18-year-old Lillian is dying. But she is not going down without a fight. Sheltered by her father her whole life, Lillian’s greatest wish has always been to join the rebel group he leads, to leave a mark on the world she is soon to leave.
In the aftermath of a tragedy, Lillian decides to seek revenge by killing the King of Orios. Against the wishes of her lover, Eli, she joins the dangerous King's Guard Trials to get close to the King, where she soon learns death is the only alternative to success.
While fighting her way through a deadly maze filled with dark magic, and scaling a treacherous mountain inhabited by mythical creatures, she discovers the greatest threat may really lie with her fellow participants, who won’t hesitate to kill for a spot in the guard.
Despite her determination to pursue the mission alone, Lillian finds close friendship with eternally cheerful Finn and Astrid, another rebel infiltrating the guard. She also fights a strange connection with her handsome, but mysterious, commander who appears adamant to save her life.
But as whispers of the Valkyries searching for their long lost heir emerge, and dragons return to Orios, Lillian begins to question everything she thought she knew. No one around her appears to be who they say they are. And why are the rebels and Eli hiding things from her?
Join Lillian as she partakes in dangerous trials, confronts mythical creatures, discovers steadfast friends, and uncovers a lifetime of secrets.
Sophia St. Germain has always loved reading fantasy and romance. She writes romantasy and is a big fan of found family, enemies to lovers, strong but flawed FMCs, and morally gray MMCs.
Originally from Sweden, Sophia moved to the US in 2019 but has also lived in France, Norway, and Belgium. She uses influences from her travels and the different cultures she's experienced in her books and characters.
Sophia works in tech by day and writes and reads romantasy by night (and, let's be honest, very early mornings).
While this was fun, I found myself bored with this story. I didn’t feel quite connected to our FMC, or the MMC.
Even the plot twist just fell a little flat for me.
I did appreciate the strength of the FMC, and how much she goes through, but overall this story was rushed, and the romance, and relationships felt a bit forced.
I am not sure I’ll continue this series, I think I may end my journey with this series at this book.
This was very fast-paced and plot-heavy with many twists. I may have read too many fantasy books already since the twists were quite predictable to me and I had half of the plot mapped out in the first 15 chapters already BUT it did not take much away from my experience!!
The found family was so lovely and heartbreaking and I want Finn to be my familiar and best friend >>
"Hello Silver girl" ~ "Hello Golden boy"
And also the love interest just happened to tick so many boxes we bookish girlies love (who did this to you, I'm no hero, princess, cleans her weapons, etc.) so swoon-worthy it is! I can't even tell you how excited I am to continue this series (I hope it's a series)!
"I want you to choose me. I would give you the world Lillian. Or I'd burn it for you if that's what you want. But please..." His voice broke. "Please, choose me"
I also happened to ugly cry in the end.
"Tell him I wished I met him first. And I hope he finds that beach one day."
I hoped for more subtle easter eggs throughout the book and I wish we get more world building in the next one since it sounds extremely interesting! And the ending really left me in suspense so I can't wait! Please read this if you can!
This was a fucking rollercoaster. Did i see the plot twists coming yes, was i shocked when they were revealed? Also yes!
But what a good book and such a great journey.
I should say I didn’t trust Eli from the moment. And after that love declaration from Kian just was like girl Eli would never.
But when in the end his role in all this was revealed and he only made her fall in love to break her curse my heart shatterd for her.
Now on to Kian that man is THE STANDARD, like seriously can i have a man like that?
But my heart is with Finn, he is such a golden retriever! I love him. He is what Ridoc is to Violet, what Fenrys is to Aelin and what Ithan is to Bryce. Did i have moment where I thought he was going to be like Liam. Yes and i was bawling!
But girl when do we get book 2? I need to now how the journey furthers.
I loved it with my heart, definitely one of my top reads this year, yes i know the year has just begin but i know not much will top this it has everything! Found family, fated mates, magic, valkyries, dragons!
I am so happy and grateful i got to be an ARC reader for this amazing book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*I received a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Ooh what a lovely journey this book has been. I have been following Sophia from the very beginning and I feel captured by the work she presented on the pages of “Echo of Wings”. I found myself intentionally slowing down my reading pace, savoring every word, reluctant to reach the end.
I deeply enjoyed the writing style and the characters. The dialogue was witty, the narrative rich and the descriptions vivid. And the best thing ever - SHORT CHAPTERS! I didn't feel the need to stay up until 4 am to finish a 50 page chapter and I want to thank tha author for saving me from a major sleep deprivation.I do have to point out unnecessary name repetition on more than one occasion throughout the book (ex. chapter 12, in one paragraph of 3 sentences, one name was repeated 5 times). I shared this with the author, and she was more than welcoming to my feedback. Predicting some outcomes was noticeable, but I personally don't mind that, especially for a debut novel.
We are introduced to our FMC at the very beginning, Lillian, the daughter of the rebellion leader against their King. She suffers from an unknown sickness that will end her life sooner rather than later and she knows it. After she witnesses the murder of her father, she sets on a journey of revenge with one mission in front of her - kill the cause of all suffering, the King. And the only way to get close to him is to join the King's Guards Trials and win them.
During the trials, Lillian's journey grows increasingly complex and fraught with danger. She meets friends, she meets enemies, she sets a dragon free, she breaks into someone's home library, and she meets one grumpy, mysterious Commander that is set on keeping her alive. And somewhere along her attempts to survive, they all discover a very well kept secret.
The amount of humor, serious scenes, romantic scenes, tear-jerking scenes and everything in between was amazingly balanced. This book is perfect for you if you enjoy reading about trials, secrets and betrayals, found family, fated mates, dragons, Valkyries, enemies to lovers, and much more, then “Echo of Wings” is the book for you!
And while you do read this beauty, I'll be sitting here, (not so) patiently waiting for Book 2. 😅
I congratulate Sophia on her debut work, crafting a book is no small feat. 🤍 I appreciate the opportunity to read the ARC and I commend her for bringing her vision to life. 🤍 I encourage the author to continue honing her craft and I'm looking forward to witnessing her growth in future literary endeavors. ✨
3⭐️ i suppose🙂↕️ that was a whirlwind… this book was so fast paced i have whiplash✋🏼 this was a quick fun and easy romantasy read!! was it great?? mehhhhh but it was pretty enjoyable!!! i will say every single thing that happened was extremely predictable but i felt smart bc i never guess things right and i was able to predict everything for this one💅🏼💅🏼
Oh my word………I’m screaming & kicking my feet. I’m so damn excited for the next book! This was brilliant. I loved this book. Holy wow. Valkryie, dragons, powers, rebels, familial bonds, and fated mates. What's not to love?
There is betrayal, loyalty, enemies to lovers, “who did this to you”, found family & more. The FMC, Lillian is a badass! I love her story, her history, her destiny. She fights for what she believes in and protects who she loves.
Reread: 7/13/24 - 7/14/24
Reading this the second time was better than the first time. There are so many tiny details throughout the book that make it so much more meaningful and heartbreaking. Such a good story.
Did I anticipate some of the major plot points in this book, yes… but did I love going on the journey with these characters anyways? YES! Echo of Wings has everything you are looking for in a slow burn Romantasy.
Characters ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - because I had fun and enjoyed every aspect of the depth of relationships built within this book. And the FMC was someone I wanted to support and cheer for throughout the book. The found family aspect had me attached to all the side players in this book.
Spice 🌶️/5 - because of the books I typically read the spice level here is more along the lines of YA for me, where the spiciest you get is some tension and maybe a kiss. The witty banter had me laughing out loud though.
World Building ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - I felt like the world building was done really well, and how it was done was strategic not laying on too much at one given time. I am excited to learn more about this world in the next book since I feel like there is still some things I am missing.
Overall ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 - At the end of the day how I rate a book is based on how captivated I was, how attached to the characters I felt, and if I just in general had fun. This book had me wanting to read more with each chapter, and during the intense moments I was nervous for our main players which made it impossible to not read this book in one sitting.
This was such a fun time! I enjoyed every second of this read, I enjoyed the trials & the side characters. I literally feel like they’re my best friends. Some of the plot twists in this actually ripped my heart out (SOPHIA WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME?! You know what I’m talking about) 😭😭😭😭😭😭 I will say I did predict a few twists. But that didn’t change my view, this was a fun story & I CANNOT WAIT I repeat CANNOT WAIT to read the next installment ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I would recommend to anyone who enjoys fantasy romance
I was lucky enough to be one of Sophia’s ARC readers and I read this book as soon as I possibly could! Nothing disappointing about Echo of wings, I absolutely devoured this book. My jaw was dropped at points and I was so impressed by the world building and the ratio of the plot line and romance!
I must say I absolutely love Finn and want to be his bestfriend and the main couple I cannot wait to see the relationship develop more! So far best book of 2024!
Great plot Great world building Great friendships and romance Amazing characters!
Definitely a must read!
DID NOT EXPECT ATLAS TO BE THE CROWN PRINCE I HONESTLY GASPED WHEN IT WAS REVEALED!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Lately I've been having so much luck with my ARCs, and I'm so grateful and honored.
The Echo of Wings is another of those great ARCs, and it's hard to believe Sophia St. Germain is a debut author. This is the first book in her Echo series and it is such a promising first book.
I enjoyed the writing and the pace, the story itself was interesting and flowing perfectly. I connected to the characters and was interested in their paths.
The FMC was great, I loved both her strenght and her dealing with her struggles. She cared for others and tried her best to do what was right. When we meet her, she is sick with no cure in sight but she wants to leave the world doing something worthy.
The MMC had me curious from the start and it was obvious there was more to his story. It was easy to see he fell first, but he was always respectful and mindful of her wellbeing.
The found family was perfect, and I need to protect Finn at all costs, as well as Sam. The fact that I cared about side characters as much is what gives this book even more value.
The book ends and you are left waiting for me. The ending is opening so many new possibilities and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for everybody.
So, if you enjoy tropes such as found family, hidden identity, fae and shifters, bonded mates, deadly trials, dragons, this is the book for you 🤍
Wow what a start to the series that was. Beautifully written, with good strong characters and a great story line that had me captivated from the start. Can not wait for book 2. Highly recommend you experience this journey for yourselves.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review! Thank you Sophia for the chance to be on your ARC team!
I would’ve read this book in 2 days easily if I hadn’t been reading like 5 other books at the same time.
This book was incredible! There’s no spice but the tension is absolutely amazing! This book feels like ToG meets Lightlark. We have a girl, Lillian, who has no powers entering a competition to be part of the kings guard so she can get close enough to the king to assassinate him.
There is betrayal, a love triangle, mates, familiar bond (a new kind of bond similar to mates but more platonic) and so much action! Such a great pace!
If this were my first fantasy book I ever read I would’ve rated 5 stars but given that fantasy is my chosen genre, some aspects were predictable but the vibes were still incredible which is why it still gets a high rating! Big time recommend this book!
Okay hear me out … THIS BOOK IS FREAKING AMAZING!! Everything I love about a book, the author incorporated into her novel.
We’ve got:
- Strong FMC - Page turning chapters - Found family - Enemies to lovers - Bonds & Mates - Valkyries - Dragons - Shifters
The writing was clear, world building was precise and the characters were nuanced and (mostly) lovable. While I absolutely adore Lillian, I AM IN LOVE WITH FINN!
If Throne of Glass, Fourth Wing and A Court of Silver Flames had a YA baby … it would be this book!
Hey, everyone! 📖💖 I just devoured *Echo of Wings*, and I can't wait to share my thoughts! This gripping fantasy follows 18-year-old Lillian, who is facing the grim reality of her own mortality but refuses to let that define her. Instead of succumbing to despair, she fights for her legacy, wanting to join her father's rebel group and make an impact before it's too late.
After a heartbreaking tragedy, Lillian takes matters into her own hands and sets out for revenge against the King of Orios. Her decision to enter the perilous King’s Guard Trials, despite Eli’s objections, adds layers of tension and excitement. The trials are brutal, filled with dark magic and mythical creatures—seriously, the world-building here is fantastic! 🐉
What really struck me was Lillian’s growth. She starts off sheltered but evolves into a fierce warrior, facing not just external threats but also the betrayal lurking among her fellow contestants. The friendships she forms with the ever-optimistic Finn and fellow rebel Astrid are heartwarming, bringing a lightness to the dark journey she’s on. And oh, the tension with her mysterious commander? Talk about complicated!
As she navigates the trials, whispers of the Valkyries and the return of dragons keep the stakes high and the plot twisting. I found myself questioning everything alongside Lillian—who can she trust when secrets seem to be everywhere?
Sophia St Germain crafts a beautifully complex narrative filled with action, intrigue, and emotional depth. If you're a fan of strong heroines, magical worlds, and unexpected twists, *Echo of Wings* should be next on your reading list! 🐲✨
Echo of Wings is the debut of Sophia St. Germain. Can we just talk about the stunning cover? It really caught my attention right away and I just knew this book had the potential to be amazing right away. After reading the synsopsis I was hooked and I was really glad to hear I was chosen as ARC reader. Will this book be as good as the cover is stunning? What will this debut bring to it’s readers?
This debut is really amazing! Even though the story has a bit of a slow start, it got me hooked very soon. Lillian is an amazing personality who is really positive even though she knows she is dying. Sophia St. Germain has an amazing writing style. The story is an easy-read and features lots of romantasy elements like magic, valkyries, familiars, dragons and fated mates and hot guys. In addition, the trails are made really realistic featuring some jerks and good allies.
I really enjoyed reading Echo of Wings. I think it is one of the best debuts this year so far and I would really recommend it to everyone who loves romantasy books or who wants to try one.
This book was good and has an interesting plot. I like the characters and the friendships made. I think the secret revealed in the end wasn’t too hard to guess with all the little things the author mentioned. The twist that happens was sad but also something you didn’t think would be the answer. Now that it ended the way it did I really can’t wait to read what happens next for the characters.
I received this an ARC however I also purchased the paperback. Such an amazing story. Lillian is showing that you can still push forward even with a death sentence hanging over your head. The commander is a love to hate character. Her gang of friends are just right for her and can’t wait see where they all go in the next book.
Oh my gosh!!! Ok this book is just so good! Like to the point I couldn't put it down because I wanted to know what happens!!! There twist, love, magic, bonds, and action. So much action!! You fall in love with characters and then you hate some! I can not wait for the second book! I need it now!
I was lucky enough to be an ARC reader for Sophia and received my copy two days ago. Firstly, I'd like to say that I started and finished it yesterday. I could not put it down- I need book 2 now!
I will not add any spoilers in this comment but if you are lucky enough to have the chance to read this book do it.
It has some predictability with the story, but it does not take away any enjoyment from the book.
The world building was great and the author gives you insight into what the world looks like.
The characters that show up in the book are amazing - Finn has my heart.
The story itself has amazing details and I loved the imagination with the trials that they have to do.
Please read this book, I promise you'll love it.
Thank you Sophia, I really enjoyed this story and I need a date for book two because with the way it ended I need to know more.
This is the first book in the Echo series and is a new adult fantasy romance. It tells the story of a young rebel women with a fatal illness who wants to get revenge by killing the king. To gain access to him she participates in a tournament or series or trials. Tropes include slowburn (very very slow), who did this, found family, trials, and betrayal. This is a low/no spice book but I understand there will be spice in book two.
The Lovely: I loved this book HARD. It was an emotional rollercoaster and I felt like the pacing was solid. The plot was weighted equally against the characters/relationships and I never wanted to put the book down. Truly, the book was just mesmerizing as all the pieces fit together and compliment each other. Some of the plot twists I saw coming, some I didn’t.
Also Lovely: I also loved the characters, main and otherwise. The FMC’s best friend is a golden retriever and the lengths he was willing to go to made me weepy. The FMC’s perspective is unique - she knews she’s going to die soon but she wants to make her life count, even though doing so will expedite her death. But, she also still felt bad fir her boyfriend and the prospect of leaving him behind.
Rating: 5/5 Stars 1/5 Flames
Recommendation: Thank you to the author for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own. This engrossing story will have you feeling all the emotions, right up through the final word. Book two is expected to be released in early June and I simply cannot wait. Obviously I must, but I’m not sure I’ll make it. 😂 If you like fantasy romance stories with a balanced plot and characters that keep you engaged for the whole book, I think you would like this book.
About half of this was fine, a bit wattpaddy, but entertaining enough. The last 30 pages, however were just so predictable and cringey that I threw my kindle.
*I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for a honest review* Omg this book. Wow. I cannot believe this is Sophia St Germain’s DEBUT book.
Going into the book I really didn’t know what to expect. If I’m being honest, I had completely forgotten the blurb by the time I started reading so everything was a bit of a surprise lol. But honestly I think that made it very enjoyable for me!!
The book follows our main character Lillian (Lil/Lill). She’s got an undiagnosed sickness that ensures her death is coming sooner rather than later. She lives on the island of Echo, which is ruled by King Aleks who violently took power from the previous king and queen through murdering them. When something drastic happens Lillian decides she wants to spend the rest of her, very numbered, days doing something useful. She signs up for the Kings Guard, hoping it’ll give her a chance to kill him and save her country for the damage he’s doing. Joining the guard is no easy feat, she must survive three deadly trials and beat the majority of the other novices to get a spot. Along the way she meets friends and gains more knowledge about the world.
The tropes in this book is just🤌 There’s found family, fated mates, dragons, Valkyries, familiar bonds, trials. Honesty just so many good tropes for a fantasy novel.
Lillian is such a badass, I adore her. Despite her sickness she wasn’t ever the “oh no, poor me” fmc that I feel like a lot of fantasy novels can have. To be honest, all characters were wonderful. Finn is so charismatic and flirty and fun. Sam is mellow yet still a really strong character. Atlas… I don’t even know what to say about him. I feel like he had clear characteristics, but I would have loved to learn more about him earlier in the book.
Sadly I figured out some of the plot twists really fast, but it was still fun to read. I did NOT predict that ending, though. God I was so freaking stressed reading the last like fifth part of the book.
Overall, I really liked the book and I can’t wait to read the second one in the series🫶💗
Oh where do I start? I was luck enough to be chosen as one of the ARC readers and therefore received the book before its official publication date. The first time i saw the book was on TikTok. It was a video of the author Sophia St. Germain promoting her debut novel. That video had me hooked. Enemies to lovers, slow burn, fated mates, found family, Norse myth, trials, Valkyries AND Dragons? Count me in. This was my first time reading a debut novel so I didn’t have any previous knowledge from other readers and didn’t know what to expect.
Honestly? My mind is blown and I can’t wait for the second book! This book had me squealing and almost falling of my couch after the MMC dropped the line: „ Who did this to you?!“. This book is so well writing, the pacing is amazing (it never got boring for me) and the world building is easy and not too overwhelming which can sometimes happen with fantasy books. If I didn’t know it was her debut novel I would think the author has already numerous books published. That’s how well written the book is.
The book brought all my emotions to the surface but the last 30% had me in a chokehold. I cried, I screamed, I squealed, I laughed, I felt a burning hatred for a character that I hadn’t felt since Maven Calore ( Red Queen series) came into my life (I almost threw my kindle against the wall).
To sum it all up, I love this book and the characters in it. Sophia St. Germain has a way of writing that just makes you fall in love with the characters and makes you feel like you are a part of their family. I haven’t had that since I read Acotar or Fourt Wing.
So if you are looking for a book that makes you feel something and forget the world for a little while, please red this book. You will not be disappointed!
A beautiful story, love the way it's been written. Lillian, the FMC, who is dying of something no-one seems to understand. Having been to healers trying to find out what's up. But knowing she's dying. Living with her father. In a poor little community. Her dads head of the rebels. Eli is her boyfriend and only friend she has. Till things change and her father is killed. She decided to join the kings guard trials. Here she makes friends. Even with her commander. I love the little hints that are given about what's to come. But it also leaves you guessing. The trails have a bit of the hunger games and acotar trials feel to it. We need to survive these trials to be able to get close to kill the king. Secrets are kept from lillian, but as the trails go on, they start coming out. Breaking lillians' hearts more.
I love the way this auther has used illness of a person in the and made them strong and powering through their illness. Amazingly done. It's not very often that you get illness written in and portrayed so well.
Of there is one book i recommend this year, this will be one of them. I couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*I received a free e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*
First of all, I loved the characters! The found family trope was beautifully done and realistic. They weren't a tight group from the beginning but had to learn to trust each other. I fell in love with Finn, and how can you not? A golden haired boy who is funny and isn't just a superficial character? Sign me up! The world building wasn't big. It felt simple, but that is to be expected in a fantasy book that's part of a series. I hope we get more history and complex world building in the next one. I have read a few fantasy series already which make the plot twist a bit predictable. That doesn't say that the book never surprised me. Some characters were not who I predicted. The chapters are short, so if you struggle with long and heavy chapters this book is something for you! I recommend this story to everyone who loves fantasy or wants to try it. Looking forward to the rest of the series!
Okay.. Where to begin? Firstly, wow! The full five stars from me 🌟 and secondly, I already need more!!
I was incredibly lucky & so grateful to have the opportunity as one of Sophia’s ARC readers; perfect timing also due to finishing a series the evening before Echo Of Wings landed in my mail box!
I dove straight in and boy, was it worth it!! I would 100% recommend this book as a must read! I am also new to the fantasy side of the book world so this was an amazing addition to my new adventures.
Whilst I had my suspicions quite early on with how this book may end.. there was still so many unexpected twists involved. A fast-paced read that kept me captivated throughout. A tonne of wonderful added details that painted such a beautiful picture in my mind - this book really did take me on an adventure!
The characters were absolute chefs kiss; perfection and definitely ones I cannot move on from easily!! Absolutely swooning over all of them. Atlas & Finn have a place in my heart 🫶🏻
Overall: 5 stars, 100% worth the read and I’m incredibly excited to see where this goes!!
“I can’t stop thinking about you. Your smell, your face, it’s etched into my mind. I can’t even stop dreaming about you slapping me. I’d be happy for you to do it every day if it meant I was worthy of your touch.” *LMAO while swooning*
This book had the perfect pacing for me. There was rarely at time where I wasn’t fully focused. The writing was good, and the story included some of my favorite tropes.
Lilian is a badass, and though she has to get a lot of help from her comrades, she is going THROUGH it in this book, and going through it fiercely.