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Shadowsong #1
One Small Echo
Something is wrong inside her.
It’s changing her.
She chased her loved ones into the dark, and they stumbled out with monsters beneath their skin. Now they are less than they were, but destined for so much more.
If they survive training.
And if her new commander doesn’t kill her first.
The boy-prince she saved as a child is now the unforgiving, terrifying man in charge of her future. They are bound in a way neither can escape: two forces as opposite as sunrise and shadow, drawn together as inevitably as the dawn collides with the sky.
But don’t misunderstand.
This is not a love story.
The king has already decided that she will be married to one of his other sons—regardless of her opinion on the matter.
So let this be a story of war instead.
She will wage war on the magic awakening beneath her skin. On the power-ravenous king who would do anything to control her. On the many hands that seek to mould her, shape her, and shackle her.
But most of all … she will wage war on him. Prince Chasin. Her commander. Her tormentor.
Let this story end with a dagger in his treacherous heart.
Let her carve his influence from her soul.
Let her make him suffer as she has suffered.
Let her have this one, small thing.
~~~
One Small Echo is Book 1 of 3 in the Shadowsong series. This lush, dark romantasy will have bonded monsters, forbidden attraction, deadly trials, royal intrigue, and a true, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, all set in a brutally lavish, high-stakes world where darkness means death. Grab a blanket, turn on your nightlight, and get ready.
For what you fear is already here.
It’s changing her.
She chased her loved ones into the dark, and they stumbled out with monsters beneath their skin. Now they are less than they were, but destined for so much more.
If they survive training.
And if her new commander doesn’t kill her first.
The boy-prince she saved as a child is now the unforgiving, terrifying man in charge of her future. They are bound in a way neither can escape: two forces as opposite as sunrise and shadow, drawn together as inevitably as the dawn collides with the sky.
But don’t misunderstand.
This is not a love story.
The king has already decided that she will be married to one of his other sons—regardless of her opinion on the matter.
So let this be a story of war instead.
She will wage war on the magic awakening beneath her skin. On the power-ravenous king who would do anything to control her. On the many hands that seek to mould her, shape her, and shackle her.
But most of all … she will wage war on him. Prince Chasin. Her commander. Her tormentor.
Let this story end with a dagger in his treacherous heart.
Let her carve his influence from her soul.
Let her make him suffer as she has suffered.
Let her have this one, small thing.
~~~
One Small Echo is Book 1 of 3 in the Shadowsong series. This lush, dark romantasy will have bonded monsters, forbidden attraction, deadly trials, royal intrigue, and a true, enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn romance, all set in a brutally lavish, high-stakes world where darkness means death. Grab a blanket, turn on your nightlight, and get ready.
For what you fear is already here.
468 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2026
208 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Jane Washington
35 books4,678 followersJane is a Wall-Street Journal bestselling author who spends all her time writing books and then telling people not to read them.
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
Find her here: https://linktr.ee/janewashingtonbooks
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
✨✨✨ Happy release day!! ✨✨✨
_______
Have you ever read a book that makes you want to re-read right after you finish it, cause you just can't let it go?
Review step 2:
...Words?
What I've loved
1 Snarky FMC meets potentially Tsundere Dark Prince-Commander while he’s trying to hold in his huge hungry beast. What could go wrong?
2 All the romantasy elements we love, but with a fresh, original perspective that never feels like warmed-up leftovers of other stories.
3 Cute monster on the run, makes a vicious power to be had. Psycho monsters everywhere in the dark. Candle, candle don't go out.
4 It flips the script on every overused trope. The found family? Already found. The perfect girl? A side character. The lead? A certified hot mess. You get an arranged marriage to the wrong guy and bonded monsters who view humans as gullible meat suits rather than friends.
It’s chaotic, and I love it.
Conclusions
You could argue that we’re left in the dark about the lore, the Godsguard, or how the rest of the realm actually functions. But here’s the thing: we’re following characters from a secluded valley with zero outside information. It makes perfect sense that we only know as much as they do.
I don’t see this as a lack of world-building; it’s a reflection of the protagonist’s reality. The "outside world" simply had no impact on her life until now.
This story is told from the inside out. When the book begins, the only world ending is the FMC’s. Her "apocalypse" is the discrimination and abuse her found family faces. These are stakes that feel painfully grounded in our own reality. I’m sure we’ll eventually find out the world is ending in a more "traditional" fantasy way, but for now, the stakes that hit closest to home are the ones that matter most.
Reverse "Bird Box" meets "Fourth Wing" meets "The Folk of the Air"'s Court of Shadows meets "GOT" and Alexis of "Blood of Hercules".
I feel like I want to throw all my other romantasy books in the fire after reading One Small Echo. Only their prettiness is saving them 👀
Warnings
Warning #1: The urge to immediately re-read is a common side effect.
Warning #2: Prepare snacks. Food descriptions are dangerously compelling, even when absurd.
Warning #3: High risk of flower-and-berry-related paranoia. Patients may find themselves obsessively scanning for hidden meanings.
The best thing about being an ARC reader is that you get the book before anyone else.
The worst thing about being an ARC reader is that if the book is like One Small Echo, you start waiting desperately for book 2 before book 1 is even out.
Review step 1:
Reading experience in GIFS
Pre-read
TBR change of plans! This naughty boy was sent to me before I expected! Aren't we all curious about it??
If I ever got another pet, I'd have to ask Jane for names.
After managing to name 11 main characters plus side characters in the Ironside series, she seems to have created a whole new set of pretty names for this series too!
_______
Have you ever read a book that makes you want to re-read right after you finish it, cause you just can't let it go?
Review step 2:
...Words?
What I've loved
1 Snarky FMC meets potentially Tsundere Dark Prince-Commander while he’s trying to hold in his huge hungry beast. What could go wrong?
2 All the romantasy elements we love, but with a fresh, original perspective that never feels like warmed-up leftovers of other stories.
3 Cute monster on the run, makes a vicious power to be had. Psycho monsters everywhere in the dark. Candle, candle don't go out.
4 It flips the script on every overused trope. The found family? Already found. The perfect girl? A side character. The lead? A certified hot mess. You get an arranged marriage to the wrong guy and bonded monsters who view humans as gullible meat suits rather than friends.
It’s chaotic, and I love it.
Conclusions
You could argue that we’re left in the dark about the lore, the Godsguard, or how the rest of the realm actually functions. But here’s the thing: we’re following characters from a secluded valley with zero outside information. It makes perfect sense that we only know as much as they do.
I don’t see this as a lack of world-building; it’s a reflection of the protagonist’s reality. The "outside world" simply had no impact on her life until now.
This story is told from the inside out. When the book begins, the only world ending is the FMC’s. Her "apocalypse" is the discrimination and abuse her found family faces. These are stakes that feel painfully grounded in our own reality. I’m sure we’ll eventually find out the world is ending in a more "traditional" fantasy way, but for now, the stakes that hit closest to home are the ones that matter most.
Reverse "Bird Box" meets "Fourth Wing" meets "The Folk of the Air"'s Court of Shadows meets "GOT" and Alexis of "Blood of Hercules".
I feel like I want to throw all my other romantasy books in the fire after reading One Small Echo. Only their prettiness is saving them 👀
Warnings
Warning #1: The urge to immediately re-read is a common side effect.
Warning #2: Prepare snacks. Food descriptions are dangerously compelling, even when absurd.
Warning #3: High risk of flower-and-berry-related paranoia. Patients may find themselves obsessively scanning for hidden meanings.
The best thing about being an ARC reader is that you get the book before anyone else.
The worst thing about being an ARC reader is that if the book is like One Small Echo, you start waiting desperately for book 2 before book 1 is even out.
Review step 1:
Reading experience in GIFS
Pre-read
TBR change of plans! This naughty boy was sent to me before I expected! Aren't we all curious about it??
If I ever got another pet, I'd have to ask Jane for names.
After managing to name 11 main characters plus side characters in the Ironside series, she seems to have created a whole new set of pretty names for this series too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
For fans of: The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy, Alchemised, Blood of Hercules, The Knight and the Moth, To Bleed a Crystal Bloom, and Dire Bound
Why? One Small Echo has the lyrical prose of Rachel Gillig and Sarah A Parker, dry humor like Bartholomew, Alexis, or Onion Boy, and the violence and oppression and rage of Dire Bound and Alchemised ✨
Tropes:
❃ blind fmc + mute mmc
❃ slow-burn, steamy enemies to lovers
❃ royal court intrigue, arranged marriages, oops married the wrong brother, princess training
❃ bonded monsters, oops bonded with a baby monster, assassin training
❃ commander x recruit, grumpy x chaos/sunshine
❃ lgbtq+ rep, body horror, snark and sass, lovable ensemble cast
5 flippin stars
I think my favorite part about this book is that EIKO ISN'T EVEN MEANT TO BE THE MAIN CHARACTER. Her bestie Rion is. Beautiful, graceful, courageous Rion, who goes through all the major tropes a romantasy fmc would experience. By all means, Eiko should be the side character we see adding tame worldbuilding comments while we follow Rion's journey through the capital as she joins the golden Godsguard and captures the attention of the royal family.
But we don't follow Rion. We follow Eiko, who, despite not possessing main character polish, possesses main character energy. Not because she's particularly extraordinary, unless you count her extraordinary ability to do things "for the plot". She's a hot mess express, and the monster she bonds with only exacerbates this. Everything with Eiko just snowballs, and it's so fun to watch.
But it isn't all laughs and absurdity in Lyra. There are some very dark topics and scenes, and with it, the most comprehensively supportive supporting cast. These characters make the decision to stick with one another at the beginning of this book, and they truly do. You can see their love and acceptance of each other in every scene, and it's the most showing over telling I've seen of platonic relationships in ages. They're going to be so traumatized, and I just want to give them all a big hug.
I think we know who the mmc is going to be, but I'm loving the other two competitors and all the tension between Eiko and Chasin. Kind of obsessed with sign language against skin and with not knowing which traits of him are his own vs his monster's.
Other things I'm loving: wee baby Hymn, food, gems, old men with sticks, poison, and the way Jane made me want to immediately go back and reread the book for clues
Mind your triggers, mind the gap, and hop aboard this journey with me 🚂
I'll probably revise this review upon second read.
Second read update: Nah, this story just continues to make me chuckle while also appreciating how full every character feels, despite their limited screen time. I can't wait to learn more about this world and where this larger plot is going.
Why? One Small Echo has the lyrical prose of Rachel Gillig and Sarah A Parker, dry humor like Bartholomew, Alexis, or Onion Boy, and the violence and oppression and rage of Dire Bound and Alchemised ✨
Tropes:
❃ blind fmc + mute mmc
❃ slow-burn, steamy enemies to lovers
❃ royal court intrigue, arranged marriages, oops married the wrong brother, princess training
❃ bonded monsters, oops bonded with a baby monster, assassin training
❃ commander x recruit, grumpy x chaos/sunshine
❃ lgbtq+ rep, body horror, snark and sass, lovable ensemble cast
5 flippin stars
I think my favorite part about this book is that EIKO ISN'T EVEN MEANT TO BE THE MAIN CHARACTER. Her bestie Rion is. Beautiful, graceful, courageous Rion, who goes through all the major tropes a romantasy fmc would experience. By all means, Eiko should be the side character we see adding tame worldbuilding comments while we follow Rion's journey through the capital as she joins the golden Godsguard and captures the attention of the royal family.
But we don't follow Rion. We follow Eiko, who, despite not possessing main character polish, possesses main character energy. Not because she's particularly extraordinary, unless you count her extraordinary ability to do things "for the plot". She's a hot mess express, and the monster she bonds with only exacerbates this. Everything with Eiko just snowballs, and it's so fun to watch.
But it isn't all laughs and absurdity in Lyra. There are some very dark topics and scenes, and with it, the most comprehensively supportive supporting cast. These characters make the decision to stick with one another at the beginning of this book, and they truly do. You can see their love and acceptance of each other in every scene, and it's the most showing over telling I've seen of platonic relationships in ages. They're going to be so traumatized, and I just want to give them all a big hug.
I think we know who the mmc is going to be, but I'm loving the other two competitors and all the tension between Eiko and Chasin. Kind of obsessed with sign language against skin and with not knowing which traits of him are his own vs his monster's.
Other things I'm loving: wee baby Hymn, food, gems, old men with sticks, poison, and the way Jane made me want to immediately go back and reread the book for clues
Mind your triggers, mind the gap, and hop aboard this journey with me 🚂
I'll probably revise this review upon second read.
Second read update: Nah, this story just continues to make me chuckle while also appreciating how full every character feels, despite their limited screen time. I can't wait to learn more about this world and where this larger plot is going.
January 27, 2026
3.5 stars
One thing I can count on Jane delivering is a binge-worthy, good time book. I finished this in a day which is so rare for me lately, and I laughed out loud so much, which is exactly what I needed right now!
In regard to the romance, Jane is the absolute queen of slow-burn so I knew going in that the fmc and mmc were likely going to have very few interactions, and that was definitely the case, and I actually prefer it that way when it comes to the first book in a fantasy romance series. I’ll be honest, I still don’t really understand the immediate obsession and possessiveness of Chasin. I’m just not buying it. It just felt like zero to a hundred for me. But I’m hoping that gets explained more in the next books!
The star of the show for me was Eiko’s bonded monster, Hymndrake. Funny, cute, sweet, and just the perfect companion a person could have.
I know this is only the first book in a fantasy series, but I would’ve liked more information on what exactly the Godsguard soldiers do. Trained Assassin’s but why exactly? The king rules all the lands there is, so it’s not like they’re trained to kill overseas enemies. There wasn’t much information on this, and why they bond with these monsters from “The Quiet”, and how it was even discovered that they could. I just would’ve liked further elaboration on the actual lore, political and in regards to these monsters. I would’ve liked more world building as well, granted, this book was pretty short for a fantasy, but I’m assuming the world building will be fleshed out throughout the entire series.
All this to say, I still had a great time, and I already can’t wait for the next book. I always love the second books in Jane’s series so much more, and I know it won’t be any different in this case!
One thing I can count on Jane delivering is a binge-worthy, good time book. I finished this in a day which is so rare for me lately, and I laughed out loud so much, which is exactly what I needed right now!
In regard to the romance, Jane is the absolute queen of slow-burn so I knew going in that the fmc and mmc were likely going to have very few interactions, and that was definitely the case, and I actually prefer it that way when it comes to the first book in a fantasy romance series. I’ll be honest, I still don’t really understand the immediate obsession and possessiveness of Chasin. I’m just not buying it. It just felt like zero to a hundred for me. But I’m hoping that gets explained more in the next books!
The star of the show for me was Eiko’s bonded monster, Hymndrake. Funny, cute, sweet, and just the perfect companion a person could have.
I know this is only the first book in a fantasy series, but I would’ve liked more information on what exactly the Godsguard soldiers do. Trained Assassin’s but why exactly? The king rules all the lands there is, so it’s not like they’re trained to kill overseas enemies. There wasn’t much information on this, and why they bond with these monsters from “The Quiet”, and how it was even discovered that they could. I just would’ve liked further elaboration on the actual lore, political and in regards to these monsters. I would’ve liked more world building as well, granted, this book was pretty short for a fantasy, but I’m assuming the world building will be fleshed out throughout the entire series.
All this to say, I still had a great time, and I already can’t wait for the next book. I always love the second books in Jane’s series so much more, and I know it won’t be any different in this case!
Want to read
June 27, 2025OMG YES WE WILL BE FED AFTER IRONSIDE😭😭 THANK YOU QUEEN
March 18, 2026
I was not prepared for how much I was going to like this book but I’m officially obsessed!
The book follows Eiko, our badsss FMC who is blind as a result of a childhood incident involving one of the King’s sons.
A decade later, Eiko and her friends jump on a train to escape the city and Eiko accidentally becomes bonded to a monster that lives inside her body. The group are forced to undergo military training with their monsters for the King’s army.
Eiko ends up training under Prince Chasin, the same prince she once saved as a child. Eiko struggles to control the monster living inside her, has to learn to adapt with her new powers and survive the dangerous training, whilst also fighting for her independence.
I feel like my shoddy little summary does not do this book justice. I flew through this book in half-a-day and was cackling the entire time. Eiko and her monster (Hymm) were so adorable and hilarious together. Hymm was a childish, adorable little shit stirrer and I hope we get more of his sass as the series progresses.
“They’re waiting,” Hymn whispered.
“Manifest,” she thought right back at him.
“Yes, that’s what they’re waiting for.”
She groaned internally. “That was supposed to be an order.”
“Oh, sorry. Try again?”
She mostly wasn’t jealous.
“I can feel how jealous you are,” Hymn pointed out. “It’s honestly shocking how jealous you are. I wasn’t expecting it to burn so badly. Are you okay?”
“What in the dark is this?”
“An arousal response,” Hymn responded helpfully.
“That’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking.”
The romance is a slow burn which is my faaaaaave trope and I can’t wait for book 2 to see how this progresses. I won’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil anything but hot damn…
I loved how Eiko’s friends and family supported her without taking her independence away. I was worried how it would be managed but the author nailed it for me and even the other trainees/ warriors made small adaptions to support her.
If you’re looking for something unique, fun and easy to read I could not recommend this series more.
This book features:
- A strong FMC who is blind
- A grumpy commander MMC who is mute.
- Found family
- Enemies to lovers
- Commander x recruit
- Forbidden love
- Monsters
- An arranged marriage
I received an advanced copy for free through the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book follows Eiko, our badsss FMC who is blind as a result of a childhood incident involving one of the King’s sons.
A decade later, Eiko and her friends jump on a train to escape the city and Eiko accidentally becomes bonded to a monster that lives inside her body. The group are forced to undergo military training with their monsters for the King’s army.
Eiko ends up training under Prince Chasin, the same prince she once saved as a child. Eiko struggles to control the monster living inside her, has to learn to adapt with her new powers and survive the dangerous training, whilst also fighting for her independence.
I feel like my shoddy little summary does not do this book justice. I flew through this book in half-a-day and was cackling the entire time. Eiko and her monster (Hymm) were so adorable and hilarious together. Hymm was a childish, adorable little shit stirrer and I hope we get more of his sass as the series progresses.
“They’re waiting,” Hymn whispered.
“Manifest,” she thought right back at him.
“Yes, that’s what they’re waiting for.”
She groaned internally. “That was supposed to be an order.”
“Oh, sorry. Try again?”
She mostly wasn’t jealous.
“I can feel how jealous you are,” Hymn pointed out. “It’s honestly shocking how jealous you are. I wasn’t expecting it to burn so badly. Are you okay?”
“What in the dark is this?”
“An arousal response,” Hymn responded helpfully.
“That’s not funny.”
“I’m not joking.”
The romance is a slow burn which is my faaaaaave trope and I can’t wait for book 2 to see how this progresses. I won’t say too much as I don’t want to spoil anything but hot damn…
I loved how Eiko’s friends and family supported her without taking her independence away. I was worried how it would be managed but the author nailed it for me and even the other trainees/ warriors made small adaptions to support her.
If you’re looking for something unique, fun and easy to read I could not recommend this series more.
This book features:
- A strong FMC who is blind
- A grumpy commander MMC who is mute.
- Found family
- Enemies to lovers
- Commander x recruit
- Forbidden love
- Monsters
- An arranged marriage
I received an advanced copy for free through the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
wishlist
March 9, 2026more jane washington? hell yeah. sad it’s not an rh but blind fmc x mute mmc? i’m sat.
IM COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL THIS IS IN MY HANDS
IM COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS UNTIL THIS IS IN MY HANDS
March 9, 2026
One Small Echo by indie author Jane Washington is the first book in the Shadowsong series and I AM LOSING MY MIND! I stayed up until 3:30 in the morning binge reading because I quite literally couldn’t put it down. I only had a physical copy of the arc so I pilfered a flashlight from my daughter’s fort building kit and used my phone for annotations/notes. I completely reverted to my base form — a feral gremlin reader — and it was invigorating.
Jane’s new fantasy romance series breathed life back into reading for me. The humor felt tailor-made for my brand of quirk and unlocked all of my laughs: I giggled, guffawed, belly laughed, cackled. Our FMC’s devotion to emotional avoidance & laughing through the pain will resonate with anyone whose default coping mechanism is humor.
Jane has crafted such an original story in a world where monsters wait in the darkness threatening to break your mind and bind you to them. A bond is the only way for a monster to obtain its corporeal form, which wants to wear you like a meat suit and break you. Those crazy or desperate enough to attempt & survive a bonding become recruits for the Godsguard — elite, revered and magically inclined soldiers in service to the king.
Our FMC is blind. Our MMC is mute. Their chemistry is palpable and often reminiscent of a predator hunting prey. Our rag tag found family is a wildly endearing beautiful cast of misfits that have looked out for each other since childhood.
One Small Echo is perfect for fantasy romance fans of banter, sarcastic & sassy FMC, intimidating & possessive MMC, arranged marriage, deadly bonding & elite training, royal court intrigue, bonded monsters, commander x recruit and an intense slow burn romance.
I am FERAL for this series! One Small Echo releases March 12th with book two slated to be released later this year. A big thank you to Jane for gifting me this e-arc. I am officially on my knees begging for more!
Jane’s new fantasy romance series breathed life back into reading for me. The humor felt tailor-made for my brand of quirk and unlocked all of my laughs: I giggled, guffawed, belly laughed, cackled. Our FMC’s devotion to emotional avoidance & laughing through the pain will resonate with anyone whose default coping mechanism is humor.
Jane has crafted such an original story in a world where monsters wait in the darkness threatening to break your mind and bind you to them. A bond is the only way for a monster to obtain its corporeal form, which wants to wear you like a meat suit and break you. Those crazy or desperate enough to attempt & survive a bonding become recruits for the Godsguard — elite, revered and magically inclined soldiers in service to the king.
Our FMC is blind. Our MMC is mute. Their chemistry is palpable and often reminiscent of a predator hunting prey. Our rag tag found family is a wildly endearing beautiful cast of misfits that have looked out for each other since childhood.
One Small Echo is perfect for fantasy romance fans of banter, sarcastic & sassy FMC, intimidating & possessive MMC, arranged marriage, deadly bonding & elite training, royal court intrigue, bonded monsters, commander x recruit and an intense slow burn romance.
I am FERAL for this series! One Small Echo releases March 12th with book two slated to be released later this year. A big thank you to Jane for gifting me this e-arc. I am officially on my knees begging for more!
March 13, 2026
5 stars!!! (spoiler free)
Another amazing book by Jane Washington!! As usual her writing was beautiful. This was dark, mysterious, romantic and sometimes funny!! I really enjoyed the world and unique magic system of bonded monsters and the court intrigue. The disability rep was also fantastic!! (blind fmc and mute mmc) I loved our FMC Eiko, she is so strong! The side characters were also fantastic, I loved all of her friends. There's also a fantastic slow-burn romance. I just purchased a physical copy to support an indie author and I need book 2 immediately!
Thank you to the author Jane Washington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Another amazing book by Jane Washington!! As usual her writing was beautiful. This was dark, mysterious, romantic and sometimes funny!! I really enjoyed the world and unique magic system of bonded monsters and the court intrigue. The disability rep was also fantastic!! (blind fmc and mute mmc) I loved our FMC Eiko, she is so strong! The side characters were also fantastic, I loved all of her friends. There's also a fantastic slow-burn romance. I just purchased a physical copy to support an indie author and I need book 2 immediately!
Thank you to the author Jane Washington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 24, 2026
I went into this book with full intentions of being a responsible adult.
I was supposed to work and study.
Instead, this turned into toilet breaks at work where I was very obviously reading on my Kindle app. Then it escalated into me reading during meetings I should have been paying attention to. Probably. Most likely. We will not delve into it.
After work, I was again supposed to study. Cause you know. My job depends on passing this exam.
That also did not happen.
Somewhere between I’ll just read a bit and what do you mean it’s 1am, I was emotionally wrecked, internally screaming, and genuinely offended that the book ended when it did because I needed more immediately.
The start is phenomenal. No slow build, no patience required. It grabs you straight away and quietly ruins your day by making you think about it constantly instead of doing literally anything you’re meant to be doing.
Now. Eiko.
Eiko is blind, sarcastic, chaotic, and absolutely does not operate based on logic. She misses things she shouldn’t, ignores things she absolutely should not ignore, and makes decisions that had me staring at the page like: girl… be serious — while fully knowing I would do the exact same thing. She is messy, funny, and unintentionally unhinged. I felt seen. I felt represented. She is my spirit animal.
And then there’s Chasin.
Mute. Mostly.
One big ars***.
There is no banter — and that’s what makes it even better. He doesn’t push her buttons with words. He does it with presence, silence, timing, and very deliberate choices. Every interaction feels loaded. Every moment is intentional. He is infuriating in a quiet, calculated way that makes you want to scream and keep reading at the same time.
And listen — Hymn.
I love Hymn.
I want my own little monster. Immediately. No notes. No questions. Just yes.
The dynamic in this book is tense in a way that creeps up on you. It’s not loud. It’s not dramatic. It’s constant. And it works dangerously well.
This is an incredible start to a highly addictive series. The kind of book that sneaks into your workday, sabotages your study plans, emotionally compromises you at 1am, and leaves you staring at the ceiling thinking how am I supposed to function now.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
Did it ruin my productivity and study time?
Yes.
Do I regret it?
Not even slightly.
I need the next book.
And my own little monster.
I was supposed to work and study.
Instead, this turned into toilet breaks at work where I was very obviously reading on my Kindle app. Then it escalated into me reading during meetings I should have been paying attention to. Probably. Most likely. We will not delve into it.
After work, I was again supposed to study. Cause you know. My job depends on passing this exam.
That also did not happen.
Somewhere between I’ll just read a bit and what do you mean it’s 1am, I was emotionally wrecked, internally screaming, and genuinely offended that the book ended when it did because I needed more immediately.
The start is phenomenal. No slow build, no patience required. It grabs you straight away and quietly ruins your day by making you think about it constantly instead of doing literally anything you’re meant to be doing.
Now. Eiko.
Eiko is blind, sarcastic, chaotic, and absolutely does not operate based on logic. She misses things she shouldn’t, ignores things she absolutely should not ignore, and makes decisions that had me staring at the page like: girl… be serious — while fully knowing I would do the exact same thing. She is messy, funny, and unintentionally unhinged. I felt seen. I felt represented. She is my spirit animal.
And then there’s Chasin.
Mute. Mostly.
One big ars***.
There is no banter — and that’s what makes it even better. He doesn’t push her buttons with words. He does it with presence, silence, timing, and very deliberate choices. Every interaction feels loaded. Every moment is intentional. He is infuriating in a quiet, calculated way that makes you want to scream and keep reading at the same time.
And listen — Hymn.
I love Hymn.
I want my own little monster. Immediately. No notes. No questions. Just yes.
The dynamic in this book is tense in a way that creeps up on you. It’s not loud. It’s not dramatic. It’s constant. And it works dangerously well.
This is an incredible start to a highly addictive series. The kind of book that sneaks into your workday, sabotages your study plans, emotionally compromises you at 1am, and leaves you staring at the ceiling thinking how am I supposed to function now.
Would I recommend it?
Absolutely.
Did it ruin my productivity and study time?
Yes.
Do I regret it?
Not even slightly.
I need the next book.
And my own little monster.
January 26, 2026
Jane Washington always builds really immersive worlds. She thinks of every little detail. Honestly, she even knows how absolutely devastated readers are after reading her books because we have to wait for the next one. It's torture, and I think she revels in it. My tears will happily fuel her though because I think this is her best work yet.
One Small Echo follows Eiko, a resilient FMC, who lost her vision at 10 years old. She didn't lose her sass though. When she unexpectedly finds herself sharing her body with a demon, things really get wild. Eiko's commander - the boy she sacrificed her eyesight for - is mute, so difficulty in communication is even more of a challenge.
The language is so descriptive. You will feel everything from happiness and excitement to fear and despair. You'll also feel hunger because I think somewhere along the line Jane missed her calling to be a food critic.
I loved all the banter, sarcasm, and denial. I loved the characters and the plot. I do not have adequate words to describe how much I loved this whole dang book.
There's quite a bit of found family: between her two best friends (Rion and Ky) and her brother's best friend (Ren), Eiko has surrounded herself with loved ones.
Thank you Jane Washington for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
One Small Echo follows Eiko, a resilient FMC, who lost her vision at 10 years old. She didn't lose her sass though. When she unexpectedly finds herself sharing her body with a demon, things really get wild. Eiko's commander - the boy she sacrificed her eyesight for - is mute, so difficulty in communication is even more of a challenge.
The language is so descriptive. You will feel everything from happiness and excitement to fear and despair. You'll also feel hunger because I think somewhere along the line Jane missed her calling to be a food critic.
I loved all the banter, sarcasm, and denial. I loved the characters and the plot. I do not have adequate words to describe how much I loved this whole dang book.
There's quite a bit of found family: between her two best friends (Rion and Ky) and her brother's best friend (Ren), Eiko has surrounded herself with loved ones.
Thank you Jane Washington for providing this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
March 17, 2026
Jane Washington I owe you my LIFE after Ironside!!
Want to read
November 14, 2025I will read anything Jane writes
Review of advance copy received from Autorin bzw. Autor
My god, I really liked this book! I've read it in less than a day, because I couldn't put it down. The only thing I don't like is that I have to wait for the next books in the series. I can't wait to read them.
I like how disability and LGBTQ get a platform here, but unlike many other books and films it doesn't feel forced. It flows just naturally into the storyline.
I can't begin to guess where Jane is going with this series and I LOVE that. I've read so many books that the storylines often kinda merge and usually I can foresee what's happening from miles away. But never with Jane's books. I can't foresee that!
I will not write down anything regarding the storyline or the characters here, as I don't want to spoiler you. You will just have to see (read) for yourselves!
Just so much: we are in January and I know this series is going to be one of my highlights of the year.
I like how disability and LGBTQ get a platform here, but unlike many other books and films it doesn't feel forced. It flows just naturally into the storyline.
I can't begin to guess where Jane is going with this series and I LOVE that. I've read so many books that the storylines often kinda merge and usually I can foresee what's happening from miles away. But never with Jane's books. I can't foresee that!
I will not write down anything regarding the storyline or the characters here, as I don't want to spoiler you. You will just have to see (read) for yourselves!
Just so much: we are in January and I know this series is going to be one of my highlights of the year.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brutal, dark, and unbelievably addictive. This new series from Jane Washington will take you hostage as it overpowers your imagination and rips your heart to shreds.
Waiting for the next bad thing to happen I found that I was equal parts horrified and mesmerized by the dangerous setting. We need things... desperately to happen in the future books. Stabby, poisonous things, because a revenge arc is the sweetest of all.
With a heroine who's so very unheroine like, she's clumsy, uses humor as a defense, makes the worst of decisions. Eiko's so very human like, she's brilliantly relatable, and that draws you in. Of course, she's the best heroine even if this tale would've been unputdownable from any of the friend group's points of view. While Eiko isn't the most beautiful one, the wittiest, the strongest, I think she's the bravest and most resilient one of the bunch. What's not to love? JW excells at taking damaged heroines and making them weave their way into your heart, making their pain your own, and leaving a lasting impression that won't leave your memory.
If the idea of bonded monsters, enemies to lovers romance, a world bleeding with peril, and ride or die friends piques your interest, this is for you!
Waiting for the next bad thing to happen I found that I was equal parts horrified and mesmerized by the dangerous setting. We need things... desperately to happen in the future books. Stabby, poisonous things, because a revenge arc is the sweetest of all.
With a heroine who's so very unheroine like, she's clumsy, uses humor as a defense, makes the worst of decisions. Eiko's so very human like, she's brilliantly relatable, and that draws you in. Of course, she's the best heroine even if this tale would've been unputdownable from any of the friend group's points of view. While Eiko isn't the most beautiful one, the wittiest, the strongest, I think she's the bravest and most resilient one of the bunch. What's not to love? JW excells at taking damaged heroines and making them weave their way into your heart, making their pain your own, and leaving a lasting impression that won't leave your memory.
If the idea of bonded monsters, enemies to lovers romance, a world bleeding with peril, and ride or die friends piques your interest, this is for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
if you loved Jane's Tempest series, this one is for you!!!
Eiko is stubborn, feisty and caring. she stumbles... literally stumbles into the deep end of danger with all her friends. The slow burn between the multitude of suitors gives readers anticipation on who she chooses. Hymn is honestly the cutest sidekick Jane could have written.
This is going to be the next romantasy favorite from Jane!!
Eiko is stubborn, feisty and caring. she stumbles... literally stumbles into the deep end of danger with all her friends. The slow burn between the multitude of suitors gives readers anticipation on who she chooses. Hymn is honestly the cutest sidekick Jane could have written.
This is going to be the next romantasy favorite from Jane!!
Read
June 28, 2025I’m sat
March 18, 2026
One Small Echo
Shadowsong #1
by Jane Washington
I am stunned.
I absolutely devoured this. Responsibilities? Ignored. Sleep? Optional. This story had me in a chokehold from start to finish.
The world is lush and dangerous, layered with political intrigue, deadly training, bonded monsters, and magic that feels dangerous and feral. It’s dark, high-stakes romantasy done right.
Eiko is such a powerful FMC. She is strong but not invincible, sharp without losing her vulnerability and totally messy and chaotic lol. Watching her navigate training, manipulation, and the awakening magic inside her was gripping.
I adored her dialogue with Hymn, laugh-out-loud funny. The sarcasm. The banter. I loved it. It added such a needed spark of humor in an otherwise dark and brutal world.
“Hey, so … no big deal or anything, but today I almost bit off the hand of a castle attendant for confiscating my cream puffs.”
Prince Chasin? The tension is real. This is true enemies-to-lovers energy. Very slow burn. Painfully so. But earned and in line with the story, it was perfect.
That ending though? Brutal.
I cannot wait to dive into book two. I need more of the lore, the Godsguard, the princes, and I am absolutely ready for the revenge arc to unfold.
Tropes & vibes:
* true enemies to lovers
* slow burn
* royal court intrigue
* arranged marriage
* bonded monsters
* assassin training
* commander x recruit
* grumpy x chaos
* disability representation (blind FMC, mute MMC)
* body horror chills
* lovable ensemble cast
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Thank you so very much Jane Washington for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
Shadowsong #1
by Jane Washington
I am stunned.
I absolutely devoured this. Responsibilities? Ignored. Sleep? Optional. This story had me in a chokehold from start to finish.
The world is lush and dangerous, layered with political intrigue, deadly training, bonded monsters, and magic that feels dangerous and feral. It’s dark, high-stakes romantasy done right.
Eiko is such a powerful FMC. She is strong but not invincible, sharp without losing her vulnerability and totally messy and chaotic lol. Watching her navigate training, manipulation, and the awakening magic inside her was gripping.
I adored her dialogue with Hymn, laugh-out-loud funny. The sarcasm. The banter. I loved it. It added such a needed spark of humor in an otherwise dark and brutal world.
“Hey, so … no big deal or anything, but today I almost bit off the hand of a castle attendant for confiscating my cream puffs.”
Prince Chasin? The tension is real. This is true enemies-to-lovers energy. Very slow burn. Painfully so. But earned and in line with the story, it was perfect.
That ending though? Brutal.
I cannot wait to dive into book two. I need more of the lore, the Godsguard, the princes, and I am absolutely ready for the revenge arc to unfold.
Tropes & vibes:
* true enemies to lovers
* slow burn
* royal court intrigue
* arranged marriage
* bonded monsters
* assassin training
* commander x recruit
* grumpy x chaos
* disability representation (blind FMC, mute MMC)
* body horror chills
* lovable ensemble cast
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
Thank you so very much Jane Washington for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
January 31, 2026
This book would be great for fans of One Dark Window. I just feel like it has such similar vibes and it has a monster creature that you will fall in love with, just like The Nightmare. I will also liken this book to Blood of Hercules, only in the humor aspect being very dry and sarcastic.
Jane Washington is the queen of slow burn and world development. She is also the Queen of Why Choose but this one is M/F so, for those of you who aren't a fan of RH you may rejoice and dive into the beauty that is JW books!
Tropes:
* blind FMC + mute MMC
* slow-burn tension
* Arranged Marriage to the Wrong Brother
* Assassin Training / Princess Training
* Banter and Sarcastic Humor
5 stars is not enough to give this book. This book gets ALL of the stars... seriously. Infinity of stars.
I loved that Jane smashed the status-quo window with our FMC. She is the most side-character main character that I have ever seen. She is the one that is clumsy, chaotic, sarcastic and overlooked the majority of the time. She pales in comparison to her best friend, Rion, who attracts all the attention. She felt more relatable as she wasn't "the girl next door". Not only does she break down the barriers of being Blind, she is food driven and ... girl, same. She bonds with a weak monster and has to struggle with the limitations that brings in a world that values power and strength.
The Found Family is the best that I have read in a long time. The characters really rely on and support each other throughout the story. They choose each other, time and time again, and you can feel the love they have for one-another just pouring off the page. It was so beautiful to read and I can not wait to see how the next book treats our rag-tag group, especially with the cliffhanger and what happened right before.
I think my favorite part of the story though is the humor. The way the author handled Blind Jokes, most of them coming from Eiko herself, had me laughing so hard. She is so chaotic and sarcastic and I just fell in love with her in the first chapter of the book and not once did my thoughts waver or change. Her exchanges with Hymn were some of my favorite!
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts.
Jane Washington is the queen of slow burn and world development. She is also the Queen of Why Choose but this one is M/F so, for those of you who aren't a fan of RH you may rejoice and dive into the beauty that is JW books!
Tropes:
* blind FMC + mute MMC
* slow-burn tension
* Arranged Marriage to the Wrong Brother
* Assassin Training / Princess Training
* Banter and Sarcastic Humor
5 stars is not enough to give this book. This book gets ALL of the stars... seriously. Infinity of stars.
I loved that Jane smashed the status-quo window with our FMC. She is the most side-character main character that I have ever seen. She is the one that is clumsy, chaotic, sarcastic and overlooked the majority of the time. She pales in comparison to her best friend, Rion, who attracts all the attention. She felt more relatable as she wasn't "the girl next door". Not only does she break down the barriers of being Blind, she is food driven and ... girl, same. She bonds with a weak monster and has to struggle with the limitations that brings in a world that values power and strength.
The Found Family is the best that I have read in a long time. The characters really rely on and support each other throughout the story. They choose each other, time and time again, and you can feel the love they have for one-another just pouring off the page. It was so beautiful to read and I can not wait to see how the next book treats our rag-tag group, especially with the cliffhanger and what happened right before.
I think my favorite part of the story though is the humor. The way the author handled Blind Jokes, most of them coming from Eiko herself, had me laughing so hard. She is so chaotic and sarcastic and I just fell in love with her in the first chapter of the book and not once did my thoughts waver or change. Her exchanges with Hymn were some of my favorite!
Thank you to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for my thoughts.
March 15, 2026
YES. Just a big fat yes to everything that is this book. Yes to the banter. Yes to the wit. Yes to the plot and what will probably come next. Yes to the cute baby. Yes to the well developed characters. Yes to this wonderful family of friends. Literal goosebumps while finishing this book.
Did not finish
March 19, 2026Dnf page 245
This was a big disappointment after reading Washington’s Ironside Academy series. Whereas that was pure fun, this was not. My major issues are listed below:
1. The Fmc is listed as blind and repping disabilities, but she’s not actually blind due to her “monster’s” help. Same with the MMC he’s listed as mute, but sometimes he can speak 🙃 I’m not saying this doesn’t make them disabled, it’s just misleading in terms of the way they communicate. It was also very confusing.
2. This was not enemies to lovers. This was potential mentor/mentee to lovers I guess. They never actually do anything to one another to make them enemies. She actually saves his life at the beginning.
3. The fmc had special girl syndrome galore. She’s the most beautiful, has the most “special” monster, and all the guys are after her magical golden girlness.
4. The fmc is with an other man for more than half of the book, but also not really bc they would just sometimes have s@x and heavy petting sessions and really had no noticeable feelings for one another.
5. The strong usage of millennial/gen z speak in a high fantasy book just really took me out of the narrative. It wasn’t even used comically, it was just annoying.
6. The fmc weighs 5 pounds and makes a point to be constantly eating and thinking about food. Idk why that bothers me it just does.
7. The fmc had the mind of a toddler but was supposed to be 20 years old. I’ve read ya books with 15 year old leads who were more mature recently.
This was a big disappointment after reading Washington’s Ironside Academy series. Whereas that was pure fun, this was not. My major issues are listed below:
1. The Fmc is listed as blind and repping disabilities, but she’s not actually blind due to her “monster’s” help. Same with the MMC he’s listed as mute, but sometimes he can speak 🙃 I’m not saying this doesn’t make them disabled, it’s just misleading in terms of the way they communicate. It was also very confusing.
2. This was not enemies to lovers. This was potential mentor/mentee to lovers I guess. They never actually do anything to one another to make them enemies. She actually saves his life at the beginning.
3. The fmc had special girl syndrome galore. She’s the most beautiful, has the most “special” monster, and all the guys are after her magical golden girlness.
4. The fmc is with an other man for more than half of the book, but also not really bc they would just sometimes have s@x and heavy petting sessions and really had no noticeable feelings for one another.
5. The strong usage of millennial/gen z speak in a high fantasy book just really took me out of the narrative. It wasn’t even used comically, it was just annoying.
6. The fmc weighs 5 pounds and makes a point to be constantly eating and thinking about food. Idk why that bothers me it just does.
7. The fmc had the mind of a toddler but was supposed to be 20 years old. I’ve read ya books with 15 year old leads who were more mature recently.
March 14, 2026
I had no idea what to expect of this latest offering from author Jane Washington, after loving her ‘Ironside Academy’ series… and she delivered something so completely different and yet so intriguing!
We get a compelling FMC who, while blinded as a result of a selfless act at 10 years old, is strong, sassy in the best way, and both subtly aided and accompanied through life by her found family and devoted brother. We then get introduced to a world in which monsters are very real, human and not, and bring magic as well as harm… and so the adventure begins.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the first instalment of a new series (I need book two ASAP!), with many twists and turns, some foreshadowed while other mysteries were held tightly by the author, yet to be revealed.
Oh and let’s not forget the deliciously escalating tension between two long-fated characters…
I found a few descriptions overly long, when I wanted to move on to action and dialogue (I would have appreciated more of the latter), but loved that this was refreshingly different to the usual romantasy fare.
And yay for disability representation, especially in a way that simultaneously highlights strength.
We get a compelling FMC who, while blinded as a result of a selfless act at 10 years old, is strong, sassy in the best way, and both subtly aided and accompanied through life by her found family and devoted brother. We then get introduced to a world in which monsters are very real, human and not, and bring magic as well as harm… and so the adventure begins.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the first instalment of a new series (I need book two ASAP!), with many twists and turns, some foreshadowed while other mysteries were held tightly by the author, yet to be revealed.
Oh and let’s not forget the deliciously escalating tension between two long-fated characters…
I found a few descriptions overly long, when I wanted to move on to action and dialogue (I would have appreciated more of the latter), but loved that this was refreshingly different to the usual romantasy fare.
And yay for disability representation, especially in a way that simultaneously highlights strength.
March 18, 2026
oooh this one was so FUN! This is definitely another one of those true slow burns.
The beginning takes on this dark whimsy that I haven't encountered in a long while.
The banter is TOP NOTCH! If you ever enjoyed the antics of Toph from The Last Air Bender then this one is it!
I tried to pace myself with this book because I didnt want it to end and I ate it UP!
I am so excited to see where the story takes us. The pacing of the romance very much reminds me of Plier (one of Jane Washington's previous series) but just like with that series I KNOW my patience will be rewarded in the future.
I am looking forward to the next book
The beginning takes on this dark whimsy that I haven't encountered in a long while.
The banter is TOP NOTCH! If you ever enjoyed the antics of Toph from The Last Air Bender then this one is it!
I tried to pace myself with this book because I didnt want it to end and I ate it UP!
I am so excited to see where the story takes us. The pacing of the romance very much reminds me of Plier (one of Jane Washington's previous series) but just like with that series I KNOW my patience will be rewarded in the future.
I am looking forward to the next book
March 21, 2026
5 stars. No notes. Absolute perfection.
One small echo has such a unique magic system and it really didn’t feel like a copy and paste from other romantasy books, even though we get a lot of the tropes we all love.
Our FMC is so unbelievably relatable.
I adored the found family / friendships vibes throughout the whole book… and the humour in this book is incredible. I laughed so many times.
And our MMC? I folded like a pretzel for this man.
Who knew someone who couldn’t speak could create so much tension and yearning!
I’m obsessed. I cannot wait for book 2!
One small echo has such a unique magic system and it really didn’t feel like a copy and paste from other romantasy books, even though we get a lot of the tropes we all love.
Our FMC is so unbelievably relatable.
I adored the found family / friendships vibes throughout the whole book… and the humour in this book is incredible. I laughed so many times.
And our MMC? I folded like a pretzel for this man.
Who knew someone who couldn’t speak could create so much tension and yearning!
I’m obsessed. I cannot wait for book 2!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Is it too early to declare best book of the year? Upon finishing this book, I was overcome with an immense feeling of giddy excitement. For what I just read, for the characters, the plot, and for what's to come.
One Small Echo introduces you to characters that will have you invested pretty early on. I definitely went from laughing to crying all in one chapter. This one will get you in the feels for sure.
I adore the FMC, Eiko, so much, and her support system of friends are an absolute bonus. As for the MMC, there is something about the way Jane writes possessive, obsessed, and unhinged men. Like omg, the tension and yearning keeps this slow burn romance sizzling. I can't wait to see how this progresses in the next book.
Overall, I loved the play on monsters in this and how they are portrayed in this world (symbiotes anyone? iykyk). Also, Eiko's arc from being so vulnerable in the beginning to becoming such a strong lead was amazing to read. After that shocking ending, I cannot wait to see what Eiko's going to become next. I may have just unlocked my newest obsession and I'm sure I've discovered another top tier series by this author.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩
🗡Arranged Marriage (oh this adds such a layer to the story)
🗡Disability and LGBTQ rep (loved this!)
🗡 A very bad villian (so there's this one guy... that I loathe)
🗡Thee very best friends anyone could have (the mom in me was very worried for them)
🗡A tiny baby monster that may not be such a tiny baby monster (it's still a mystery)
🖤
One Small Echo introduces you to characters that will have you invested pretty early on. I definitely went from laughing to crying all in one chapter. This one will get you in the feels for sure.
I adore the FMC, Eiko, so much, and her support system of friends are an absolute bonus. As for the MMC, there is something about the way Jane writes possessive, obsessed, and unhinged men. Like omg, the tension and yearning keeps this slow burn romance sizzling. I can't wait to see how this progresses in the next book.
Overall, I loved the play on monsters in this and how they are portrayed in this world (symbiotes anyone? iykyk). Also, Eiko's arc from being so vulnerable in the beginning to becoming such a strong lead was amazing to read. After that shocking ending, I cannot wait to see what Eiko's going to become next. I may have just unlocked my newest obsession and I'm sure I've discovered another top tier series by this author.
𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙩
🗡Arranged Marriage (oh this adds such a layer to the story)
🗡Disability and LGBTQ rep (loved this!)
🗡 A very bad villian (so there's this one guy... that I loathe)
🗡Thee very best friends anyone could have (the mom in me was very worried for them)
🗡A tiny baby monster that may not be such a tiny baby monster (it's still a mystery)
🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
Because it's release day (YAY! 🥳🎉) and I STILL haven't found the words to review... it clearly means, reread time!
~
28/02/2026:
Review to come because I'm still emotionally scarred and processing my feelings. But what a wild ride.
~
28/02/2026:
Review to come because I'm still emotionally scarred and processing my feelings. But what a wild ride.
February 26, 2026
Well Jane, you've done it again. I am constantly consumed by thoughts of this book and theories of what comes next at all times of the day.
It took me a little longer to read this book that it would usually due to some medical stuff that took up entirely too much of my time when I could have been reading this beauty. But, once I was freed up I consumed the rest of it in a night, which is how I imagine I would have devoured it without the pesky interruptions.
I adore Eiko. She is such a breath of fresh air as a main character. She's funny, quick witted and cranky which makes her so endearing in my eyes. She represents people like myself and millions of others in the world who may have disabilities, medical issues, perceived limitations and she smashes through all of those walls and boundaries and makes the world her own. She bends the world to her will and she doesn't even realise it in a lot of ways. Her friends are all wrapped around her finger, and it reads as if Eiko just thinks they do that because she's blind, but what she doesn't see (pun not intended) is that they're not soft with her because she's blind. They're soft with her because they love her and they know she will always step up for them, so they do the same for her.
It's genuinely wonderful to see someone with a disability be treated like a normal human being by her friends. Jane also doesn't skirt around the difficult parts of that disability, or the comments and behaviours of people who don't know Eiko. She doesn't make it seem as if the rest of the world is tolerant and she shows both the highs and lows of other peoples judgements and kindness throughout the book which I just really loved and appreciated.
The same goes for Chasin in a lot of ways. He's different to Eiko, but he also sees her in a way a lot of people don't. He pushes her because he knows she can be great but he also pushes her because he wants to see how far she will go to prove him wrong. I genuinely believe he is both intrigued by her and turned on by the challenges she as a person presents. I also love the incorporation of sign for Chasin and signing by touch for Eiko. Not only does it add to the tension, but it is also just positively delicious. I can see him eventually fitting into the friend group, I can see them accepting him despite his internal battles. I would also love to see him get the opportunity to tell his family to suck a fat one and tear down their reign with his bare hands, alongside Eiko and her friends. That's my big dream for this series.
Onto the slow burn - Now I am usually very bad with slow burn romance because I am an impatient little ADHD brained goblin. However I will always, always make an exception and time for Jane's slow burns specifically because she writes them in such a way that still speaks to the impatient people because of all that delicious tension. That tension carries you through the story seamlessly. It's always there, underlying and reeling you in, keeping your attention throughout. In some places it's subtle and quiet, in others it's loud and obnoxious and it's perfect.
Speaking of ADHD.. There are some behaviours from certain characters in this book that beautifully parallel ADHD and I'm genuinely grateful for it because even though it wasn't related to ADHD in the book itself, Jane made those behaviours feel seen and recognised. She showed the way certain erraticisms and neurosis can be completely unrecognised by the person experiencing them unless they're clearly pointed out. She shows how hyper fixation can become detrimental without the person experiencing it even realising, because to them, it makes them feel better and calms their mind. She shows that irritability doesn't have to be a reason people use to push you a way, but instead a signal to those people that they need to band around you and protect you until the. bad spell is over.
Next up on my list of notes to remember to add to this review (adhd remember? good, cause if I didn't have it written down and stuck to my forehead I would forget). Hymn. Sweet little baby Hymn. Oh the theories I have about you lil guy. I had to start writing them down. Hymn is sweet in some ways and very feisty in others, but more than anything he allows Eiko space to be herself within her own skin. He knows everything she thinks and feels and he knows when to step in and assist with those things and when to leave her the space to sort it out on her own. He was a sweet companion throughout the story but I definitely have theories about him..
Jane proves throughout this entire book that she sees and understands the physical and mental barriers people face and she sheds a light on it in a way a lot of authors struggle to do effectively. She includes humour and intellectuality. She weaves in these little details that the main characters aren't picking up on, but we as the readers are, and she proves as she does every time that her writing never, ever suffers for the added subtext. Her words flow beautifully, there was not one single point in this book where I had any trouble understanding or visualising anything because she paints such a gorgeously vivid picture. She world builds throughout and it's like getting a new piece of a map and being excited to see what it holds, but never feeling like the original map was lacking anything.
Jane has been at the top of my favourite authors list for a long time now but with everything she writes, she proves time and again that she's there for a reason. She is so, so funny and a phenomenal storyteller. She makes you care about characters as if they are family and that's just a really special talent to have.
5 Stars. If I could give it more I absolutely would!
It took me a little longer to read this book that it would usually due to some medical stuff that took up entirely too much of my time when I could have been reading this beauty. But, once I was freed up I consumed the rest of it in a night, which is how I imagine I would have devoured it without the pesky interruptions.
I adore Eiko. She is such a breath of fresh air as a main character. She's funny, quick witted and cranky which makes her so endearing in my eyes. She represents people like myself and millions of others in the world who may have disabilities, medical issues, perceived limitations and she smashes through all of those walls and boundaries and makes the world her own. She bends the world to her will and she doesn't even realise it in a lot of ways. Her friends are all wrapped around her finger, and it reads as if Eiko just thinks they do that because she's blind, but what she doesn't see (pun not intended) is that they're not soft with her because she's blind. They're soft with her because they love her and they know she will always step up for them, so they do the same for her.
It's genuinely wonderful to see someone with a disability be treated like a normal human being by her friends. Jane also doesn't skirt around the difficult parts of that disability, or the comments and behaviours of people who don't know Eiko. She doesn't make it seem as if the rest of the world is tolerant and she shows both the highs and lows of other peoples judgements and kindness throughout the book which I just really loved and appreciated.
The same goes for Chasin in a lot of ways. He's different to Eiko, but he also sees her in a way a lot of people don't. He pushes her because he knows she can be great but he also pushes her because he wants to see how far she will go to prove him wrong. I genuinely believe he is both intrigued by her and turned on by the challenges she as a person presents. I also love the incorporation of sign for Chasin and signing by touch for Eiko. Not only does it add to the tension, but it is also just positively delicious. I can see him eventually fitting into the friend group, I can see them accepting him despite his internal battles. I would also love to see him get the opportunity to tell his family to suck a fat one and tear down their reign with his bare hands, alongside Eiko and her friends. That's my big dream for this series.
Onto the slow burn - Now I am usually very bad with slow burn romance because I am an impatient little ADHD brained goblin. However I will always, always make an exception and time for Jane's slow burns specifically because she writes them in such a way that still speaks to the impatient people because of all that delicious tension. That tension carries you through the story seamlessly. It's always there, underlying and reeling you in, keeping your attention throughout. In some places it's subtle and quiet, in others it's loud and obnoxious and it's perfect.
Speaking of ADHD.. There are some behaviours from certain characters in this book that beautifully parallel ADHD and I'm genuinely grateful for it because even though it wasn't related to ADHD in the book itself, Jane made those behaviours feel seen and recognised. She showed the way certain erraticisms and neurosis can be completely unrecognised by the person experiencing them unless they're clearly pointed out. She shows how hyper fixation can become detrimental without the person experiencing it even realising, because to them, it makes them feel better and calms their mind. She shows that irritability doesn't have to be a reason people use to push you a way, but instead a signal to those people that they need to band around you and protect you until the. bad spell is over.
Next up on my list of notes to remember to add to this review (adhd remember? good, cause if I didn't have it written down and stuck to my forehead I would forget). Hymn. Sweet little baby Hymn. Oh the theories I have about you lil guy. I had to start writing them down. Hymn is sweet in some ways and very feisty in others, but more than anything he allows Eiko space to be herself within her own skin. He knows everything she thinks and feels and he knows when to step in and assist with those things and when to leave her the space to sort it out on her own. He was a sweet companion throughout the story but I definitely have theories about him..
Jane proves throughout this entire book that she sees and understands the physical and mental barriers people face and she sheds a light on it in a way a lot of authors struggle to do effectively. She includes humour and intellectuality. She weaves in these little details that the main characters aren't picking up on, but we as the readers are, and she proves as she does every time that her writing never, ever suffers for the added subtext. Her words flow beautifully, there was not one single point in this book where I had any trouble understanding or visualising anything because she paints such a gorgeously vivid picture. She world builds throughout and it's like getting a new piece of a map and being excited to see what it holds, but never feeling like the original map was lacking anything.
Jane has been at the top of my favourite authors list for a long time now but with everything she writes, she proves time and again that she's there for a reason. She is so, so funny and a phenomenal storyteller. She makes you care about characters as if they are family and that's just a really special talent to have.
5 Stars. If I could give it more I absolutely would!
February 24, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from Author
Overall Rating: 6 STAR BOOK ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️
“But an unmade woman had one very particular opportunity: she had the opportunity to rebuild herself in an image of her choosing.”
Read if You Like:
✽ Blind FMC x Mute MMC
✽ Found Family
✽ Slow Burn
✽ Bonded Monsters
✽ “You Are Mine”
✽ Enemies to Lovers
✽ Marriage of Convenience
Thoughts:
First, a massive thank you to Jane Washington and her team for the ARC of One Small Echo. If you know me, you already know I am a Jane Washington STAN— so if there’s an ARC to be read, you best believe I’m dropping everything to get my hands on her latest book.
Now for the good stuff.
I cannot stress to you enough my absolute love and obsession for Eiko. Listen… it’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I adore every main character Jane writes—male, female, morally BLACK, feral (iykyk), you name it— but Eiko might actually take the cake for my favorite FMC. She’s funny, witty, fiercely loyal, and her sarcasm? Everything. Her banter with Hymn had me crying of laughter. And honestly? Eiko feels the closest any of Jane’s FMCs have ever come to the way Jane presents herself online, which made her even more endearing to me.
One Small Echo had me laughing, crying, and fully invested from start to finish. Between Eiko’s sharp humor, Hymn’s precious cinnamon-roll energy (which should be protected at all costs), the unique magic system (Bonded Monsters?? Say less.), the found-family dynamic, and her budding relationships (can we even call it that) with the princes— plus her choice of men which I honestly couldn’t decide which I wanted her to end up with more (can this just be a why choose already)— this book had everything I crave in a romantasy.
I reached about three quarters of the way through the book and I could already feel the book hangover setting in— that gnawing, hollow, delicious ache? The way I was dreading this book being over was something I’ve been missing (sadist much?) in the books I’ve read recently. No one drags me into a dark, lonely book depression with a smile on my face quite like Jane Washington.
I can’t shout it from the rooftops enough— the way I wanted to demand everyone stop whatever they were doing and read One Small Echo immediately is borderline insane. I don’t know what Jane puts in her books (probably crack) but every single one ruins me for everything else in the best possible way. She keeps me devouring every word, praying she doesn’t break me while simultaneously begging her to.
And obviously One Small Echo was no exception.
Similar to:
✽ From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
✽ One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
✽ Ironside Academy by Jane Washington
Overall Rating: 6 STAR BOOK ⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶️
“But an unmade woman had one very particular opportunity: she had the opportunity to rebuild herself in an image of her choosing.”
Read if You Like:
✽ Blind FMC x Mute MMC
✽ Found Family
✽ Slow Burn
✽ Bonded Monsters
✽ “You Are Mine”
✽ Enemies to Lovers
✽ Marriage of Convenience
Thoughts:
First, a massive thank you to Jane Washington and her team for the ARC of One Small Echo. If you know me, you already know I am a Jane Washington STAN— so if there’s an ARC to be read, you best believe I’m dropping everything to get my hands on her latest book.
Now for the good stuff.
I cannot stress to you enough my absolute love and obsession for Eiko. Listen… it’s no surprise to anyone who knows me that I adore every main character Jane writes—male, female, morally BLACK, feral (iykyk), you name it— but Eiko might actually take the cake for my favorite FMC. She’s funny, witty, fiercely loyal, and her sarcasm? Everything. Her banter with Hymn had me crying of laughter. And honestly? Eiko feels the closest any of Jane’s FMCs have ever come to the way Jane presents herself online, which made her even more endearing to me.
One Small Echo had me laughing, crying, and fully invested from start to finish. Between Eiko’s sharp humor, Hymn’s precious cinnamon-roll energy (which should be protected at all costs), the unique magic system (Bonded Monsters?? Say less.), the found-family dynamic, and her budding relationships (can we even call it that) with the princes— plus her choice of men which I honestly couldn’t decide which I wanted her to end up with more (can this just be a why choose already)— this book had everything I crave in a romantasy.
I reached about three quarters of the way through the book and I could already feel the book hangover setting in— that gnawing, hollow, delicious ache? The way I was dreading this book being over was something I’ve been missing (sadist much?) in the books I’ve read recently. No one drags me into a dark, lonely book depression with a smile on my face quite like Jane Washington.
I can’t shout it from the rooftops enough— the way I wanted to demand everyone stop whatever they were doing and read One Small Echo immediately is borderline insane. I don’t know what Jane puts in her books (probably crack) but every single one ruins me for everything else in the best possible way. She keeps me devouring every word, praying she doesn’t break me while simultaneously begging her to.
And obviously One Small Echo was no exception.
Similar to:
✽ From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
✽ One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
✽ Ironside Academy by Jane Washington
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“The truth was layered.”
“One Small Echo,” by Jane Washington
This book was filled with so much tension! A blind FMC and a mute MMC, such a unique dynamic. There is a clear and aggressive power dynamic set up that added to the tension of the military/assassin school setup. The magic set up was my favorite part, literal monsters living inside them give them their powers. It kept me so glued to the story! I was literally so swept up in the plot and couldn’t put it down.
5 out of 5 stars, I can’t wait for the next book.
-Blind FMC X Mute MMC
-Slowburn
-Enemies To Lovers
-Political Intrigue
-Arranged Marriage
-Assassins Training
-Grumpy X Sunshine
-Commander X Recruit
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
“They were like the wind, and she couldn’t demand the wind to stop blowing; she could only stand there and wait for the moment to pass.”
“One Small Echo,” by Jane Washington
This book was filled with so much tension! A blind FMC and a mute MMC, such a unique dynamic. There is a clear and aggressive power dynamic set up that added to the tension of the military/assassin school setup. The magic set up was my favorite part, literal monsters living inside them give them their powers. It kept me so glued to the story! I was literally so swept up in the plot and couldn’t put it down.
5 out of 5 stars, I can’t wait for the next book.
-Blind FMC X Mute MMC
-Slowburn
-Enemies To Lovers
-Political Intrigue
-Arranged Marriage
-Assassins Training
-Grumpy X Sunshine
-Commander X Recruit
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
“They were like the wind, and she couldn’t demand the wind to stop blowing; she could only stand there and wait for the moment to pass.”
March 13, 2026
Well... what am I actually supposed to do with my life until book 2 is out 😭?
*cue tiktok sound* "I think im gonna die in this HOUSE" You know that giddy feeling you get in Pride & Prejudice when Mr. Darcy flexes his hand? That's exactly how every interaction between Eiko & Chasin made me feel 🫠🤭 and when the tension finally snaps and their pinkies so much as graze one another's I felt feral*add meme of Bratz doll w/ crazy eyes*🥵
Jane is a genius, her writing makes you get lost and fully immersed into this world and Im truly a Masochist because I know what im in for. And I still dive in enthusiastically ready for her to ruin my life(in the best way) for the foreseeable future😮💨🧎♀️
*cue tiktok sound* "I think im gonna die in this HOUSE" You know that giddy feeling you get in Pride & Prejudice when Mr. Darcy flexes his hand? That's exactly how every interaction between Eiko & Chasin made me feel 🫠🤭 and when the tension finally snaps and their pinkies so much as graze one another's I felt feral*add meme of Bratz doll w/ crazy eyes*🥵
Jane is a genius, her writing makes you get lost and fully immersed into this world and Im truly a Masochist because I know what im in for. And I still dive in enthusiastically ready for her to ruin my life(in the best way) for the foreseeable future😮💨🧎♀️
March 13, 2026
Not only do we have a new Washington World to explore in a total riot of imagery, but we have possibly the best, most iconically and delightfully sarcastic heroine Jane has ever birthed.
Forget the characters (who are all developed perfectly, by the way) — this entire story is full of personality. From baby monsters to Big Baddie Daddies, from place and setting descriptions to narrative flow, every word just oozes style and flavor.
Also, sexy in the most unexpected way.
One Small Echo is a 10…. But she only has 3 installments? How am I supposed to live with that? 😩
Forget the characters (who are all developed perfectly, by the way) — this entire story is full of personality. From baby monsters to Big Baddie Daddies, from place and setting descriptions to narrative flow, every word just oozes style and flavor.
Also, sexy in the most unexpected way.
One Small Echo is a 10…. But she only has 3 installments? How am I supposed to live with that? 😩
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