Time's Echo

The Chronos Files #1.5

by Rysa Walker

A Kindle exclusive novella, set in the world of Rysa Walker's Timebound.

Kiernan Dunne abandoned his family ties to help Kate fight the Cyrists, and he's never regretted that for one moment. But he doesn't understand why Kate can't remember that night in 1893 Chicago, when she turned back to face the killer chasing them through the smoky corridors of the World's Fair Hotel. Kate placed the CHRONOS key around his neck and made his eight year old self promise to wear it always, and that's a promise Kiernan has never broken.

When Kate suddenly vanishes after a Cyrist-engineered time shift, that hidden medallion is Kiernan's only hope for finding her. He returns to the Cyrist fold to look for clues, but his search will lead him back to the question that has haunted him for years--what really happened after he left Kate at the World's Fair Hotel?

This digital novella gives Timebound readers a glimpse at Kate in another timeline and helps set the stage for Time's Edge, the second book in The CHRONOS Files Series, coming from Skyscape in October.

Genres: Time Travel, Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction

175 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 2014

About the author

RYSA WALKER is the author of the bestselling CHRONOS Files series. Timebound, the first book in the series, was the Young Adult and Grand Prize winner in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards. The CHRONOS Files has sold nearly half a million copies since 2013 and has been translated into fourteen languages.

In addition to speculative fiction, she occasionally writes mysteries as C. Rysa Walker.

Rysa currently resides in North Carolina with her husband, two youngest sons, and a hyperactive golden retriever. When not working on the next installment in her CHRONOS Files universe, she watches shows where travelers boldly go to galaxies far away, or reads about magical creatures and superheroes from alternate timelines. She has neither the time nor the patience for reality TV.

If you see her on social media, please tell her to get back into the writing cave.

For updates, check her website: www.rysa.com.

Reviews

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Timebound we are caught up in a world that kept shifting as things were changed around in the past. Kate’s grandmother is trying to stop her grandfather from switching more things in the past to create more followers to the Cyrist’s cult of followers and whatever end game he has planned for the future.

Timebound had by far the strangest love triangle I’ve ever read. Kiernan remembers Kate from a previous time line where they were lovers. She doesn’t remember that time line at all. Kate is dating Trey in Timebound and if she succeeds in making changes to the past he won’t remember her at all.

Okay so I didn’t really get attached to Kiernan in Timebound, the majority of the time he was his eight-year old self while he and Kate were together. But I am totally attached to Kiernan’s character now, and Trey I’m so sorry but I’m rooting for him a bit. Time’s Echo shows a Kate and Kiernan that are deeply in love and have been together for a year and a half until one day she just disappears.

Now Kiernan must figure out why she was taken out of the timeline they were in and how to get her back. He is playing a dangerous game with Pru (Kate’s psychotic aunt) and Simon who seem to hold the information he needs. Also Saul is setting up for something big and to help Kate he must try to solve that riddle as well.

He will do everything he can to protect her

”This was not supposed to be our first kiss, Kate. But if you do not hurry, it will almost certainly be our last.”

I’m glad I read the novella as it gives some extra insight into the Cyrist’s network and Saul’s plans for the future and the lengths he is willing to go. It also showed that some people might not be as good or as bad as we initially thought. I’m not sure who I’m going to trust in the next book besides Kate/Kiernan and Trey.

This novella also really built on the relationship angle that was glossed over a bit in the first book. I felt a deeper connection to the characters and their plight. Looking forward to the second book in this Time Travel Tale coming in October.

Warning: The first book was definitely Young Adult but the series might be moving into New Adult territory. While there was no actual sex on page there were many references to it and innuendos of it.

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author for providing an ARC of this wonderful novella!!

This novella is not one of those short "dessert" stories but is a true "meat and potatos" novella!! It's written from Kiernan's point of view and we learn so much more about "his" Kate. After reading this amazing novella, I couldn't help but be enamored of Kiernan and find myself rooting for him now. (Sorry Trey!)

Rysa gives us much insight to this amazing world she's created and I loved reading every single word! This just wets the appetite and I found myself needing more of Kate and Kiernan NOW! Rysa is a time travel genius and her brilliance shines through on every page! Well done, Rysa!!

[Karen’s Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

My original review of the ebook is below, but I also wanted to review the audiobook which was a reread of Time's Echo for me. First of all... NICK PODEHL!!? I'm such a huge fan of his, when I found out that he was narrating one of my favorite books, I about fell over. And let me tell you... He did not disappoint and his narration truly exceeded all my expectations! His accent as the American Irish Kiernan was spot on and I seriously fell even harder for Kiernan with that touch of Irish accent. Nick's portrayal of drunk Simon was perfection! When the book ended, I was so upset because I wanted to listen to Kiernan tell his story for many more hours!! This was easily one of my favorite audiobooks ever!!

Now onto the story.

This novella is not one of those short "dessert" stories but is a true "meat and potatos" novella!! It's written from Kiernan's point of view and we learn so much more about "his" Kate. After reading this amazing novella, I couldn't help but be enamored of Kiernan and find myself rooting for him now. (Sorry Trey!)

Rysa gives us much insight to this amazing world she's created and I loved reading every single word! This just wets the appetite and I found myself needing more of Kate and Kiernan NOW! Rysa is a time travel genius and her brilliance shines through on every page! Well done, Rysa!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start this review with a disclaimer that I received an ARC from the author. That is in no way changes the fact that I think this is a great novella. Time's Echo provides Kiernan's side of the story and is perfect follow-up to Timebound, the first book in the Chronos series where Kiernan is introduced. The novella sets the stage nicely for the second book in the series which should be released in October.

Rysa Walker was deservedly the winner of the 2013 of the Amazon breakout author of the year with her first book Timebound. I read that book after it was promoted as a Kindle First and became a fan instantly. The characters in the Chronos series are well written and equally as engaging as any in the Hunger Games or Divergent series. In fact I am enjoying this series even more than either of those. I highly recommend this series to both YA and adult readers.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good getting into Kiernan's head and seeing his view on certain scenes from the first book. I'm still rooting for Trey though! Can't wait for October for the next full book.

**Second time around, is even better!

[The Audiobookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

I spent an Audible credit on this novella (something I never do) because I was left with such a massive book hangover after Time's Divide. Two things struck me pretty quickly upon beginning this story: 1) I wish we had seen more of Other-Kate/Kiernan together in the series because I actually think I prefer him to Trey and I definitely prefer her over the main character Kate. Okay, Trey isn't that bad, but he's no Kiernan. 2) I really wish I had listened to this in between the first and second series installments. With novellas, later publishing dates can make it hard to read them in chronological order with the series, but I began The Chronos Files series well after the last book's publication date. Even if I had known about these novellas while I was listening to the regular series, I'm still not 100% certain that I would have given them much stock. My opinion of novellas has usually been that they are largely insignificant to the overall plot. However, that opinion is changing. While I'm still not crazy over the idea of spending a $14.95 credit on an audiobook that lasts 2-5 hours, I am starting to see the importance novellas have in filling in certain plot gaps and "setting the stage" for upcoming installments. For instance, this novella provided us with a glimpse of Kate and Kiernan's time together in the previous timeline, which was something I was longing for in the series. The plot of this novella very closely followed Kiernan's account of the events that was given in the main installments. Think of it this way: The main series drew an outline of the events (as much as was relevant to the main plotline) and the novella colored in those lines with world-building & character development details, although they may not be as relevant to the larger story. There isn't a lot of new information revealed here, but plenty is reinforced. The territory covered is mostly unchartered, until the final 10 minutes, when we see Kiernan's meeting with Kate on the subway (as in Timebound) from his point of view. That is where my attention was lost just a little bit, but only because I am not one for alternate POV scenes (I find them redundant).

Narration review: I was super excited to see that Nick Podehl was narrating this novella. I have heard him in a handful of other audiobooks and I always really enjoy his work. To begin with, I thought that he had decided to drop Kiernan's Irish accent. MIA accents are nothing new to audiobook listeners and it wouldn't have completely ruined the experience, but after listening for a while longer I realized I could still detect the hint of an Irish accent. Come to think of it, a watered down accent may actually suit Kiernan's character more since he grew up in the US. ♣︎

[Anna Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, now I'm evenly in love with both Kiernan and Trey!!! This novella is basically a hundred pages covering the time before the first book, up through when Kiernan kisses Kate on the subway. We get to see what happens when his Kate (who mysteriously doesn't remember meeting him at the World's Fair...) is erased from existence!



It gives me info that I was desperate for, that book #1 didn't supply: how Kiernan met HIS Kate, why Jess was so cool with their modern-esque behavior in 1905, more info about Prudence herself and the children she's "mother" of, etc. Just a bunch of small things that were all on the other side of the fence, with the so-called "bad guys." Getting Kiernan's perspective was downright cool and I loved that he actually has a different voice/narrative style from Kate. Do you know how RARE that actually is when authors switch from male to female characters (or vice versa) who are supposed to be such different people???!!!



It allowed me a way in to Kiernan's head and made me fall in love with him and start shipping Kate/Kiernan!!! (Two people I wasn't shipping at all really during the first two books, till I read this novella and added to the canon I was aware of in more detail!)



Uggghhhhh Rysa Walker, I'm so confused now. Like I said in my last status update: #favoriteauthorever #bestnonlovetriangle #youremessingwithmyhead (I guess I'm just #Team Kate at this point?)!



P.S. That last gif/meme/whatever puts new meaning to the phrase, "I will go down with this ship." LOL Probably too soon, even after 100 years, right? ;)

[Glenn O'Bannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not listed in the teen or pre-teen category but it's billed as The Chronos Files 1.5. On Audible, the first book is listed for 11-13 year olds and teen/young adult on Amazon.

The problem with this book is not the content per-se for any adult or even older teen. It's that the 11 and 12 year olds who read the first book will naturally want to read this one too. Why is that a problem? Because it contains inappropriate content for those ages.

Sexual situations and dialogue are significant throughout the book. Although the sex act itself is not described, it is obvious that it takes place. Nakedness is described as well as some intimacy while unclothed.

Some parents may also object to the drunkenness portrayed in it, even if by the bad guy.

As a result, I had to shave a star off of my rating because, as a parent, I would not want my 11 year old reading this book. I would not have minded her reading the first book (which I almost rated 5 stars). That's a real shame.

Something I didn't mention in my review of the first book: the discussion of religion in these books is interesting and thought-provoking. If your kids read these books I suggest you discuss that aspect of the book with them. (Hey, fake religions exist and there are plenty of them even in our current timeline so it's an important discussion to have with them.)

NOW to the book itself:

I agree with some readers that Kiernan just feels like a better match for Kate than Trey. I keep finding myself rooting for Kiernan. That shows how real the characters become for the reader while experiencing these books. That's a genuine credit to the author.

I really appreciated the perspective in this book after reading the first one. It lets us know how and why some of the events from the first book happened and sets up (I presume) some events in the next book.

Adults and older teens might enjoy these books. But I wouldn't get pre-teens or younger teens started on the series because they will want to read this book. Again, that's a real shame.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

For all Timebound fans: This novella is totally worth the read and helps you make sense of some of Kiernan's ambiguity throughout the first book.

Overall, this was SO amazing to read from Kiernan's POV. I loved the crossover with Timebound, but also loved all of the new material it brought in! It definitely answered some of the lingering questions I've had since finishing Timebound, but also stirred up a ton of new questions as well. I am so glad we finally gained more insight into Kate and Keirnan's complicated relationship (timeline-wise). It was also interesting to see more of Pru and her changing complexities over time.

I can't wait to start Time's Edge and see what happens next!

This is a MUST READ if you decide to pick up this series!

[Caprice Hokstad · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a sequel to Timebound, unfortunately. Not very long, but that was disclosed when it was billed as a novella.
A little new information on the CHRONOS world, but not a lot.
And while I know it's a personal thing, I just cringe at present tense. It irritates me for some reason.

[Sean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a good read.

[John and Debbie Sattgast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it

I love these types of books and it a love story too. I would recommend it to my friends and others. it makes it cool she is following history to.

[Sabrina Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good short story for a good series. It was fun to have some of it from Kieran's perspective.

[RaeWho · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, I think the author has chosen the most boring POV for the main books of the series and this confirms it. Kiernan's POV is highly interesting and this was a breeze to read through. Too bad I have to go back to Kate's POV and a love triangle I care nothing about.

[Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

you may be asking why i continued with this series even though i said that teenage girls (kate) are stupid. to that i respond with none of your business (it's because of kiernan (god, that man is so fine)).

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was great seeing things from Kiernan's perspective, and all the added extra information about the Cyrists and Pru.

[Rebekkah Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg! I love Time’s Echo. It’s a novella based off of Rysa Walker’s novel Time’s Twisted Arrow now called, Timebound. Here’s the review I did on her first book. You should check it out: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blo...

You need to read the first book before you read Time’s Echo. And yes, they’re time traveling novels and one of the best out there.

Time’s Echo is in Kiernan’s POV, instead of Kate’s (the first book is in her POV). He’s a great character who was born in the 1800s. Kate met him when she traveled to his time, back when he was a boy, and she gave him a CHRONOS (Chrono-Historical Research Organization and Natural Observation Society) key before she blinked out of that century. It’s a round medallion that gives people who have the designer DNA, the ability to activate this nifty device and travel through time. Kiernan still has the key, and as an adult, he hooks-up with Kate in other times. He's in love with her and secretly joins her crusade to thwart Saul's wacky, religious plan to basically rule the world as a wealthy Messiah.

In Time's Echo, someone fools with the timeline, and Kate disappears. Kiernan is desperate to find her and will go to great lengths to do so. There's also a mystery he's anxious to solve regarding the first time he meets Kate.

This novella is written in such a clever way that it ties in with the first book. I think Time's Echo is a treat for fans of The CHRONOS Files, and I'm so glad Rysa wrote this. The reason why I say that is because you get to see what Kiernan is doing in the first book, while Kate's eccentric grandmother tells Kate, she inherited designer DNA from the time traveling historians of CHRONOS.


This book is full of awesome sauce, and I can't wait to read the next installment in this inventive tale.

http://www.amazon.com/Times-Echo-CHRO...

[Jennie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the short side-along read following Kearnan. The narrator did an excellent job, and I fell in love with his watered down Irish accent instant, which also made it addicting to listen to in one go. I think I actually prefer this story over the first book as it is more intense, realistic, and more characters are introduced and explained. The dialect is very natural and flows just right. It could possibly be read as the first book in the series as well as it leaves a good amount of holes to be questioned that are explained in the first book (and vice versa) and leads into the first book seamlessly. I haven't yet read the second book, so I couldn't tell you if the order in which it's listed (being listed after the second book in the series) is the better way to consume it.

Either way, book 1.5, 'Times Echo,' is a grand and delightful journey!

Also--most of the other reviews claim this book isn't for children. I, however, don't see a problem with a child reading it...there are scenes with alcohol and its effects, and a few sexual references--only references, nothing explicit, but I think if a child is mature enough to keep up and understand this storyline, they're mature enough to handle talk of prohibition and the flossy-carefree era that came with the '20's (I also believe that no book should be held back from children, no matter the context as it instills curiosity and knowledge...but that's just me. I'd rather them read about it than have them watch it in movies and on television. Work out that imagination).

[T.J. Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all, I want to say that I loved Timebound, the first book in this series. See my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Although I really like Trey, I'm rooting for Kate to pick Kiernan in future installments. Trey's a good guy, but Kiernan has devoted his life to Kate and her causes. So I was happy to read a story from Kiernan's point of view. I was really excited to get a chance to get to know Kiernan better, but did not feel that I did.

Unfortunately, this book didn't meet my expectations. Kiernan's character is just too flat -- not much of the charm, passion, and intensity that I saw in his character in the first book shines through in this filler book.

I got really bored when Kiernan and Simon went traipsing around through time... doing... who knows what... who knows why... and, moreover, who cares?

I hope Time's Edge holds more promise...

SERIES READ ALONG > The Chronos Files series by Rysa Walker --> Reading 'Timebound' from April 5th 2016
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Alyxandria Ang · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is also posted on my blog: thebooksbuzz.blogspot.com
Also posted on my blog is an interview with Rysa Walker. Please check it out and enjoy the review.

Let me get one thing straight: I will always love Trey! But nonetheless, I thought the perspective of this novella was very peculiar (in a good way, of course) and interesting. In this book, we find out why Kate loses her memory of Kiernan and more about the wild and "pudgy" character, Simon. After reading this novella, I've grown familiar with the character Kiernan and as of now, I am totally rooting for him. Sorry Trey.

I think the best part of this novella was revisiting the part where Kate (not Kieran's Kate) met Kiernan on the subway, and where Simon grabbed Kate's bag. In all honestly, you couldn't get away with just reading the first book. But if you're definitely a Kiernan and Kate lover, by all means. Even so, you should surely check out this little novella.

Also for all you Trey and Kate lovers out there, this book definitely gives you a new perception on Kiernan. You might just like him a little better after reading this book.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella made me fall in love with the character of Kiernan all over again. It's written from his perspective and follows some of the key events from Timebound, the first book in this series. Reading it a second time through raised all sorts of questions in my mind about how the series will end, which is the mark of a very good book. I want to know more!

Nick Podehl is absolutely amazing with his narration. The soft Irish accent of Kiernan combined with all the other character voices was just delightful. It wouldn't have sounded half as good with any other narrator.

The time travel in this particular book is still complex but not difficult to follow. The idea of running into one's self and having to reconcile different sets of memories is far clearer; it lends itself well to the idea that the bad guys really are insane.

I can't wait to move on to the next book in the series. The story is so unpredictable that I'm anxious to see what happens next - and that's saying something about a book. On to more Kate and Kiernan!

[Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice insight, but it doesn't seem necessary and it only made me a tiny bit more a fan of Kiernan.

[Duane Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thoroughly impressed with Rysa Walker's first novel Timebound. This novella is a little nugget to fill the gap prior to the second book in the series which I believe is coming in October 2014. This book is from Kiernan's point of view instead of Kate's, and is in a different timeline than the first book, which gives it the feel of a stand alone story. However, you should read Timebound first or you won't understand what's going on. Rysa Walker's talent is again on display here. It has the feel of historical fiction, time travel, romance and mystery all woven seamlessly to a great plot with great characters. I am looking forward to Time's Edge, book 2 in the Chronos File series.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A novella set between book one (Timebound) and book two (Time's Edge) and in my opinion a must read. Walker does something clever here and has both inter-book novellas narrated by one of the supporting characters, filling in what they're doing while the series' main character is away.

The narrator here is Kiernan, which is extra interesting as his motivations in the series are always somewhat at question. This novella is especially vital to the larger story as it sets up a mystery in books two and three I might have missed entirely if I hadn't read it. I would not consider this story optional to anyone interested in reading the full series.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conundrum Of Which Kate Classified Somewhat

This series must be read in order. The first book is Timebound (The Chronos Files Book 1). This is the second book.

This novella somewhat explains the conundrum of Kiernan and Kate and who and what they are to each other when. It was awesome and enlightening and a major must read! Poor Kiernan gets his head just about done in... in so many ways! I don't want to give spoilers so I will just say I loved it and cannot wait to read the next actual full length book Time's Edge (The Chronos Files Book 2)! Seriously don't miss this as it explains so much!

***This series is suitable for mature young adult through adult readers

[Coryann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had a hard time getting into this book. It has been awhile since I've read the first book so I Couldn't completely remember all the players and their connections to one another. It started to come back to me as I read the story. But naturally, as it's a novella it's over before you really even get started. At the tail end, I was getting excited and more into the story so I am looking forward to reading book two.

[Tracy Banghart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved seeing the CHRONOS world from Kiernan's perspective, much more than I expected actually! I really enjoyed how this filled in some gaps from TIMEBOUND and set the stage for the next book in the series, which I can't WAIT to read. And as usual, I love love love Rysa Walker's writing! Beautiful.

[Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

More please!

More please!

A perfect addition to the chronos files, that leaves the reader longing for more. Well written with all the timey-wimey twists we've come to expect from Rysa Walker. highly recommend!

[Elizabeth Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatness!

Greatness!

I was so excited to see this novella! We are anxiously awaiting the next book and this helped :) However, I just want to read the next book even more; October can't come soon enough!

[Andrea Luhman · Rating 2 out of 5]

You will learn nothing new in this book that you will not learn by just reading book 2. I was hoping to get a better understanding of Kate and Kiernan's bond, but there was nothing, it was such a waste. The plot action also leads nowhere new. Skip the novella and just read book 2.