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The Echo
An Echo from across the universe …
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a strange optical signal coming from globular cluster NGC 1851. When theoretical physicist, Katrien De Vries and her colleagues at the University of Amsterdam analyze its Shannon information content, they realize it can mean only one it’s an alien message.
As the physicists decode the mysterious transmission, they learn a shocking truth that will turn their lives upside A gravimetric soliton wave launched eons ago from the edge of the universe is out there … and it’s heading for Earth.
The Echo is a tour de force thriller picking up where CR Wahl’s Anti-Paradox left off. Join Katrien De Vries on her journey of discovery and heartbreak as she faces the devastating reality of Earth’s fate and the hard choices she must make.
The James Webb Space Telescope has detected a strange optical signal coming from globular cluster NGC 1851. When theoretical physicist, Katrien De Vries and her colleagues at the University of Amsterdam analyze its Shannon information content, they realize it can mean only one it’s an alien message.
As the physicists decode the mysterious transmission, they learn a shocking truth that will turn their lives upside A gravimetric soliton wave launched eons ago from the edge of the universe is out there … and it’s heading for Earth.
The Echo is a tour de force thriller picking up where CR Wahl’s Anti-Paradox left off. Join Katrien De Vries on her journey of discovery and heartbreak as she faces the devastating reality of Earth’s fate and the hard choices she must make.
- GenresScience Fiction
456 pages, Paperback
Published August 4, 2024
455 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
C.R. Wahl
3 books14 followersC. R. Wahl (Pen name) lives in Minnesota and makes a habit of not becoming bored.
With a PhD in physics, C R knows his way around a lab. He’s published papers in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from quantum gauge anomalies to neural networks and has over 35 patents in six different fields.
CR has a fondness for out-of-the-way places and the untraveled road. Many of the scenes in Waking Iceman were derived from firsthand experiences: Ancient ruins in South America, steamy Brazilian rain forests, coral blue South Pacific islands, and high-altitude mountains.
He’s hiked across countries and climbed peaks from Africa to the Andes, and all places in between. Provided there’s not a world shortage of coffee, C R plans to continue working on his next novel...Stay tuned!
With a PhD in physics, C R knows his way around a lab. He’s published papers in peer-reviewed journals on topics ranging from quantum gauge anomalies to neural networks and has over 35 patents in six different fields.
CR has a fondness for out-of-the-way places and the untraveled road. Many of the scenes in Waking Iceman were derived from firsthand experiences: Ancient ruins in South America, steamy Brazilian rain forests, coral blue South Pacific islands, and high-altitude mountains.
He’s hiked across countries and climbed peaks from Africa to the Andes, and all places in between. Provided there’s not a world shortage of coffee, C R plans to continue working on his next novel...Stay tuned!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
August 23, 2024
A must for sci-fi lovers!!
This sci-fi thriller captivated me since the very beginning. I would say this one has its magic.
I think it is amazing how Wahl developed each character through the story, as well as some unexpected plot twists that engaged me and didn’t let me put the book down until the end. Another good thing to highlight is how Wahl divided the book in 77 chapters, which in my opinion, made it easier the comprehension of the book and helped the reader to follow the plot.
If you like reading sci-fi thrillers, you absolutely should include this book on your list!! I’m sure you’d like to thank me later.
This sci-fi thriller captivated me since the very beginning. I would say this one has its magic.
I think it is amazing how Wahl developed each character through the story, as well as some unexpected plot twists that engaged me and didn’t let me put the book down until the end. Another good thing to highlight is how Wahl divided the book in 77 chapters, which in my opinion, made it easier the comprehension of the book and helped the reader to follow the plot.
If you like reading sci-fi thrillers, you absolutely should include this book on your list!! I’m sure you’d like to thank me later.
May 4, 2025
Echos of Brilliance
It's been a while since I reviewed anything here. I usually do the minimum and will do so here.
The Echo is slow but excellent. The End of Times is handled better than most, with more attention to the people than the strange astronomical tragedy.
This will make a good film, if somebody wants the challenge of production. It has good and bad characters, all well defined.
It's been a while since I reviewed anything here. I usually do the minimum and will do so here.
The Echo is slow but excellent. The End of Times is handled better than most, with more attention to the people than the strange astronomical tragedy.
This will make a good film, if somebody wants the challenge of production. It has good and bad characters, all well defined.
March 23, 2025
Intriguing Concept
Wahl offers an interesting idea of a very different type of natural disaster. I've read a lot of science fiction recently, and I must say that The Echo held my interest more than most. It was an enjoyable read.
Wahl offers an interesting idea of a very different type of natural disaster. I've read a lot of science fiction recently, and I must say that The Echo held my interest more than most. It was an enjoyable read.
August 24, 2024
"do you ever think about the ethical implications of what we’re doing?"
Unboxing the mysteries of the cosmic world is the theme of this novel. We are introduced to scientists and academics as characters in this book. My personal favorite is Seán Terrel. He has a Tony Stark kind of vibe in him; he is an enigmatic individual with a background in tech. As described in the book, Katrien is such a great character that any young woman would love to be because she is intelligent, brilliant, and beautiful. The story's progression is slow until the characters face their dilemmas, and it picks up pace. The dialogue is intellectually engaging, and some conversations are entertaining and not overly complicated, like, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand.
Unboxing the mysteries of the cosmic world is the theme of this novel. We are introduced to scientists and academics as characters in this book. My personal favorite is Seán Terrel. He has a Tony Stark kind of vibe in him; he is an enigmatic individual with a background in tech. As described in the book, Katrien is such a great character that any young woman would love to be because she is intelligent, brilliant, and beautiful. The story's progression is slow until the characters face their dilemmas, and it picks up pace. The dialogue is intellectually engaging, and some conversations are entertaining and not overly complicated, like, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand.
August 24, 2024
a 5-star book for me.
If you want to read a story that gives you unexpected changes at equally unexpected times, this book is going to be a book that you will like. It is not just another book where the planet is involved in events that can lead to its destruction by mysterious forces. This story is well told and very well constructed, with solidly constructed characters and with an interesting growth through each page. I liked it a lot and for that reason, I recommend it. I also consider that the author has done a very good job with this book and it can become one of my favorites. It's definitely, without a doubt, a 5-star book for me.
If you want to read a story that gives you unexpected changes at equally unexpected times, this book is going to be a book that you will like. It is not just another book where the planet is involved in events that can lead to its destruction by mysterious forces. This story is well told and very well constructed, with solidly constructed characters and with an interesting growth through each page. I liked it a lot and for that reason, I recommend it. I also consider that the author has done a very good job with this book and it can become one of my favorites. It's definitely, without a doubt, a 5-star book for me.
October 26, 2025
A somewhat science based story regarding Soliton waves reaching the Solar System and the plan to save the Earth from the potential destruction caused by the interaction of that Soliton.
Wasn't aware that this was the third book in a series. This may explain the references to the Ice Age Man and the "issue" with two characters not wanting to return to an alternative universe. These are mentioned in this story; however, these are never fully explained due to ....emergency interruptions, etc.
Although I have not read the previous two books, and that information from those books may have helped with the two noted examples, their absence doesn't decrease from the story.
It was enjoyable to read. The Soliton chapters especially the impact on Earth are quite interesting.
Some Characters are two - possible one dimensional.
The Chinese vs USA quest is not really needed but it does help with the story near the end.
Have not decided if I want to read the previous two books. They may assist with understanding.
Wasn't aware that this was the third book in a series. This may explain the references to the Ice Age Man and the "issue" with two characters not wanting to return to an alternative universe. These are mentioned in this story; however, these are never fully explained due to ....emergency interruptions, etc.
Although I have not read the previous two books, and that information from those books may have helped with the two noted examples, their absence doesn't decrease from the story.
It was enjoyable to read. The Soliton chapters especially the impact on Earth are quite interesting.
Some Characters are two - possible one dimensional.
The Chinese vs USA quest is not really needed but it does help with the story near the end.
Have not decided if I want to read the previous two books. They may assist with understanding.
October 9, 2025
This is actually the 3d book in a loosely tied trilogy. You can read it first, as I did, without upsetting the universe. So, this is a science-based story involving Earth's response to the fact an enormous energy wave is traveling through space on a collision course with Earth. No one and nothing will survive and a handful of scientists must decide whether to flee Earth (with a chosen few) by one of two controversial methods. The science is rather plausible, except I am not sure that FLT is actually possible (faster than light). Anyway, this is a plot driven novel and the characters tend to be rather two-dimensional. They act and make decisions to further the plot, thus you do not see much personal growth in any of the character arcs. Still it is an entertaining piece of scify looking at a threat that does not seem all that farfetched.
August 21, 2024
I just finished reading this book and although I found it long, it is so gripping and so full of unexpected twists and turns that I devoured it in less time than expected.
I have read many books in which the earth is threatened by mysterious and unknown forces, and I found many of these stories boring and even repetitive; however, I found the premise of this one in particular interesting even before I began to browse through its pages.
The characters are amazing, they made me get into the action right away and feel concerned about the fate of civilization as if my life depended on it.
I strongly recommend this entertaining read.
I have read many books in which the earth is threatened by mysterious and unknown forces, and I found many of these stories boring and even repetitive; however, I found the premise of this one in particular interesting even before I began to browse through its pages.
The characters are amazing, they made me get into the action right away and feel concerned about the fate of civilization as if my life depended on it.
I strongly recommend this entertaining read.
August 21, 2024
The Echo by C.R. Wahl is a solid science fiction thriller that follows physicist Katrien De Vries as she tries to track down the meaning and origin of a mysterious signal picked up by the James Webb Space Telescope. Soon, she and her fellow scientists realize that something is out there…it’s coming for them and their life is about to change forever.
This is a solid thriller by an author who knows a thing or two about physics himself, holding a PhD in physics. The author’s background helps to enhance the believability of the science fiction, while not overwhelming the plot. The writing is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. I am giving this book five out of five stars.
This is a solid thriller by an author who knows a thing or two about physics himself, holding a PhD in physics. The author’s background helps to enhance the believability of the science fiction, while not overwhelming the plot. The writing is fast-paced and full of unexpected twists and turns. I am giving this book five out of five stars.
August 23, 2024
Best one!
If you are a lover of aliens, space and conspiracies, you will love this thriller as much as I did.
It is a science fiction story full of suspense and fun from the first chapter. You will be thrilled with the plot and you will be anxious to see what happens with this alien threat that could possibly destroy the planet.
I loved this book because it is not just any story, I felt like I was living the story in real time with the characters. I became part of the book and I had to be suffering and feeling the anguish to find a solution to all the exciting events that happen in the book. Wow, it definitely won my heart.
If you are a lover of aliens, space and conspiracies, you will love this thriller as much as I did.
It is a science fiction story full of suspense and fun from the first chapter. You will be thrilled with the plot and you will be anxious to see what happens with this alien threat that could possibly destroy the planet.
I loved this book because it is not just any story, I felt like I was living the story in real time with the characters. I became part of the book and I had to be suffering and feeling the anguish to find a solution to all the exciting events that happen in the book. Wow, it definitely won my heart.
August 23, 2024
A good story!
It is a dystopian futuristic story that follows a group of physicists who discover a terrifying alien message. Based on the premise of an imminent and devastating future, the characters work to prevent this from happening.
The Echo has all the classic elements of this genre and although at the beginning I thought it might be repetitive, it surprised me with interesting turns and twists. It is also well written which allows for a fluid reading. On the other hand, the author did a great job developing scientific aspects that make the story more realistic.
In general, I enjoyed this read and I think it is good option for fans of this genre.
It is a dystopian futuristic story that follows a group of physicists who discover a terrifying alien message. Based on the premise of an imminent and devastating future, the characters work to prevent this from happening.
The Echo has all the classic elements of this genre and although at the beginning I thought it might be repetitive, it surprised me with interesting turns and twists. It is also well written which allows for a fluid reading. On the other hand, the author did a great job developing scientific aspects that make the story more realistic.
In general, I enjoyed this read and I think it is good option for fans of this genre.
August 24, 2024
I have always been very interested in the subject of extraterrestrials and mystical themes that we often fail to understand, so I loved this book. Not only the narrative and the characters are incredible and very well developed, but the story itself is very powerful and kept me completely immersed in the story. The whole plot is based on an extraterrestrial message that alerts the protagonists about the future of the earth; it is a story that besides having a very good part of mystery has a love story that makes it also interesting. Highly recommended this book for any type of reader, it is interesting, entertaining and full of mystery.
May 6, 2025
It is not that very original, I mean the plot. Something’s heading for Earth -a soliton in this case- and it will destroy life as we know it. The dilemmas of who has a right to escape, to be saved, aren’t that new as well. But who decides, is, namely the physicists who discovered the signal… (They’ve tried to keep everybody else in the dark, so no government could take over!) Anywho… the story is well written and keeps you entertained up till the end with some twists and turns. I had a hard time putting it down. It is a great read! (PS After reading it I discovered that this is book number 3 in a trilogy, but you can read this as a stand alone.)
August 31, 2025
I didnt know this was the third in a series so that explains my bafflement when the first mention of the alternative earth was made. Up to that point the story was going well. It then took a turn from the barely credible to the absolutely incredible and therefore almost comical with spaceships and crisis after crisis as the end of the earth drew near. The bad guys were comical in themselves and the good guys just kept making too many mistakes by being well just too good. Glad to see the author didnt chicken out on the collapse of earth - by that time all the characters were exhausted anyway!
December 3, 2024
This was an impending earth wide disaster in which only a select few astronomers knew of its existence. The story moved back and forth between Asia, Europe, and North America, primarily, and it focused on "What are we going to do?", "How are we going to keep this from the public and spying eyes?", and "How do we escape?".
My only critique of this well-written science fiction novel, is that the amount of time devoted to the build-up was extensive, but the follow through, less so. As engaging as the main characters were, more follow-on info would have been nice to know.
My only critique of this well-written science fiction novel, is that the amount of time devoted to the build-up was extensive, but the follow through, less so. As engaging as the main characters were, more follow-on info would have been nice to know.
October 2, 2025
interesting Story
Abominable writing. Stilted dialogue, exposition heavy, cardboard characters and hand waving science. I sped read the last half just to get through. “shit to hell!” one of the poorly drawn characters yells; another states “I’m going to strangle your neck!”. It reads like something written (poorly) in another language then run through google translate. Then hidden from any editor. Self published books are like open source software: you get what you pay for. I’d suggest giving this one a miss.
Abominable writing. Stilted dialogue, exposition heavy, cardboard characters and hand waving science. I sped read the last half just to get through. “shit to hell!” one of the poorly drawn characters yells; another states “I’m going to strangle your neck!”. It reads like something written (poorly) in another language then run through google translate. Then hidden from any editor. Self published books are like open source software: you get what you pay for. I’d suggest giving this one a miss.
February 24, 2025
Hard to put down!
I read a lot of sci-fi. If you are looking for a good read that's not a space opera, give this author a try. Of course, in science "fiction" you may push the envelope, but to be really good, it needs to be believable within the realm of known science. This book does all that and more while keeping the human element at the front.
Try it. You won't be disappointed.
I read a lot of sci-fi. If you are looking for a good read that's not a space opera, give this author a try. Of course, in science "fiction" you may push the envelope, but to be really good, it needs to be believable within the realm of known science. This book does all that and more while keeping the human element at the front.
Try it. You won't be disappointed.
April 29, 2025
Warning, it's the 3rd book in the series. Maybe not exactly, but it's in the same world as the other two books by this author and refers to events in those books. So I wish I had read them first.
Overall, pretty entertaining.
I could have done without the whole horny Senator subplot, though, I don't think it really added anything. There's enough peril from natural causes to keep the story going.
Overall, pretty entertaining.
I could have done without the whole horny Senator subplot, though, I don't think it really added anything. There's enough peril from natural causes to keep the story going.
October 16, 2025
science, a crooked American conservative politician, and the end of earth!
Nice story with gripping detail and an interesting view into science, physics, and the lies and manipulation that self interested politicians and the talking heads and conspiracy followers feed on.
Ok actually a really great story, I liked this one most of all, but ….well the Senator character was just a little too close to the truth.
Nice story with gripping detail and an interesting view into science, physics, and the lies and manipulation that self interested politicians and the talking heads and conspiracy followers feed on.
Ok actually a really great story, I liked this one most of all, but ….well the Senator character was just a little too close to the truth.
November 16, 2024
Incredible idea
What if... Sometimes what we can do about nature, pretty much amounts to nothing. How can one battle an entity that knows nothing of itself or us. There is no way to fight it and win. So what do you do? This story tells of that. Well-written, great characters and the best solution they could come up with.
What if... Sometimes what we can do about nature, pretty much amounts to nothing. How can one battle an entity that knows nothing of itself or us. There is no way to fight it and win. So what do you do? This story tells of that. Well-written, great characters and the best solution they could come up with.
September 6, 2025
FINALLY A REAL ENDING!
This series of stories should make readers think. It is a very well thought out series and I imagine many people started reading and never finished. Minds that cannot accept such educated imagination. All I can do now is fix another batch of food for my hungry hummingbirds. My small gift to their survival.
This series of stories should make readers think. It is a very well thought out series and I imagine many people started reading and never finished. Minds that cannot accept such educated imagination. All I can do now is fix another batch of food for my hungry hummingbirds. My small gift to their survival.
September 10, 2025
Great book
Great story, very interesting and lots of action to keep you glued to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, not knowing there is continuing stories to answer your many questions. I liked it a lot so I recommend reading this to all that love science fiction
Great story, very interesting and lots of action to keep you glued to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, not knowing there is continuing stories to answer your many questions. I liked it a lot so I recommend reading this to all that love science fiction
May 22, 2025
Excellent
But I don't need to read another... This one was enough to get a good understanding of the brilliance and appreciation of the author. I'll let you others find out what happened to Kythera. 🙂
But I don't need to read another... This one was enough to get a good understanding of the brilliance and appreciation of the author. I'll let you others find out what happened to Kythera. 🙂
August 6, 2025
Captivating
This started slow but got better and more compelling as it developed. I was losing sleep for a couple of days. Once the die was cast, the story became as overwhelming as the event.
This started slow but got better and more compelling as it developed. I was losing sleep for a couple of days. Once the die was cast, the story became as overwhelming as the event.
Read
February 23, 2025Not for me…
March 25, 2025
Beware of trilogies.
This is IMHO NOT a standalone book. Be forewarned. Read the first two before this one. I choose not to.
This is IMHO NOT a standalone book. Be forewarned. Read the first two before this one. I choose not to.
May 11, 2025
Great Read
I liked it, the plot kept pulling me along. It seemed like a lot of names to keep up with.
I liked it, the plot kept pulling me along. It seemed like a lot of names to keep up with.
July 20, 2025
What an ending.
Enjoy all the books as i did...You won't be disappointed!
Great job, CR Wahl. Can't wait to read all your works.
Enjoy all the books as i did...You won't be disappointed!
Great job, CR Wahl. Can't wait to read all your works.
July 24, 2025
it started ok... the story was interesting and just about half way it started breaking apart. I would not recommend this book to those who want some scientific accuracy
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews