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Echo #2

Echo of Deceit

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Haunted by nightmares from the fateful final trial, Lillian is struggling to come to terms with her newfound reality. And after a less than warm welcome from the Valkyries, she realizes getting the warrior women to aid her in taking on King Alek might just cost her more than she is willing to lose.

With the threat of the king looming over them, Lillian and her friends embark on a dangerous journey to seek allies in their fight. From encountering vicious dragons to alluring elves, the group faces mortal peril at every turn in their quest to save Orios from the king’s iron fist.

But when a divine evil stirs, Lillian begins to fear King Alek might be the least of their concerns. The gods once forced her parents to choose between love and the fate of a nation. If she’s faced with the same choice, will history repeat itself?

412 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2024

125 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read

About the author

Sophia St. Germain

10 books1,046 followers
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).

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5 stars
227 (42%)
4 stars
177 (32%)
3 stars
96 (17%)
2 stars
27 (5%)
1 star
13 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews
Profile Image for Helmi.
268 reviews14 followers
June 16, 2024
4,5⭐️ excuse my language but what the fuck was that ending😭😩 be right back must go stare at a wall for hours. And yes I did, in fact, cry. 💔

I am so happy to be part of Sophia's Shattered Hearts club (aka ARC team) and I was so invested in this book and characters!!🪽✨ the growth was amazing, the dragons were witty, the gods were being their evil selves, and there was every kind of magical creature! I loved it! There were plot twists, foreshadowing, world building, deception, grey characters, and also a little bit of spice🫶🏼🔮

I don't know what to expect from the next book and I'm afraid to even think. I loved feral Lillian and sappy Kian in this one it was refreshing! And the dragons!! And our poor dear Finn😭
Profile Image for Amanda Louise.
144 reviews17 followers
July 11, 2024
I’m sitting here at 2am, speechless, tears in my eyes (and I’m not typically a crier).
Numb but overwhelmed, somehow all at the same time.
Devastated that it’s over for now.
And in that way!!!!
Broken. That’s it. I’m broken.
And I just want more.
Profile Image for FloofyMooseReads.
602 reviews99 followers
July 6, 2024
This is the second book in the Echo series, a romantasy series that started with Echo of Wings. Tropes include found family, touch her and die, fates mates, betrayals, hurt/comfort and trauma healing. This book does contain one spicy scene and some trauma healing so please check content warnings.

The Lovely: If I thought I loved the first book, then I don’t even know how to describe this one. Mega love? Much like book one, it was an emotional roller coaster that you can’t put down. The story is captivating and all the pieces fit together. We learn a good deal more about the Valkyries but it never feels like an info dump since it’s done gradually through dialogue and we’re learning right along with the FMC. The pacing in this book was so,I’d even though the stakes were lower (well, for some of it). The tension was perfect and I pretty much read this book in one go.

Also Lovely: I also loved the characters, main and otherwise, and the different relationships were stunning. Everyone is hurting after book one and it impacts each character in varying ways. The characters’ emotions were written in such a way you felt them right along with the characters. It was beautiful and immersive, while sometimes also being painful.

Rating: 5/5 Stars 2/5 Flames

Recommendation: I received an advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. There is a pretty large cliff at the end of the book and I’m still sitting here in utter shock with my heart in shreds. So much emotion and power in that ending. I’m anxious for book three to learn how the story plays out from here. Sophia has created yet another masterpiece that will capture your attention and your heart all the way through the end.
Profile Image for jenelle 。・:*˚:✧。.
270 reviews20 followers
July 6, 2024
4.5-4.75 but also maybe 5! It was so amazing!

THE END HAD ME IN SHAMBLES!!!! Like I KNEW but DENG I DIDNT KNOW! Like I thought I’d predict stuff but then Sophia said yeah but let’s break your heart!

This series is so unique and there are so many aspects of it that I rarely come across in fantasy books!

Things I LOVED:
- special bonds (not just fated mates)
- animal guardians
- dragons (bonded? Maybe not?)
- found family
- good job referencing the first book seamlessly
- multiple POV
- crazy identity
- forbidden romance
- age gap

What I struggled with:
- some awkward dialogue
- slow pacing in the middle (but also the pacing overall was amazing! Maybe it was me and not the book. Maybe I was tired)

Do I recommend this book and series so far? YES!

Thank you so much Sophia for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review! I loved it!
Profile Image for Kelsey H.
252 reviews29 followers
December 12, 2024
FMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟
MMC: 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 - his loyalty and devotion to Lillian is just beautiful
Spice: 🌶

The first and second books both started off just a little slow for me, but didn't take very long to pull me into the story. I love the adventures, the slow burn romance was well-written, and there were a couple of plot twists I actually didn't see coming!

That ending tho 😳 what a way to keep the readers in suspense lol
Profile Image for Sollie.
55 reviews
July 15, 2024
*Oh wow… I am not okay.*

Sophia, I have two questions for you. Number one - how dare you? And number two - how dare you?

I jumped into this book expecting strategy, fights, battles, war, love… and I did get that, I did, but the rest I did not expect. What in the plot twist was this? What in the cliffhanger was that? Good thing my phone is water-protected, otherwise, it would have been dead from all the crying I did by the end of this book.

But, let's get to the beginning. Echo of Deceit is book two in the Echo series and is a beautiful continuation of Echo of Wings. We follow Lillian, Kian, and their gang on their journey to find allies ready to fight for a better tomorrow—a journey filled with (deadly) challenges, secrets and mysteries, discoveries, pain, and betrayal.

The character development was on point. Lillian and Kian’s growth felt natural and compelling, even though sometimes I just wanted to slam my phone off the wall because of their stubbornness and/or protectiveness and/or pride and/or just the general slowburn pace they were doing. The secondary characters were equally well-fleshed out, each adding their own weight to the story.

I loved the new characters that were added on, and you know I loved the old characters, but beware - Sophia isn't too afraid to kill a loved character off. 😂

Sophia's world-building is just as exceptional as it was in Book 1. The tiny details of the settings, the magic system, and the cultural elements made Lillian's world come alive in my mind. The pacing was spot-on, maintaining a balance between action-packed sequences and quieter, more emotional moments. (Prepare tissue paper, because trust me, you'll need it)

I loved how fear, grief, guilt and pain were portrayed, and I appreciated that Sophia kept addressing these themes throughout the book instead of mentioning them once and then forgetting about them like many authors do. I sympathized with the characters and I felt their pain, so much so that I still have a headache from crying. :’)))

The only reason I'm giving this book four instead of five stars is the overwhelming declarations of love. I love some good “I love you” statements and acts of love here and there, but for me, they were a bit too much in this book, to the point of perceiving them as cringy and sappy at certain moments. Or maybe I just wasn't in the right mindset to read about mate's love, idk.

Nonetheless, Echo of Deceit is an amazing book and I'm so glad I got to read as an ARC. Sophia St. Germain's writing pulls you right in, making the vast, intriguing world she created come to life. If you haven't read Echo of Wings and Echo of Deceit, but you love fantasy books about trials, power, magic, Valkyries, mates, dragons, gods and kings, love and betrayal, friendship, and found family—what are you waiting for?
Profile Image for Kata.
534 reviews49 followers
July 11, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 🌶️

“I’ll always be here to catch you when you fall if you let me.”
“Since when you listen to anyone?”

Great continuation to the first book in the series, Echo of Wings.

The book starts right where the first one ended, continuing to follow the characters from the first book and introducing some new ones. The story is told from three POVs: Lillian, Kian, and Finn.

Once again, I liked Lillian as a main character. She remained strong and interesting, and I enjoyed seeing her become even stronger throughout the book.

Like the previous book, this one was also fast and easy to read, with a well-written and interesting storyline. The pacing was quite fast, and a few times I would have preferred it to be a bit slower.

There was a lot happening, with no dull moments. The world seemed interesting, and I loved learning more about it. I would love to learn more about the dragons; they seemed intriguing and gave me some Fourth Wing vibes.

Can’t wait to read more!



I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review. Receiving ARC didn’t affect my opinion of the book.
Profile Image for Dawn Jamieson.
12 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2024
OMG I am sat here in utter shock at how it’s ended. Did not see that coming nor did I think a main character would be killed off. Lillian has gone through so much with each book that she is just super woman. Nothing can bring her down however the ending I’m not sure how she is going to cope and survive in the next book.
Keep Finn, Lillian and Kian going as they are just the perfect trio. Also what about the dragons. I didn’t see them appear in the fight and I thought Lillian and Kian were bonded to them as well so how can Kian just be gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for eclecticbychoicereads.
584 reviews60 followers
July 11, 2024
Sophia, what did you do to my poor aching heart?

The book was magical, and I am still reeling and picking myself up. This is how you execute a sequel! Echo of Deceit is the perfect continuation of the story we fell in love with in The Echo of Wings. This series is meant for us romantasy lovers, and I need you to give this series a chance; you won’t regret it! Get ready, because Echo of Deceit is hitting the shelves on July 16th!

Sophia knows how to tell a story; she weaves a beautiful tapestry of exciting plot and blossoming romance in equal parts. Her characters are masterfully executed, and we can connect to them and understand their wants, needs, and motives. Whether it’s the main characters or the side ones, you are immersed in the story and want to follow them, cheer for them, or fear for them.

In the sequel, we are introduced to the world and history of the Valkyries, and I loved this part of the story. The information given is never too much; you can easily follow and understand the lore of the Valkyries. We are introduced to some new characters that fit perfectly into the story.

Still, my heart beats faster when we meet again with Lillian, Kian, Finn, and Sam. They carry the plot, and I was glued to the pages following them. Finn has a special place among my favourite characters; I love his devotion, playfulness, and just pure love that he emanates. Kian is still the perfect MMC; we witnessed his love, rage, pain. He has shown just how pure his soul is; he is the epitome of a cinnamon roll MMC who would still burn the world for those he loves. Lillian has shown so much in this book—her pain, guilt, and brokenness, but also such strength and will to live and love. She is a force to be reckoned with.

Echo of Deceit was a whirlwind of emotions, plot twists & turns, and pure magic. And then came that ending... I am still collecting pieces of my heart from the floor. Sophia, what will we do until Book 3?

Echo of Deceit will gift you
- Valkyries, shifters, dragons
- meddling gods
- fated mates
- touch her and perish
- hidden identities
- secrets and betrayals
- found family
- trauma healing
and so so much more!
Profile Image for Serena Dale.
284 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2024
ARC Read
5⭐️
OMG this book!! The story was great and had a good pace about it!
Love Finn all the more after this book! Love all the relationships....won't be giving anything away!
Twists kept coming, some I only picked up on just before it happened, and others didn't see coming!
I went through all emotions and ended the book crying! I am very much in need of book 3!!
Profile Image for Zsuzsanna  Csonka-Bonevacz.
183 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2024
I just simply in love with this book. It's brilliant. So many good characters, I can't choose a favourite. Really loved how the story evolved, how the main characters grew into their potential.
I'm trying to get my thoughts together but I'm still under the book's spell.
1 review
July 7, 2024
Thank you very much for letting me be part of the ARC team!

I enjoyed the second part of the book just as much as the first one. However, I feel that the story progresses are too quickly, causing certain important aspects to be lost. In the second part, I perceived Kian as a different person. His mannerisms were sometimes just "too much" for me. I found the world-building, the dragons, and all the other mythical creatures to be fantastic. I am excited to see what comes next!
Profile Image for Samantha Cavalier.
54 reviews
June 12, 2024
The opening chapter made my heart sing… warmed my soul .. the last chapter ripped out my heart!

The story follows on from Lillian’s quest to avenge her father, along the way collecting a familiar bond together with some powerful allies.

Subtle humour throughout, courtesy of Finn.. the cheeky shapeshifter. A welcome slower pace of writing, developing the characters and emotions to enrich the characters relationship for the reader.

Even more betrayal, tears and the feeling of mistrust within her court..

“Even shadows and death would not pry him from her side”

I could not for tell the ending, bring tissues!
Profile Image for ❤️Tina❤️.
255 reviews16 followers
June 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great book from Sophia. Thank you for the arc.

In this book, we're diving further into the world and meeting lots of new creatures and characters. The story not only delves deeper into the bond between Kian and Lillian, but it also makes you fall even more in love with the characters around them, especially Finn 😍 I guessed one of the main twists that was coming quite early on but it still didn't take away from the drama of the ending. I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes next.
Profile Image for Danni Morgan x.
29 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
This book actually shredded my heart, phenomenal is all that comes to mind, the way the characters journey is done is so beautiful and tragic all at once. Sophia has done an amazing job at creating a beautiful world and beautiful complex characters. This book is everything and more than what I was expected since book 1. Sophia I need to know what happens next I need book 3 in my hands right now and until then I don’t think I’ll stop sobbing
Profile Image for Sara Videll.
45 reviews
June 13, 2024
Just finished this book, and I'm broken.

This book is so magical. The world is amazing, and I love the characters!
I've gone through so many emotions reading this book, and now I'm sittning here with my heart broken and crying my eyes out and I don't think I will recover until I know what happens next.
4 reviews1 follower
July 5, 2024
OMG! Absolutely loved book two of this series. The flow from Echo of Wings draws you right into Echos of Deceit. So much happening with the existing characters and new ones introduced. You really get a good feel for each one of them and can’t help but fall in love with most of them! Can’t wait for book three!
Profile Image for Bevany.
673 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2024
I absolutely love this second book of the series. The trauma healing and character growth for our Mc is beautifully done. There are so many fun new characters and species in this book that integrate into the story, and I can't wait to see what part they will play on the next book. There is one short smutty scene that isn't overly graphic. The theme focuses on trauma healing, personal growth, betrayal, and love. I highly recommend this book to all fantasy readers.
Profile Image for PleaseGoAwayImReading.
441 reviews26 followers
July 24, 2024
Oh. My. Gosh.

This book. I couldn’t stop reading! It has everything: magic, Valkyries, giants, elves, shifters, gods, mating bonds, guilt, angst, love, found family, friendship, and betrayal. And a heck of a gut wrenching cliffhanger ending. I shed tears, I was so invested, and woke up my sleeping cat when I despairingly yelled “noooooooo!!”

This is Book 2 in the author’s Echo series and in my opinion would be best enjoyed (and make the most sense ) if you first read book 1, Echo of Wings, before reading this one.

Now I’m left with a book hangover and I’m not sure what to do next except tell you to READ THIS SERIES!

What’s next for Lillian and Finn? Will Lillian get her wish to be rejoined with a certain MMC? (I’m not trying to spoil anything !) And what about Adeon- will he get whats coming to him? I cannot wait to (hopefully) find out in book3!!!
Profile Image for Kirstie Dempster.
16 reviews
Read
June 13, 2024
This bookkkkk!!! Honestly a 5 star read. It was just the right pace I couldn't put it down. Finn has a special place in my heart. Absoutley loved it and cannot wait for the third one now
116 reviews
May 13, 2025
I can't accurately express how disappointed with this book I am. The writing is honestly awful, the characters horrifically flat. Several phrases were repeated consistently and I felt like I was just being told over and over how much everyone feels about things but was never actually shown it. The only true feelings I was shown was Finn for the FMC(who I've forgotten her name). Finn seems very well developed and I feel his emotion during his POV. The main characters though? If the author didn't have the MMC tell the FMC every second page how much he feels for her I wouldn't know it, because there was nothing there. The ending? I don't care. At this point I hope the bad guy wins because I'm over it.

It's super disappointing because the plot is really good. I love it and I want to see how it ends but the execution to get there isn't good.
Profile Image for Samantha Ness.
106 reviews6 followers
July 18, 2024
Holy sh*t. I am just speechless at how amazing this series is! I immediately picked up this one right after finishing book 1 and now I'm PISSED I have to wait so long for book 3. Like, why? This is SO GOOD. Another emotional rollercoaster just like the first and I love it so much. This starts right where book 1 left off (thank goodness because that ending!) and proceeded to continue to surprise me in all of the best ways. The secrets and deception? Flawless. The magic and creatures? Top notch. The found family, trauma healing, spice (just the one!), and details throughout? Couldn't have been better. Literally cannot handle how amazing these books are and will talk about them to everyone with an ear. Pick this up immediately!
Profile Image for Ashleigh Carter.
787 reviews9 followers
July 10, 2024
I was privileged enough to get the first two of these books to review for this series. The second book releases on July 16th. I read both of these books in record time. Valkyrie, Dragons, Mates, Familiars? So much adventure, magic, fun. Oh and don’t forget the ravens. I mean, this book has everything. The first did as well. I can’t wait for the third book! This is definitely more fantasy than romance so if you’re looking for something more story heavy than romance heavy, these are great books for just that!
Profile Image for Amanda Schaeffer.
31 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2024
Sophia, you should include a roll of tape with this book so we can ✨try✨ to repair our hearts that you completely tore to shreds.

I was so excited to see Lillian become an even more fierce and brave warrior. To fight for her friends and loved ones. To overcome her traumas and be the most badass Queen there ever was.

And Kian, the man made me swoon. He was so loyal to Lillian and supported her throughout, even when she tried to push him away.

This book tore me apart and left me wanting more. No, needing more. 5 🌟 and a bunch of pieces from my shattered heart 💔❤️‍🩹
Profile Image for Summer Baker.
284 reviews26 followers
July 17, 2024
Oh. My. GOD!!!!!!! Ahhhhhh……. Sophia you crazy, wonderful, heartless author. I am obsessed. I am angry. I am sad. I’m dying for the next book.

Magic, magical creatures, familial bonds, betrayal, Valkyrie, ravens, gods, demi/gods, dragons…yes dragons, elves, giants, heartbreak, loyalty, grief, slow burn romance, fated mates….. this book is everything. This story has all the things you love about fantasy/romantasy but it’s new and fresh and wonderful.

Gah….the flipping ending.

🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Lauren.
204 reviews
October 18, 2024
The way this book pulled at my heart strings. Lillian is such a badass, a hit volatile but aren’t we all. The pain this girl has been through and the people she has lost. Then poor Finn! Honestly my brain can’t comprehend what has happened in this book! The ending??? Like I was in bits!!!

Definitely read this book if you want some fantasy, friendship and fated mates. Also don’t read this book if you don’t want your heart to hurt 😂😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hells.
12 reviews1 follower
June 18, 2024
4.75⭐️

I am dead. Done. Finished.
What a rollercoaster!! I loved the multiple POV, the twists and turns. All the new creatures - in depth explanation of the magic system. Holy moly. The next book CANNOT come soon enough. I’ve cried, laughed, cried again and literally gawked. Wow. This is a MUST read.

I’m gonna go for a long walk and try to figure out how and what the heck I’ll be reading next to help me recover from this beautiful reading experience.
Profile Image for SazziesWorld.
62 reviews46 followers
June 22, 2024
ARC:

So many emotions. So much happened. My mind is blown!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Profile Image for Bre.
317 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2025
unfortunately I just didn't really care that much. Though the last 15 or so pages were great.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 155 reviews

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