She realized that she carries a chip on her shoulder and has worked to change that. She's become more accepting of help and goodwill, but has still stayed strong and sarcastic. She is becoming a much better version of herself in every book and it is wonderful. Not only has she learned to accept her shamanic gifts, she has also learned to accept the world and the people around her into her life.
The development in Joanne and Morrison's relationship was nice to see as well. They have fully transitioned into coupled now and their chemistry is all the better for it. They still squabble and tease, but it's all done in fun. They support and trust in one another and share their strength no matter the odds. You know Joanne has it bad because she wasn't even mad when Morrison drove her car, Petite! I think that Morrison helps Joanne to grow up a little bit and take life and herself a little more seriously, while Joanne helps Morrison to feel younger and freer. She gets him into situations he could never imagine, but his is unflappable and just goes a long for the ride. I really like them together.
Joanne makes some strides in her family life as well. She is able to reconnect with her father in a way she never thought possible and even gets to know her son some. I liked having them in the story and learning more about life in the Qualla Boundary. Joanne also finds her third spirit animal in this book and Renee helps to round out her powers and make her transitions much smoother. She is a nice fit with Raven and Rattler. The one character I've never liked, and still don't after this book, is Sarah. She carries a real grudge against Joanne and I honestly can't stand it. Lucas was the one who got Joanne pregnant and then left her alone and Sarah, instead of helping her friend out, was angry because she liked Lucas. She cut off Joanne but kept in contact with the absentee baby daddy and eventually ended up marrying him. I think Joanne should just haul back and deck her; she's a complete bitca and nothing she has done in any of the books has made me feel any different. I don't feel like Joanne owes her anything. It should be Sarah apologizing to Joanne for being such a crappy friend in the past. If we never see her again, I won't be sad.
This book does end with a patented Murphy cliffhanger, but this time it involves Gary. I'm assuming that means we'll be back in Seattle for the next book and that's fitting since it is the last in the series. I'm excited to see how C.E. Murphy wraps up Joanne's story and am definitely excited by the promise of more Gary time. Readers of "The Walker Papers," get thee to a bookstore on February 26th and buy yourself a copy of Mountain Echoes. You won't be disappointed!
Thank you to Netgalley and Harlequin Luna for providing an ARC copy of this book!
October 23, 2018
4.5 stars, actually. There were so many things that I loved about this installment of the Walker Papers, but some things just fell short for me. Maybe not enough to take away a whole star, though. I think it may have been unmet expectations on my part, more than anything.
Joanne finally returned to the Qualla Boundary, something I’ve been looking forward to with much anticipation since the very beginning. I’ve been dying for her to face her ghosts from the past, and couldn’t wait to meet her dad. This book was an emotional roller coaster, the soaring giddiness from new love to heartbreak from delving into The People’s devastating past. She and Morrison together (finally, jeez) are perfect, and I loved the aspect of time travel with her magic.
Where this fell short for me was her reunion with her dad. I expected her to be antagonistic with him, and she was, but to the point where I felt sorry for him. Mostly, though, I was completely disappointed that we weren’t privy to the most important conversation, where she finally catches him up on what she’s been doing with her life. I was really hoping that we could learn more about him, learn more about how he felt about her crazy life, maybe get more of an emotional attachment to him as readers. I understand that if she did write that conversation it was probably edited out due to it not being important to the plot, but I read more for the emotional connection to the characters than the plot, so that sort of thing is important to me.
I’m hoping that Joe Walkingstick has a part in the last book, as well, and that more time is spent developing that tentative relationship.
Joanne finally returned to the Qualla Boundary, something I’ve been looking forward to with much anticipation since the very beginning. I’ve been dying for her to face her ghosts from the past, and couldn’t wait to meet her dad. This book was an emotional roller coaster, the soaring giddiness from new love to heartbreak from delving into The People’s devastating past. She and Morrison together (finally, jeez) are perfect, and I loved the aspect of time travel with her magic.
Where this fell short for me was her reunion with her dad. I expected her to be antagonistic with him, and she was, but to the point where I felt sorry for him. Mostly, though, I was completely disappointed that we weren’t privy to the most important conversation, where she finally catches him up on what she’s been doing with her life. I was really hoping that we could learn more about him, learn more about how he felt about her crazy life, maybe get more of an emotional attachment to him as readers. I understand that if she did write that conversation it was probably edited out due to it not being important to the plot, but I read more for the emotional connection to the characters than the plot, so that sort of thing is important to me.
I’m hoping that Joe Walkingstick has a part in the last book, as well, and that more time is spent developing that tentative relationship.
February 24, 2013
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
A decade ago Joanne Walker left the reservation and never looked back. But now her father is missing and she'll have to go face her past, and the child she gave up. But facing her fears soon becomes the least of her problems as what she finds there, rocks her to the core. The mountains are crying as they are literally being torn apart by an unseen malicious force that consumes everything in its path, including her son. It will take every bit of knowledge she has gained and then some to survive what is coming.
What really makes this series for me is the characters. I absolutely love the entire cast, but my favorites have to be Joanne, Morrison, and Gary. The last book was incredibly thin on Morrison moments, but heavy on Gary (and of course Joanne as she's the narrator.) This time around, Morrison was front and center, and it was Gary that was left behind. I really loved seeing Joanne and Morrison together as it has been a VERY long time coming. There's just something about the two of them that really works, especially since he is able to just go with the flow of all of her magical craziness. Honestly, I was getting to the point where I felt like they would never get any time together. While things weren't exactly fun and games in this book, there were plenty of sweet moments that almost made up for the long wait. That being said, now that I've enjoyed the two of them together in MOUNTAIN ECHOES, I'm really anxious to get to the next book to have Gary back again. I really missed his excitement about all of the magical stuff. Seriously, he is the best side kick ever, so if you haven't read his story, NO DOMINION, you'll definitely want to check that out.
With each new installment the magical and fantasy aspects of this series gets ratcheted up another notch, to the point where it is almost overwhelming at times, but not quite. There's just something about the way the author paints such a vivid story that really draws me in. It honestly is impressive that she has been able to step her game up that much to make each new showdown that much harder. But even more important is that she has ramped up the character growth as well. Joanne may have been getting more and more powerful, but it wasn't an easy road, and she had to endure an incredible amount to get there. I just really appreciate that things haven't come too easy and honestly it's what make this series the best kind of books.
It's always bittersweet to read the last few books in a series as it is incredibly excitement to watch everything build to the boiling point, yet the entire time you know the journey will ending soon. In MOUNTAIN ECHOES, you could really tell that things are winding down to the final showdown. Based on the way things are headed, it promises to be an epic conclusion, but I'm still going to be very sad to say goodbye. So for that reason, I'll both be eagerly awaiting and dreading the release of the final installment. Every bit as good as its predecessors, MOUNTAIN ECHOES is a delight that will please fans of the series.
A decade ago Joanne Walker left the reservation and never looked back. But now her father is missing and she'll have to go face her past, and the child she gave up. But facing her fears soon becomes the least of her problems as what she finds there, rocks her to the core. The mountains are crying as they are literally being torn apart by an unseen malicious force that consumes everything in its path, including her son. It will take every bit of knowledge she has gained and then some to survive what is coming.
What really makes this series for me is the characters. I absolutely love the entire cast, but my favorites have to be Joanne, Morrison, and Gary. The last book was incredibly thin on Morrison moments, but heavy on Gary (and of course Joanne as she's the narrator.) This time around, Morrison was front and center, and it was Gary that was left behind. I really loved seeing Joanne and Morrison together as it has been a VERY long time coming. There's just something about the two of them that really works, especially since he is able to just go with the flow of all of her magical craziness. Honestly, I was getting to the point where I felt like they would never get any time together. While things weren't exactly fun and games in this book, there were plenty of sweet moments that almost made up for the long wait. That being said, now that I've enjoyed the two of them together in MOUNTAIN ECHOES, I'm really anxious to get to the next book to have Gary back again. I really missed his excitement about all of the magical stuff. Seriously, he is the best side kick ever, so if you haven't read his story, NO DOMINION, you'll definitely want to check that out.
With each new installment the magical and fantasy aspects of this series gets ratcheted up another notch, to the point where it is almost overwhelming at times, but not quite. There's just something about the way the author paints such a vivid story that really draws me in. It honestly is impressive that she has been able to step her game up that much to make each new showdown that much harder. But even more important is that she has ramped up the character growth as well. Joanne may have been getting more and more powerful, but it wasn't an easy road, and she had to endure an incredible amount to get there. I just really appreciate that things haven't come too easy and honestly it's what make this series the best kind of books.
It's always bittersweet to read the last few books in a series as it is incredibly excitement to watch everything build to the boiling point, yet the entire time you know the journey will ending soon. In MOUNTAIN ECHOES, you could really tell that things are winding down to the final showdown. Based on the way things are headed, it promises to be an epic conclusion, but I'm still going to be very sad to say goodbye. So for that reason, I'll both be eagerly awaiting and dreading the release of the final installment. Every bit as good as its predecessors, MOUNTAIN ECHOES is a delight that will please fans of the series.
March 14, 2013
Another highly enjoyable installment in this series. I am thrilled that Joanne is back stateside though I still can't wait until she makes it back home to Seattle. I just miss seeing the entire gang. But first things first and that means a stop off in North Carolina to attend to personal matters both old and new. The action kept moving at a good pace and there seemed to be less moving around in the spiritual realm, which I really liked. It bears repeating that, for me, a little spiritual realm goes a long way so I was happy to see Joanne interacting a bit more in the physical world this time around whereas in other books it's seemed more like 50/50. Of course, I don't always understand what's going on with Joanne's shamanic powers and abilities 100% of the time and I have a sneaking suspicion that sometimes the author breaks some of her own previously established magic rules. This sort of thing usually bugs me but here I just roll with it because Joanne is just that likeable.
This book was also about relationships - charting new ones, repairing old ones, and committing to future ones. And last but certainly not least, there's Morrison. I've been waiting for this book since that last scene in Spirit Dances and the Almighty Morrison did not disappoint. I'll say this about the man, he sure knows how to make a hell of an entrance. I enjoyed the quieter moments that he and Joanne had to hash some things out and there were some truly delicious clues as to what Morrison might be envisioning for the future.
I'd give this book a solid four and a half stars. I'm deducting half a star only because Joanne does a couple of things in this book that bordered on the ludicrous for me and thus took me out of the story for a few beats. It wasn't a major thing however and this is my new favorite of the series.
This book was also about relationships - charting new ones, repairing old ones, and committing to future ones. And last but certainly not least, there's Morrison. I've been waiting for this book since that last scene in Spirit Dances and the Almighty Morrison did not disappoint. I'll say this about the man, he sure knows how to make a hell of an entrance. I enjoyed the quieter moments that he and Joanne had to hash some things out and there were some truly delicious clues as to what Morrison might be envisioning for the future.
I'd give this book a solid four and a half stars. I'm deducting half a star only because Joanne does a couple of things in this book that bordered on the ludicrous for me and thus took me out of the story for a few beats. It wasn't a major thing however and this is my new favorite of the series.
February 15, 2013
Morrison, OMG! I want a Morrison!
Full disclosure, I received my copy of Mountain Echoes in one of the contests Catie had for readers. I also follow her blog and find her an endlessly fascinating person.
I found this series earlier on, around the second or third book and have really loved it. This being the penultimate book I've been a little scared to read it. First, what if it wasn't as good as the other stories? A silly fear, I know, as every story I've read has been wonderful, and that includes every short story and novella. (Well except one and I'm hoping it will be resolved in the final book.) Second, if I read it now, I'll have to wait that much longer for the next book. Agh, what's a girl to do?
So I stayed up until 3:00 am on a workday to finish this book.
I've read plenty of book series in my life. I enjoy seeing familiar characters, but so many series fall into a paint-by-numbers trap after a certain number of titles. Not so the Walker Papers series. Every story, while filled with familiar characters and places is fresh.
I love seeing Joanne's growth through each book. Sometimes you even see her in a similar situation but she doesn't keep reacting to it the same way. That is why I love Joanne so much. She is strong and capable and smart. She may not always seem smart, because sometimes she's a little slow to figure things out, but in the end it's her brain as well as her magic that saves the day.
I'm not sure what the last book holds but I sure will miss Joanne, Morrison, Gary, Billy and the rest of the Holliday's when it's done.
March 3, 2013
Wow this series just gets better and better.I just loved it.
Continuing directly from the 7th book, Joanne directly goes from her fight in Ireland straight to North Carolina. This time following her father's heritage and her own past. It has time traveling, zombies, flying cars, and ancestor sprits... If you don't know the series, people are just going to scratch their head with that description. And for the first time I am going to put this into my "romance shelf"!
Although the series is published by Harlequin (well Luna), the stories are never quite romantic or cannot be categorized as romance. But in this 8th book it finally has romance worth mentioning. Well it's not as if there were no men in Joanne's life. I admit there were Thor and of course Cayote. Well, this time it's with the very very long awaited MORRISON!! So of course it's different and special. In any case I missed him very much in the previous book so I was very happy he was with Joanne all through the book. On the other hand no Garry, he is left in Ireland. I guess though the next book will be with him. I just bought No Dominion so that will probably tie it up to the end of this book I'm hoping.
Another satisfying read and again it's going to be agony waiting for the next book!!
And of course another great narration by Gabra Zackman! She does "Walker-ism" soooo well.
Continuing directly from the 7th book, Joanne directly goes from her fight in Ireland straight to North Carolina. This time following her father's heritage and her own past. It has time traveling, zombies, flying cars, and ancestor sprits... If you don't know the series, people are just going to scratch their head with that description. And for the first time I am going to put this into my "romance shelf"!
Although the series is published by Harlequin (well Luna), the stories are never quite romantic or cannot be categorized as romance. But in this 8th book it finally has romance worth mentioning. Well it's not as if there were no men in Joanne's life. I admit there were Thor and of course Cayote. Well, this time it's with the very very long awaited MORRISON!! So of course it's different and special. In any case I missed him very much in the previous book so I was very happy he was with Joanne all through the book. On the other hand no Garry, he is left in Ireland. I guess though the next book will be with him. I just bought No Dominion so that will probably tie it up to the end of this book I'm hoping.
Another satisfying read and again it's going to be agony waiting for the next book!!
And of course another great narration by Gabra Zackman! She does "Walker-ism" soooo well.
June 9, 2013
5/28/13: Okay, WHY did C.E. Murphy feel the need to put Jo in the midst of the bitchy high school friend that was a pain in the ass and a totally unlikable character in the LAST book in her newest book? Ugh. I want to punch Sara in the face--yes, Jo had sex with the boy you liked...but said you didn't like...when you were FIFTEEN!!!!! Then he dumped her pregnant ass, ran to Canada with his tail between his legs, then came back and married your bitch-self. Get. Over. It.
I'm about 120 pages in, and despite my irritations with the way that the people in the Qualla Boundary are treating Jo I'm liking the developments with her Shamanistic stuff and how the Morrison stuff is moving along. I like Morrison.
But, really. Ms. Murphy, you have grown adults treating Jo like shit because of stuff she did when she was 15, 16, and 17. It's like the people there have absolutely no idea why Jo came in with a chip on her shoulder (and could we find a different way to describe this? Kthxbai.) OF COURSE she was going to be defensive--she had a dad that barely spoke to her, a mom that pushed her away, and she grew up bouncing from place to place. Cut her a break, k?
I'm about 120 pages in, and despite my irritations with the way that the people in the Qualla Boundary are treating Jo I'm liking the developments with her Shamanistic stuff and how the Morrison stuff is moving along. I like Morrison.
But, really. Ms. Murphy, you have grown adults treating Jo like shit because of stuff she did when she was 15, 16, and 17. It's like the people there have absolutely no idea why Jo came in with a chip on her shoulder (and could we find a different way to describe this? Kthxbai.) OF COURSE she was going to be defensive--she had a dad that barely spoke to her, a mom that pushed her away, and she grew up bouncing from place to place. Cut her a break, k?
February 19, 2013
What it's about: This is the eighth book in the Walker Papers series and still Joanne is as amazing as ever. In Mountain Echoes, Joanne's father is missing, she's still recovering, and she must meet the son she left behind. She will need her wits and strength to figure out how to defeat the latest evil creeping across her world.
Why you should read it: What I love about this series is that I really liked Joanne's character in the earlier books, but C.E. Murphy has grown and evolved Joanne into someone I like even more. The way she reacts is somehow wiser and stronger. The ending is a cliffhanger (of course), and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us (the ending??!). I'd highly recommend reading the series from start to finish: The first book is Urban Shaman.
To see more releases this week check out the HEA Blog
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
Why you should read it: What I love about this series is that I really liked Joanne's character in the earlier books, but C.E. Murphy has grown and evolved Joanne into someone I like even more. The way she reacts is somehow wiser and stronger. The ending is a cliffhanger (of course), and I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for us (the ending??!). I'd highly recommend reading the series from start to finish: The first book is Urban Shaman.
To see more releases this week check out the HEA Blog
http://www.usatoday.com/story/happyev...
Read
March 11, 2017Walker Papers, book 8
"Shaman Joanne Walker can't seem to catch a break in the penultimate chapter of Murphy's outstanding and long-running series. Intially reluctant to draw on her shamanic gifts, Joanne has come a very long way over the course of the series, and her battles against the Master are coming to a head. Her past and present collide in this emotionally charged novel that illustrates Joanne's unique evolution." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars.
Wow, I loved this book and the new depths in Joanne and her past that Ms. Murphy shares with us. Joanne kicks butt and does the impossible again. The next book cannot come soon enough for me. ~ Kim S.
"Shaman Joanne Walker can't seem to catch a break in the penultimate chapter of Murphy's outstanding and long-running series. Intially reluctant to draw on her shamanic gifts, Joanne has come a very long way over the course of the series, and her battles against the Master are coming to a head. Her past and present collide in this emotionally charged novel that illustrates Joanne's unique evolution." RT Book Reviews, rated 4 1/2 stars.
Wow, I loved this book and the new depths in Joanne and her past that Ms. Murphy shares with us. Joanne kicks butt and does the impossible again. The next book cannot come soon enough for me. ~ Kim S.
May 8, 2025
& another favourite series turns into crap. I finally got this & the last book & was hesitant to read because of another series turning into a 1* but today I decided it won't happen again & boy was I wrong.
BTW for those of us who do not reside in North America walking sticks are bugs! This needs to be made clear when first mentioned in each book! (Its been a while since I read the other books). FYI to me walking stick = cane to aid in walking!
Note: started posting this from page 67, am forcing myself to finish the book.
Short version:
Good personal growth = accepting your own faults and acknowledging and apologising for your own bad actions.
Bad personal growth = taking the blame for every darn thing and apologising for those things that you did not do.
I liked that Joanne did the former in this book, that showed maturity.
I hated that she also did the latter and just accepted being every ones whipping girl.
She was being a good mature character with personal growth when she took the blame and apologised for her own actions. If that's all she had done, and she had just been 'Dad I forgive you for being a completely terrible parent, dragging me around the country for 13 years so I never learnt how to fit in. I also forgive you for never teaching me how to use my magic for my supposed safety, but teaching my son. I'm forgiving you for me. As I'm the only one here who has actually owned their mistakes and properly apologised, for my own mental health I'm going to go back to not existing for you & the rest of the toxic people here. The exception being my son.' looks to his adoptive parents 'After he's 18, as agreed when his father ran off to Canada.' Looks to son. 'I loved you enough and was responsible enough to know I couldn't take care of you, so I found you loving parents.' Looks to her father. 'Like I wish had been done for me.' Leaves, head held high.
But no, apparently the author thinks good personal growth is taking the blame for everything, even if its not your fault and that its the mature thing to let everyone shit on you and you just take it. MC had been progressing nicely through the previous books but she regressed so badly here and become the whipping girl, doormat for everyone.
I also hated the love interest by the end of this book, he doesn't have her back, at all. He's more than happy to side with toxic daddy dearest and the rest.
This book upset me. Hence the long rant below.
Long with spoilers version below:
Not fully in book order!
Book is a total ARGH! It seems to start to redeem itself, then goes annoying again.
I'm done with this series.
BTW for those of us who do not reside in North America walking sticks are bugs! This needs to be made clear when first mentioned in each book! (Its been a while since I read the other books). FYI to me walking stick = cane to aid in walking!
Note: started posting this from page 67, am forcing myself to finish the book.
Short version:
Good personal growth = accepting your own faults and acknowledging and apologising for your own bad actions.
Bad personal growth = taking the blame for every darn thing and apologising for those things that you did not do.
I liked that Joanne did the former in this book, that showed maturity.
I hated that she also did the latter and just accepted being every ones whipping girl.
She was being a good mature character with personal growth when she took the blame and apologised for her own actions. If that's all she had done, and she had just been 'Dad I forgive you for being a completely terrible parent, dragging me around the country for 13 years so I never learnt how to fit in. I also forgive you for never teaching me how to use my magic for my supposed safety, but teaching my son. I'm forgiving you for me. As I'm the only one here who has actually owned their mistakes and properly apologised, for my own mental health I'm going to go back to not existing for you & the rest of the toxic people here. The exception being my son.' looks to his adoptive parents 'After he's 18, as agreed when his father ran off to Canada.' Looks to son. 'I loved you enough and was responsible enough to know I couldn't take care of you, so I found you loving parents.' Looks to her father. 'Like I wish had been done for me.' Leaves, head held high.
But no, apparently the author thinks good personal growth is taking the blame for everything, even if its not your fault and that its the mature thing to let everyone shit on you and you just take it. MC had been progressing nicely through the previous books but she regressed so badly here and become the whipping girl, doormat for everyone.
I also hated the love interest by the end of this book, he doesn't have her back, at all. He's more than happy to side with toxic daddy dearest and the rest.
This book upset me. Hence the long rant below.
Long with spoilers version below:
Not fully in book order!
Book is a total ARGH! It seems to start to redeem itself, then goes annoying again.
I'm done with this series.
February 9, 2018
Wow! The intersection of history, myth, and the reality of the government's treatment of the Native peoples is excellently woven into Joanne's story. The weaving of Irish and Cherokee ancestry within Joanne is powerful and well-done. I will be sad for the the Walker Papers climax with book 9, but grateful I had the privilege to share this journey with it's creator, C.E. Murphy. Thank you.
February 10, 2018
Ohh, it's getting interesting again!
July 11, 2014
Joanne has barely had time to process what happened in Ireland when she receives news her father is missing. She quickly returns to North Carolina, to a place she hasn’t been since a child, to discover not only is her father missing, but so is the man who fathered her child.
He Master is there, seeking to tap into the devastating pain and loss suffered by the Native Americans to power evil beyond imagining; unless they can stop it.
But also there are the people Joanne long left behind, not all of whom are that willing to welcome her back, even if she has finally embraced her legacy of a shaman. There’s also Aida, the son she gave up at birth and a powerful shaman in his own right – and a source of both emotional and mystical turmoil.
Joanne has, in many ways, completely her journey of development in this book and the last book. Last book she confronted so many of the issues she had with her mother – and this book she does the same with her father and with Aidan, the son she gave up for adoption. It’s not easy, there’s some heavy emotional content there, but it’s handled in a very reasonable and mature level – no dramatic angst, not seething rage, no losing their sense of priorities or avoiding the actual plot and disaster they are facing. It also reflects Joanne’s personal growth – she has finally decided to put away her desire for an instruction manual – because she has been doing this for some time now and she’s been managing and achieving great things. Joanne acknowledges her own skill – her own mastery. When her dad does things differently, she accepts that they do things differently, not better or worse. When she does something her dad says is impossible, she doesn’t think she’s doing something wrong, she just knows she does something different from her dad.
Joanne has reached an excellent point where she is willing to learn from others, but not feel inferior for it and not feel like she has to do anything their way – while still being confident in her skills and her achievements and finally settling on the idea that she is strong, she can do things others cannot and there’s no problem with her doing just that. Even if it is unwise at times. It’s a wonderful development after books of denial, books of panic, books of her messing things up epicly through ignorance and confusion and now her finally reaching the end of that path. I love her growth
Not just with magic – but relationships as well, recognising her old problems, her old grudges, when she was often unfair or unthinking or how her perception was skewed. Through a more mature, wiser eye, Joanne looks back at herself and her old home and a fair whack of complex feelings about it
Along with that we have Joanne and Morrison, though I think we will find more in the next book, finally delving into some of the issues and insecurities he has, seeing more of his growing comfort with Joanne’s woo-woo and them really spending some time together and forging a stronger connection. I particularly liked the role that professional ethics played in keeping them apart – because while Joanne worked for Morrison the relationship was impossible and, in turn, that seemed to make Morrison try to keep some more distance between them and, perhaps, not experience the joy of Joanne’s powers as much as he did in this book. Because his relationship with Joanne – and her woo-woo – had to be professional he got all the creepy side of what Joanne could do, all the useful side, but not so much of the amazing, awe-inspiring side.
I still have a major problem with how the magic is written about in this series. It’s been a problem since the first book and though it’s got better, it has never gone away. We can get lost in the description, in following the action of this abstract magic and it can become confusing and get us very very lost. There’s a scene in this book where Joanne first confronts the big bad and it starts epic. It goes on for a while still epic. Then it’s still epic. Then I check my watch and the epic is wearing off, but the scene keeps going and they’re winning no losing no winning no… it goes on and on and then BANG people are dead. And I’m not exactly sure how or why or whether Joanne was awesome or awful or both.
Read More
He Master is there, seeking to tap into the devastating pain and loss suffered by the Native Americans to power evil beyond imagining; unless they can stop it.
But also there are the people Joanne long left behind, not all of whom are that willing to welcome her back, even if she has finally embraced her legacy of a shaman. There’s also Aida, the son she gave up at birth and a powerful shaman in his own right – and a source of both emotional and mystical turmoil.
Joanne has, in many ways, completely her journey of development in this book and the last book. Last book she confronted so many of the issues she had with her mother – and this book she does the same with her father and with Aidan, the son she gave up for adoption. It’s not easy, there’s some heavy emotional content there, but it’s handled in a very reasonable and mature level – no dramatic angst, not seething rage, no losing their sense of priorities or avoiding the actual plot and disaster they are facing. It also reflects Joanne’s personal growth – she has finally decided to put away her desire for an instruction manual – because she has been doing this for some time now and she’s been managing and achieving great things. Joanne acknowledges her own skill – her own mastery. When her dad does things differently, she accepts that they do things differently, not better or worse. When she does something her dad says is impossible, she doesn’t think she’s doing something wrong, she just knows she does something different from her dad.
Joanne has reached an excellent point where she is willing to learn from others, but not feel inferior for it and not feel like she has to do anything their way – while still being confident in her skills and her achievements and finally settling on the idea that she is strong, she can do things others cannot and there’s no problem with her doing just that. Even if it is unwise at times. It’s a wonderful development after books of denial, books of panic, books of her messing things up epicly through ignorance and confusion and now her finally reaching the end of that path. I love her growth
Not just with magic – but relationships as well, recognising her old problems, her old grudges, when she was often unfair or unthinking or how her perception was skewed. Through a more mature, wiser eye, Joanne looks back at herself and her old home and a fair whack of complex feelings about it
Along with that we have Joanne and Morrison, though I think we will find more in the next book, finally delving into some of the issues and insecurities he has, seeing more of his growing comfort with Joanne’s woo-woo and them really spending some time together and forging a stronger connection. I particularly liked the role that professional ethics played in keeping them apart – because while Joanne worked for Morrison the relationship was impossible and, in turn, that seemed to make Morrison try to keep some more distance between them and, perhaps, not experience the joy of Joanne’s powers as much as he did in this book. Because his relationship with Joanne – and her woo-woo – had to be professional he got all the creepy side of what Joanne could do, all the useful side, but not so much of the amazing, awe-inspiring side.
I still have a major problem with how the magic is written about in this series. It’s been a problem since the first book and though it’s got better, it has never gone away. We can get lost in the description, in following the action of this abstract magic and it can become confusing and get us very very lost. There’s a scene in this book where Joanne first confronts the big bad and it starts epic. It goes on for a while still epic. Then it’s still epic. Then I check my watch and the epic is wearing off, but the scene keeps going and they’re winning no losing no winning no… it goes on and on and then BANG people are dead. And I’m not exactly sure how or why or whether Joanne was awesome or awful or both.
Read More
June 14, 2016
That was a pretty shocking ending.
Strike that. It was a pretty shocking everything.
It's been a while since I last immersed myself in Joanne's world, but one thing still holds true: Murphy's characters are so well-drawn that almost every detail came flooding back with ease. Joanne just leaps off the page. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as is her drive to see the world set to rights. She believes so strongly in the idea of the Good Guys succeeding eventually. It's an uplifting theme - one that's desperately needed right now.
Since this story takes place in another new(ish) landscape, we only have Walker and one or two others as touchpoints. The story doesn't suffer, however, since Joanne's descriptions of new characters, her interactions with them, make it so simple to embrace them within moments. She's so willing to point out the strength of others, still genuinely awed and thrilled by what magic-users and non-adepts can do, despite all the power she wields herself. It's so fricken' refreshing.
In terms of the story, Murphy sets a breakneck pace, as always. The action picks up so shortly after the events in Ireland and there's barely a lull thereafter. The few quiet moments that do exist are used to great effect: exploring Joanne's relationship with her father; introducing us to her son; expanding her magic; and driving home the anguish of the People - both today and in the age when the Europeans first arrived in North America. There are no info dumps, just captivating moments of discovery that deeply tap into our emotions.
There's a lot of fun to be had, too. The Walker Papers wouldn't be half so engaging without Joanne's wise-assery. Other characters may despair of her, but she's not flippant to us who share her headspace. We know full-well that humor is just another of her shields. She carries it well.
For those wondering if Morrison gets page-time, the answer is hellyeah!whoohoo. It's delightful. I loved every minute of it.
I also found myself following the magic. I've complained in the past that Joanne's magic seemed a little hard to grasp, and that the Big Bad didn't evoke enough terror. This time, I had little to no problems understanding her use of power. It all seemed to click. Is that purposeful on the author's part? Joanne is now far more confident in her abilities and so the descriptions flow better? Not sure, but I'm happy with it. And the Big Bad here is pulling some crazy, mind-warping stuff...but I had no problems grasping the terror involved. I was appropriately freaked out.
The time travel? Still a little weird, but far less focused on time loops so it didn't cause as much of a strain. Also: I love me some Doctor Who references.
The ending sets us up for yet another mad dash to the next crisis. The last crisis, as it heralds the end of the series.
The end of the series!
I don't wanna let go. This one is going to be a doozy.
Strike that. It was a pretty shocking everything.
It's been a while since I last immersed myself in Joanne's world, but one thing still holds true: Murphy's characters are so well-drawn that almost every detail came flooding back with ease. Joanne just leaps off the page. Her enthusiasm is infectious, as is her drive to see the world set to rights. She believes so strongly in the idea of the Good Guys succeeding eventually. It's an uplifting theme - one that's desperately needed right now.
Since this story takes place in another new(ish) landscape, we only have Walker and one or two others as touchpoints. The story doesn't suffer, however, since Joanne's descriptions of new characters, her interactions with them, make it so simple to embrace them within moments. She's so willing to point out the strength of others, still genuinely awed and thrilled by what magic-users and non-adepts can do, despite all the power she wields herself. It's so fricken' refreshing.
In terms of the story, Murphy sets a breakneck pace, as always. The action picks up so shortly after the events in Ireland and there's barely a lull thereafter. The few quiet moments that do exist are used to great effect: exploring Joanne's relationship with her father; introducing us to her son; expanding her magic; and driving home the anguish of the People - both today and in the age when the Europeans first arrived in North America. There are no info dumps, just captivating moments of discovery that deeply tap into our emotions.
There's a lot of fun to be had, too. The Walker Papers wouldn't be half so engaging without Joanne's wise-assery. Other characters may despair of her, but she's not flippant to us who share her headspace. We know full-well that humor is just another of her shields. She carries it well.
For those wondering if Morrison gets page-time, the answer is hellyeah!whoohoo. It's delightful. I loved every minute of it.
I also found myself following the magic. I've complained in the past that Joanne's magic seemed a little hard to grasp, and that the Big Bad didn't evoke enough terror. This time, I had little to no problems understanding her use of power. It all seemed to click. Is that purposeful on the author's part? Joanne is now far more confident in her abilities and so the descriptions flow better? Not sure, but I'm happy with it. And the Big Bad here is pulling some crazy, mind-warping stuff...but I had no problems grasping the terror involved. I was appropriately freaked out.
The time travel? Still a little weird, but far less focused on time loops so it didn't cause as much of a strain. Also: I love me some Doctor Who references.
The ending sets us up for yet another mad dash to the next crisis. The last crisis, as it heralds the end of the series.
The end of the series!
I don't wanna let go. This one is going to be a doozy.
March 3, 2013
This is the penultimate book in the Joanie Walker series, and while the series has had its had its ups and downs I will be sad not to have any more to look forward to. The last book had Joanne in Britain, fighting "The Master" the evil being/force that has been behind all of the chaos in Joanne's life, and although it cost her the soul of her mother, that evil was damaged, badly, and Joanne has finally learned to combine her warrior side and her shamanistic side. Not only that but she's met and learned to love her mothers family, people she never knew existed. But then the call comes from her former friend and now FBI agent Sara that her father is missing and she needs to go back to a place she left 10 years before, the only place she and her father called home, and the place where her son, Aiden, who she hasn't seen in all those years is, Qualla Cherokee, NC.
But there is more than just her father being simply missing, also missing is Lucas, Sara's husband, and father of Joanne's son, and we finally learn the story of what happened, although much of it was hinted at in Demon Hunts. The mountains are crying, there is a nothingness eating at the heart of the land and when Aiden, who's potential is enormous but untrained and brash in a 13 year old gets in its way, Joanne knows that it is the Master trying to get at her yet again. Fighting suspicion and out right hostility she must battle not only the "Master" but the townspeople and the government to try and set things right and save her son, her father and hopefully Lucas.
This book was more cohesive and the story moved ahead smartly, something that some of the previous books did not do as well, and I would be remiss in saying that part of the reason I marked this as a favorite was the presence of Morrison and the strong steadying force he is to her, and the fact that they are finally a couple. My only gripe - by the time most people turn 28 a person 10 years older is not "old" and the way she keeps on bringing that up is in fact "old".
But there is more than just her father being simply missing, also missing is Lucas, Sara's husband, and father of Joanne's son, and we finally learn the story of what happened, although much of it was hinted at in Demon Hunts. The mountains are crying, there is a nothingness eating at the heart of the land and when Aiden, who's potential is enormous but untrained and brash in a 13 year old gets in its way, Joanne knows that it is the Master trying to get at her yet again. Fighting suspicion and out right hostility she must battle not only the "Master" but the townspeople and the government to try and set things right and save her son, her father and hopefully Lucas.
This book was more cohesive and the story moved ahead smartly, something that some of the previous books did not do as well, and I would be remiss in saying that part of the reason I marked this as a favorite was the presence of Morrison and the strong steadying force he is to her, and the fact that they are finally a couple. My only gripe - by the time most people turn 28 a person 10 years older is not "old" and the way she keeps on bringing that up is in fact "old".
August 1, 2013
I thought this was the last of the Walker Paper instalments, but it looks like there's still one more to go - YAY! I totally was not ready to leave the world of Jo, Gary, Morrison and the general Urban Shamanverse.
This instalment had Jo going back to her Cherokee roots (physically, spiritually and geographically) and at last she started directly fighting back against the Big Bad that's been gradually appearing over the past 7 books.
Yet again, I loved spending time with these characters. And I love who Jo's become as a person - her self awareness and self development over the course of the series has been phenomenal. My heart broke for her at several points in the story, and yet, I loved the point that even when she was down, she was NEVER out.
Just a word of caution: I like Morrisson as he appears in this instalment, but he is a COMPLETELY different character compared to who he's been for the previous books. I get why that is - we're seeing these books through Jo's eyes, and he's occupying a different role now than he has been up to this point. It makes sense and it's consistent... and yet. The Morrisson of this instalment is NOT the Morrisson we've seen up till now. I like who he is here, but I can see it throwing some readers for a loop.
And there are all the geeky fandom references a fangirl like me could possibly want (from the point where Jo is lamenting her lack of resources and wishing for "a holocaust cloak and a wheelbarrow", to the point where time travel is discussed, and she's talking her spirit animals' powers as "Raven's smart, Rattler's fast... and Renee's all wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey")
Basically, I loved this book SO HARD.
I can't believe the next one is the end (but at least there's one more now!)
This instalment had Jo going back to her Cherokee roots (physically, spiritually and geographically) and at last she started directly fighting back against the Big Bad that's been gradually appearing over the past 7 books.
Yet again, I loved spending time with these characters. And I love who Jo's become as a person - her self awareness and self development over the course of the series has been phenomenal. My heart broke for her at several points in the story, and yet, I loved the point that even when she was down, she was NEVER out.
Just a word of caution: I like Morrisson as he appears in this instalment, but he is a COMPLETELY different character compared to who he's been for the previous books. I get why that is - we're seeing these books through Jo's eyes, and he's occupying a different role now than he has been up to this point. It makes sense and it's consistent... and yet. The Morrisson of this instalment is NOT the Morrisson we've seen up till now. I like who he is here, but I can see it throwing some readers for a loop.
And there are all the geeky fandom references a fangirl like me could possibly want (from the point where Jo is lamenting her lack of resources and wishing for "a holocaust cloak and a wheelbarrow", to the point where time travel is discussed, and she's talking her spirit animals' powers as "Raven's smart, Rattler's fast... and Renee's all wibbly-wobbly timey-wimey")
Basically, I loved this book SO HARD.
I can't believe the next one is the end (but at least there's one more now!)
September 6, 2013
My only issue with this series is how much a short story/novella keeps getting referenced. Its such a key part of the story that when it was first mentioned I actually thought I had missed a book. If the short story was so important that is is constantly being referenced and contributing to the series it should be a novel instead!
Very annoying but I managed to ignore that.
Anyways this book was awesome, I literally cannot believe the stuff murphy comes up with. I mean a flying car?! How totally awesome and amazing! I swear the car chase is one of my favourite ever scenes I have ever read, definitely my favouritenin this series.
And the ending! Oh my. Was just starting to relax and then got suckerpunched with a massive cliffhanger!
Spoiler Alert!
If Gary's wife is not some evil minion of the master ill eat my hat! Seriously, we know shes going to be bad in some way, I mean shes supposed to have been dead for three years.
Cant wait for the next one and honestly dont know how itll all manage to be tied up in one book. It just seems like there so much to cover.
Also, RE Morrison and Jo. I cannot believe it took 7 books until they were together as a couple. I mean I get the slow build up of their relationship, etc etc, but two books does not seem to me like enough of them together after waiting for it for so long. I wanted something like the epic relationship in the kate daniels series, where we actually see them together as a couple, working through their relationship while saving the world. (or their little part of it anyway.)
But its still a great series, and this book is the ultimate in awesomeness. Its just a little lacking in the romance/relationship part. (Not this book, but the series)
Very annoying but I managed to ignore that.
Anyways this book was awesome, I literally cannot believe the stuff murphy comes up with. I mean a flying car?! How totally awesome and amazing! I swear the car chase is one of my favourite ever scenes I have ever read, definitely my favouritenin this series.
And the ending! Oh my. Was just starting to relax and then got suckerpunched with a massive cliffhanger!
Spoiler Alert!
If Gary's wife is not some evil minion of the master ill eat my hat! Seriously, we know shes going to be bad in some way, I mean shes supposed to have been dead for three years.
Cant wait for the next one and honestly dont know how itll all manage to be tied up in one book. It just seems like there so much to cover.
Also, RE Morrison and Jo. I cannot believe it took 7 books until they were together as a couple. I mean I get the slow build up of their relationship, etc etc, but two books does not seem to me like enough of them together after waiting for it for so long. I wanted something like the epic relationship in the kate daniels series, where we actually see them together as a couple, working through their relationship while saving the world. (or their little part of it anyway.)
But its still a great series, and this book is the ultimate in awesomeness. Its just a little lacking in the romance/relationship part. (Not this book, but the series)
March 6, 2013
Wow, so much happened in this book it felt like 900 pages. I must say that Murphy has a very good imagination. Great world building and wonderfully fleshed out characters. Although, I would like to see Joanne with a little less self-loathing and a little more confidence, however it is kind of nice for her to still have flaws and be a working character that can save the world, literally. I am also really sad to see that the next book will be the last!!! :'(
I was definitely on an emotional rollercoaster this whole book, what with meeting Aidan, Joanne's dad, and her past it was kind of hard (well for being invested in her as one of my favorite characters). I was really glad to see some of things happening and the things she had to face because they make her stronger. The whole story is the Master is trying to get Joanne (still) and he tries to do it through her son, Aidan. We find out many things about him, the Master, and Joanne herself as she stumbles through time, flies with her precious Petite, and generally helps to save an entire nation of people.
Fans, you will be excited to read this. But as always there are some minor flaws. Some things that were hard to believe and some that were a little like "...what??" Take it with a grain of salt and enjoy another adventure in the mountains! Definitely recommended.
I was definitely on an emotional rollercoaster this whole book, what with meeting Aidan, Joanne's dad, and her past it was kind of hard (well for being invested in her as one of my favorite characters). I was really glad to see some of things happening and the things she had to face because they make her stronger. The whole story is the Master is trying to get Joanne (still) and he tries to do it through her son, Aidan. We find out many things about him, the Master, and Joanne herself as she stumbles through time, flies with her precious Petite, and generally helps to save an entire nation of people.
Fans, you will be excited to read this. But as always there are some minor flaws. Some things that were hard to believe and some that were a little like "...what??" Take it with a grain of salt and enjoy another adventure in the mountains! Definitely recommended.
March 1, 2013
With this book there comes so many payoffs that fans of the series have been waiting for and so many fantastical things happen that it is hard to do justice to a review without spoiling things. I plan on getting the audio when it is released and re-reading the book right away, because really this was a fun one to read.
What I really liked about this one is how Joanne was able to look back at her time in Qualla with different eyes and make peace with it, the person she was and the person she is. I hated that so many of the old people gave her the cold shoulder especially as she was doing her best to help them. I have a feeling that she won't be seeing warm welcomes when/if she goes back.
I also really love how Joanne views her magic, if she needs it, it works the way that she needs it to, which floors some people close to her. It is that reaction that had me laughing, mostly because often if you don't know it can't be done you have less reservations.
I loved seeing Joanne eat at the end, it was so her. I am very intrigued by Gary's phone call at the end. I can't wait for the next book, the only sad thing is that it will be the last. I really like this series and hate to see it end!
What I really liked about this one is how Joanne was able to look back at her time in Qualla with different eyes and make peace with it, the person she was and the person she is. I hated that so many of the old people gave her the cold shoulder especially as she was doing her best to help them. I have a feeling that she won't be seeing warm welcomes when/if she goes back.
I also really love how Joanne views her magic, if she needs it, it works the way that she needs it to, which floors some people close to her. It is that reaction that had me laughing, mostly because often if you don't know it can't be done you have less reservations.
I loved seeing Joanne eat at the end, it was so her. I am very intrigued by Gary's phone call at the end. I can't wait for the next book, the only sad thing is that it will be the last. I really like this series and hate to see it end!
February 17, 2015
This was my absolute favorite of the Walker Papers. I have always truly enjoyed the characters. C.E. Murphy does an extraordinary jobs of creating compassionate, intelligent characters who seem quite ordinary and believable. This is surprising given how extraordinary and, at times, unbelievable the magic and action can be. It has been a long road for me because shamanism does not grab me and I have really hard time enjoying Joanne's spirit animals, cryptic messages, swirling colors and the like. I think we made a marriage in the middle where my magical savvy has developed and Joanne has come into her own and it less in awe. This book worked for me. I loved Les, the boy who crushed on her in high school. I love the facing of the misconceptions of a 15 year old now all grown up (and facing her long lost dad). I really enjoyed meeting Aiden, Ada and truly felt proud of Joanne's circumspect admiration and respect for them. Most of all, of course, I loved Morrison. He was finally there, they got to be a couple (a couple of bad asses)and we saw unflinching love, lust and crushing unabashed. Thank God. Only can be made better by being witnessed by Billy and Gary. Great book C.E., I really enjoyed it.
March 15, 2013
First off, if you're just diving into the series, for God's sake, don't start here! LOL You will miss out on the hugely satisfying closing arc of this story as we approach the end of our shaman's journey (supposedly just one more book to go!). For those of you who have been following along, the winding down of Joanne's story includes the tying up of some loose ends, such as her ex-boss Michael Morrison. And that's pretty much all I can say without requiring spoiler wings.
Overall, loved the book. Action zoomed along faster than Joanne's Petite letting loose on an open road. Emotionally satisfying in terms of love, grief and angst. My one nitpick is the dynamic between Joanne and her son. I felt the final scenes between them a bit empty. No one I know involved in an adoption, either as the child given up or as the parent doing the giving, ever walked away so easily. Least, not the ones who were interested enough to go looking in the first place. And especially not after Joanne's meltdown over the memory of her daughter. Her grief over that just made her leaving town ring all the more hollow.
But as I mentioned, a nitpick. Joanne's growth over the last 7 novels has been an amazing ride. I'm just sad it seems to be coming to a close.
Overall, loved the book. Action zoomed along faster than Joanne's Petite letting loose on an open road. Emotionally satisfying in terms of love, grief and angst. My one nitpick is the dynamic between Joanne and her son. I felt the final scenes between them a bit empty. No one I know involved in an adoption, either as the child given up or as the parent doing the giving, ever walked away so easily. Least, not the ones who were interested enough to go looking in the first place. And especially not after Joanne's meltdown over the memory of her daughter. Her grief over that just made her leaving town ring all the more hollow.
But as I mentioned, a nitpick. Joanne's growth over the last 7 novels has been an amazing ride. I'm just sad it seems to be coming to a close.
March 27, 2013
Wow, I absolutely love Murphy's ability to tell an awesome story. I don't know where to start with this one. I guess I should start with saying this is an ongoing series, well second to last in a long series anyways. Mountain Echoes takes off right where the previous one ended, so if you have yet to read this wonderful UF series~what are you waiting for?
Joanne Walker AKA Siobhan Walkingstick is a born shaman who went through a lot in the past year. She's half Irish and half Native American- and all kickass heroine! In this one though she is on a mission that brings her back to her roots, while looking for her father, another Shaman.
In this installment to the Walker Papers there is a lot of breakthrough for Joanne. As we know from previous novels she has been growing as a character and in this one she comes face to face with things she's yet confronted. She meets the son she gave up so many years before and she comes to learn that the gap between her and her father isn't what she thought it was.
I could go into depth about this novel, like the reasons I love it... such as the Morrison scenes (finally!!!!), the part where Petite flies (hell yes- a flying purple Mustang!), but I would much rather say it is more than worth READING FOR YOURSELF!!!!
4.5 Stars
Joanne Walker AKA Siobhan Walkingstick is a born shaman who went through a lot in the past year. She's half Irish and half Native American- and all kickass heroine! In this one though she is on a mission that brings her back to her roots, while looking for her father, another Shaman.
In this installment to the Walker Papers there is a lot of breakthrough for Joanne. As we know from previous novels she has been growing as a character and in this one she comes face to face with things she's yet confronted. She meets the son she gave up so many years before and she comes to learn that the gap between her and her father isn't what she thought it was.
I could go into depth about this novel, like the reasons I love it... such as the Morrison scenes (finally!!!!), the part where Petite flies (hell yes- a flying purple Mustang!), but I would much rather say it is more than worth READING FOR YOURSELF!!!!
4.5 Stars
March 29, 2013
The only thing I didn't like about this book is that it's the beginning of the end.
In Mountain Echoes Joanne goes home to Qualla to find her father. While there she confronts her past and embraces her future. I think this story was a clever way to fill in Jo's back story and I think the timing was good. Joanne has matured as she has grown into her shaman powers and I don't think she would have had the insight to integrate what she learned while back home had this taken place in an earlier book.
The thing I really appreciate about this series is character development and Joanne has changed a lot. The character has grown from a well-meaning but bratty heroine to someone who embraces who she is, creativity,the power of healing and love.
And the romance! What can I say about it? Morrison- Yum! He is great and it's wonderful to see him shine and show his feelings without the constraint of a professional relationship.
I did miss Gary in this book. But I console myself that he was the star of the show in No Dominion and he'll be in the last book along with all the other characters I've come to know and love!
In Mountain Echoes Joanne goes home to Qualla to find her father. While there she confronts her past and embraces her future. I think this story was a clever way to fill in Jo's back story and I think the timing was good. Joanne has matured as she has grown into her shaman powers and I don't think she would have had the insight to integrate what she learned while back home had this taken place in an earlier book.
The thing I really appreciate about this series is character development and Joanne has changed a lot. The character has grown from a well-meaning but bratty heroine to someone who embraces who she is, creativity,the power of healing and love.
And the romance! What can I say about it? Morrison- Yum! He is great and it's wonderful to see him shine and show his feelings without the constraint of a professional relationship.
I did miss Gary in this book. But I console myself that he was the star of the show in No Dominion and he'll be in the last book along with all the other characters I've come to know and love!
November 29, 2013
Joanne Walker, gets a frantic call from Sara (an old school friend who is no longer a friend) and flies straight from Ireland to North Carolina to find her missing father. As it turns out, he isn't the only one missing. Big trouble has found the Qalla reservation and is sucking the power right out of the land. Joanne finally meets her 12 year old son, who she gave up for adoption at birth and her interactions with him are amazing and heart-breaking. After many adventures (7 to be exact), Joanne has finally come to grips with her Cherokee heritage and her shaman abilities. It's great fun to follow her around Qalla while she investigates the disappearances and mingles with Morrison.
Who knew Mustang convertibles could fly? Joanne's one powerful shaman when she puts her mind to it. This and more fantastic things occur in Mountain Echoes. I can't wait to see where Ms. Murphy takes Joanne and Morrison in the concluding title Shaman Rises.
Who knew Mustang convertibles could fly? Joanne's one powerful shaman when she puts her mind to it. This and more fantastic things occur in Mountain Echoes. I can't wait to see where Ms. Murphy takes Joanne and Morrison in the concluding title Shaman Rises.
May 24, 2013
The Walker Papers will only disappoint when they end with Shaman Rises. I hope C. E. will dip into the world she has created once in a while to entertain us.
Joanne hears her father his missing and heads back to the Qualla, where she has not been since she was a teen. So much has been told and hinted about, now much is resolved. Not neat, tied with a bow resolved but processed and dealt with resolved, much like real life would be if we but would...
A malevolence has aimed itself at her and hers. She and they are a threat to it, so she must face her demons and her fears, as well as her limitations and her understanding of what and who she is. It is well written, easy to follow, realistic (within reason, after all) and concludes with a meal to be envied!
No spoilers, as I don't do that. I will only say that much will be answered. But do read "No Dominion" before the next (and last) of the Walker Papers comes out in December!
Thank you again, C. E.!
Joanne hears her father his missing and heads back to the Qualla, where she has not been since she was a teen. So much has been told and hinted about, now much is resolved. Not neat, tied with a bow resolved but processed and dealt with resolved, much like real life would be if we but would...
A malevolence has aimed itself at her and hers. She and they are a threat to it, so she must face her demons and her fears, as well as her limitations and her understanding of what and who she is. It is well written, easy to follow, realistic (within reason, after all) and concludes with a meal to be envied!
No spoilers, as I don't do that. I will only say that much will be answered. But do read "No Dominion" before the next (and last) of the Walker Papers comes out in December!
Thank you again, C. E.!
May 21, 2013
After the first 97 pages I enjoyed this book immensely. Thank You Ms. Murphy for bringing back Morrison. He and Joanne made the book for me. It was also nice to see the other part of heritage and her father. It was interesting in seeing Joanne's reaction to Aidan and vice versa.
Of course this book is left with the starting point of the next book, but a lot of emotions were wrapped up nicely in this book.
Joanne is finally dealing with her feelings of abandonment as a child, her choice to have sex at 15, giving away her son, and neglecting her Cherokee heritage. The fact that her paramour, Morrison, is there to help her along the way brought a lot not only to their new found relationship but also in how Joanne resolved everything.
Mistakes can't always be fixed, but you can learn from them and grow. This is the underlying point throughout the story. 5 stars.
Of course this book is left with the starting point of the next book, but a lot of emotions were wrapped up nicely in this book.
Joanne is finally dealing with her feelings of abandonment as a child, her choice to have sex at 15, giving away her son, and neglecting her Cherokee heritage. The fact that her paramour, Morrison, is there to help her along the way brought a lot not only to their new found relationship but also in how Joanne resolved everything.
Mistakes can't always be fixed, but you can learn from them and grow. This is the underlying point throughout the story. 5 stars.
June 22, 2013
Loved, loved, loved this book until the end which ended just like the last book - with a phone call. Please change it up! Otherwise, the book was great. Loved This series has just gotten better and better.
March 24, 2013
I love the Walker Papers series and this was one of the best. Joanne is back in NC after her father disappears and discovers that something supernatural is the culprit.
It was interesting to see her face her demons - both in her mind and those at the Qualla. She came to terms with her feelings for her father, her son, and her friends that she left behind. And Morrison was there the whole time which made it even more cathartic. I was happy to see Jo lean on him and it makes you think that they actually have a chance at a life together.
It was interesting to see her face her demons - both in her mind and those at the Qualla. She came to terms with her feelings for her father, her son, and her friends that she left behind. And Morrison was there the whole time which made it even more cathartic. I was happy to see Jo lean on him and it makes you think that they actually have a chance at a life together.
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