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The Sound and the Echoes
The Sound and the Echoes is a high-concept, fantasy adventure for middle grade and young adult readers, with 27 magical illustrations.
Imagine that everyone around you has a mirror image living somewhere else. Your world is like a sound, which produced that other world of echoes. And in this land men are governed by a terrible law—no Echo is allowed to live after his Sound dies.
One Sound especially must die. The Prince’s Sound. The Fate Sealers and Fortune Tellers will make sure of that! Because after this Sound dies, the Echo Prince will have to die too.
Now, twelve-year-old Will Cleary is about to discover that he is the Sound the Echoes are hunting. And so begins his perilous adventure into a see-through, sparkling world, filled with spying crystal balls, an eerie fortress of castaway children, a hunt for clues in an ancient book of riddles, and a last-chance escape through a frozen gem-studded lake into a secret land that holds the key to placing the Prince on the throne and returning freedom to the Echoes.
Imagine that everyone around you has a mirror image living somewhere else. Your world is like a sound, which produced that other world of echoes. And in this land men are governed by a terrible law—no Echo is allowed to live after his Sound dies.
One Sound especially must die. The Prince’s Sound. The Fate Sealers and Fortune Tellers will make sure of that! Because after this Sound dies, the Echo Prince will have to die too.
Now, twelve-year-old Will Cleary is about to discover that he is the Sound the Echoes are hunting. And so begins his perilous adventure into a see-through, sparkling world, filled with spying crystal balls, an eerie fortress of castaway children, a hunt for clues in an ancient book of riddles, and a last-chance escape through a frozen gem-studded lake into a secret land that holds the key to placing the Prince on the throne and returning freedom to the Echoes.
583 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2012
5 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
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November 17, 2014
I purchased this book on the kindle for the price of $3.00, and I am very glad I did. It is well worth the price. The idea for this story if different from anything I have heard of, and I greatly enjoyed the change. I was completely into the story from the time I picked it up. The Echo Realm is exciting and paints a nice picture in your mind. When I learned that the fate Sealers were made and not born, I was extremely curious until I found out.:)I would suggest this well-written book to anyone looking for a great story.
Review by: http://lachatblanc.wordpress.com/
UPDATE:
I just did a blog post on this book, partially a review. I'd appreciate if you would check it out :) Thanks!
http://ablogofthebooks.blogspot.com/2...
Review by: http://lachatblanc.wordpress.com/
UPDATE:
I just did a blog post on this book, partially a review. I'd appreciate if you would check it out :) Thanks!
http://ablogofthebooks.blogspot.com/2...
July 14, 2014
Rating Clarification: 3.5 stars
If you consider yourself a fan of high fantasy stories, for middle-grade/young adult readers that are both insanely creative and most definitely offbeat then you really should check out The Sound & The Echoes by Dew Pellucid. Coming from someone who has read her fair share of fantasy books, I have to admit that most of the time I was in awe (honestly!) as to how Pellucid came up with such mind-boggling ideas. From the world building, to the premise, to the characters; The Sound & the Echoes offers a nice vacation from mundane reality. There were a few minor bumps here and there, but for someone who's read as much of these types of books as I have... it's almost impossible not to notice some minor details that I'd have liked to see fleshed through a bit differently. Overall though, this story was thoroughly enchanting and enjoyable.
The Sound & the Echoes introduces the reader to a magical world where everyone has a mirror image living in another realm. Our world would be most similar to the Sound World but when a Sound is born, his Echo is simultaneously born elsewhere. But the Echo Realm is governed by a cruel rule. If a Sound dies, his Echo must die as well. So, if you're an echo and you wanted another echo out of the way...there would be an easy way to do so: kill his sound. And so the prince's sound, Will discovers that his life is in danger. Fate Sealers & Fortune Tellers want him dead to keep the crown prince away from ever gaining the throne! Before long, Will's world is completely thrown upside down as he learns the truth about his identity and the truth behind his own sister's mysterious disappearance.
When I started this book, the tone it had right at the beginning gave me an impression of something of a cross between Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, while being something different and seperate all-together. There some a bit too familiar elements featured here (like the wizened omniscient 'teacher figure' or even the Faith Sealers themselves which were reminiscent of the Nazgûl in LotR or even the Dementors in HP),but most of what Pellucid brings to the table is beyond unique. The world-building, especially in the Echo Realm is a perfect example of the mind-boggling inventiveness at the authors disposal. The Sound & the Echoes is filled with beautiful descriptions of the icy, translucent, shimmering world of the Echo Realm. The wintery setting was a definite plus for me; snowy landscapes just feel more enchanted. I don't know if that's just my Canadian showing? haha
Dew Pellucid's approach to magic wasn't your average 'spells or powers' type of magic either. Heavy on crystal balls, secret passages, mysteries and cryptic clues, it's more inherently magical items or that the world is itself enchanted. There's a Lake of Eternal Ice with hidden treasures in it's depths, there are Cold-Fire Mushrooms, Warming Snowflake Blankets & millions of crystal balls used for anything from magic to spying to fashion. The characters themselves though don't really display any magical abilities (for the most part.) I really appreciate this take on magic, something I'd last encountered when I read the Narnia series. It's uncommon but it offers a variety of outcomes & possibilities. I thought the characters were well-developed & likeable, though I would have wanted some of them to be a bit more developed(like Emmy & Fortis Fortuna). Will as the main protagonist was relatable and also realistic in his thoughts & actions. I thought he displayed bravery, curiosity and persistence throughout. I also really liked his best friend in the Echo Realm; Peter and the two of them were fun in a quirky and offbeat kind of way. Two other standout characters were Aurelius & Valerie :) To be honest, most of Dew Pellucid's characters are a bit odd, but I've always loved things a bit odd anyways...
The plot of The Sound & the Echoes is what you'd expect from an average middle grade high fantasy in terms of complexity. With some characters I had an easy time figuring out whether to trust them or not but with others it wasn't so easy. I found that the pace did slow for a bit around the halfway mark, but only for a very short duration. Soon enough, I was eager to see how the story would end up and how Pellucid was going to tie things up. There are a few scenes in the end where I would have wanted even a little more detail, not because I was confused but everything happened so fast that I hardly had time to fully appreciate what had happened and how neat it was. But even that can be a good thing because at the end, I felt like I wanted more. I don't know if Dew Pellucid has plans for more adventures for the Sounds & the Echoes butshe he does, count me in! I'd definitely recommend this book to any and all middle grade and YA high fantasy fans looking for something different. As of now, it's only available on Amazon for Kindle but hopefully soon it'll be able to get published so more people can experience the Echo realm!
A free copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews, check out my book blog:
If you consider yourself a fan of high fantasy stories, for middle-grade/young adult readers that are both insanely creative and most definitely offbeat then you really should check out The Sound & The Echoes by Dew Pellucid. Coming from someone who has read her fair share of fantasy books, I have to admit that most of the time I was in awe (honestly!) as to how Pellucid came up with such mind-boggling ideas. From the world building, to the premise, to the characters; The Sound & the Echoes offers a nice vacation from mundane reality. There were a few minor bumps here and there, but for someone who's read as much of these types of books as I have... it's almost impossible not to notice some minor details that I'd have liked to see fleshed through a bit differently. Overall though, this story was thoroughly enchanting and enjoyable.
The Sound & the Echoes introduces the reader to a magical world where everyone has a mirror image living in another realm. Our world would be most similar to the Sound World but when a Sound is born, his Echo is simultaneously born elsewhere. But the Echo Realm is governed by a cruel rule. If a Sound dies, his Echo must die as well. So, if you're an echo and you wanted another echo out of the way...there would be an easy way to do so: kill his sound. And so the prince's sound, Will discovers that his life is in danger. Fate Sealers & Fortune Tellers want him dead to keep the crown prince away from ever gaining the throne! Before long, Will's world is completely thrown upside down as he learns the truth about his identity and the truth behind his own sister's mysterious disappearance.
When I started this book, the tone it had right at the beginning gave me an impression of something of a cross between Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, while being something different and seperate all-together. There some a bit too familiar elements featured here (like the wizened omniscient 'teacher figure' or even the Faith Sealers themselves which were reminiscent of the Nazgûl in LotR or even the Dementors in HP),but most of what Pellucid brings to the table is beyond unique. The world-building, especially in the Echo Realm is a perfect example of the mind-boggling inventiveness at the authors disposal. The Sound & the Echoes is filled with beautiful descriptions of the icy, translucent, shimmering world of the Echo Realm. The wintery setting was a definite plus for me; snowy landscapes just feel more enchanted. I don't know if that's just my Canadian showing? haha
Dew Pellucid's approach to magic wasn't your average 'spells or powers' type of magic either. Heavy on crystal balls, secret passages, mysteries and cryptic clues, it's more inherently magical items or that the world is itself enchanted. There's a Lake of Eternal Ice with hidden treasures in it's depths, there are Cold-Fire Mushrooms, Warming Snowflake Blankets & millions of crystal balls used for anything from magic to spying to fashion. The characters themselves though don't really display any magical abilities (for the most part.) I really appreciate this take on magic, something I'd last encountered when I read the Narnia series. It's uncommon but it offers a variety of outcomes & possibilities. I thought the characters were well-developed & likeable, though I would have wanted some of them to be a bit more developed(like Emmy & Fortis Fortuna). Will as the main protagonist was relatable and also realistic in his thoughts & actions. I thought he displayed bravery, curiosity and persistence throughout. I also really liked his best friend in the Echo Realm; Peter and the two of them were fun in a quirky and offbeat kind of way. Two other standout characters were Aurelius & Valerie :) To be honest, most of Dew Pellucid's characters are a bit odd, but I've always loved things a bit odd anyways...
The plot of The Sound & the Echoes is what you'd expect from an average middle grade high fantasy in terms of complexity. With some characters I had an easy time figuring out whether to trust them or not but with others it wasn't so easy. I found that the pace did slow for a bit around the halfway mark, but only for a very short duration. Soon enough, I was eager to see how the story would end up and how Pellucid was going to tie things up. There are a few scenes in the end where I would have wanted even a little more detail, not because I was confused but everything happened so fast that I hardly had time to fully appreciate what had happened and how neat it was. But even that can be a good thing because at the end, I felt like I wanted more. I don't know if Dew Pellucid has plans for more adventures for the Sounds & the Echoes but
A free copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
For more of my reviews, check out my book blog:
September 23, 2012
In Dew Pellucid’s fanciful tale, every time a person is born, a second being—an Echo—comes into existence at the same time. These Echoes live in a winter wonderland beneath the Arctic, unbeknownst to their ordinary counterparts, called Sounds. Subjects of a superstitious monarchy, the Echoes believe their lives are bound to those of their Sounds. Therefore, when a Sound dies, his or her Echo is executed, in accordance with the Law of Death.
Will Cleary’s ordinary life turns upside down when he learns of the Echoes—and that his is the Echo realm’s prince. The prince’s uncle, a false king who seized the throne following the former king’s death, has sent ghostly Fate Sealers to kill him, forcing the prince to die and making his grip on power permanent. Will travels to the Echo realm in hopes of saving himself and the Echo monarchy from evil. Hiding out in the Orphanage for Castaway Children, he finds himself at the center of ancient mysteries and political intrigue. His disguise can only last so long before the Fate Sealers patrolling the Orphanage discover his true identity.
Brave and loyal, Will is the kind of protagonist who’s easy to root for. His self-deprecating sense of humor and stubborn disposition make him believable as a character, one who is admirable and imperfect in all the right ways. He thinks for himself, in spite of all the people telling him what to do—the Echo guardians who have watched over him since he was a toddler, the teacher at his Alaska school who has traveled to the Echo realm, the royal advisor whose motivations are unclear. In his adventures, Will is accompanied by a somewhat odd magician wannabe called Peter Patrick Peterson, a boy whose funky mannerisms and alliterative name are indicative of the kind of quirks Pellucid likes to throw into this story.
The dichotomy of Sounds versus Echoes creates an interesting theme, one akin to race relations. The Law of Death makes it clear that Echoes view their ignorant Sounds as superior beings. Even the labels they give themselves indicate this—the Echoes are merely shadows of the “real” people who populate the Earth. And yet they are conscious beings with their own lives and souls. They have the same looks and personalities as their Sounds, but, like twins who share DNA, are independent individuals.
The prince wishes to abolish the Law of Death, which will effectively put the Fate Sealers and the executioners—called Fortune Tellers—out of business. And thus, Will and the prince have more than just the false king to worry about. In its characters, The Sound and the Echoes is a story of friendship and loyalty, of noble intentions and bravery in spite the face danger. The messages it carries are encouraging examples of the best of human nature.
In The Sound and the Echoes, Pellucid has demonstrated an amazing knack for world-building. The atmosphere glows ice blue, sparkling with charm and whimsy. It’s easy to visualize the many wonderful, otherworldly objects and places in the Echo realm, all of which follow carefully laid-out rules. Crystal balls, glowing see-through beings, smoky specters, ice-like coins… these are some of the things that glitter within the story. From back-stories to the mechanics of the magic, Pellucid has covered every aspect of this world, making for a fully immersive reading experience.
The Sound and the Echoes is a brilliantly imagined fantasy, the kind that’s exciting to read and leave you smiling. Pellucid has created something truly magical, with descriptions that will carry you into this frozen fantasyland and make you never want to leave.
Will Cleary’s ordinary life turns upside down when he learns of the Echoes—and that his is the Echo realm’s prince. The prince’s uncle, a false king who seized the throne following the former king’s death, has sent ghostly Fate Sealers to kill him, forcing the prince to die and making his grip on power permanent. Will travels to the Echo realm in hopes of saving himself and the Echo monarchy from evil. Hiding out in the Orphanage for Castaway Children, he finds himself at the center of ancient mysteries and political intrigue. His disguise can only last so long before the Fate Sealers patrolling the Orphanage discover his true identity.
Brave and loyal, Will is the kind of protagonist who’s easy to root for. His self-deprecating sense of humor and stubborn disposition make him believable as a character, one who is admirable and imperfect in all the right ways. He thinks for himself, in spite of all the people telling him what to do—the Echo guardians who have watched over him since he was a toddler, the teacher at his Alaska school who has traveled to the Echo realm, the royal advisor whose motivations are unclear. In his adventures, Will is accompanied by a somewhat odd magician wannabe called Peter Patrick Peterson, a boy whose funky mannerisms and alliterative name are indicative of the kind of quirks Pellucid likes to throw into this story.
The dichotomy of Sounds versus Echoes creates an interesting theme, one akin to race relations. The Law of Death makes it clear that Echoes view their ignorant Sounds as superior beings. Even the labels they give themselves indicate this—the Echoes are merely shadows of the “real” people who populate the Earth. And yet they are conscious beings with their own lives and souls. They have the same looks and personalities as their Sounds, but, like twins who share DNA, are independent individuals.
The prince wishes to abolish the Law of Death, which will effectively put the Fate Sealers and the executioners—called Fortune Tellers—out of business. And thus, Will and the prince have more than just the false king to worry about. In its characters, The Sound and the Echoes is a story of friendship and loyalty, of noble intentions and bravery in spite the face danger. The messages it carries are encouraging examples of the best of human nature.
In The Sound and the Echoes, Pellucid has demonstrated an amazing knack for world-building. The atmosphere glows ice blue, sparkling with charm and whimsy. It’s easy to visualize the many wonderful, otherworldly objects and places in the Echo realm, all of which follow carefully laid-out rules. Crystal balls, glowing see-through beings, smoky specters, ice-like coins… these are some of the things that glitter within the story. From back-stories to the mechanics of the magic, Pellucid has covered every aspect of this world, making for a fully immersive reading experience.
The Sound and the Echoes is a brilliantly imagined fantasy, the kind that’s exciting to read and leave you smiling. Pellucid has created something truly magical, with descriptions that will carry you into this frozen fantasyland and make you never want to leave.
January 9, 2013
I’ve been tardy in this review & I can only hope the author will forgive me.
The story begins in Alaska, where lives Will Cleary, age twelve, who lives in a dilapidated cabin of mourning. Ten years ago his twin sister, Emmy, was lost in the pond near his house. Or was she? His parents certainly believe that she is still alive and are eternally looking for clues to bring her back home. Parents plagued with grief aren’t the only thing that sets Will apart from other people. He also has two pets, a wolf and a falcon who keep him company.
Will has grown used to his life, even if he isn’t happy, but then he learns about a new world, a companion to our own; a place where every person in our earth has an Echo – an identical copy. In a bid for power, many years ago The Law of Death was put in place, that an Echo may live only as long as his Sound does – unless you’re a king.
Unfortunately for Will, his Echo is the heir to the throne and is coming into power in just a few weeks, taking over from his evil uncle (there’s always an evil uncle in these tales, isn’t there? Difficult to understand since my uncles are lovely.). Until his Echo is thirteen & officially the king, Will is in danger from assassins.
And so begins the adventure. It isn’t terribly long before Will is taken to the Realm of the Echoes in hopes of finding his long-lost sister, protecting the prince, solving a great riddle, and hopefully freeing the Echoes from The Law of Death.
But to tell you much more would lead to spoilers and I’m afraid I’ve already done some damage.
The Sound and the Echoes is a beautifully written book. Another reviewer introduced me to the term ‘high fantasy,’ which means that the story told takes place in an imaginary world, different from our own, like Middle-Earth.
The Realm of the Echoes is a beautifully imagined world that apparently lies under Alaska. It’s a world of shadowy reflections, tragedy, and secrets, with its own prejudices. Will is in disguise as he works with new friends to dodge enemies and solve the mysteries holding this land captive in hopes of getting himself and his sister home.
I mentioned earlier that this sub-genre isn’t my normal flavor for reading, but I can still admire the lovely descriptions and turns of phrases used to tell the story. The author spent a lot of work into creating the lovely, frosty other-world that Will lands in. The protagonist may be only twelve-going-on-thirteen, but the story itself is far more mature, even if the characters are not.
Bottom-line: Anybody who liked Tolkien would get a kick out of this. It is inevitable that there will be comparisons to Harry Potter, but this is an entirely different type of story.
The story begins in Alaska, where lives Will Cleary, age twelve, who lives in a dilapidated cabin of mourning. Ten years ago his twin sister, Emmy, was lost in the pond near his house. Or was she? His parents certainly believe that she is still alive and are eternally looking for clues to bring her back home. Parents plagued with grief aren’t the only thing that sets Will apart from other people. He also has two pets, a wolf and a falcon who keep him company.
Will has grown used to his life, even if he isn’t happy, but then he learns about a new world, a companion to our own; a place where every person in our earth has an Echo – an identical copy. In a bid for power, many years ago The Law of Death was put in place, that an Echo may live only as long as his Sound does – unless you’re a king.
Unfortunately for Will, his Echo is the heir to the throne and is coming into power in just a few weeks, taking over from his evil uncle (there’s always an evil uncle in these tales, isn’t there? Difficult to understand since my uncles are lovely.). Until his Echo is thirteen & officially the king, Will is in danger from assassins.
And so begins the adventure. It isn’t terribly long before Will is taken to the Realm of the Echoes in hopes of finding his long-lost sister, protecting the prince, solving a great riddle, and hopefully freeing the Echoes from The Law of Death.
But to tell you much more would lead to spoilers and I’m afraid I’ve already done some damage.
The Sound and the Echoes is a beautifully written book. Another reviewer introduced me to the term ‘high fantasy,’ which means that the story told takes place in an imaginary world, different from our own, like Middle-Earth.
The Realm of the Echoes is a beautifully imagined world that apparently lies under Alaska. It’s a world of shadowy reflections, tragedy, and secrets, with its own prejudices. Will is in disguise as he works with new friends to dodge enemies and solve the mysteries holding this land captive in hopes of getting himself and his sister home.
I mentioned earlier that this sub-genre isn’t my normal flavor for reading, but I can still admire the lovely descriptions and turns of phrases used to tell the story. The author spent a lot of work into creating the lovely, frosty other-world that Will lands in. The protagonist may be only twelve-going-on-thirteen, but the story itself is far more mature, even if the characters are not.
Bottom-line: Anybody who liked Tolkien would get a kick out of this. It is inevitable that there will be comparisons to Harry Potter, but this is an entirely different type of story.
October 29, 2012
It is an amazing adventure book for young adults. Actually i recommend it for all ages!
The reason I completely love this book is because it reminds me of Harry Potter without being a copy. It has the same feeling adventure wise. It is about a world that is unknown to most humans and its inhabitants are different in a way from humans. It is about strong friendship and the fight of one boy to have everything back to normal and the fight of his Echo for justice and to clean his fathers name.
This is a great adventure and it is fast paced and an easy read. It keeps you totally hooked because you can never really guess whether the characters are good or evil. I love the friendship between will and peter. I love how it is so different from anything i have read and how it is so so fresh.
The Plot: The Sound and the Echoes is the story of Will (a Sound) and the adventure that takes him into the Echo world. The Echo World is amazing and the people who live there, Echoes, are a more transparent version of regular humans (Sounds). Each Echo has a Sound and when the Sound dies the Echo must die in the same way. Will is the prince's Sound and the prince's uncle wants to prevent the prince from becoming king. Therefore he sent Fate Sealers after Will. When Will crosses over to the Echo world the whole adventure starts. He meets interesting characters and becomes good friends with Peter. Will must decide who he can trust and who he has to avoid in order to stay anonymous and alive. The plot is defiantly different and it is never too slow. Dew Pellucid does an extraordinary job with the descriptions the reader can totally picture the Orphanage and the Fate Sealers it makes it easier to connect with the story and get sucked in
The Characters: Honestly I found Will to be very likable. He is brave and noble as well as smart. Will faces danger to help the prince and to try to bring his twin sister home. Peter is also a very brave character although this is not his fight he helps Will with everything that he can. Overall the characters are realistic. You can have mixed feelings about some characters and totally dislike others but they all feel real and relatable.
Others: I found this book to have a great message and a good example for the readers as the main character is brave and he fights for what he believes. These characteristics make him a great example for any reader.
Overall I loved the book it is different and it keeps you interested. It is well detailed and i loved the illustrations. Im sure they are even better in a real book (I got the kindle version) but they totally help the reader to imagine the characters and their surroundings
The reason I completely love this book is because it reminds me of Harry Potter without being a copy. It has the same feeling adventure wise. It is about a world that is unknown to most humans and its inhabitants are different in a way from humans. It is about strong friendship and the fight of one boy to have everything back to normal and the fight of his Echo for justice and to clean his fathers name.
This is a great adventure and it is fast paced and an easy read. It keeps you totally hooked because you can never really guess whether the characters are good or evil. I love the friendship between will and peter. I love how it is so different from anything i have read and how it is so so fresh.
The Plot: The Sound and the Echoes is the story of Will (a Sound) and the adventure that takes him into the Echo world. The Echo World is amazing and the people who live there, Echoes, are a more transparent version of regular humans (Sounds). Each Echo has a Sound and when the Sound dies the Echo must die in the same way. Will is the prince's Sound and the prince's uncle wants to prevent the prince from becoming king. Therefore he sent Fate Sealers after Will. When Will crosses over to the Echo world the whole adventure starts. He meets interesting characters and becomes good friends with Peter. Will must decide who he can trust and who he has to avoid in order to stay anonymous and alive. The plot is defiantly different and it is never too slow. Dew Pellucid does an extraordinary job with the descriptions the reader can totally picture the Orphanage and the Fate Sealers it makes it easier to connect with the story and get sucked in
The Characters: Honestly I found Will to be very likable. He is brave and noble as well as smart. Will faces danger to help the prince and to try to bring his twin sister home. Peter is also a very brave character although this is not his fight he helps Will with everything that he can. Overall the characters are realistic. You can have mixed feelings about some characters and totally dislike others but they all feel real and relatable.
Others: I found this book to have a great message and a good example for the readers as the main character is brave and he fights for what he believes. These characteristics make him a great example for any reader.
Overall I loved the book it is different and it keeps you interested. It is well detailed and i loved the illustrations. Im sure they are even better in a real book (I got the kindle version) but they totally help the reader to imagine the characters and their surroundings
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December 12, 2016KIRKUS REVIEW: THE SOUND AND THE ECHOES
Pellucid’s debut middle-grade adventure takes place in a fantastic realm.
Will Cleary’s life has always been a little bit strange. When he was 2, he and his twin sister, Emmy, mysteriously disappeared. Will returned in the center of the pond in the family’s yard, but Emmy never returned. Ten years later, Will’s parents are still obsessed with Emmy. His mother spends just about the whole day making sure the pond never freezes over. Will learns that his pet falcon and pet wolf are actually humanoid creatures, called Echoes, who have disguised themselves as animals to watch over Will. Each person has an Echo, a copy of themselves that lives in the Echo realm, a strange, magical land governed by superstitious beliefs. For instance, when a person dies, his or her Echo must also die. Will’s Echo happens to be a prince in the Echo realm, and dark forces want to stop him from becoming king, putting Will’s earthbound life in danger, too. So Will embarks on a dangerous trip to the realm of the Echoes to help save the prince. Young readers will enjoy the series of challenges Will faces on his adventure to set things right. Lies, deceit and shifting allegiances add some twists and turns to the story, while the blue-tinged CGI illustrations by Andy Simmons help bring the chilly Echo world to life. The story shares a number of similarities with the Harry Potter series—a Dumbledore-esque headmaster, monsters called Fate Sealers who resemble Death Eaters, and an unlikely trio of child heroes—but the unique, complex Echo world is enough to set this story apart.
A somewhat derivative fantasy novel that readers hungry for magic and adventure will gladly devour.
Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
Pellucid’s debut middle-grade adventure takes place in a fantastic realm.
Will Cleary’s life has always been a little bit strange. When he was 2, he and his twin sister, Emmy, mysteriously disappeared. Will returned in the center of the pond in the family’s yard, but Emmy never returned. Ten years later, Will’s parents are still obsessed with Emmy. His mother spends just about the whole day making sure the pond never freezes over. Will learns that his pet falcon and pet wolf are actually humanoid creatures, called Echoes, who have disguised themselves as animals to watch over Will. Each person has an Echo, a copy of themselves that lives in the Echo realm, a strange, magical land governed by superstitious beliefs. For instance, when a person dies, his or her Echo must also die. Will’s Echo happens to be a prince in the Echo realm, and dark forces want to stop him from becoming king, putting Will’s earthbound life in danger, too. So Will embarks on a dangerous trip to the realm of the Echoes to help save the prince. Young readers will enjoy the series of challenges Will faces on his adventure to set things right. Lies, deceit and shifting allegiances add some twists and turns to the story, while the blue-tinged CGI illustrations by Andy Simmons help bring the chilly Echo world to life. The story shares a number of similarities with the Harry Potter series—a Dumbledore-esque headmaster, monsters called Fate Sealers who resemble Death Eaters, and an unlikely trio of child heroes—but the unique, complex Echo world is enough to set this story apart.
A somewhat derivative fantasy novel that readers hungry for magic and adventure will gladly devour.
Kirkus Reviews
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
October 8, 2012
Fantastic book that I highly recommend for anyone who loves the Potter series. Don't get me wrong, this is by NO means a Potter knockoff, but a brilliantly executed tale that is slightly reminiscent of the Potter books. Pellucid's Fate Sealers remind me just a bit of Dementors (although not QUITE as scary! Lol) and the Orphanage had a bit of a magical quality to it....sort of like Hogwarts....but yet still completely original. While I admit that it did take a few pages before I was "into" the book, once in, I didn't want to leave. The author manages to put together a captivating story, and at the same time, subtley bring about a wonderful, relevant point about a land where everyone can live together in "Harmony" regardless of whether they are a Sound, an Echo or a "Mongrel" which is another name for someone who is half Sound and half Echo. I received this book directly from the author when she noticed I had entered the giveaway for her book. She offered me a copy in exchange for a review. Best decision I've made in a while! I unashamedly admit that I have already contacted Ms. Pellucid and asked if she is going to be writing a sequel to The Sound and the Echoes because I want more (which is another reason it probably reminds me of Potter, as I could never get enough of those either). The most amazing thing about this book is that even with the ending, she could let it end as is.....or continue with the story and take it in SO many different directions. I am thrilled to say that I now have another author I can add to my list of favorites: Dew Pellucid. Well done, and I truly hope that one day I will be able to return to your Echo realm and see what has been happening in my absence.
October 3, 2014
Now I understand why 180 publishers refused to publish this book. There are so many problems and glaring inconsistencies that I couldn't even finish it. Here are some of my top issues with what I had read:
1)
The constant use of words like "shining" or "glistening" plus the redundant use of "crystal balls" and "see-through" to describe the settings. I got it from the first description of the world. I believe that 25% of the book's length could be cut down by removing these redundant descriptions.
2)
Run on sentences. And on and on and on and on...
3)
The main character lives in a small, old house. Spent his whole life there. Yet he didn't know that by simply walking through the laundry room he could quite easily find a stairway to a cellar he's never seen. Really???
4)
At the very beginning of the book, a character reminisces about the castle. He tells us that he hasn't been to that place since he was a child. And yet he IS at the castle (as an adult) throughout the whole story.
5)
Crossbows fitting into pockets. Not possible, even if they are small.
6)
The photo of the mother. She's sitting on the green grass in a pink dress. Lovely, right? But the photo was taken on December 25 in Alaska! Really? green lawns and pink dresses OUTSIDE in the middle of an Alaskan winter?
AND THE WORST:
If you look at the author's Facebook fan page, you’ll see that she was giving away prizes for positive reviews of the book!!!
So, how many of the Amazon or Goodreads reviews are actually honest?
1)
The constant use of words like "shining" or "glistening" plus the redundant use of "crystal balls" and "see-through" to describe the settings. I got it from the first description of the world. I believe that 25% of the book's length could be cut down by removing these redundant descriptions.
2)
Run on sentences. And on and on and on and on...
3)
The main character lives in a small, old house. Spent his whole life there. Yet he didn't know that by simply walking through the laundry room he could quite easily find a stairway to a cellar he's never seen. Really???
4)
At the very beginning of the book, a character reminisces about the castle. He tells us that he hasn't been to that place since he was a child. And yet he IS at the castle (as an adult) throughout the whole story.
5)
Crossbows fitting into pockets. Not possible, even if they are small.
6)
The photo of the mother. She's sitting on the green grass in a pink dress. Lovely, right? But the photo was taken on December 25 in Alaska! Really? green lawns and pink dresses OUTSIDE in the middle of an Alaskan winter?
AND THE WORST:
If you look at the author's Facebook fan page, you’ll see that she was giving away prizes for positive reviews of the book!!!
So, how many of the Amazon or Goodreads reviews are actually honest?
January 11, 2013
Boy oh boy was it hard for me to get into this book. The reason for that was the age of the main character. I was skeptical that I would like the book since he was so young and I felt that it would be for middle school kids. However, after I continued to read the book, it indeed did catch my interest. The plot was intriguing, the graphics were splendid and lived up to what I had in mind of the characters and the settings.
The Sound and the Echoes is an incredible story about the bravery of a young boy who goes to another world beneath his to try and find his sister who has been missing for years as well as to save his Echo who's life is in danger.
Many compare this book to Harry Potter, and I can see where they can be similar, but the Sound and the Echoes has its own identity. It has a different mission; a different plot. It is a highly creative story in a world that would be a child's fantasy if they had an overactive imagination.
Its very different from the books that I enjoy reading, but that is not to say that I did not enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to step outside of their comfort genre zone. It would be a decision they wouldn't regret.
The Sound and the Echoes is an incredible story about the bravery of a young boy who goes to another world beneath his to try and find his sister who has been missing for years as well as to save his Echo who's life is in danger.
Many compare this book to Harry Potter, and I can see where they can be similar, but the Sound and the Echoes has its own identity. It has a different mission; a different plot. It is a highly creative story in a world that would be a child's fantasy if they had an overactive imagination.
Its very different from the books that I enjoy reading, but that is not to say that I did not enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to step outside of their comfort genre zone. It would be a decision they wouldn't regret.
March 9, 2014
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Story, October 3, 2013
By Victor Ahearne
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Sound and the Echoes (Kindle Edition)
My family downloaded this book from Amazon for free on the kindle PC!!! This story captured not only my 7th grade daughter but I have 2 other girls age 7 and 9 and am reading this to them each night. Such wonderful and descriptive details that even my little ones can envision the characters, the scenery, the feelings. We have not finished the book yet, we read a chapter a night and I must tell you my girls run over to the computer and sit down and have this look of excitement! They cannot wait for the next words to be read and it brings us together to discuss what each of them think will happen next time we read :) Wonderful author, we look forward to more stories!!!!!! Highly recommend.
Read
December 16, 2012THE MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
"On the other side of the coin, a world is the same, yet different. "The Sound & The Echoes" is a youth fantasy following preteen Will Cleary as he finds himself the target of the Echoes, who seek to silence both his sound and echo. Racing against time and trying to find the mysteries of this world, he finds he must return a prince to the throne to restore the world to peace. "The Sound & The Echoes" is a riveting pick for middle grade and young adult fans of high adventure, recommended."
December 2012 issue of Children's Bookwatch: http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/...
"On the other side of the coin, a world is the same, yet different. "The Sound & The Echoes" is a youth fantasy following preteen Will Cleary as he finds himself the target of the Echoes, who seek to silence both his sound and echo. Racing against time and trying to find the mysteries of this world, he finds he must return a prince to the throne to restore the world to peace. "The Sound & The Echoes" is a riveting pick for middle grade and young adult fans of high adventure, recommended."
December 2012 issue of Children's Bookwatch: http://www.midwestbookreview.com/cbw/...
August 19, 2012
This book had be gripped right from the start. The author has hit upon a topic that i have not even considered before and made it sound realistic. Although a fantasy story, if you have a belief in alternate realities this is something that you will be able to connect with. It is not a story i can easily describe, but i will say this. I dare you to read this and not enjoy it.
I give this book my maximum of 5 out of 5.
I give this book my maximum of 5 out of 5.
October 23, 2012
This book is so refreshing. The characters are unique as is the story line. There are no dragons or the normal "mystical" creatures. I couldn't put it down! This is definitely worth reading and I'm shocked it was turned down 180 times. So glad Dew persevered.
March 25, 2013
I love the interactions between Auralius and the Prince. They are both powerful leaders who stand up for their beliefs, even if what one wants opposes the other’s wishes. The Prince is regal, thoughtful, and collected; Auralius is headstrong and may also be a bit more stubborn. Regardless, they ultimately want to achieve the same goal, so they work together in an efficient manner by maintaining a constant stream of ideas and possibilities.
Will is also a strong character. He transforms from a youthful and, let’s be honest, naïve boy– he is experiencing the land of the Echoes for the first time– to a brave hero. Because this world is new to him, his change is more drastic than the changes the other characters experience. During this transformation he also turns thirteen years old. Is this because the change from being a twelve-year-old to becoming a real teenager is a big deal? Why did the author choose 13 as the significant age?
Obviously Peter is my favorite. Poudini is also one of my favorite characters, as well as Damian and Déa. Auralius grows on me. By the end, I truly care about each one of the characters who are fighting for good. The author shows me that I care when their lives are endangered.
Everything fits in exactly the right place. I want it to be real. I want it to happen to me, and I am not a twelve-year-old, which means that you can be any age to enjoy this book. Things that I want to happen to the characters do happen. It is believable. The author has a vivid imagination that has sparked a unique and fantastic idea. This has grown into a magnetic story that deserves a second read. What if it were true? What if there was another you living in an alternate reality? What if there was an alternate land containing an echo of your own self?
Every single word Pellucid writes has meaning. Characters are introduced at exactly the right moments and in exactly the right way. Pellucid describes the things that happen in such a beautiful way and thus has created a wonderful new land. The author tells so many underlying stories and tells at least one about every character. Each character has a purpose, and each one has his or her fitting resolution or demise.
Some characters are on the quest for knowledge. Some want power. Others have already been corrupted in their desire to gain power and have thus sunk into desolation. But there are a few who want to right the wrongs. There are a few who are fighting for just rules and laws. These are the ones who are fighting for love and peace. And I want them to succeed. I rooted for Will and Peter throughout the entire novel.
Pellucid tells a brilliant tale that opens up many possibilities for future stories. I want to hear more about Peter and Poudini. I want to see everything the characters see. I want to experience Valerie’s flight on the albatross. I want to journey with the King to Olám Shoné. I want to know more about the lives of Damian and Déa. I want to know what Valerie and Emmy experienced in Shadowpain. I want to read about the spirits of the lake, Fluid Conway and Illyria, and the adventures of Auralius.
I did not want to stop reading. I needed to know what happened next. Every event that happened was enthralling, and the author described each one so beautifully. Every event that happened was also necessary to further the message. This story teaches us that the dream for freedom and equality can be accomplished.
Books this novel reminds me of include Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, Lloyd Alexander’s the Chronicles of Prydain, C.S. Lewis’ the Chronicles of Narnia, and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. This is a good thing.
The best movies spark from books that satisfy the most free-spirited imaginations… I can see this as a movie. It would begin with images of snow and ice and trees – a beautiful crystal landscape. Perhaps viewers would experience this mystical land from the perspective of Valerie flying on her albatross. Then Dew’s – Abednego’s – voice would whisper, “Far, far away, in a land few Sounds have ever seen, stands the palace of Agam Kaffu. Not a palace of marble and silks, you understand…” We would explore the palace as the narrator’s voice soothed us into a reverie. This way, the movie would respect the frame story Pellucid so beautifully set up.
Will is also a strong character. He transforms from a youthful and, let’s be honest, naïve boy– he is experiencing the land of the Echoes for the first time– to a brave hero. Because this world is new to him, his change is more drastic than the changes the other characters experience. During this transformation he also turns thirteen years old. Is this because the change from being a twelve-year-old to becoming a real teenager is a big deal? Why did the author choose 13 as the significant age?
Obviously Peter is my favorite. Poudini is also one of my favorite characters, as well as Damian and Déa. Auralius grows on me. By the end, I truly care about each one of the characters who are fighting for good. The author shows me that I care when their lives are endangered.
Everything fits in exactly the right place. I want it to be real. I want it to happen to me, and I am not a twelve-year-old, which means that you can be any age to enjoy this book. Things that I want to happen to the characters do happen. It is believable. The author has a vivid imagination that has sparked a unique and fantastic idea. This has grown into a magnetic story that deserves a second read. What if it were true? What if there was another you living in an alternate reality? What if there was an alternate land containing an echo of your own self?
Every single word Pellucid writes has meaning. Characters are introduced at exactly the right moments and in exactly the right way. Pellucid describes the things that happen in such a beautiful way and thus has created a wonderful new land. The author tells so many underlying stories and tells at least one about every character. Each character has a purpose, and each one has his or her fitting resolution or demise.
Some characters are on the quest for knowledge. Some want power. Others have already been corrupted in their desire to gain power and have thus sunk into desolation. But there are a few who want to right the wrongs. There are a few who are fighting for just rules and laws. These are the ones who are fighting for love and peace. And I want them to succeed. I rooted for Will and Peter throughout the entire novel.
Pellucid tells a brilliant tale that opens up many possibilities for future stories. I want to hear more about Peter and Poudini. I want to see everything the characters see. I want to experience Valerie’s flight on the albatross. I want to journey with the King to Olám Shoné. I want to know more about the lives of Damian and Déa. I want to know what Valerie and Emmy experienced in Shadowpain. I want to read about the spirits of the lake, Fluid Conway and Illyria, and the adventures of Auralius.
I did not want to stop reading. I needed to know what happened next. Every event that happened was enthralling, and the author described each one so beautifully. Every event that happened was also necessary to further the message. This story teaches us that the dream for freedom and equality can be accomplished.
Books this novel reminds me of include Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy, Lloyd Alexander’s the Chronicles of Prydain, C.S. Lewis’ the Chronicles of Narnia, and J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. This is a good thing.
The best movies spark from books that satisfy the most free-spirited imaginations… I can see this as a movie. It would begin with images of snow and ice and trees – a beautiful crystal landscape. Perhaps viewers would experience this mystical land from the perspective of Valerie flying on her albatross. Then Dew’s – Abednego’s – voice would whisper, “Far, far away, in a land few Sounds have ever seen, stands the palace of Agam Kaffu. Not a palace of marble and silks, you understand…” We would explore the palace as the narrator’s voice soothed us into a reverie. This way, the movie would respect the frame story Pellucid so beautifully set up.
July 29, 2012
The Sound and the Echoes isn’t like other fantasy novels I’ve read. There’s no magic. Instead there’s see-through (or invisible) people, flying crystal balls, spying eyes, a Snap-A-Fortune that reads your future… kind of. And a lot more Echo technology that gives the story a wonderful atmosphere.
The world of the Echoes is frozen, glittering and beautiful. I truly wish I could be there.
The storyline (without spoiling the plot) can be broken into two stages. The first gets the hero into the Echo realm and into the heart of the adventure. The second part of the novel is like one big riddle that seems impossible to solve… but of course isn’t.
Though I’m not a young adult anymore, I felt like one again. I fell in love with the hero, Will, who is incredibly brave and loyal, everything a twelve year old boy should wish to be. And I especially liked the Echo, Valerie Valerian, the ten year old girl with the heart of a lion. She is not a main character, but she is unforgettable. And, walking in her shoes, I remembered what it was like to be a young girl again.
I wish there was some romance in the novel. The hero is only twelve, and it feels as if the author was hinting that maybe… someday Will could fall in love with Valerie. But the book isn’t listed as a series, so there likely won’t be a follow up... Although, one can hope.
I’m giving The Sound and the Echoes four stars because it was a wonderful read. I loved the illustrations and the imaginative world of the Echoes. The storyline was interesting, and I enjoyed spending time with the characters (and their pets). I wish we could learn more about the mysterious Dew Pellucid. Will’s sister could also play a bigger role, given that she started all the story. But my fondness for Valerie Valerian made up for her absence. All in all, a wonderful story.
**Spoiler Warning, Short Plot Summary**
After Will Cleary learns about the Law of Death that commits every Echo to die when his Sound dies, he understands why Fate Sealers are hunting him down. He is the Prince’s Sound, and the evil Echo king wants his nephew, the Prince, dead.
With the help of his childhood friends (who used to live inside the bodies of a falcon and a wolf), Will goes into the Echo realm, to hide at the Orphanage of Castaway Children. There he meets the Prince, who takes Will to a lake with people frozen inside it and glittering gems everywhere under the ice. It’s a chilling beautiful night scene.
The Prince and Will discover a passage to a place called Olam Shone. In order to save the Prince and the Echoes, they must discover how to open the passage.
Then starts the best part of the book, the hunt for clues. In the end, the boys go through the passage and face the dangers of that world. Will dies to save his best-friend but is revived through the miracle of Cold Fire Mushrooms.
After this, the boys strike a deal with the Fortune Tellers back in the Echo world and place the Prince on the throne, which saves the Echo kingdom.
As for Will, he is reunited with his long lost sister. For the first time, his parents become happy people again.
The world of the Echoes is frozen, glittering and beautiful. I truly wish I could be there.
The storyline (without spoiling the plot) can be broken into two stages. The first gets the hero into the Echo realm and into the heart of the adventure. The second part of the novel is like one big riddle that seems impossible to solve… but of course isn’t.
Though I’m not a young adult anymore, I felt like one again. I fell in love with the hero, Will, who is incredibly brave and loyal, everything a twelve year old boy should wish to be. And I especially liked the Echo, Valerie Valerian, the ten year old girl with the heart of a lion. She is not a main character, but she is unforgettable. And, walking in her shoes, I remembered what it was like to be a young girl again.
I wish there was some romance in the novel. The hero is only twelve, and it feels as if the author was hinting that maybe… someday Will could fall in love with Valerie. But the book isn’t listed as a series, so there likely won’t be a follow up... Although, one can hope.
I’m giving The Sound and the Echoes four stars because it was a wonderful read. I loved the illustrations and the imaginative world of the Echoes. The storyline was interesting, and I enjoyed spending time with the characters (and their pets). I wish we could learn more about the mysterious Dew Pellucid. Will’s sister could also play a bigger role, given that she started all the story. But my fondness for Valerie Valerian made up for her absence. All in all, a wonderful story.
**Spoiler Warning, Short Plot Summary**
After Will Cleary learns about the Law of Death that commits every Echo to die when his Sound dies, he understands why Fate Sealers are hunting him down. He is the Prince’s Sound, and the evil Echo king wants his nephew, the Prince, dead.
With the help of his childhood friends (who used to live inside the bodies of a falcon and a wolf), Will goes into the Echo realm, to hide at the Orphanage of Castaway Children. There he meets the Prince, who takes Will to a lake with people frozen inside it and glittering gems everywhere under the ice. It’s a chilling beautiful night scene.
The Prince and Will discover a passage to a place called Olam Shone. In order to save the Prince and the Echoes, they must discover how to open the passage.
Then starts the best part of the book, the hunt for clues. In the end, the boys go through the passage and face the dangers of that world. Will dies to save his best-friend but is revived through the miracle of Cold Fire Mushrooms.
After this, the boys strike a deal with the Fortune Tellers back in the Echo world and place the Prince on the throne, which saves the Echo kingdom.
As for Will, he is reunited with his long lost sister. For the first time, his parents become happy people again.
September 13, 2012
"In a period of four years, The Sound and the Echoes was rejected by over 180 literary agents", according to the book's acknowledgements. It seems a little unfair that everyone should reject it out of hand because there's a lot going for this one.
Namely, I think that's the complete and sheer freneticism of the story. The pace is whirling in its dervishness, the sort of story where if you only give it a little of your attention you can immediately become disconnected. it pays to pay attention, because the wealth of detail is quite, quite incredible. The echo realm is a hauntingly mesmerizing memorable vista, and the description of the palace of Agám Kaffú right at the outset caught my breath and impelled further reading.
On the other hand, I can see why it's not reading to every taste. The humour is quite particular, even the style takes some getting used to. Characters are memorable, but quite... zany? I think that's the best word to use. The whole ethos of the work is unconventional and idiosyncratic, and this shows especially in characterisation and ambiance, particularly in the echo realm. One such example comes to mind; Will and Peter are researching languages and are besieged by roving Christmas lights and crystal balls. There's a great deal of silliness, which one really needs to enjoy for its own sake, as not much of it is important to the story. There's a good life lesson there, of course - hold the gravitas: sometimes, it's just nice to be a little silly.
I was privileged to be gifted a copy of this work: Dew Pellucid offers a reader much, awakening an indefinable, irreverent child-like depiction of an imaginative, strange, beautiful world.
Namely, I think that's the complete and sheer freneticism of the story. The pace is whirling in its dervishness, the sort of story where if you only give it a little of your attention you can immediately become disconnected. it pays to pay attention, because the wealth of detail is quite, quite incredible. The echo realm is a hauntingly mesmerizing memorable vista, and the description of the palace of Agám Kaffú right at the outset caught my breath and impelled further reading.
On the other hand, I can see why it's not reading to every taste. The humour is quite particular, even the style takes some getting used to. Characters are memorable, but quite... zany? I think that's the best word to use. The whole ethos of the work is unconventional and idiosyncratic, and this shows especially in characterisation and ambiance, particularly in the echo realm. One such example comes to mind; Will and Peter are researching languages and are besieged by roving Christmas lights and crystal balls. There's a great deal of silliness, which one really needs to enjoy for its own sake, as not much of it is important to the story. There's a good life lesson there, of course - hold the gravitas: sometimes, it's just nice to be a little silly.
I was privileged to be gifted a copy of this work: Dew Pellucid offers a reader much, awakening an indefinable, irreverent child-like depiction of an imaginative, strange, beautiful world.
September 11, 2012
This is a delightful story, well written for middle-aged kids. I found the tale refreshing, full of new ideas for fantasy. It is great reading for hot summer days or cold winter nights. It portrays a new world shared by characters, so much alike yet so different that they will entertain young men as well as young women.
Life has changed a lot for Will since the moment his twin sister disappeared when they were three years old. His parents spend their days looking for clues of how to get her back home. This has now been going on for more than ten years. The problem is that though Will understands their sorrow, he yearns for some kind of love and attention of his own from his parents.
This is how life proceeds in his home until one night when everything changes as his friend, Ben, brings him the book "Disappeared without a Trace." In it he finds a tale his parents haven’t shared with him.
That same night, Will finds out that his pet wolf and falcon are not what they seem to be. Together, Will, his pets and new friend will embark on a trip that will test his sanity to the max in a place where castaway children live. Still, even if he manages to find what he is looking for, he may never return to his world and family.
The Sounds and the Echoes is an extraordinary tale that will be loved by many children, teachers, and their parents alike. It has very interesting and beautiful drawings to sharpen the reader’s mind. It is a must have in any school or home library.
Life has changed a lot for Will since the moment his twin sister disappeared when they were three years old. His parents spend their days looking for clues of how to get her back home. This has now been going on for more than ten years. The problem is that though Will understands their sorrow, he yearns for some kind of love and attention of his own from his parents.
This is how life proceeds in his home until one night when everything changes as his friend, Ben, brings him the book "Disappeared without a Trace." In it he finds a tale his parents haven’t shared with him.
That same night, Will finds out that his pet wolf and falcon are not what they seem to be. Together, Will, his pets and new friend will embark on a trip that will test his sanity to the max in a place where castaway children live. Still, even if he manages to find what he is looking for, he may never return to his world and family.
The Sounds and the Echoes is an extraordinary tale that will be loved by many children, teachers, and their parents alike. It has very interesting and beautiful drawings to sharpen the reader’s mind. It is a must have in any school or home library.
December 4, 2014
I won this Proof copy in a Goodreads Giveaway. Because it's a proof copy, there are some typos but nothing glaring, and there were so few that they didn't detract from the story.
Every Sound has an Echo, for Echoes must originate with a Sound.
But sometimes Echoes can be muffled, can be killed, while the sound remains.
Such things happen in a world beneath our own, where for each person and animal born on Earth, there is an Echo born. And every time a Sound dies, the Echo is killed in the same exact way.
The Echo King is killed (although his Sound still lives), and Will - the Prince's Sound - is now sought-after by other Echoes for destruction. because if he dies, the Prince dies. And the King's brother can reign as a false king.
There is a lot of history of the Echoes that is thread in the novel at various times. It's a very quick YA read, but is rich with detail. There are illustrations before every chapter that add to the story. Pellucid shows an understanding of people and what we're willing to do fr those we love and feel close to - even at the cusp of 12 and 13.
A mystery must be solved.
The Law of Death must be overruled.
A treasure must be found.
And what I really enjoyed was that Hebrew is the key to all. I don't speak or read or know any Hebrew, but it was something fun and different. It always made me smile.
Every Sound has an Echo, for Echoes must originate with a Sound.
But sometimes Echoes can be muffled, can be killed, while the sound remains.
Such things happen in a world beneath our own, where for each person and animal born on Earth, there is an Echo born. And every time a Sound dies, the Echo is killed in the same exact way.
The Echo King is killed (although his Sound still lives), and Will - the Prince's Sound - is now sought-after by other Echoes for destruction. because if he dies, the Prince dies. And the King's brother can reign as a false king.
There is a lot of history of the Echoes that is thread in the novel at various times. It's a very quick YA read, but is rich with detail. There are illustrations before every chapter that add to the story. Pellucid shows an understanding of people and what we're willing to do fr those we love and feel close to - even at the cusp of 12 and 13.
A mystery must be solved.
The Law of Death must be overruled.
A treasure must be found.
And what I really enjoyed was that Hebrew is the key to all. I don't speak or read or know any Hebrew, but it was something fun and different. It always made me smile.
September 5, 2013
First I am a mother of 4 who bought this book initially for myself to read because I love the Harry Potter series and the synopsis and illustrations grabbed my attention. After reading this book (which is a book about a brother trying to get his twin sister back) I knew I had to share this with my 10 yr old twins (one boy, one girl). They LOVED this book so much that after I read it to them initially they kept coming in my room at night for more bedtime reading and we finished the book twice more.
Will Cleary is a 12 yr old boy who has his twin sister, Emmy, who disappeared 10 yrs prior to the story beginning. His mother is constantly at the place where she disappeared and Will is determined to find his sister, and so the story begins.
This book takes you on a magical ride through Will's determination to find Emmy. Will is a Sound and Emmy is in the land of the Echoes. I don't have a brief way to describe both but you will find things are very different, beautiful & mysterious in the Echoe realm. My favorite part of this book are the beautifully written descriptions of the surroundings (very JK Rowling like) and the animals!!
I hope this review will entice readers to pick up this book if not for themselves but for their kids as well. It is a beautifully written story.
HAPPY READING!!!
Will Cleary is a 12 yr old boy who has his twin sister, Emmy, who disappeared 10 yrs prior to the story beginning. His mother is constantly at the place where she disappeared and Will is determined to find his sister, and so the story begins.
This book takes you on a magical ride through Will's determination to find Emmy. Will is a Sound and Emmy is in the land of the Echoes. I don't have a brief way to describe both but you will find things are very different, beautiful & mysterious in the Echoe realm. My favorite part of this book are the beautifully written descriptions of the surroundings (very JK Rowling like) and the animals!!
I hope this review will entice readers to pick up this book if not for themselves but for their kids as well. It is a beautifully written story.
HAPPY READING!!!
September 27, 2012
The Sound and the Echoes follows a boy's journey into another realm, one he didn't know existed, where he comes face to face with his doppleganger. This book is an adventure tale, with a neat premise (the idea of the "real world" and the "echo world" where our echoes carry out their own lives). It has some great moments in it and the creation of the Echo-world is artfully done. Dew Pellucid's description of the world makes you feel like you're there.
One thing I really enjoyed in this book was that most of the characters' motives were not obvious at first. For several pivotal secondary characters, you were never quite sure if they were "good guys" or "bad guys" until their motives finally became clear. It lent the story an air of mystery that kept the story moving along.
I think this book will be good for adventure readers, as there is a lot going on in the book - lots of action. I also think this book is great for young adults and up - there are some scary parts to the book that might be a bit much for an advanced younger reader. And make sure to check out the illustrations in the book! They are beautifully done and lend a lot to the feel of the story!
One thing I really enjoyed in this book was that most of the characters' motives were not obvious at first. For several pivotal secondary characters, you were never quite sure if they were "good guys" or "bad guys" until their motives finally became clear. It lent the story an air of mystery that kept the story moving along.
I think this book will be good for adventure readers, as there is a lot going on in the book - lots of action. I also think this book is great for young adults and up - there are some scary parts to the book that might be a bit much for an advanced younger reader. And make sure to check out the illustrations in the book! They are beautifully done and lend a lot to the feel of the story!
October 22, 2012
The Author Dew Pellucid was Kind enough to send me a copy of his book to read, and review,
I finally finished this book =] WOW is all i have to say. I really enjoyed this novel it was wonderful.
The story is about a boy named Will Cleary who has been looking for his lost twin sister for 10 years. He discovers this book shaped like a tombstone which is complied of people who have gone missing over several years, Himself and his sister's names are in the book.
Will soon discovers that is sister is trapped in an icy realm where all Echo's live. Echos are reflections of every living thing on earth.
Will is Determined to rescue his sister from the Echo realm.with the Help of his life long Echo friends named Dea and Damion.
The Sound and The Echoes is a great Adventure story that will keep you wanting to read more and you will find yourself sucked in to the Echo Realm along with the Characters there are so many twists and turns, you dont know who is the good guy nor the bad guy it seems each has there own agenda. and it is great read for any age and if you are a fan of Harry Potter you will enjoy this novel.
I finally finished this book =] WOW is all i have to say. I really enjoyed this novel it was wonderful.
The story is about a boy named Will Cleary who has been looking for his lost twin sister for 10 years. He discovers this book shaped like a tombstone which is complied of people who have gone missing over several years, Himself and his sister's names are in the book.
Will soon discovers that is sister is trapped in an icy realm where all Echo's live. Echos are reflections of every living thing on earth.
Will is Determined to rescue his sister from the Echo realm.with the Help of his life long Echo friends named Dea and Damion.
The Sound and The Echoes is a great Adventure story that will keep you wanting to read more and you will find yourself sucked in to the Echo Realm along with the Characters there are so many twists and turns, you dont know who is the good guy nor the bad guy it seems each has there own agenda. and it is great read for any age and if you are a fan of Harry Potter you will enjoy this novel.
September 7, 2012
In the world of Echoes everything is strange, especially its rules. Fortune determines everything and everyone. One rule stirs an elaborate plot of murder of all who rule the throne. If a Sound dies, then his Echo should too.
This book is quite imaginative and even though it was written for a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The description of its foreign land brings you right into the story as if you were really living it. Filled with mystery, suspense and adventure it's sure to capture the attention of your teen. The characters are easily likeable. Tales of magical objects stirs the imagination and pulls you right it.
This really is a good book however I did find it a bit lengthy, that's a concern since it was written for teens, however it was good enough that it could hold their attention till the end. The book is filled with wonderful illustrations that could definitely be appreciated on a Kindle fire or other color tablet or e-reader, that should be a plus for a teen.
This book is quite imaginative and even though it was written for a younger audience, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The description of its foreign land brings you right into the story as if you were really living it. Filled with mystery, suspense and adventure it's sure to capture the attention of your teen. The characters are easily likeable. Tales of magical objects stirs the imagination and pulls you right it.
This really is a good book however I did find it a bit lengthy, that's a concern since it was written for teens, however it was good enough that it could hold their attention till the end. The book is filled with wonderful illustrations that could definitely be appreciated on a Kindle fire or other color tablet or e-reader, that should be a plus for a teen.
October 2, 2013
Love, love, love this book!
Every now and then you find that one book that you want to reread as soon as you're finished with it and this was one of those books for me. I loved everything about it and want to know more of the story - sequel???????
The thing I loved the most about this book was that it was fast paced and full of action from the very beginning. I've read so many books that drag for the first half to 3/4 of the book and then at the end you have all of the action. This was not the case with this book. It was well written and full of surprises along the way. The characters were well developed and the relationships were explored just enough that I was pleased, but still wanting a little more.
Overall, there was a good blend of everything and it came together to make an incredible story.
Every now and then you find that one book that you want to reread as soon as you're finished with it and this was one of those books for me. I loved everything about it and want to know more of the story - sequel???????
The thing I loved the most about this book was that it was fast paced and full of action from the very beginning. I've read so many books that drag for the first half to 3/4 of the book and then at the end you have all of the action. This was not the case with this book. It was well written and full of surprises along the way. The characters were well developed and the relationships were explored just enough that I was pleased, but still wanting a little more.
Overall, there was a good blend of everything and it came together to make an incredible story.
October 4, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Story, October 3, 2013
By Victor Ahearne
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Sound and the Echoes (Kindle Edition)
My family downloaded this book from Amazon for free on the kindle PC!!! This story captured not only my 7th grade daughter but I have 2 other girls age 7 and 9 and am reading this to them each night. Such wonderful and descriptive details that even my little ones can envision the characters, the scenery, the feelings. We have not finished the book yet, we read a chapter a night and I must tell you my girls run over to the computer and sit down and have this look of excitement! They cannot wait for the next words to be read and it brings us together to discuss what each of them think will happen next time we read :) Wonderful author, we look forward to more stories!!!!!! Highly recommend.
By Victor Ahearne
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Sound and the Echoes (Kindle Edition)
My family downloaded this book from Amazon for free on the kindle PC!!! This story captured not only my 7th grade daughter but I have 2 other girls age 7 and 9 and am reading this to them each night. Such wonderful and descriptive details that even my little ones can envision the characters, the scenery, the feelings. We have not finished the book yet, we read a chapter a night and I must tell you my girls run over to the computer and sit down and have this look of excitement! They cannot wait for the next words to be read and it brings us together to discuss what each of them think will happen next time we read :) Wonderful author, we look forward to more stories!!!!!! Highly recommend.
November 28, 2013
The Sound and the Echoes was a nice return to stories reminiscent of the Harry Potter genre. I read the book on my Kindle, and I loved the illustrations; they really brought the story to life. The story had many characters who were hiding something, so sometimes it was difficult to read because I could feel that there was something we didn't know about that person, but the book didn't delve into the topic until later. I was also sad that the boy who was half-echo, half-sound was referred to as a Mongrel in the book; I felt like Mongrel was an insult on the level of "mudblood", so I was sad the author called him that. But in the end, the story came together at a wonderfully adventurous climax, and all my questions were answered.
January 30, 2013
I was given a ebook copy of this book by author to do a review, I recieved this book Saturday started reading it Sunday and im already done. I could not peel myself away from it. The characters are amazing and are very detailed. I like the way the author gives each character its own definition and name. Every detail in the book is wonderful, gave the ability to actually see it in my mind as I read. This is one of those books that can bring the imagination alive. I could see myself as the child trying to escape reality and falling into this book. It truly was wonderful and I cant wait to read more from this author.
August 5, 2015
I had entered the First Reads Giveaway for a copy of this book, which I did not win although the author did give me a free (electronic) copy to review.
There are some really cool ideas in this book: I liked the idea of how for every Sound there is an Echo, and the library sounded amazing! The characters were well written, the plot was suitably twisted and everything was well described.
Maybe it was me, but it took a while for me to get into the story and it became my go-to book when I didn't have anything else available. I liked it, and I would recommend it for children 8+,
There are some really cool ideas in this book: I liked the idea of how for every Sound there is an Echo, and the library sounded amazing! The characters were well written, the plot was suitably twisted and everything was well described.
Maybe it was me, but it took a while for me to get into the story and it became my go-to book when I didn't have anything else available. I liked it, and I would recommend it for children 8+,
February 15, 2013
First off let me say that this book was a great read. I highly recommend it to anybody who enjoys YA literature. To me it read like a unique mixture of Harry Potter and Charlie Bone. However, the book definitely stands on it's own and creates quite a compelling story. The book is slow to start but once you become immersed in the world you will be on the edge of your seat. A+ rating from me (and I am a 20 year old college student who still loves YA literature). Pick up a copy and become immersed in the world of Echoes!
May 6, 2013
I was given this book by the author to read and I took a long time to read it but I am glad I finally finished it. I tried to finish it twice but kept getting busy and by the time I got back to the book, i had to back track a bit. I loved the idea of the fate sealers and the crystal balls. I thought the story was imaginative and fun and allowed me to travel into another world and get lost in it. It is colorfully written and original and I am happy to have had the chance to read it. If you like fantasy and creativity, you will love this book.
September 27, 2013
I loved this magical book and couldn't put it down from the moment I began reading it. The author is so descriptive with words that the images are clearly painted into the readers head. I was expecting this to be more suitable for my daughters who are 11 and 10, but it is a great read for adults also. I will be sure to pass along to my daughters as they are fans of the fantasy genre and this book is very much mom approved! Hope to see more books by this author.
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