EKKO

EKKO Trilogy #1

by Johnny Walker

Ekko is the story of an accomplished soundman and his adventures on the road. CJ’s constant craving for mystery leads him to accidentally find an ancient device. His new toy not only allows him to delve into the spiritual world, but to bring some back with him as well. He learns to combine modern-day technology with the characters he captures from the past. He creates quite a show for the audience. But not without a price. His collaboration of the two worlds brings his career to a whole new level, but it also causes some suspicions, which constantly border on tarnishing his credibility. Throughout his escapades, he must keep his shenanigans a secret, which, in turn, keeps him in constant danger. Keeping his secret hidden is a mystery within itself. The adventures unfold as CJ continues to find a way of mixing his professional trade with the unearthly passions of the world beyond.

175 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2006

About the author

Johnny Walker is a musician turned soundman turned storyteller. He has received two Billboard Songwriting Citations and been published in Global entertainment trades. Johnny grew up in the Southwest, sneaking into the den late at night to watch old movies. Having spent most of his youth playing music on the road, he ‘settled down’ in New York City and became submersed in live theater and music venues, this time performing A/V duties from the sound booth. After three decades of entertainment mayhem, Johnny has taken his experiences and transformed them into a fantasy-based trilogy. His writing is heavily influenced from authors ranging from Neil Gaiman to Patricia Highsmith to Orson Scott Card. He lives in New York City where he avidly volunteers and tries not to wake his Wheaton Terrier, Ella, when he sneaks into the den late at night. First published in 2006, Johnny completed the EKKO Trilogy in May of 2015.

Reviews

[Jay Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story that zips along nicely with some strong characters, particularly the MC, CJ. It is interesting to read something in which the focus is as much on the aural as the visual aspects of the scene. They say you should write about what you know and Johnny Walker evidently knows sound equipment intimately. He takes it beyond sound settings for a gig in a club, though. There is a lovely passage in the chapter ‘Hayson’ where he draws an analogy between the sounds of a forest awakening after the winter to an orchestra. Except for the slip with a ‘section of lead violins’ (there is only one lead violin, the section is 1st violins) it was handled in a masterful way.

On the subject of the Hayson, whilst the idea of the instrument has been borrowed from Ghostbusters, it is appropriate that this is a more technologically advanced machine than those backpack affairs. The story would not have worked so well had it been otherwise.

For the first few chapters the author seemed to have an uneasy relationship with the use of first person, present tense, but he really got into his stride from chapter 6 onwards. There are some excellent descriptive passages throughout, of scene and action. A particular favourite of mine is the telling of the Spider Man acts required to sort out the sound system cabling and equipment high up walls and in tight spaces. The dialogue and interactions between the characters are also excellent.

I was never too sure where the story was taking me, but I was completely satisfied at the end in being left with plenty unsaid so my imagination could run on afterwards.

I would have rated this book as a 4 on the strength of the story, the characters, the pace and structure. However, the punctuation is, shall I say, ‘flamboyant’? Use of semicolons, and it feels like there are hundreds of them, is so consistently bad it comes across as an affectation. It’s not much better with ellipses, and use of commas and apostrophes also needs to be corrected.

That said, having schooled my mind to ignore the punctuation, I really enjoyed this story and have no doubt I will read #2 with pleasure.

[Georgebooker]

Very elegant! This book reminded me of my experience with Daisy Limousine https://www.daisylimo.com in New Jersey. They provided me with an exceptional experience, exceeding all my expectations. From the moment I booked, their customer service was attentive and friendly. The luxury car fleet was spotless and well equipped, providing maximum comfort.

[Meagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

In White Limousine (EKKO), we are introduced to CJ, a man whose passion is running lights and sounds for concerts and he has set his mind to it that nothing will stop him from following his dream. He is taking it so far that he is actually using spirits, ghosts, phantoms, etc in his stage-shows. Of course, how do you tell someone what is really going on without sounding completely mental? Well, word starts to get out about his shows and with all the extra attention and press coverage, how do you keep something like that a secret forever? The book was a great read! I loved following CJ and even though I'm not much of a believer in the paranormal, I found the book to be very entertaining and there were even parts that gave me chills with the suspense. Even though the author dove into the paranormal quite a bit, the book seemed very real and the story was believable throughout. I am actually very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series!!!

[susan murray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book from start to finish its a long time since I read a ghost story book and this was brill better than expectations.CJ is a character and the ghost he meets are really interesting.Cannot wait to find out how CJ gets on and whats happened to him

[Ginetta Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story. You won't be abe to stop reading till you get to the end of the book. Loved CJ. Could not wait to get the second book. Reading it and loving it!

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. Awesome book! Music and ghosts! Great characters! Ready to start Black Coffee ! And the Nathan Juju cd is cool too!