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Echoes of Silence
Her voice could unleash a war.
Twenty-three-year-old Echo del Toro doesn't know about the bride-choosing festivities the tyrannical Prince of Nyth has planned--until she's taken from her home by five armed soldiers. She's led under the cover of a magically produced storm to an opulent compound to join hundreds of girls, each vying to be chosen as the next Queen of Nyth.
As she plays the charade of falling in love with the Prince, Echo realizes three terrifying truths: He is hungry for her song-magic, he has a secret plot to dethrone his father, and he is not wholly unlikeable.
Faced with the strongest dark magician in centuries, Echo must know when to let her voice fly and when to hold her tongue, or she'll find herself caught in the lasting notes of a song that can't be unsung.
Twenty-three-year-old Echo del Toro doesn't know about the bride-choosing festivities the tyrannical Prince of Nyth has planned--until she's taken from her home by five armed soldiers. She's led under the cover of a magically produced storm to an opulent compound to join hundreds of girls, each vying to be chosen as the next Queen of Nyth.
As she plays the charade of falling in love with the Prince, Echo realizes three terrifying truths: He is hungry for her song-magic, he has a secret plot to dethrone his father, and he is not wholly unlikeable.
Faced with the strongest dark magician in centuries, Echo must know when to let her voice fly and when to hold her tongue, or she'll find herself caught in the lasting notes of a song that can't be unsung.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2016
21 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
Elana Johnson
178 books2,083 followers3-time USA Today bestselling author Elana Johnson writes adult contemporary beach romance. She is the author of over 130 books across two names, and there's nothing better than sun, sand, and swoon-worthy kisses! Unless it's a sweet-and-sexy cowboy - read those under her pen name of Liz Isaacson. Or an emotional, heartfelt women's fiction novel - read those under her pen name of Jessie Newton.
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
Learn more at:
www.elanajohnson.com
www.lizisaacson.com
www.authorjessienewton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 4, 2017
Echoes of Silence by Elana Johnson is a fantasy tale about a girl that can make spells by singing. I have read other books about this so I have some to compare it to. This one adds a few different angles to the story which makes it fresh. The characters are developed, and the plot was well planned. It was an okay read. Worth the time. I enjoyed it.
July 30, 2016
A fantastical world full of magic and tyrant King fill the pages of this book. Echo is a spell caster. She can create magic by her song. She is powerful but has tried to hide her talent because it is illegal. She scrapes by for herself and her sister until the Prince's men come and take her to the royal compound to vie to become the Prince's wife.
I voted for this book on Kindle Scout and received a copy of the book after it was selected. I am glad that it won because this book is wonderful. Elana Johnson created a picture in my mind of the characters and corrupt society. I have enjoyed every book I have read of hers and this one didn't disappoint me.
This book looks at loyalty, corruption, revolt, love, and remaining true to oneself. It contains violence and fade to black situations. I would let my teenagers read it.
I voted for this book on Kindle Scout and received a copy of the book after it was selected. I am glad that it won because this book is wonderful. Elana Johnson created a picture in my mind of the characters and corrupt society. I have enjoyed every book I have read of hers and this one didn't disappoint me.
This book looks at loyalty, corruption, revolt, love, and remaining true to oneself. It contains violence and fade to black situations. I would let my teenagers read it.
Want to read
May 27, 2017This sounds amazing, like a manga book I've read, and the preview that I read on Goodreads was wonderful! I can't wait to read more!
April 25, 2016
I first found this on the Kindle Scout site. I wanted to read it it just from the 2 chapters posted there and made sure to nominate it. So glad I did! This is a complete book and does not end in a cliffhanger.
The author has created a world where magic is done musically by song. The characters, world, and magic are richly described and written in a manner which is easy to imagine being there.
The King of the kingdom of Nyth is a tyrant and keeps tight control of the use of magic within its borders. Those who can wield it do it for him, voluntarily or involuntary, or they are killed. The type of magic he wields is dark and evil.
Echo del Toro has the "gift" of spell-song. Her grandmother urged her never to reveal it or use it. But her grandmother is gone and she feels she doesn't have a choice sometimes to keep a roof over the head of both herself and her sister. Unfortunately using it has brought her to the attention of the Prince. She tries to escape from the soldiers at her door but is unable to. Echo quickly learns that circumstances are not always what they seem. Maybe she can use her gift for good. Will she succeed and live a fairytale life with a prince?
I hope the author decides to turn this book into a series as I would love to read more about this world and characters.
The author has created a world where magic is done musically by song. The characters, world, and magic are richly described and written in a manner which is easy to imagine being there.
The King of the kingdom of Nyth is a tyrant and keeps tight control of the use of magic within its borders. Those who can wield it do it for him, voluntarily or involuntary, or they are killed. The type of magic he wields is dark and evil.
Echo del Toro has the "gift" of spell-song. Her grandmother urged her never to reveal it or use it. But her grandmother is gone and she feels she doesn't have a choice sometimes to keep a roof over the head of both herself and her sister. Unfortunately using it has brought her to the attention of the Prince. She tries to escape from the soldiers at her door but is unable to. Echo quickly learns that circumstances are not always what they seem. Maybe she can use her gift for good. Will she succeed and live a fairytale life with a prince?
I hope the author decides to turn this book into a series as I would love to read more about this world and characters.
May 9, 2016
In a world where magic is forbidden, Echo must hide her natural magical abilities. She leaves home to find her sister and succeeds, but their survival in a foreign land quickly becomes her only goal.
Echo and her sister work for their keep, but their income is unreliable. When a client balks at the agreed upon price for a tablecloth, Echo knows that without payment in full, she and Olive will lose their lodging. To save them from that horror, she uses a touch of magic to remind the man of his promise.
No harm, no foul, right?
Except that a powerful magician takes notice and Echo’s problems ramp to another level. In a stunning turn of events, she’s summoned to the castle to audition to for the role of the prince’s wife.
An evil king, dastardly henchmen, jealous female rivals, and more threaten Echo’s happiness – and her life. In this high stakes game, can she use her power for the good of the kingdom?
A page turner from Kindle Scout that bridges the gap between YA and NA. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this dystopian world and wonder if Echo’s story will continue. A word to the author – I’d read that next book!
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
Echo and her sister work for their keep, but their income is unreliable. When a client balks at the agreed upon price for a tablecloth, Echo knows that without payment in full, she and Olive will lose their lodging. To save them from that horror, she uses a touch of magic to remind the man of his promise.
No harm, no foul, right?
Except that a powerful magician takes notice and Echo’s problems ramp to another level. In a stunning turn of events, she’s summoned to the castle to audition to for the role of the prince’s wife.
An evil king, dastardly henchmen, jealous female rivals, and more threaten Echo’s happiness – and her life. In this high stakes game, can she use her power for the good of the kingdom?
A page turner from Kindle Scout that bridges the gap between YA and NA. I enjoyed the paranormal aspect of this dystopian world and wonder if Echo’s story will continue. A word to the author – I’d read that next book!
Maggie Toussaint and Rigel Carson for Muddy Rose Reviews
December 17, 2017
While Elana Johnson has beautiful descriptive prose and an elegant sense of style, the story and characters miss the mark. The story seems muddled on where in the fantasy/romance genre it wants to lean. At first I thought it would fall squarely into the more "romantic" side, but then Echo seems to love no one deeply in the story and no one around her inspires feelings of love.
So I thought, eagerly, that the book for fall more fantasy. But the magic system and world building is far too weak to stand up to most fantasy writing.
Beyond genre confusion the "twists" and "turns" of the plot are convoluted and often forced. After being yanked around so much I started to stop caring about either the journey or the destination. I just wanted the ride to be over.
Beautiful story telling couldn't hide that there was no story or true character in this work. Which is why sadly, I had to give Echoes of Silence such a low rating despite Elana's obvious ability to masterfully work prose.
So I thought, eagerly, that the book for fall more fantasy. But the magic system and world building is far too weak to stand up to most fantasy writing.
Beyond genre confusion the "twists" and "turns" of the plot are convoluted and often forced. After being yanked around so much I started to stop caring about either the journey or the destination. I just wanted the ride to be over.
Beautiful story telling couldn't hide that there was no story or true character in this work. Which is why sadly, I had to give Echoes of Silence such a low rating despite Elana's obvious ability to masterfully work prose.
April 28, 2016
I nominated this book for a Kindle Scout award—and it won! So I got a free advanced copy for review.
This book has a great fantasy premise, involving the singing of magical spells and charms by the main character, Echo. The plot and characters kept me reading throughout, and the details of the world seemed nicely rounded and described. I smiled at the lovely word images, with descriptions like “whiskery ferns.” I loved how the romance played out (which brother Echo chose to love), and there are plenty of kissing and swoony scenes for those who like that woven into their book plots. I was a little disappointed things weren’t tied up at the end—and that quite a number of characters died throughout the novel—but I suppose the unfinished business leaves room for a sequel. :)
This book has a great fantasy premise, involving the singing of magical spells and charms by the main character, Echo. The plot and characters kept me reading throughout, and the details of the world seemed nicely rounded and described. I smiled at the lovely word images, with descriptions like “whiskery ferns.” I loved how the romance played out (which brother Echo chose to love), and there are plenty of kissing and swoony scenes for those who like that woven into their book plots. I was a little disappointed things weren’t tied up at the end—and that quite a number of characters died throughout the novel—but I suppose the unfinished business leaves room for a sequel. :)
May 15, 2016
All in all, a good NA fantasy read with an intriguing - although sometimes confusing - plot. The magic system was fascinating and unlike anything I'd read before. I liked Castillo, but I wish he hadn't hid so much from her. I think revealing his storyline could have cleared up some of my confusion with certain plot points. Also, some of the most dramatic parts felt anti-climatic and I think it had to do with the coldness of Echo's voice. She could feel very disconnected when the reader needed to really be immersed in her emotions.
May 16, 2016
A fascinating premise and really cool world building. I loved the descriptions and the conflicted characters. This was a well-deserved Kindle Scout winner!
September 14, 2017
I don't leave spoilers as I believe everyone should experience stories for themselves. I have read a couple of Elana Johnson books before so I was intrigued by this storyline. I enjoyed this book, and couldn't put it down, the authors imagination once again shone through, with her eye for detail without overwhelming the story ability is great, you get just enough information to be able to see in your minds eye the surroundings where the story unfolds. I was engaged effortlessly at the beginning and the story and characters kept my attention all the way through, I was reluctant to put it down to sleep, it was so entrapping. I love the way this author manages uniqueness in her stories, the way the old mixes with the new environment is really well done. There are enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes throughout. The story is told in the first person, which personally I prefer. This is mainly by the main character Echoe, but when the characters switch this continues, so it always feels real. I was only disappointed by wanting two particular characters, to be together. But as I said you are kept on your toes so who knows what may happen further along, as this story can turn on a pinhead. I like strong female leads, and Echoe gives us bags of that with her grit but yet vulnerable personality all at the same time. The accompanying characters on her journey get enough input, to help this story give you, loneliness, love, friendship,vulnerability, longing, loyalty alongside strength, determination, betrayal, deceit, mystery and so much more. I would definitely recommend trying this book, I wasn't disappointed and look forward to hopefully a new impelling series.
June 2, 2018
Echo has magic but she must keep it hidden so she isn’t found out and forced against her will to give up her powers by the High King o Nyth. She and her sister do what they can to survive. Her sister Olive is wonderfully talented with flowers and decor. Herself talented with a needle and thread/machine. She sews and does what she can around.
But when soldiers knock on her door she wants to run but later learns it’s not for what she thought it was for. A selection of girls to vie for the Prince’s heart? Oh with politics and conspiracy involved. Secrets and missions and love and betrayal and trust. Magic.
Echo learns about the horrors of the High King and what she needs to do to protect her countrymen from the vile King.
A very intense ride. Had me on the edge of my seat at all times. Loved it!
Definitely recommend.
But when soldiers knock on her door she wants to run but later learns it’s not for what she thought it was for. A selection of girls to vie for the Prince’s heart? Oh with politics and conspiracy involved. Secrets and missions and love and betrayal and trust. Magic.
Echo learns about the horrors of the High King and what she needs to do to protect her countrymen from the vile King.
A very intense ride. Had me on the edge of my seat at all times. Loved it!
Definitely recommend.
April 11, 2018
DNF @ 42%
I have a very hard time not finishing a book I've started, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend any more of my life on this one. I got this as a Kindle deal, and the premise sounded very interesting. Unfortunately, the characters were all flat, the plot was nonexistent, and the protagonist was an idiot. She literally would not be able to keep her mouth shut to save her life, but this was somehow supposed to be an endearing quality. She also KNOWS her life is dependent on keeping her magic a secret, but she constantly uses it anyway. And that's not even touching on the "romance". BLECH.
I have a very hard time not finishing a book I've started, but I just couldn't bring myself to spend any more of my life on this one. I got this as a Kindle deal, and the premise sounded very interesting. Unfortunately, the characters were all flat, the plot was nonexistent, and the protagonist was an idiot. She literally would not be able to keep her mouth shut to save her life, but this was somehow supposed to be an endearing quality. She also KNOWS her life is dependent on keeping her magic a secret, but she constantly uses it anyway. And that's not even touching on the "romance". BLECH.
March 9, 2017
This story had so much potential, but ultimately did not deliver. The characters seemed to float from one action to another without any actual motivation other than serving the plot. It definitely could have done with more character development, and a firmer grasp on the time period in which the story is taking place. Is it modern? Medieval? There were aspects of a historical novel, but a very modern "Bachelor" setup and clothing, along with modern speech patterns. This one was very nearly a DNF for me, but I REALLY wanted things to turn around because it was such an interesting premise.
June 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, and can only hope that this will be the first in a series. As a musician myself, I was originally drawn by the book's description. The characters are well-developed, & the world-building was superb. I really enjoyed the way the author gradually built the characters over time, so that certain secrets were revealed later in the book. I especially enjoyed the way this author developed her plot, filled with suspense, tension, & twists. I recommend this book to other fans of epic fantasy. It was truly excellent.
February 19, 2018
Excellent plot, could really shine with a good editing. One page, she's eating breakfast. A page or two later, and suddenly she's eating dinner. Sloppy pacing. But in the end I did enjoy it because the story was interesting, and not entirely predictable.
Leaves room open for a sequel, but basically concludes in this volume.
Leaves room open for a sequel, but basically concludes in this volume.
October 25, 2017
Outstanding
Totally got nothing done today, I couldn't put it down.
Outstanding plot with fabulous strong characters. Loved the interactions between characters.
Totally got nothing done today, I couldn't put it down.
Outstanding plot with fabulous strong characters. Loved the interactions between characters.
April 1, 2018
Fun fiction
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great magic novel although I did get lost a couple of times, but that might have been my fast reading getting the better of me.
I really enjoyed this book. It was a great magic novel although I did get lost a couple of times, but that might have been my fast reading getting the better of me.
September 26, 2016
This mystical, magical book drew me into its spell and didn’t release me until the final page was turned. Enchanting Echo with her compassion, loyalty to her family and friends, her beauty and humility was the epitome of grace under pressure. Cris and Castillo are a dichotomy of opposites yet similar in many ways, almost two halves of a whole. And their father, the High King of Nyth, with his utterly evil oppression and heartless greed had me seeking his demise and retribution for his sons and his subjects. Johnson spun a fantasy world with her picturesque words and phrases. I love that this story isn’t focused on the romance but on the details of the conflict and Echo learning to focus her singing powers to help save those she loves and bring peace to her people. “I’d used my head to live. Now I needed to use my heart to love.” This story will appeal to readers who enjoy fantasy as well as those who love a good romance, as Echo learns to trust and to love. Told in a series of flashbacks intermixed with the drama and intrigue of Echo’s struggle to survive. There are intricate details and layers of characters and plots. This is a book to be savored, studied, and deciphered. The few typos and inconsistencies led to my four star rating.
*I received an ARC for an honest review.
*I received an ARC for an honest review.
February 15, 2017
I think it was okay, not one of the best books i have read but it was more original that many other books I have been reading.
March 8, 2017
Captivating
The characters were fun and engaging. If I had anything critical to say about this book, is that it doesn't fully explain some important things to the reader. The whole bonding rules were confusing and left me frustrated.
The characters were fun and engaging. If I had anything critical to say about this book, is that it doesn't fully explain some important things to the reader. The whole bonding rules were confusing and left me frustrated.
May 26, 2016
I was given a copy of this book for review. I was glad for the reading though, as I've wanted to read an Elana Johnson novel for a while, but she mostly writes YA and I'm not into that.
This novel is more New Adult; the characters are older but still growing into their maturity. Echo (at least it wasn't Zoe) appears to be a humble peasant with powerful magic she cannot control. The story starts off with a lot of flashback as character building for Echo, and instantly creates a sense of vulnerability for the character through the use of debilitating magical impulse and the recent loss of her childhood home Bond partner. Echo has been told she has very powerful magic, unmatched in the known world of Nyth and its outlying villages, and is the product of a prophecy; but the use of this magic causes he great physical pain and emotional suffering. Any time magic is used around her she feels the uncontrollable desire to expend her magic, but to do so will expose her to the evil magicians of the city she has chosen to hide out in.
There was a lot of story plot to attract me: the world building is alt-historical, the plot of overthrowing a tyranical monarchy is intriguing, and even I can appreciate a love triangle. Ms Johnson writes with lyrical cadence, kissable romance, and a progressive action sequence with many twists. If I was a die hard romance reader who loved a magical setting, I would have given this a full five star review.
The writing is well done, but typical to its genre: romantic fantasy. The focus is on the ROMANCE. The setting could be any contemporary world (morning coffee and muffins, modern swim suits, The Bachelor reality TV), but is set in an alternate universe where magic is common, if unacceptable. Much of the action plot surrounds lies, secrets, betrayals, and royal intrigues; the bachelor prince is seeking a bride from the commoners, and over 60 percent of the book involves the jealousies of the candidates; though Echo herself never participates in the "choosing" events due to disinterest in being chosen the next Queen of the realm, or because she is too weak after expending her good magic to attend the few invites that actually reach her. Her acceptance as the next queen is known by all except Echo before the story even begins, however, so her absence is hardly noted by the other candidates.
I give this story a 4 star rating because it has a generally acceptable theme: the romance overwhelms the intrigue of a despot king being overthrown by his well meaning but weak children, an untrained heroine that saves all through determination and love, and eventually gravitates towards the expected happily ever after and summation of all the secrets plots, with enough loose ends to warrant a sequel or three.
The writing was good for its genre; I just wasn't wow'd by the story line or characters.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance in an alternate setting, and appreciate characters that are both vulnerable and powerful and use their powers for good at great cost to themselves.
This novel is more New Adult; the characters are older but still growing into their maturity. Echo (at least it wasn't Zoe) appears to be a humble peasant with powerful magic she cannot control. The story starts off with a lot of flashback as character building for Echo, and instantly creates a sense of vulnerability for the character through the use of debilitating magical impulse and the recent loss of her childhood home Bond partner. Echo has been told she has very powerful magic, unmatched in the known world of Nyth and its outlying villages, and is the product of a prophecy; but the use of this magic causes he great physical pain and emotional suffering. Any time magic is used around her she feels the uncontrollable desire to expend her magic, but to do so will expose her to the evil magicians of the city she has chosen to hide out in.
There was a lot of story plot to attract me: the world building is alt-historical, the plot of overthrowing a tyranical monarchy is intriguing, and even I can appreciate a love triangle. Ms Johnson writes with lyrical cadence, kissable romance, and a progressive action sequence with many twists. If I was a die hard romance reader who loved a magical setting, I would have given this a full five star review.
The writing is well done, but typical to its genre: romantic fantasy. The focus is on the ROMANCE. The setting could be any contemporary world (morning coffee and muffins, modern swim suits, The Bachelor reality TV), but is set in an alternate universe where magic is common, if unacceptable. Much of the action plot surrounds lies, secrets, betrayals, and royal intrigues; the bachelor prince is seeking a bride from the commoners, and over 60 percent of the book involves the jealousies of the candidates; though Echo herself never participates in the "choosing" events due to disinterest in being chosen the next Queen of the realm, or because she is too weak after expending her good magic to attend the few invites that actually reach her. Her acceptance as the next queen is known by all except Echo before the story even begins, however, so her absence is hardly noted by the other candidates.
I give this story a 4 star rating because it has a generally acceptable theme: the romance overwhelms the intrigue of a despot king being overthrown by his well meaning but weak children, an untrained heroine that saves all through determination and love, and eventually gravitates towards the expected happily ever after and summation of all the secrets plots, with enough loose ends to warrant a sequel or three.
The writing was good for its genre; I just wasn't wow'd by the story line or characters.
I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance in an alternate setting, and appreciate characters that are both vulnerable and powerful and use their powers for good at great cost to themselves.
July 30, 2018
I'd seen Echoes of Silence a few times in my Amazon recommendations before I actually decided to take the plunge. Had I known that this was the same author who wrote Possession (a book I read and disliked a few years back), I might have given it a miss. As it turned out, by the time I realised it was the same author, I'd already purchased the book and decided to just go for it.
Though better than Possession, Echoes of Silence still has more than its fair share of problems:
* Where is it on the scale? It's supposed to be a fantasy romance, but neither the fantasy nor the romance aspects are particularly strong.
-> The romance just kind of waffles about a bit with Echo not really feeling very strongly for any of the male characters until, all at once, she decides that she'll love one in particular and that's the end of that.
-> The fantasy never really gets fleshed out. The world-building is generic, at best, and there are many questions that are never convincingly answered. The whole of Echo's ancestry, and the prophecy related to her, aren't explored as well as they could have been, and since this could have been a very interesting part of the story, that turned out to be a big letdown.
* Why on earth include the Bachelor-esque wife-choosing fandango? It's used as a pretense to get Echo into the palace, but it's never explored. Of all the other girls (I think the original number was upwards of 400?), only two or three get a name and a face, and only one is actually developed beyond that. There's no point to it. It certainly shouldn't be a selling point for the book.
* Echo is an idiot. It didn't take me long to come to that conclusion. Within the first few pages, she talks about how using her magic could lead to her being discovered and captured, and how she should never use it. Then she uses it. Then she goes on and on about how it was a mistake and she'll never use it again. Then she uses it again. Then she witters on about how she's putting her and her sister's lives in danger by using magic, and, of course, she's discovered, so she fights back by using magic. Once she gets to the palace, she decides to pretend that she doesn't have any magic. Considering the number of people who've already seen you wielding magic, I think that ship has sailed, honey!
All in all, I felt that Echoes of Silence held potential that was never explored. I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't.
Though better than Possession, Echoes of Silence still has more than its fair share of problems:
* Where is it on the scale? It's supposed to be a fantasy romance, but neither the fantasy nor the romance aspects are particularly strong.
-> The romance just kind of waffles about a bit with Echo not really feeling very strongly for any of the male characters until, all at once, she decides that she'll love one in particular and that's the end of that.
-> The fantasy never really gets fleshed out. The world-building is generic, at best, and there are many questions that are never convincingly answered. The whole of Echo's ancestry, and the prophecy related to her, aren't explored as well as they could have been, and since this could have been a very interesting part of the story, that turned out to be a big letdown.
* Why on earth include the Bachelor-esque wife-choosing fandango? It's used as a pretense to get Echo into the palace, but it's never explored. Of all the other girls (I think the original number was upwards of 400?), only two or three get a name and a face, and only one is actually developed beyond that. There's no point to it. It certainly shouldn't be a selling point for the book.
* Echo is an idiot. It didn't take me long to come to that conclusion. Within the first few pages, she talks about how using her magic could lead to her being discovered and captured, and how she should never use it. Then she uses it. Then she goes on and on about how it was a mistake and she'll never use it again. Then she uses it again. Then she witters on about how she's putting her and her sister's lives in danger by using magic, and, of course, she's discovered, so she fights back by using magic. Once she gets to the palace, she decides to pretend that she doesn't have any magic. Considering the number of people who've already seen you wielding magic, I think that ship has sailed, honey!
All in all, I felt that Echoes of Silence held potential that was never explored. I wanted to like it, but I just couldn't.
August 15, 2016
Echo has magic that comes from her voice, she can cast spells by singing. The bad guy, the High King is looking to control magic by controlling the magicians, so he captures them and use them for his own gain. Echo must protect herself, but is getting more difficult, especially when she is selected to be one of the Prince's possible brides. Like most stories go, she must decide what to do, and who her allies are. She needs to decide if she can use her power to help those who need it, or if is better to protect herself.
The book was good, the story interesting, but it wasn't great, there are many things that bothered me about the story, things that I don't get about their actions.
I like the stories where the small guy defeats the big bad tyrant, but this one didn't sound all that possible, I liked most of the characters, but I didn't get everyone's motivation and relationships.
The book was good, the story interesting, but it wasn't great, there are many things that bothered me about the story, things that I don't get about their actions.
I like the stories where the small guy defeats the big bad tyrant, but this one didn't sound all that possible, I liked most of the characters, but I didn't get everyone's motivation and relationships.
July 24, 2016
Echoes of Silence is YA speculative fiction, set in a kingdom of indeterminate chronology and history. Most of the book takes place within the walls of the prince’s castle, and there are noble people, city gates, markets, and so forth, but no dragons or elves. There is magic, and it is a unique kind. It is based on music, wielded with song.
The magic system of Echoes is intriguing to imagine as it incorporates both the ability to create ethereal beauty, and to kill, as well as everything in between, depending upon the mindset of the wielder. That system, essentially, forms the basis of the plot of the book, as Echo, the main character, uses it to provide for and protect herself and her sister, and to avoid being taken advantage of for it.
Echo is a great main character, both despite and because of her lack of ability to control her tongue. She says whatever comes to mind, which often gets her into trouble. The combination of her musical power and lack of a verbal filter make for a great irony. The other characters, too, are equally as intriguing for the things they possess in spades and the things they don’t: Castillo, for his determination and lack of trust; the Prince (Cris), who carries little power but a great ability to understand people, Echo’s grandmother, who passes away before the story begins but whose memory and example linger on almost every page of the book.
This was an excellent read, full of the interactions of these fascinating characters and wonderful prose that made the story flow like a sonata. Ten out of ten stars.
The magic system of Echoes is intriguing to imagine as it incorporates both the ability to create ethereal beauty, and to kill, as well as everything in between, depending upon the mindset of the wielder. That system, essentially, forms the basis of the plot of the book, as Echo, the main character, uses it to provide for and protect herself and her sister, and to avoid being taken advantage of for it.
Echo is a great main character, both despite and because of her lack of ability to control her tongue. She says whatever comes to mind, which often gets her into trouble. The combination of her musical power and lack of a verbal filter make for a great irony. The other characters, too, are equally as intriguing for the things they possess in spades and the things they don’t: Castillo, for his determination and lack of trust; the Prince (Cris), who carries little power but a great ability to understand people, Echo’s grandmother, who passes away before the story begins but whose memory and example linger on almost every page of the book.
This was an excellent read, full of the interactions of these fascinating characters and wonderful prose that made the story flow like a sonata. Ten out of ten stars.
May 22, 2016
The magic system in this book was unique and complex, as was the worldbuilding. This is not just a run-of-the-mill fantasy set in an alternate England (although there's nothing wrong with that, either). The magic system is built on on songs/singing, and it was quite intriguing. I did kind of feel like I'd come in on the second book of a series, though, because the history of the world was complex, and there wasn't a lot of explanation of that complexity. The book is well-written, and the characters all have different, and sometimes conflicting, agendas, leading to tension and conflict.
Echo del Toro knows nothing about the bride-choosing the prince is doing, until she's taken to the castle to participate. She realizes the prince wants her magic, but he also wants to overthrow his tyrannical, evil father, too, so she can't completely dislike him. She finds herself drawn into the intrigue, facing evil magicians amidst the chaos of civil revolt as she struggles to learn to control her magic--and her tongue.
Echo del Toro knows nothing about the bride-choosing the prince is doing, until she's taken to the castle to participate. She realizes the prince wants her magic, but he also wants to overthrow his tyrannical, evil father, too, so she can't completely dislike him. She finds herself drawn into the intrigue, facing evil magicians amidst the chaos of civil revolt as she struggles to learn to control her magic--and her tongue.
May 4, 2016
I have such conflicted feelings about this story. I love Elana's work and have read everything I could get my hands on. This one just didn't touch me somehow. I am a musical person and love to sing so I thought I would identify with this story in so many ways, but I found it hard to picture in my mind how the singing magic would work and at times I found myself laughing during very serious fighting scenes as the pictures in my mind were comical. I really wanted to like it, but even the romance didn't touch me like her other stories have. Echo didn't love the prince, didn't love him and then suddenly she did, without any real reason for the change. I thought for sure she would end up with step brother she bonded with, but NO! I keep wondering if I missed something and wonder if I should read it again to see. I don't usually give bad reviews, but this one didn't do it for me so I must be honest. Will I continue to read Elana's books? Of course! She is a great author.
June 11, 2016
Echoes of Silence by Elana Johnson is a compelling new adult fantasy. The story revolves around 23 year-old Echo who can conjure magic by singing. Despite being told to keep her gift a secret, Echo uses it to take care of her younger sister. Once her magic is discovered, she is taken to the King's Palace so she can participate in the bride-choosing festivities for the evil Prince Castillo. Once there, Echo realizes that the Prince is not as bad as his reputation (his father is the truly evil one) and she starts to fall in love with him.
What I loved most about this book is that it is a complete story, not part of a trilogy, and doesn't end in a cliffhanger, which can be so frustrating! If I have one complaint about the book it is with Castillo. We know he wishes to overthrow his father, but what is his backstory? How did he come to despise the way things are in his kingdom? And, why did he hide so much from Echo? I received a digital copy of this book from Kindle Scout.
What I loved most about this book is that it is a complete story, not part of a trilogy, and doesn't end in a cliffhanger, which can be so frustrating! If I have one complaint about the book it is with Castillo. We know he wishes to overthrow his father, but what is his backstory? How did he come to despise the way things are in his kingdom? And, why did he hide so much from Echo? I received a digital copy of this book from Kindle Scout.
February 7, 2017
EXHOES OF SILENCE by Elana Johnson. The 1st in the series Songs of Life.
Loved the cover,which fit the saying of her grandmother,"silence never goes to waste. The injustice of one who doesn't want to pay for work that was done. His excuse, then he couldn't afford the party. No wonder she used magic to ensure she got the full amount. Even though her goal was not to use. Being taken at night as a prisoner, to wed. She is faced with the dark side of magic. A delightful story, the characters are well described. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
Loved the cover,which fit the saying of her grandmother,"silence never goes to waste. The injustice of one who doesn't want to pay for work that was done. His excuse, then he couldn't afford the party. No wonder she used magic to ensure she got the full amount. Even though her goal was not to use. Being taken at night as a prisoner, to wed. She is faced with the dark side of magic. A delightful story, the characters are well described. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
January 18, 2017
I found the concept of singing magic rather interesting. In this kingdom, magic isn't allowed, and all those who have it either have to learn the High King's dark magic or be punished. The story unfolds at a leisurely pace, and it's not until later that you get an inkling what the prince and his brother are planning. At times, it reads a bit like a medieval The Bachelor. Lovely maidens trying to win the hand of the prince, while all along the "winner" has been pre-determined.
The writing is good and the world the author creates is interesting.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
The writing is good and the world the author creates is interesting.
I received a copy of this book through the Kindle Scout program.
August 8, 2016
Great new adult fantasy!
Echo, 23 year-old, can conjure magic by singing. She is told by her grandmother she must keep her gift a secret--magic is kind of forbidden in the kingdom--yet Echo uses it to take care of her younger sister. When her magic is discovered, she is taken to the King's Palace so she can participate in the bride-choosing festivities for the supposedly evil Prince.
I liked and was entertained with the dystopian world Johnson has created--and her characters!--and I hope to read more from her in the future.
A must read from Kindle Scout.
Echo, 23 year-old, can conjure magic by singing. She is told by her grandmother she must keep her gift a secret--magic is kind of forbidden in the kingdom--yet Echo uses it to take care of her younger sister. When her magic is discovered, she is taken to the King's Palace so she can participate in the bride-choosing festivities for the supposedly evil Prince.
I liked and was entertained with the dystopian world Johnson has created--and her characters!--and I hope to read more from her in the future.
A must read from Kindle Scout.
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