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Tales of Wonder and Woe #1.5
Epics Etched in Echoes
Experience the thrilling sequel to A STORY SPUN IN SCARLET'S heartwrenching conclusion...
AUDRA JASHOWIN is a storyteller without a tale of her own.
Her quiet life shattered by the revelation of a past she doesn’t remember and the false memories she’s long believed, Audra follows the compulsion to reclaim her forgotten years…and the power that shaped them. But when a simple quest to the Isle of Misspoken Stories proves to be far more treacherous, Audra finds herself pitted against a foe that represents her past…all the best and worst parts of it.
Is it worth it to reclaim all the loss and hurt that brought her this far? Or would a quiet life be better in the end?
JAIK GRISSOM is a soldier surviving on desperation and a forgotten dream.
Haunted by memories of love lost and a sacred oath only he remembers, Jaik is determined to help Audra find her memories…by any means necessary. But as their quest for the truth grows more perilous, and a vengeful force pits beasts of nightmare against them, Jaik must confront his own greatest fears.
That Audra might be better off without her memories, after all…and better off without him.
While danger rises and their journey pushes them closer together and pulls them apart again, Audra and Jaik face the most difficult choice they’ve ever known and ever whether to fight for the past, the future, and each other…or learn to live in a world their story has no part of.
AUDRA JASHOWIN is a storyteller without a tale of her own.
Her quiet life shattered by the revelation of a past she doesn’t remember and the false memories she’s long believed, Audra follows the compulsion to reclaim her forgotten years…and the power that shaped them. But when a simple quest to the Isle of Misspoken Stories proves to be far more treacherous, Audra finds herself pitted against a foe that represents her past…all the best and worst parts of it.
Is it worth it to reclaim all the loss and hurt that brought her this far? Or would a quiet life be better in the end?
JAIK GRISSOM is a soldier surviving on desperation and a forgotten dream.
Haunted by memories of love lost and a sacred oath only he remembers, Jaik is determined to help Audra find her memories…by any means necessary. But as their quest for the truth grows more perilous, and a vengeful force pits beasts of nightmare against them, Jaik must confront his own greatest fears.
That Audra might be better off without her memories, after all…and better off without him.
While danger rises and their journey pushes them closer together and pulls them apart again, Audra and Jaik face the most difficult choice they’ve ever known and ever whether to fight for the past, the future, and each other…or learn to live in a world their story has no part of.
332 pages, Paperback
First published May 23, 2025
7 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Renee Dugan
16 books182 followersRenee Dugan is an Indiana-based fantasy author who grew up reading fantasy books, chasing stray cats, and writing stories full of dashing heroes and evil masterminds.
Now with over a decade of professional editing, administrative work, and writing every spare second under her belt, she has authored THE CHAOS CIRCUS, a portal fantasy novel, and THE STARCHASER SAGA, an epic high fantasy series.
Living with her husband, son, and not-so-stray cats in the magical Midwest, she continues to explore new worlds and spends her time in this one encouraging and helping other writers on their journey to fulfilling their dreams.
Now with over a decade of professional editing, administrative work, and writing every spare second under her belt, she has authored THE CHAOS CIRCUS, a portal fantasy novel, and THE STARCHASER SAGA, an epic high fantasy series.
Living with her husband, son, and not-so-stray cats in the magical Midwest, she continues to explore new worlds and spends her time in this one encouraging and helping other writers on their journey to fulfilling their dreams.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 26, 2025
Oh. my. gosh.
I received an ARC copy of this book and I’m literally kissing every single page
I tried to take my time reading this but I gobbled it up like my favorite meal PUUUUURRRR
I can’t tell you how much I loved this
Like I want to scream at the top of my lungs from the highest rooftop how much I love this
Yall think that’ll do the trick??
I’ll test this out and let yall know lol
This picks up two weeks after a story spun in scarlet left off and it does not let up
As far as characters go Audra obviously has the most character development
She has to struggle with the fact that she wasn’t who she THOUGHT or REMEMBERED she was
That everyone has this memory of her except for her
I can only imagine how frustrating that was to have everyone tell you who you are
I mean she had a whole LIFE to remember for the THIRD TIME
Memories! People! Experiences! Hopes! Dreams! Thoughts! Feelings! LOVE! All that GONE
But being able to fall in love with you husband for a THIRD time will always make me cry
That whole concept made me SOB UNCONTROLLABLY
That one of the main reasons I love this series so much
It is SO. WELL. CRAFTED.
Jaik….
My Jaik
the way that man loves every version of Audra literally makes me heart BURN (a good burn obviously)
The way he didn’t want to burn her with the intensity of his love because she doesn’t remember it
But she knows that he meant something to her because why does her heart soar every time this supposed stranger looks at her
He is so brave and so strong and FUNNY and so selfless
That man would do anything for Audra
In any life, any story, any version, Jaik Grissom loves Audra Jashowin
That will never change
What amazes me is that he will ALWAYS find her
A L W A Y S
the different families made in this book whether it’s the Sha’s council of the legent of soldiers in a village or the crew of a pirate ship they each have so much LOVE amongst them
A family made up of mix matched parts
And I wanted to be a part of each one
Everyone in this book loves SO FIERCELY
AND I LOVE. THAT.
And I love the overall message of the book you know the lesson learned
It was so MOVING
I won’t tell you what it is bc you have to read it to find out
SO READ IT
I’m so depressed it’s over….
Like SO depressed
Absolutely five stars
I give this a million star
I revived an ARC copy and all opinions are entirely my own
Who else is writing reviews like this
This is true mya fashion LOL
So thankful I got to read this early!!!
I received an ARC copy of this book and I’m literally kissing every single page
I tried to take my time reading this but I gobbled it up like my favorite meal PUUUUURRRR
I can’t tell you how much I loved this
Like I want to scream at the top of my lungs from the highest rooftop how much I love this
Yall think that’ll do the trick??
I’ll test this out and let yall know lol
This picks up two weeks after a story spun in scarlet left off and it does not let up
As far as characters go Audra obviously has the most character development
She has to struggle with the fact that she wasn’t who she THOUGHT or REMEMBERED she was
That everyone has this memory of her except for her
I can only imagine how frustrating that was to have everyone tell you who you are
I mean she had a whole LIFE to remember for the THIRD TIME
Memories! People! Experiences! Hopes! Dreams! Thoughts! Feelings! LOVE! All that GONE
But being able to fall in love with you husband for a THIRD time will always make me cry
That whole concept made me SOB UNCONTROLLABLY
That one of the main reasons I love this series so much
It is SO. WELL. CRAFTED.
Jaik….
My Jaik
the way that man loves every version of Audra literally makes me heart BURN (a good burn obviously)
The way he didn’t want to burn her with the intensity of his love because she doesn’t remember it
But she knows that he meant something to her because why does her heart soar every time this supposed stranger looks at her
He is so brave and so strong and FUNNY and so selfless
That man would do anything for Audra
In any life, any story, any version, Jaik Grissom loves Audra Jashowin
That will never change
What amazes me is that he will ALWAYS find her
A L W A Y S
the different families made in this book whether it’s the Sha’s council of the legent of soldiers in a village or the crew of a pirate ship they each have so much LOVE amongst them
A family made up of mix matched parts
And I wanted to be a part of each one
Everyone in this book loves SO FIERCELY
AND I LOVE. THAT.
And I love the overall message of the book you know the lesson learned
It was so MOVING
I won’t tell you what it is bc you have to read it to find out
SO READ IT
I’m so depressed it’s over….
Like SO depressed
Absolutely five stars
I give this a million star
I revived an ARC copy and all opinions are entirely my own
Who else is writing reviews like this
This is true mya fashion LOL
So thankful I got to read this early!!!
May 12, 2025
“If you lose yourself, is it truly such a bad thing that the pieces are kept in the pockets of the people who know you best?”
Cue the tears…. But in a good way!!! Oh, how I love this book!! If you read A Story Spun in Scarlet and desperately wished for more Audra and Jaik, this book will fill that hole in your heart!
Epics Etched in Echoes a companion novel to A Story Spun in Scarlet, and must be read in order. It follows the events after the ending in ASSIS, and if you’ve read ASSIS, well, you know how that story ended. I desperately wanted to find out what happened to Audra and Jaik, as I knew their story couldn’t be over. Epics pics right back up, and crafts the story of how they found each other all over again.
I actually think it works best to read Epics after A Tale Told by Traitors, but you absolutely need to read ASSIS first. It’s a beautifully written, emotional, and unique epic fantasy with adventure, romance, and magic. I love this series so much!
Thank you so much @reneeduganwriting for the advanced copy!
Cue the tears…. But in a good way!!! Oh, how I love this book!! If you read A Story Spun in Scarlet and desperately wished for more Audra and Jaik, this book will fill that hole in your heart!
Epics Etched in Echoes a companion novel to A Story Spun in Scarlet, and must be read in order. It follows the events after the ending in ASSIS, and if you’ve read ASSIS, well, you know how that story ended. I desperately wanted to find out what happened to Audra and Jaik, as I knew their story couldn’t be over. Epics pics right back up, and crafts the story of how they found each other all over again.
I actually think it works best to read Epics after A Tale Told by Traitors, but you absolutely need to read ASSIS first. It’s a beautifully written, emotional, and unique epic fantasy with adventure, romance, and magic. I love this series so much!
Thank you so much @reneeduganwriting for the advanced copy!
May 26, 2025
"I've got you Ayjay!" was my emotional undoing on this one! My need to always feel safe, and seen, and the fear of not having that..to be forgotten and on my own...was very much something I felt deeply throughout Audra's journey. (Can we say, one of my biggest fears!)
This was a beautiful, messy dance of learning what our souls need to be happy...truly happy, and what those choices mean for our own stories and the stories of those we are forever connected with. All of these characters are amazing and a true testament to loving someone unconditionally, even when things may never be the same as it was. Thank you for sharing the world of Ayjay and Jaik with us Renee Dugan!
This was a beautiful, messy dance of learning what our souls need to be happy...truly happy, and what those choices mean for our own stories and the stories of those we are forever connected with. All of these characters are amazing and a true testament to loving someone unconditionally, even when things may never be the same as it was. Thank you for sharing the world of Ayjay and Jaik with us Renee Dugan!
March 28, 2025
Loved A story Spun in Scarlett and A Tale Told by Traitors and this one brought it and the characters together and I loved it so much! Epics was about Audra and Jaik, but seeing them with Lio and Ryker and the rest of the crew was one of my favorite parts. The found family elements with multiple different groups in this story was also so well done and I was here for it.
We saw so much growth in both Audra and Jaik in this story, saw them come together (again) and learn to be okay with what happened and be okay even if what they wanted wasn’t going to happen. Renee is such an amazing storyteller, the way she creates worlds and characters is so real and immersive. The growth is real and EARNED. The characters have to fight for everything they get, which makes the reward that much more satisfying. This book had me on the edge of my seat, needing more.
Seeing Audra and Jaik fall in love for the THIRD time was magical and so so sweet. The way Jaik was patient with Audra while she struggled with the truth of her history and missing memories, never wanting to push her into anything too quickly and at all until she was ready, was so sweet! We see them both learn to navigate their new normal, and become closer than ever. Renee takes her time with her characters, makes them walk the journey, feel all the emotions, and WORK THROUGH IT. Nothing’s ever forced or rushed. I loved this story, I loved these characters, I loved this world. If you loved Tales and Wonder and Woe don’t miss this continuation of the story! Oh and also go read Renee’s other books because she’s an amazing author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We saw so much growth in both Audra and Jaik in this story, saw them come together (again) and learn to be okay with what happened and be okay even if what they wanted wasn’t going to happen. Renee is such an amazing storyteller, the way she creates worlds and characters is so real and immersive. The growth is real and EARNED. The characters have to fight for everything they get, which makes the reward that much more satisfying. This book had me on the edge of my seat, needing more.
Seeing Audra and Jaik fall in love for the THIRD time was magical and so so sweet. The way Jaik was patient with Audra while she struggled with the truth of her history and missing memories, never wanting to push her into anything too quickly and at all until she was ready, was so sweet! We see them both learn to navigate their new normal, and become closer than ever. Renee takes her time with her characters, makes them walk the journey, feel all the emotions, and WORK THROUGH IT. Nothing’s ever forced or rushed. I loved this story, I loved these characters, I loved this world. If you loved Tales and Wonder and Woe don’t miss this continuation of the story! Oh and also go read Renee’s other books because she’s an amazing author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 4, 2025
“The moment I heard that voice, I knew-- and was known.”
I highlighted so much of this book because I loved all of it. Renee writes like the greats, like Tolkien and CS Lewis. It’s lyrical and melodic. The story is rich, the magic unique, and this book moves fast. While the original (A Story Spun in Scarlet) has a slower start, EEE doesn’t stop moving from the get go. I greatly appreciate seeing our favorite man, Jaik’s POV and seeing his golden retriever self protecting and loving Audra. Most of all, the lines which pull on our heart strings because of their familiarity. “Let me tell you a story...” “Tell me five things you see.”
I highlighted so much of this book because I loved all of it. Renee writes like the greats, like Tolkien and CS Lewis. It’s lyrical and melodic. The story is rich, the magic unique, and this book moves fast. While the original (A Story Spun in Scarlet) has a slower start, EEE doesn’t stop moving from the get go. I greatly appreciate seeing our favorite man, Jaik’s POV and seeing his golden retriever self protecting and loving Audra. Most of all, the lines which pull on our heart strings because of their familiarity. “Let me tell you a story...” “Tell me five things you see.”
March 30, 2025
Renee Dugan, I cannot thank you enough for these characters. Every single one of them felt like coming back to a well loved story, and I’m already so sad that it’s over.
After Addie lost her memory of her entire life in A Story Spun in Scarlet, I was left ruined, because how would Jaik continue on without her remembering him?
The growth we saw in Addie and Jaik both, as well as their friends and family, made me cry several times because the amount of care it takes to endure such a challenge is incredible. The way Jaik and friends never gave up on encouraging and loving Addie truly was such a beautiful thing to watch unfold.
We found out in the very most beautiful, heartfelt, and loving way possible that true love will always find its way, whether the memory of it remains or not.
After Addie lost her memory of her entire life in A Story Spun in Scarlet, I was left ruined, because how would Jaik continue on without her remembering him?
The growth we saw in Addie and Jaik both, as well as their friends and family, made me cry several times because the amount of care it takes to endure such a challenge is incredible. The way Jaik and friends never gave up on encouraging and loving Addie truly was such a beautiful thing to watch unfold.
We found out in the very most beautiful, heartfelt, and loving way possible that true love will always find its way, whether the memory of it remains or not.
April 4, 2025
Amazing 3rd chance romance! So unique and yet we feel like we're returning home with our beloved Audra and Jaik who will always find each other no matter what. Beautiful prose, exciting plot, I expected nothing less from this auto-buy author. 😍
September 1, 2025
It pains me to say 3.5 stars.
I...have thoughts.
Full review to come!
I...have thoughts.
Full review to come!
January 5, 2026
Absolutely loved reading this story! It has everything I love in a fantasy romance (adventure, angst, characters arcs, emotional moments, high stakes, meaningful message, etc.)
May 3, 2025
Following is my very chaotic reading experience…because that’s exactly what this was. An experience.♥️
I am two chapters—ONLY TWO FAM— into the book and I have already screamed three times and bit my fist out of pure screaming joy over their relationship. I CANNOT WITH JAIK. THE TENSION AND HIS HEART AND I AM PASSED AWAY.🔥🔥
I don’t know if I am going to be able to handle this book. I am already surging with emotions. 🥹🔥♥️ And I ain’t even on chapter 4. Heck yeah, this is the kind of book I’ve been waiting for all year.
Wait…. We get JAIK POV chapters?!?!?! Can I just highlight all his chapters in swoon.
Every other sentance it seems I’m screaming SWOON! And the sobbing for Jaik’s poor, poor, sweet scarred heart. Help. This book is gripping me.♥️♥️
Ok I know one thing: I am positively not getting enough of Jaik and Adura—ITS Freaking TINY TOUCHES AND THEN A FREAKING MONSTER BURSTS IN AND THEY CAN’T BE ROMANTIC CAUSE THEY TRYING TO SURVIVE *keeps reading cause by golly the plot plots in this book*
I really appreciate when Jaik and Audra finally sit down and talk….guys…chapter 39…that’s all I’m saying. But it’s THE BEST *swoooon* I’m telling u every time I get a Jaik POV I just fallll innnn loooveee moreee (idk how that’s possible at this point he’s such a dear but it keeps happening)
What I love and hate (In a good way don’t worry) about this book is how one second it’s happy and then BOOM!! misspoken manifestations who are things of nightmares blood and screams. Trying to eat them and stuff. Eeeekkkkkkk.
Um…..so their first kiss. Yeah no it was mid—LIES. ALL OF THEM. LIEEESSSSS. 🤺🤺🤺 It was—it was ✨ EVERYTHING✨♥️🔥🤩🔥♥️🔥🤩 I actually was screaming into my pillow pounding my fist into the bed at 11:30 at night as I kick my feet like a little child. AhhhhhhAHHHHHHHHHHHH (I need smth beyond all caps to express my love for that bit. Maybe typing random letters will help express my feelings since I don’t have words: utsguyeqgfiygdwcihbscrby) what is this third chance romance??🤩Ahhhh. It’s….its….GUYS THE CHEMISTRY. YESS. YEAAAAAASSSSSSS. *roars in love*
I’ve mostly been ranting about the chemistry (so good) but the plot is here. I went in expecting to finally get a happy ending for them, thinking it was gonna be mostly them falling in love AGAIN. but no. Not ONLY that but now we’re on a scavenger hunt led by the STORYMAKER Himself, AND they’re being hunted. GREAT. JUST GREAT. Amazing plot but it’s keeping me on my toes, I’ll say that. And they’re always dodging the danger but never eliminating it…I’m biting my nails cause I don’t know if this is going to end well…
Ahhhhhhhh! Of course I won’t spoil but it DOES end well. *happy sigh that gets more agressive* but yall. YALL. ✨THE EMOTIONS.✨ I. WENT. THROUGH. you have no idea (unless you read the book I mean…GO DO IT WHY ARE YOU DEPRIVING YOURSELF OF HAPPINESS) I think I experienced every emotion like 40 times in every chapter and now I am just SO happy that they get their happy ending. FINALLY✋😍 *glares at Renee bc she hurt my darlings before they could be happy* there was also the verbal humor that a few times I was jsut wheezing. As I said, all the emotions.😂
Perfect conclusion to my perfect couple….and their world and friends (several cameos and interesting teases of other stories…Renee I’m looking at you, watching with Hawkeyes to see if you write any more about them.) Worth the read. I loved this so much. ♥️ also every kiss was 🔥🔥🔥 just saying (for the 100th time)
to be cohesive: the plot delivered, just like the first book, was highly developed and the ROMANCE?? Yes. Just yes. I’m here for the third-chance romances guys!! I was sooo ready for them to get a happy ending and boyyyy what a ride it was. 🔥 loved how Renee incorporated how they fell in love for ✨the third time✨ into this beautiful story. It’s a wrenching heart and soul story, touched with threads of life from the Storymakers own hands.
Plus like Jaik and Audra are like goals. So.
I am two chapters—ONLY TWO FAM— into the book and I have already screamed three times and bit my fist out of pure screaming joy over their relationship. I CANNOT WITH JAIK. THE TENSION AND HIS HEART AND I AM PASSED AWAY.🔥🔥
I don’t know if I am going to be able to handle this book. I am already surging with emotions. 🥹🔥♥️ And I ain’t even on chapter 4. Heck yeah, this is the kind of book I’ve been waiting for all year.
Wait…. We get JAIK POV chapters?!?!?! Can I just highlight all his chapters in swoon.
Every other sentance it seems I’m screaming SWOON! And the sobbing for Jaik’s poor, poor, sweet scarred heart. Help. This book is gripping me.♥️♥️
Ok I know one thing: I am positively not getting enough of Jaik and Adura—ITS Freaking TINY TOUCHES AND THEN A FREAKING MONSTER BURSTS IN AND THEY CAN’T BE ROMANTIC CAUSE THEY TRYING TO SURVIVE *keeps reading cause by golly the plot plots in this book*
I really appreciate when Jaik and Audra finally sit down and talk….guys…chapter 39…that’s all I’m saying. But it’s THE BEST *swoooon* I’m telling u every time I get a Jaik POV I just fallll innnn loooveee moreee (idk how that’s possible at this point he’s such a dear but it keeps happening)
What I love and hate (In a good way don’t worry) about this book is how one second it’s happy and then BOOM!! misspoken manifestations who are things of nightmares blood and screams. Trying to eat them and stuff. Eeeekkkkkkk.
Um…..so their first kiss. Yeah no it was mid—LIES. ALL OF THEM. LIEEESSSSS. 🤺🤺🤺 It was—it was ✨ EVERYTHING✨♥️🔥🤩🔥♥️🔥🤩 I actually was screaming into my pillow pounding my fist into the bed at 11:30 at night as I kick my feet like a little child. AhhhhhhAHHHHHHHHHHHH (I need smth beyond all caps to express my love for that bit. Maybe typing random letters will help express my feelings since I don’t have words: utsguyeqgfiygdwcihbscrby) what is this third chance romance??🤩Ahhhh. It’s….its….GUYS THE CHEMISTRY. YESS. YEAAAAAASSSSSSS. *roars in love*
I’ve mostly been ranting about the chemistry (so good) but the plot is here. I went in expecting to finally get a happy ending for them, thinking it was gonna be mostly them falling in love AGAIN. but no. Not ONLY that but now we’re on a scavenger hunt led by the STORYMAKER Himself, AND they’re being hunted. GREAT. JUST GREAT. Amazing plot but it’s keeping me on my toes, I’ll say that. And they’re always dodging the danger but never eliminating it…I’m biting my nails cause I don’t know if this is going to end well…
Ahhhhhhhh! Of course I won’t spoil but it DOES end well. *happy sigh that gets more agressive* but yall. YALL. ✨THE EMOTIONS.✨ I. WENT. THROUGH. you have no idea (unless you read the book I mean…GO DO IT WHY ARE YOU DEPRIVING YOURSELF OF HAPPINESS) I think I experienced every emotion like 40 times in every chapter and now I am just SO happy that they get their happy ending. FINALLY✋😍 *glares at Renee bc she hurt my darlings before they could be happy* there was also the verbal humor that a few times I was jsut wheezing. As I said, all the emotions.😂
Perfect conclusion to my perfect couple….and their world and friends (several cameos and interesting teases of other stories…Renee I’m looking at you, watching with Hawkeyes to see if you write any more about them.) Worth the read. I loved this so much. ♥️ also every kiss was 🔥🔥🔥 just saying (for the 100th time)
to be cohesive: the plot delivered, just like the first book, was highly developed and the ROMANCE?? Yes. Just yes. I’m here for the third-chance romances guys!! I was sooo ready for them to get a happy ending and boyyyy what a ride it was. 🔥 loved how Renee incorporated how they fell in love for ✨the third time✨ into this beautiful story. It’s a wrenching heart and soul story, touched with threads of life from the Storymakers own hands.
Plus like Jaik and Audra are like goals. So.
May 5, 2025
"After all you have learned, and endured, and what you know now... which life will you choose?"
Epics Etched in Echoes is the continuation of Audra Jashowin's story. When we last saw her at the end of A Story Spun in Scarlet, she has sacrificed everything that makes her who she is -- her Storycraft, her memories, and all of the people she loves -- to avoid having to write Jaik Grissom out of the world again. Although she doesn't remember him when he resurfaces into the new life she's established in Krylan for herself, she is presented with the opportunity to join him in the quest of regaining her memories and some parts of the life she gave up for love. Despite her uncertainty and fear of what lays ahead, she travels with him through Mithra-Sha in search of The Storymaker.
Oh, the way reading this book and being back in this world felt like coming home. I received this book as an ARC after having read ATTBT as one and was so excited to dive back in! Along their journey, Jaik and Audra team up with some familiar faces from both of the previous books in the Tales of Wonder and Woe universe, including Lio, Ryker, and the crew of The Cathan, and we're introduced to some new ones as well who have played their own parts in Jaik and Audra's past. I loved getting to meet Ovaila, Audra's former headmaster at Fablehaven, and learning more about the plans the pair had made for their escape from their duties before the events of ASSIS. While fleshing out their pasts and simultaneously building towards their new future together, this book is rife with beautiful prose, heart-wrenching angst, twisting adventures, and a love so fierce between the two MCs that I just had to keep reading to ensure they received the ending they deserved.
If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and dive into this world for your next read. You won't be disappointed!
Epics Etched in Echoes is the continuation of Audra Jashowin's story. When we last saw her at the end of A Story Spun in Scarlet, she has sacrificed everything that makes her who she is -- her Storycraft, her memories, and all of the people she loves -- to avoid having to write Jaik Grissom out of the world again. Although she doesn't remember him when he resurfaces into the new life she's established in Krylan for herself, she is presented with the opportunity to join him in the quest of regaining her memories and some parts of the life she gave up for love. Despite her uncertainty and fear of what lays ahead, she travels with him through Mithra-Sha in search of The Storymaker.
Oh, the way reading this book and being back in this world felt like coming home. I received this book as an ARC after having read ATTBT as one and was so excited to dive back in! Along their journey, Jaik and Audra team up with some familiar faces from both of the previous books in the Tales of Wonder and Woe universe, including Lio, Ryker, and the crew of The Cathan, and we're introduced to some new ones as well who have played their own parts in Jaik and Audra's past. I loved getting to meet Ovaila, Audra's former headmaster at Fablehaven, and learning more about the plans the pair had made for their escape from their duties before the events of ASSIS. While fleshing out their pasts and simultaneously building towards their new future together, this book is rife with beautiful prose, heart-wrenching angst, twisting adventures, and a love so fierce between the two MCs that I just had to keep reading to ensure they received the ending they deserved.
If you haven't already, do yourself a favor and dive into this world for your next read. You won't be disappointed!
May 16, 2025
"The stories we tell ourselves, that we tell each other, that we write by our very living, and the story that made us all, can echo beyond the ages...and redefine them."
If A Story Spun in Scarlet ripped my heart into pieces, Epics Etched in Echoes set those little scraps on fire...and then wove them back together.
I'm getting used to expecting Renee Dugan to deliver these heavy hitting, unforgettable tales, but this one still hit me with stunning force over and over. The complexities of the world of Mithra-Sha and beyond are always spun deftly, struggle and joy and hope and pain woven together seamlessly into a book that feels like half fairytale, half epic journey.
Audra's struggle with her fragmented sense of self, her reluctance to open the past and revisit its pain, and her conflict over what future she truly wanted, were deeply, touchingly portrayed. It's rare that I find a story that delves so deeply into the challenges of being a creative in a world that sees value in the tangible. While ASSIS tackled that struggle when the demand for productivity and usefulness comes from outside, Echoes turned that questioning inward, when we become our own enemies and wonder if pursuing a creative endeavor is frivolous at best.
The budding (third!) chance romance between Audra and Jaik was a delightful, slow but deep build. I loved getting to see Jaik's perspective in Echoes, and his fears of experiencing yet another loss or of failing Audra when she needed his help. I adore the idea of couples who would find each other again in any world, and Jaik and Audra absolutely embody that to the full.
This book was a perfect, heartwrenching conclusion to A Story Spun in Scarlet, as well as a deeply impactful exploration of what it means to pursue a passion, to embrace your gifts, and most of all, how much it matters to be whole.
If A Story Spun in Scarlet ripped my heart into pieces, Epics Etched in Echoes set those little scraps on fire...and then wove them back together.
I'm getting used to expecting Renee Dugan to deliver these heavy hitting, unforgettable tales, but this one still hit me with stunning force over and over. The complexities of the world of Mithra-Sha and beyond are always spun deftly, struggle and joy and hope and pain woven together seamlessly into a book that feels like half fairytale, half epic journey.
Audra's struggle with her fragmented sense of self, her reluctance to open the past and revisit its pain, and her conflict over what future she truly wanted, were deeply, touchingly portrayed. It's rare that I find a story that delves so deeply into the challenges of being a creative in a world that sees value in the tangible. While ASSIS tackled that struggle when the demand for productivity and usefulness comes from outside, Echoes turned that questioning inward, when we become our own enemies and wonder if pursuing a creative endeavor is frivolous at best.
The budding (third!) chance romance between Audra and Jaik was a delightful, slow but deep build. I loved getting to see Jaik's perspective in Echoes, and his fears of experiencing yet another loss or of failing Audra when she needed his help. I adore the idea of couples who would find each other again in any world, and Jaik and Audra absolutely embody that to the full.
This book was a perfect, heartwrenching conclusion to A Story Spun in Scarlet, as well as a deeply impactful exploration of what it means to pursue a passion, to embrace your gifts, and most of all, how much it matters to be whole.
May 22, 2025
This continues from the first book, but also from the second book, so to me this seems to be the third book in the series since I think one should read both the first and second book before this one.
This follows Audra who has once again lost her memories, and Jaik is trying to help her get them back after the events in the first book. It did end in a way that to me was an open bittersweet ending and allowed my imagination to decide what might have happened, which I love. But I guess we continued the story 😆
This is a shorter book, and I enjoyed it. The banter, the adventure, loved it again.
However, I just feel like this could have been a novella. It seemed dragged out and was almost a repeat of the first book with the similar situation of one of them losing their memories and gaining them back. It is a different story, for the most part, but the slight repetition in this book compared to the first one just made me feel like I wasted my time reading this? That sounds so awful, but I just didn’t see the point of going through it all again. I know poor Jaik does, which maybe that’s the point, but I don’t think it needed to be as long as it is to tell this story…again. It was really Audra, though, who dragged the story out with her indecisiveness.
And don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it. I love Jaik so much and he needed that happy ending with his girl. The writing is very well done and really captures the attention and makes you want to read and hope everyone will be okay, or at least Jaik and Audra.
This series is unique and I love it and definitely recommend.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This follows Audra who has once again lost her memories, and Jaik is trying to help her get them back after the events in the first book. It did end in a way that to me was an open bittersweet ending and allowed my imagination to decide what might have happened, which I love. But I guess we continued the story 😆
This is a shorter book, and I enjoyed it. The banter, the adventure, loved it again.
However, I just feel like this could have been a novella. It seemed dragged out and was almost a repeat of the first book with the similar situation of one of them losing their memories and gaining them back. It is a different story, for the most part, but the slight repetition in this book compared to the first one just made me feel like I wasted my time reading this? That sounds so awful, but I just didn’t see the point of going through it all again. I know poor Jaik does, which maybe that’s the point, but I don’t think it needed to be as long as it is to tell this story…again. It was really Audra, though, who dragged the story out with her indecisiveness.
And don’t get me wrong, I still enjoyed it. I love Jaik so much and he needed that happy ending with his girl. The writing is very well done and really captures the attention and makes you want to read and hope everyone will be okay, or at least Jaik and Audra.
This series is unique and I love it and definitely recommend.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
🌶️: 3 on RCRS (door firmly closed on the spice)
This is my third time reading Renee Dugan, and the second time as an ARC reader. I have really enjoyed exploring the Tales of Wonder and Woe world alongside Audra, Jaik, Lio and Kassian; Dugan is a master at weaving a story full of bravery, heartache, romance, swoon worthy MMCs and epic adventures. So I was delighted to sink back into that experience once more.
This story is very clear in its description as a companion novel to Stories Spun in Scarlet, and it is definitely a love letter to everyone who wanted to see Audra and Jaik get their happy ending. Don’t read this book if you haven’t read that one yet; there is very little in the way of world building (as it’s written under the assumption you’ve visited before), and it picks up a few weeks after the events it the epilogue of Stories. To those who have read Stories - this is like pulling on a familiar cozy jersey. Audra is both wonderfully familiar and completely different, and Jaik is the gold standard for green flag MMCs being the best of them all. The locations are intentionally nostalgic as Addie searches for her memories, and it was so bittersweet watching the two of them fall in love again - again.
Few books make me cry, but Dugan has the ability to pull sobs out of me at the love, camaraderie and sacrifice the band of found family display for each other. Now I’m just waiting for Naomi to get her HEA; who’s with me!?
Thank you to Renee Dugan for the opportunity once again to read one of her Tales of Wonder and Woe stories prior to its release.
This is my third time reading Renee Dugan, and the second time as an ARC reader. I have really enjoyed exploring the Tales of Wonder and Woe world alongside Audra, Jaik, Lio and Kassian; Dugan is a master at weaving a story full of bravery, heartache, romance, swoon worthy MMCs and epic adventures. So I was delighted to sink back into that experience once more.
This story is very clear in its description as a companion novel to Stories Spun in Scarlet, and it is definitely a love letter to everyone who wanted to see Audra and Jaik get their happy ending. Don’t read this book if you haven’t read that one yet; there is very little in the way of world building (as it’s written under the assumption you’ve visited before), and it picks up a few weeks after the events it the epilogue of Stories. To those who have read Stories - this is like pulling on a familiar cozy jersey. Audra is both wonderfully familiar and completely different, and Jaik is the gold standard for green flag MMCs being the best of them all. The locations are intentionally nostalgic as Addie searches for her memories, and it was so bittersweet watching the two of them fall in love again - again.
Few books make me cry, but Dugan has the ability to pull sobs out of me at the love, camaraderie and sacrifice the band of found family display for each other. Now I’m just waiting for Naomi to get her HEA; who’s with me!?
Thank you to Renee Dugan for the opportunity once again to read one of her Tales of Wonder and Woe stories prior to its release.
May 14, 2025
Thank you Renee Dugan for an advanced copy of this book!
In this novel we pick up where we left off at the end of A Story Spun in Scarlet, following Audra and Jaik on another journey to rediscover her memories lost.
As usual the tale is beautifully written, and we are reintroduced to well loved characters from other books in the series.
However I did struggle to stay completely invested in the journey due to the repetitive nature of the tale. A letter would arrive, the couple would make their way to a new destination, meet old friends, and the cycle would repeat.
I would have liked more threat and action to be woven into each arc, but I understand that ultimately the main point of this book was to tie up the loose ends of the previous one. We needed to know how Audra and Jaik would resolve their undefined relationship, and to see which life Audra would choose to stay in. So this story did achieve this, and as I said, it was beautifully written.
Highly recommended to any Audra and Jaik lovers.
In this novel we pick up where we left off at the end of A Story Spun in Scarlet, following Audra and Jaik on another journey to rediscover her memories lost.
As usual the tale is beautifully written, and we are reintroduced to well loved characters from other books in the series.
However I did struggle to stay completely invested in the journey due to the repetitive nature of the tale. A letter would arrive, the couple would make their way to a new destination, meet old friends, and the cycle would repeat.
I would have liked more threat and action to be woven into each arc, but I understand that ultimately the main point of this book was to tie up the loose ends of the previous one. We needed to know how Audra and Jaik would resolve their undefined relationship, and to see which life Audra would choose to stay in. So this story did achieve this, and as I said, it was beautifully written.
Highly recommended to any Audra and Jaik lovers.
December 8, 2025
the best part of this book was the cute nostalgia of seeing parts of audra and lio’s stories intertwine after reading books one and two! when i first started it, i was kind of like wow this is a BIT repetitive with the whole audra forgetting everything thing, and i kind of never got rid of that feeling, but it was an adorable story, like fine twist my arm, i guess i’ll watch audra and jaik fall in love for the third time! by far the best parts were with lio, you must read this book after a tale told by traitors. i am kind of confused why it is listed as number 1.5 and not 2.5 because it obviously takes place after lio’s journey and would be full of spoilers if you read it before. i might be slightly biased because i actually liked ATTBYT more than ASSIS… but still a good read!! the homecoming at the end was so cute and special. 10/10 worth the whole read to get to that part. can’t wait to read a poem penned in poison and journey with naomi!
May 19, 2025
I loved absolutely everything about this book! Epics Etched in Echoes is yet another breathtaking masterpiece from Renee Dugan. Her writing is lyrical and rich, each sentence flowing with intention and emotional weight. The way she crafts her world and characters is something truly special - it’s incredible the way the story comes to life as you’re reading through the pages.
This continuation of Audra and Jaik’s journey is filled with tenderness, turmoil, and an aching kind of love that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Their story is beautifully crafted and so full of heart - messy, real, and deeply moving.
Renee Dugan continues to prove just how powerful storytelling can be. If you’re drawn to fantasy that’s as emotional as it is beautiful, with characters who feel achingly human, this series deserves a spot at the top of your list!
This continuation of Audra and Jaik’s journey is filled with tenderness, turmoil, and an aching kind of love that stays with you long after you turn the last page. Their story is beautifully crafted and so full of heart - messy, real, and deeply moving.
Renee Dugan continues to prove just how powerful storytelling can be. If you’re drawn to fantasy that’s as emotional as it is beautiful, with characters who feel achingly human, this series deserves a spot at the top of your list!
June 7, 2025
I absolutely loved Epics Etched in Echoes! Just like the first two books in the Tales of Wonder and Woe series, this one completely pulled me in. Audra’s story was emotional and gripping, and the dynamic between her and Jaik had me fully invested. Renee Dugan’s writing is so vivid and immersive—I could picture every part of Mithra-Sha. This book hit all the right notes, and I’m so excited to see where the series goes next!
June 7, 2025
Read Story spun in scarlet based off the cover design 😆 Ended up LOVING it and this one did NOT disappoint either!!! It tore my heart out and I had to pause at various times (to gather my wits about me) but man alive it was good!
January 8, 2026
Another beautiful piece.
May 9, 2025
After the bitter-sweet ending of A Story Spun in Scarlet, I was so happy to get a true HEA for Jaik and Audra! I really enjoyed their journey as they got a third chance at love and I loved seeing familiar faces.
I do wish I had reread ASSIS before reading this because my memory was a bit hazy. But hey, I guess that made me feel like Audra. 😉
Content: closed door
**Please note that this is a companion novel to ASSIS, so you definitely need to read that one first. I also suggest reading A Tale Told By Traitors (book 2) before this one as well because you will see characters from that book too.
I do wish I had reread ASSIS before reading this because my memory was a bit hazy. But hey, I guess that made me feel like Audra. 😉
Content: closed door
**Please note that this is a companion novel to ASSIS, so you definitely need to read that one first. I also suggest reading A Tale Told By Traitors (book 2) before this one as well because you will see characters from that book too.
May 31, 2025
📖 Let me tell you a story...
A storyteller with no past and a soldier fighting to keep his past alive. Audra and Jaik must join forces to battle external and internal forces if either of them are going to survive...
I love this series. This is second chance everything: love, friendship, family, self, life. Once again, I loved the journey Audra and Jaik went on and all the action-packed scenes, but how they were sandwiched between such tender and emotional moments.
This is not a standalone, it's actually a sequel to book 1 and Goodreads might categorize it as 1.5, but I'd read book 2 first because there are some spoilers from that cast of characters since it takes place after that book.
Thank you to the author for letting me read this beautiful work of art.
A storyteller with no past and a soldier fighting to keep his past alive. Audra and Jaik must join forces to battle external and internal forces if either of them are going to survive...
I love this series. This is second chance everything: love, friendship, family, self, life. Once again, I loved the journey Audra and Jaik went on and all the action-packed scenes, but how they were sandwiched between such tender and emotional moments.
This is not a standalone, it's actually a sequel to book 1 and Goodreads might categorize it as 1.5, but I'd read book 2 first because there are some spoilers from that cast of characters since it takes place after that book.
Thank you to the author for letting me read this beautiful work of art.
September 23, 2025
I have one word to describe this book-
SWOOOOOONNNNNNNN!!!!
SWOOOOOONNNNNNNN!!!!
May 1, 2025
Thank you to author Renee Dugan for this eARC
I have loved both previous books in the Tales of Wonder and Woe Series and this novella (is it really a novella at over 300 pages?) is no exception.
The world Dugan has created is so amazing and detailed.
It was great to see Audra again and accompany her and Jaik in their adventure to recover Addies lost memories yet AGAIN and find their way back to each other.
It was such a joy to revisit places and characters from the previous books and see where they ended up, get to know side characters better and meet completely new friends.
Addie once again has an amazing character arc with so much development and change and it is all done in such a beautiful way as I’ve come to expect from Dugans books.
I have loved both previous books in the Tales of Wonder and Woe Series and this novella (is it really a novella at over 300 pages?) is no exception.
The world Dugan has created is so amazing and detailed.
It was great to see Audra again and accompany her and Jaik in their adventure to recover Addies lost memories yet AGAIN and find their way back to each other.
It was such a joy to revisit places and characters from the previous books and see where they ended up, get to know side characters better and meet completely new friends.
Addie once again has an amazing character arc with so much development and change and it is all done in such a beautiful way as I’ve come to expect from Dugans books.
May 24, 2025
“Let me tell you a story”…words that are synonymous with Audra Jashowin, a beloved character in the companion novel, A Story Spun in Scarlett. Words that are also synonymous with author Renee Dugan. Epics Etched in Echoes is no exception, and in Echoes, tell us a story Dugan does. Where do I even begin with Echoes? This companion novel to A Story Spun in Scarlett was everything I had hoped and waited for and SO much more. For readers who love romantasy, Echoes and its companion novel, ASSIS will not disappoint (Be sure to read ASSIS first!)! I received a copy of Epics Etched in Echoes as an ARC read for an honest review. This book was an epic adventure filled with suspense, plot twists, swoony romance, regret, redemption, and beloved characters. Five stars are not nearly enough for this book.
Once again, Dugan, who is without a doubt a Master Storycrafter, has crafted a masterful tale full of adventure, regret, love, and forgiveness. “I believe in forgiveness. I believe in repentance. I believe in homecomings after the worst times.” Repentance. Forgiveness. These themes are prevalent among Dugan’s works and evident in her characters, but these themes will wreck the reader in Echoes.
Dugan’s character development is like NO other. Once you have read any of her works, the multifaceted characters become beloved friends and stay with you long after reading her books. Echoes continues the epic love story of Jaik and Audra as they find themselves and search for their love again. Readers of ASSIS can attest that there will NEVER be enough of Audra and Jaik in ANY version of their story. Their love enables them to ALWAYS find one another against inconceivable odds. Jaik and Audra continue to learn, love, mature, and grow throughout this novel. Familiar friends from ASSIS and A Tale Told by Traitors are entwined in this tale along with new friends and family. Dugan’s beautiful, lyrical writing in this tale will leave the reader undone. I am truly at a loss for words for Echoes, Jaik, and Audra. Oh, Audra. She has so much to share with the world. Let her tell you her story.
I highly recommend Epics Etched in Echoes, it is without a doubt a story that you need to be told.
Once again, Dugan, who is without a doubt a Master Storycrafter, has crafted a masterful tale full of adventure, regret, love, and forgiveness. “I believe in forgiveness. I believe in repentance. I believe in homecomings after the worst times.” Repentance. Forgiveness. These themes are prevalent among Dugan’s works and evident in her characters, but these themes will wreck the reader in Echoes.
Dugan’s character development is like NO other. Once you have read any of her works, the multifaceted characters become beloved friends and stay with you long after reading her books. Echoes continues the epic love story of Jaik and Audra as they find themselves and search for their love again. Readers of ASSIS can attest that there will NEVER be enough of Audra and Jaik in ANY version of their story. Their love enables them to ALWAYS find one another against inconceivable odds. Jaik and Audra continue to learn, love, mature, and grow throughout this novel. Familiar friends from ASSIS and A Tale Told by Traitors are entwined in this tale along with new friends and family. Dugan’s beautiful, lyrical writing in this tale will leave the reader undone. I am truly at a loss for words for Echoes, Jaik, and Audra. Oh, Audra. She has so much to share with the world. Let her tell you her story.
I highly recommend Epics Etched in Echoes, it is without a doubt a story that you need to be told.
October 15, 2025
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. The following review represents my honest opinions.
There are a few microtropes I love and this has one of my favorites: "I will find and love you in every lifetime, no matter who we are". AHHHH. Audra has lost her memory of who she was and who Jaik was to her but Jaik is still as in love with her as he was in the last book. I absolutely love a man who yearns! Renee Dugan remains amazing at what she does, crafting beautiful narratives filled with romance, character development, and heartbreak.
There are a few microtropes I love and this has one of my favorites: "I will find and love you in every lifetime, no matter who we are". AHHHH. Audra has lost her memory of who she was and who Jaik was to her but Jaik is still as in love with her as he was in the last book. I absolutely love a man who yearns! Renee Dugan remains amazing at what she does, crafting beautiful narratives filled with romance, character development, and heartbreak.
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