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The First Echo
He’s lost her across a hundred timelines. This time, he’ll burn the world to find her.
The sky is broken. The cities lie in ruins. Time is unraveling—and something darker waits in its shadow. In a world poisoned by its own past, Robert walks through collapsing timelines and haunted forests, searching for Camille—the woman torn from him by a war he can’t remember starting. At his side a boy who sees the future, survivors clinging to hope, and beings called Echoes, bound to memory and grief.
But time has a master. Eli, a ruthless time-walker, has seen how the future ends—his defeat, always inevitable. Desperate to change it, he hunts Robert and the boy across time, leaving entire worlds in ash. As past and future collapse into war, Robert must survive more than Eli. He must survive time itself—and the truth waiting on the other side.
A dark, emotionally driven story of survival, memory, and war across broken timelines. For readers who love the haunted tone of Kindred, the ambition of The Bone Clocks, and the tragic beauty of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
The sky is broken. The cities lie in ruins. Time is unraveling—and something darker waits in its shadow. In a world poisoned by its own past, Robert walks through collapsing timelines and haunted forests, searching for Camille—the woman torn from him by a war he can’t remember starting. At his side a boy who sees the future, survivors clinging to hope, and beings called Echoes, bound to memory and grief.
But time has a master. Eli, a ruthless time-walker, has seen how the future ends—his defeat, always inevitable. Desperate to change it, he hunts Robert and the boy across time, leaving entire worlds in ash. As past and future collapse into war, Robert must survive more than Eli. He must survive time itself—and the truth waiting on the other side.
A dark, emotionally driven story of survival, memory, and war across broken timelines. For readers who love the haunted tone of Kindred, the ambition of The Bone Clocks, and the tragic beauty of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 8, 2025
It's been quite a while since I've read this kind of genre, but wow, what a book to come back with!
I loved this! It had everything you could want, world and timeline shifts, good vs. evil, plenty of battles, and even a spot of romance! At times, I honestly forgot that this is a debut because the writing is brilliant. I was soon gripped, and the changing of timelines, which at the start I thought might confuse me, really didn't. The writer manages to keep the reader on track
The main characters on the good side were really likeable, I loved the romance between Robert and Camille, and the bond between Robert and Kao. The descriptions of those they came up against felt like they could be real and not overly exaggerated.
There are battles written throughout the book, and the main one at the end was my favourite. It was exciting and suspenseful, I felt I could see it play out in my mind. It had layers of evil characters waiting in the wings, and just when you thought it was over, more would appear.
The ending was perfect, finishing on a cliffhanger that will leave the reader wanting to know more and desperate for part 2.
I loved this! It had everything you could want, world and timeline shifts, good vs. evil, plenty of battles, and even a spot of romance! At times, I honestly forgot that this is a debut because the writing is brilliant. I was soon gripped, and the changing of timelines, which at the start I thought might confuse me, really didn't. The writer manages to keep the reader on track
The main characters on the good side were really likeable, I loved the romance between Robert and Camille, and the bond between Robert and Kao. The descriptions of those they came up against felt like they could be real and not overly exaggerated.
There are battles written throughout the book, and the main one at the end was my favourite. It was exciting and suspenseful, I felt I could see it play out in my mind. It had layers of evil characters waiting in the wings, and just when you thought it was over, more would appear.
The ending was perfect, finishing on a cliffhanger that will leave the reader wanting to know more and desperate for part 2.
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed this book tremendously! This is not my usual genre. I stepped out on a limb to give it a chance, and I’m so glad I did!
This book will take you across time and space. The writing is impeccable. You feel like you are there, in the moment, with these amazingly relatable characters. This book involves time travel, travel to alternate planets, and even a bit of beautiful romance (not overpowering).
I won’t give any spoilers, but I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. Francisco gives us one hell of a debut novel!
Happy Reading,
Crystal
booked_in_mississippi
This book will take you across time and space. The writing is impeccable. You feel like you are there, in the moment, with these amazingly relatable characters. This book involves time travel, travel to alternate planets, and even a bit of beautiful romance (not overpowering).
I won’t give any spoilers, but I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on the next book. Francisco gives us one hell of a debut novel!
Happy Reading,
Crystal
booked_in_mississippi
November 13, 2025
“Because you’re the only thing that makes me want to stay.”
The First Echo by: J.H. Francisco 5 🌟 thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read The First Echo and for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team for Siren!
Robert has traveled across a hundred timelines, resigned to the fact that his life is out of control and ruled by a condition that rips him from his present and sends him to a different timeline every time, he lives his life alone and consumed by his unwanted gift. That is until he meets Camille. She is everything he’s ever wanted.
Now he’ll burn down the world to find her. The sky is broken. The cities lie in ruins. Time is unraveling—and something darker waits in its shadow. In a world poisoned by its own past, Robert walks through collapsing timelines and haunted forests, searching for Camille—the woman torn from him by a war he can’t remember starting. At his side: a boy who sees the future, survivors clinging to hope, and beings called Echoes, bound to memory and grief. Can he find Camille while forging a new path to the future?
5 🌟 for this read!! This was an amazing read! A dark sci-fi thriller that literally transports you into another timeline in a different world! I love all the characters and Camille and Robert’s relationship was so beautiful 😭 I was consumed by the vivid detail and how there’s so much more than meets the eye which makes it the perfect set up for book 2! If you haven’t already, read book 1 and get immersed in this world!
The First Echo by: J.H. Francisco 5 🌟 thank you to the author for giving me a chance to read The First Echo and for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team for Siren!
Robert has traveled across a hundred timelines, resigned to the fact that his life is out of control and ruled by a condition that rips him from his present and sends him to a different timeline every time, he lives his life alone and consumed by his unwanted gift. That is until he meets Camille. She is everything he’s ever wanted.
Now he’ll burn down the world to find her. The sky is broken. The cities lie in ruins. Time is unraveling—and something darker waits in its shadow. In a world poisoned by its own past, Robert walks through collapsing timelines and haunted forests, searching for Camille—the woman torn from him by a war he can’t remember starting. At his side: a boy who sees the future, survivors clinging to hope, and beings called Echoes, bound to memory and grief. Can he find Camille while forging a new path to the future?
5 🌟 for this read!! This was an amazing read! A dark sci-fi thriller that literally transports you into another timeline in a different world! I love all the characters and Camille and Robert’s relationship was so beautiful 😭 I was consumed by the vivid detail and how there’s so much more than meets the eye which makes it the perfect set up for book 2! If you haven’t already, read book 1 and get immersed in this world!
December 3, 2025
The First Echo, debut book written by Indie author J.H. Fransisco as book 1 of the The Echostone series.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The First Echo is out now, and the second book, Siren releases in just under 2 weeks! And book 3 is in the editing stage!!!! BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE AUTHOR'S PAGE!!!
💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
This book is different than anything I've ever read! Juan has a hyper sense of imagination and creativity. He's VERY good at creating world building and developing the characters! This book is a little emotional. . . there's a beautiful romance in the making. . . Oh I was 100% there for it!!!! BUT then, at about the 250 page mark, the story took a dark turn that was about more than I could take! I had the same sick feelings that the MMC had at that point! 🫣 I have a weak stomach and that point in the book tested me!! Don't let that deter you though! I know there's a big market for dark horror type books. . . . and this part of the book is for you!!!! There's more as the book wraps up, but I was better prepared in knowing it was probably coming. 😶🌫️ I had to find out what happened between Robert and Camille. . . and the boy named Stellan.
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The First Echo is out now, and the second book, Siren releases in just under 2 weeks! And book 3 is in the editing stage!!!! BE SURE TO FOLLOW THE AUTHOR'S PAGE!!!
💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥
This book is different than anything I've ever read! Juan has a hyper sense of imagination and creativity. He's VERY good at creating world building and developing the characters! This book is a little emotional. . . there's a beautiful romance in the making. . . Oh I was 100% there for it!!!! BUT then, at about the 250 page mark, the story took a dark turn that was about more than I could take! I had the same sick feelings that the MMC had at that point! 🫣 I have a weak stomach and that point in the book tested me!! Don't let that deter you though! I know there's a big market for dark horror type books. . . . and this part of the book is for you!!!! There's more as the book wraps up, but I was better prepared in knowing it was probably coming. 😶🌫️ I had to find out what happened between Robert and Camille. . . and the boy named Stellan.
November 21, 2025
The First Echo follows Robert and his uncontrolled ability to travel through time, never knowing where he will end up, for how long he will be there and what he will encounter on these journeys. it's very thrilling and exciting.
Camille is soft yet strong and determined and j love thst she's so grounding for Robert.
The side characters were absolutely perfect and held a bit of their own mystery and I really loved that.
The story really pulls you in and the build up towards the end is intense and action packed.
There is a romantic side in this story, and it is well balanced to the rest of the plot and doesn't at all take away or overshadow what's at hand.
I went in this not knowing what to expect at all and came out of surprised in the best way, considering Sci-fi is one of the hardest genre for me to get into.
I highly recommend The First Echo.
Thank you J.H.Francisco.
4.75 ⭐️
*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Camille is soft yet strong and determined and j love thst she's so grounding for Robert.
The side characters were absolutely perfect and held a bit of their own mystery and I really loved that.
The story really pulls you in and the build up towards the end is intense and action packed.
There is a romantic side in this story, and it is well balanced to the rest of the plot and doesn't at all take away or overshadow what's at hand.
I went in this not knowing what to expect at all and came out of surprised in the best way, considering Sci-fi is one of the hardest genre for me to get into.
I highly recommend The First Echo.
Thank you J.H.Francisco.
4.75 ⭐️
*I was given a copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review*
May 25, 2025
This dark fantasy did a wonderful job blending many worlds, various timelines, and a unique set of characters together for a cohesive yet mind-bending story. Robert, the main character, has faced a number of trials and tribulations throughout his life. Being thrown into his chaotic world was a bit jarring at first, but it was calculated. Because Robert’s life isn’t quite linear, I think it was important to see how quickly things change for him.
Robert finding Camille was a brilliant way to ground the story while also giving Robert a purpose. The pacing was just right, allowing the reader to learn about all the players and the world(s) they live in.
The book ended on a cliffhanger, leaving much in question. I enjoyed how J.H. Francisco is piecing together the past, present, and future, and I am looking forward to seeing how this series progresses!
Robert finding Camille was a brilliant way to ground the story while also giving Robert a purpose. The pacing was just right, allowing the reader to learn about all the players and the world(s) they live in.
The book ended on a cliffhanger, leaving much in question. I enjoyed how J.H. Francisco is piecing together the past, present, and future, and I am looking forward to seeing how this series progresses!
December 11, 2025
Fast-paced and completely engrossing - I devoured this book.
One moment I sat down to read for five minutes and then next thing I know I'm staring at the final page. It’s one of those reads that grabs you immediately and does not let go.
I finished it late at night and started the second book first thing the next morning.
The concept: Fascinating. Time-fractured worlds, echoes of loss, and a relentless chase through collapsing realities.
The romance: Heart-warming and beautifully woven through the chaos, grounding everything in emotion.
The characters: Rich, intriguing and unforgettable. Isaac and Camille shine as side characters, while Stellan and Amber pulled on my heartstrings as soon as I met them. And not to forget my fave: Kao!! This story is full of people you’ll root for and fear for.
If you love fast pacing, high stakes and world-bending sci-fi - this one's for you!
One moment I sat down to read for five minutes and then next thing I know I'm staring at the final page. It’s one of those reads that grabs you immediately and does not let go.
I finished it late at night and started the second book first thing the next morning.
The concept: Fascinating. Time-fractured worlds, echoes of loss, and a relentless chase through collapsing realities.
The romance: Heart-warming and beautifully woven through the chaos, grounding everything in emotion.
The characters: Rich, intriguing and unforgettable. Isaac and Camille shine as side characters, while Stellan and Amber pulled on my heartstrings as soon as I met them. And not to forget my fave: Kao!! This story is full of people you’ll root for and fear for.
If you love fast pacing, high stakes and world-bending sci-fi - this one's for you!
August 8, 2025
An ambitious debut! Who starts their writing career with a time travel novel? J.H. Francisco, that’s who.
The First Echo is a dark fantasy that weaves together love across time, the ache of loss, the weight of morality, and the bonds of friendship. Our time traveler, Robert, is trying to piece together a fractured world while fighting a battle far bigger than himself. Somewhere along the way, he’s swept up on the shores of Santorini… right into the path of the love of his life.
The story jumps (as all good time travel tales should) between worlds and eras, but it never feels messy or confusing. The plot is tight and crystal clear not because it’s simple, but because it’s written in a way that makes it feel effortless. The web of events is intricate, but you’ll never feel lost in it.
The creatures; monsters/phantoms/Echoes, are a standout. Their origin and use in the story feel fresh and with just enough ambiguity to invite your imagination to fill in the gaps. The cast is spans time and space, yet we’re given room to breathe with each character. By the end, you know them. You feel for them.
But my favorite part was the atmosphere. It as fluidly as time itself from Santorini’s sunlit beaches, shadow-soaked enchanted forests, whole other worlds entirely. We never stay too long in one place, and the transitions are seamless
And the ending… I’m still recovering. It’s emotional, raw, and ends on a massive cliffhanger. Not the throw-the-book kind, but the kind that leaves you aching to know what comes next.
This debut is dystopian, supernatural, sweet, and layered. I’ll be counting the days until the sequel.
I recommend for:
Time travel junkies
Dark fantasy lovers
Fans of supernatural lore
Readers who want to feel things
Thank you to J.H. Francisco for the review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
The First Echo is a dark fantasy that weaves together love across time, the ache of loss, the weight of morality, and the bonds of friendship. Our time traveler, Robert, is trying to piece together a fractured world while fighting a battle far bigger than himself. Somewhere along the way, he’s swept up on the shores of Santorini… right into the path of the love of his life.
The story jumps (as all good time travel tales should) between worlds and eras, but it never feels messy or confusing. The plot is tight and crystal clear not because it’s simple, but because it’s written in a way that makes it feel effortless. The web of events is intricate, but you’ll never feel lost in it.
The creatures; monsters/phantoms/Echoes, are a standout. Their origin and use in the story feel fresh and with just enough ambiguity to invite your imagination to fill in the gaps. The cast is spans time and space, yet we’re given room to breathe with each character. By the end, you know them. You feel for them.
But my favorite part was the atmosphere. It as fluidly as time itself from Santorini’s sunlit beaches, shadow-soaked enchanted forests, whole other worlds entirely. We never stay too long in one place, and the transitions are seamless
And the ending… I’m still recovering. It’s emotional, raw, and ends on a massive cliffhanger. Not the throw-the-book kind, but the kind that leaves you aching to know what comes next.
This debut is dystopian, supernatural, sweet, and layered. I’ll be counting the days until the sequel.
I recommend for:
Time travel junkies
Dark fantasy lovers
Fans of supernatural lore
Readers who want to feel things
Thank you to J.H. Francisco for the review copy in exchange for an honest opinion.
July 4, 2025
Title: The First Echo: EchoStone (Book 1)
Author: J.H. Francisco
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Pages: 340
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“Shitty Little Poet.”
In a world where time is tearing apart at the seams, Robert is locked in a relentless search for Camille—the woman he’s lost across endless versions of reality. Cities are in ruins, the sky itself is fractured, and time no longer follows rules. Alongside a boy who can see pieces of what’s to come and mysterious Echoes bound by memory, Robert crosses broken timelines trying to piece together what went wrong. But with Eli, a merciless time-walker, pursuing them through every crumbling world, the past and future begin to collide. As reality unravels, Robert is forced to confront not just his enemy, but the truth buried deep in the chaos of time itself.
THE FIRST ECHO was an impressive and absorbing read—fast-paced, emotionally grounded, and rich with imagination. The pace is quick, the world is wild and broken in the best way, and there’s just enough heart to keep you fully invested. I was really impressed with how the author handled the shifting timelines—it could’ve been confusing, but it all made sense and flowed naturally. Robert’s bond with Kao was a highlight for me, and the quiet romance with Camille added a nice layer without taking over the story. The action was sharp and well-timed, and the villains had just enough edge to keep things tense. It’s a thoughtful, high-stakes journey that ends on a perfectly placed cliffhanger, leaving me both satisfied and eager to see what happens next!
A big thanks to J.H. Francisco for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released 07/01/25 on Amazon, KU, and paperback—grab your copy NOW!
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
Author: J.H. Francisco
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Pages: 340
Rating: 4.5⭐️/5 (rounded up!)
“Shitty Little Poet.”
In a world where time is tearing apart at the seams, Robert is locked in a relentless search for Camille—the woman he’s lost across endless versions of reality. Cities are in ruins, the sky itself is fractured, and time no longer follows rules. Alongside a boy who can see pieces of what’s to come and mysterious Echoes bound by memory, Robert crosses broken timelines trying to piece together what went wrong. But with Eli, a merciless time-walker, pursuing them through every crumbling world, the past and future begin to collide. As reality unravels, Robert is forced to confront not just his enemy, but the truth buried deep in the chaos of time itself.
THE FIRST ECHO was an impressive and absorbing read—fast-paced, emotionally grounded, and rich with imagination. The pace is quick, the world is wild and broken in the best way, and there’s just enough heart to keep you fully invested. I was really impressed with how the author handled the shifting timelines—it could’ve been confusing, but it all made sense and flowed naturally. Robert’s bond with Kao was a highlight for me, and the quiet romance with Camille added a nice layer without taking over the story. The action was sharp and well-timed, and the villains had just enough edge to keep things tense. It’s a thoughtful, high-stakes journey that ends on a perfectly placed cliffhanger, leaving me both satisfied and eager to see what happens next!
A big thanks to J.H. Francisco for providing me with a digital ARC of this book!
Released 07/01/25 on Amazon, KU, and paperback—grab your copy NOW!
—
#AdvancedReaderCopy
October 21, 2025
Outstanding Read!
I just finished reading "The First Echo," J.H. Francisco's debut novel in the Echostone series, and I have to say, I'm so grateful my friend recommended it to me! What an adventure! The story takes you through so many different timelines, battles, and amazing worlds. The characters are so well-written and totally likable. I really enjoyed the sweet little romance between Robert and Camille—it was just the right touch without taking over the story. The whole good vs. evil theme had me on the edge of my seat as Robert faced all sorts of challenges. And that cliffhanger at the end? Wow! I wish I hadn't read it all in one go because now I'm itching for book two to find out what happens next!
I just finished reading "The First Echo," J.H. Francisco's debut novel in the Echostone series, and I have to say, I'm so grateful my friend recommended it to me! What an adventure! The story takes you through so many different timelines, battles, and amazing worlds. The characters are so well-written and totally likable. I really enjoyed the sweet little romance between Robert and Camille—it was just the right touch without taking over the story. The whole good vs. evil theme had me on the edge of my seat as Robert faced all sorts of challenges. And that cliffhanger at the end? Wow! I wish I hadn't read it all in one go because now I'm itching for book two to find out what happens next!
October 28, 2025
This is a fast paced sci-fi book that reels you in and won’t let you go. I read this in one sitting and my mind is still trying to compute what I just read.
The love story is so sweet and adorable. I loved how they both became beacons of hope in the world for one another. In addition to this the sorry-line surrounding the echoes and Eli is FANTASTICALLY HORRIFYING! I’m so looking forward to seeing more of this in the next one.
Overall, I would suggest this book to those who adore sci-fi and horror (there are some scary scenes in this book that have you gasping out loud. PLEASE SOMEONE READ THIS BOOK SO I CAN TALK ABOUT IT WITH YOU!!
The love story is so sweet and adorable. I loved how they both became beacons of hope in the world for one another. In addition to this the sorry-line surrounding the echoes and Eli is FANTASTICALLY HORRIFYING! I’m so looking forward to seeing more of this in the next one.
Overall, I would suggest this book to those who adore sci-fi and horror (there are some scary scenes in this book that have you gasping out loud. PLEASE SOMEONE READ THIS BOOK SO I CAN TALK ABOUT IT WITH YOU!!
February 15, 2026
I don’t know why I waited so long to read this, but it was the best feeling when this book delivered! This story follows Robert, a man with a gift he never asked for. He is ripped and dropped into different timelines and different worlds. This is a high-stakes story that is dark and atmospheric, and had me in a chokehold until the very end. This is book one in the EchoStone series
February 4, 2026
This story starts with Robert a man wondering and diving through timelines and ruined cities, until he meets Camille.
He vanishes from Camille without a trace of where he disappeared to, leaving him determined to search for her but that journey isn't that simple, now is it?
Not to mention the mysterious beings called Echoes and are they friend or foe?
On the other hand, there's Eli, a ruthless time walker who knows his fate and yet he will go to the most extreme lengths to change that fate and bend it to his own will.
We all know everything comes at a cost, it's never for free.
The emotional and atmospheric angle of this story will have you time traveling while glued to your seat.
As someone who doesn't particularly like fantasy and sci-fi reads, I can definitely recommend this.
If you love those genres then this is definitely for you and if you're like me and it's generally not your cup of tea, it may become your shot of whiskey.
Give it a go.
He vanishes from Camille without a trace of where he disappeared to, leaving him determined to search for her but that journey isn't that simple, now is it?
Not to mention the mysterious beings called Echoes and are they friend or foe?
On the other hand, there's Eli, a ruthless time walker who knows his fate and yet he will go to the most extreme lengths to change that fate and bend it to his own will.
We all know everything comes at a cost, it's never for free.
The emotional and atmospheric angle of this story will have you time traveling while glued to your seat.
As someone who doesn't particularly like fantasy and sci-fi reads, I can definitely recommend this.
If you love those genres then this is definitely for you and if you're like me and it's generally not your cup of tea, it may become your shot of whiskey.
Give it a go.
February 7, 2026
The First Echo - J.H. Francisco
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sci -fi
Slow burn
Found family
Time travel
I’ll always find you
I won this in a giveaway last year and I’m so glad I did! First sci-fi I’ve read in a while and can I say, I thoroughly enjoyed this!
This is a gripping story of love across multiple timelines, through battles and suspense. The characters were all well written and felt so relatable! The way the storyline flows seamlessly throughout is amazing and honestly I read this in a day due to how engrossed I was with it!
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend this to anyone wanting to get into sci-fi!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sci -fi
Slow burn
Found family
Time travel
I’ll always find you
I won this in a giveaway last year and I’m so glad I did! First sci-fi I’ve read in a while and can I say, I thoroughly enjoyed this!
This is a gripping story of love across multiple timelines, through battles and suspense. The characters were all well written and felt so relatable! The way the storyline flows seamlessly throughout is amazing and honestly I read this in a day due to how engrossed I was with it!
I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend this to anyone wanting to get into sci-fi!
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews