While Crusader Kischan Atriya fights to keep his life and sanity, his mentor Chrysalis Verus undertakes a perilous journey across the wilds of Echo. Their separate paths intertwine in the unlikeliest of places and across all borders, both psychic and physical.
Echo Volume 3: The Dialectic of Agony (2017) by Kent Wayne is the third book in the Echo series.
Crusader Kischan Atriya is back and is on an action-packed and soul-searching journey. His mentor Chrysalis Verus is also back and while they spend most of this book apart, they do come together briefly as the book nears its conclusion. Actually that scene where they do pulls deeply at the heartstrings and is beautifully written. The book is great in terms of imagery and you really do get a sense of all the places in Echo that both Atriya and Verus find themselves in. Very vivid. The whole world of Echo is very creative but still often reflects our world in the present in so many ways. There is much action but this book does centre more on the emotional side of things than books 1 and 2. Atriya in particular is doing a lot of thinking about his life and his feelings on how he sees things. If you are a bit of an overthinker like me, you will find yourself relating a bit to his journey in this book and probably for that reason I took to this book more than the first even though I enjoyed them too. There is so much psychological thinking in this book and the inner thoughts of Atriya about the phoniness often present in Echo and whether or not he can conform to the society of Echo and what is found acceptable or not.
I think the entire series has been great so far but I think readers who like action will prefer books 1 & 2 while readers who are into questioning things to come to a conclusion will probably prefer book 3. In saying that, there is a bit of both in the three books and I actually love these two things being combined in the books because for some unknown reason many authors don’t often combine these two things in books. Each of these books are standalone books but even better as a collection.
I was delighted to see Verus back. I think she is fantastic. Very strong, very loyal, very gutsy and her humour is quite good too when she gets going. Both Atriya and Verus can at times be quite flawed characters. They can get a bit violent at times but I think it’s all done with the feeling of needing to survive. Self-defence really so I don’t hold it against them. If your back is against the wall, what are you going to do? And they have been trained to survive in this way. I also like that they both fight other people without gender discrimination. Atriya fights both men and women and how many times have we seen in books men saying they wouldn’t fight a woman and pass it off as chivalry when really it’s just condescending? In saying that, I wouldn’t like to get into a physical fight with either of them!
Atriya’s speech near the end without giving too much away is fantastic. I loved that. What a dude! I also loved the idea of sunglasses being primitive which presents to readers that in years to come items we use will have went out of fashion. I also love Atriya’s and Verus’ relationship. It is so lovely and often heartbreaking to read and you definitely find yourself rooting for them.
I’m looking forward to book 4 in the series Echo Volume 4: The Last Edge of Darkness. The book is the final book in the series and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all pans out.
There are so many in-depth characters throughout the Echo series. This volume is when you really get to see it all come together with Atriya, the Regime, Versus, the works (I don't want to spoil it).
Written in third-person through the POV of two different characters, the author draws us into the world, yet again. Just like Echo Volume 1 & 2! The words paint a picture of Verus use of kaia. The chase of Atriya with Kali's sympathizers close on his heels builds up to my favorite scene, which is with the exo-suit. Boom! The book fills with action punched words.It's amazing how an author can be an action scene out of a book (sort of speak). Not many authors can do this (Engage the reader's imagination to where the book comes to life). This author does a phenomenal job.
The ending was my only complaint to the book, but that is from pure selfishness. I didn't want the book to end!
If you like well-written, action fiction then Echo 3 should be your choice. All though they can be standalone books and not read in order, I would highly recommend reading Echo 1 & 2. It just makes Echo 3 that much better!
Another excellent book from Kent Wayne. This is the third book in the Echo series. It picks up where Echo 2 finished. Atriya is in a bad way after his fight in Book 2. He has 'boosted' three times in 24 hours. The recommended number is 1 or severe brain damage might occur. This book follows Atriya and his friend and mentor, Verus, across realms both physical and mental. There is a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, and it shocked me. I have knocked 1 star off because there are a couple of things about the writing that annoyed me. First is the fact the Mr Wayne does not know the difference between 'to lie' and 'to lay.' The second is that he uses the term 'earth' a lot when he means 'ground'. Earth is the name of our planet, and we're not on Earth. Having said that, the story is excellent and gripping and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a story with plenty of action. One warning I would give to potential readers is that there is a lot of swearing in the Echo books. This is fine as far as I am concerned as it concerns people in situations where I suspect would drive anyone to swear!
The third volume in Kent Wayne's Echo series was great. It was a little slower than the last two, actually, it was quite a bit slower than the second installment, but that didn't hold back the books potential. The emotional punch seemed stronger this time because it was more about Atriya coming to grips with himself and learning and accepting what his true limitations are. Also, the introduction of Verus and the switch between the two characters was handled very well. But wait, don't forget about the action and the adventure, it is still alive and well in this book. Good job Kent!
So you've read Echo 1 and 2. Get ready for more of the same and a whole lot of difference. Meet Verus, strong female, with the memories and talents of others before her. Meet Atriya, a warrior, enhanced with almost-invincible tech ... almost. And meet Gribbles, assistant to both Verus and Atriya. The action builds from the beginning, punctuated by curious encounters and revelations. Great read, a page turner, etc. etc. You won't be sorry if you read this book. I'm ready for Echo 4 !
A very enjoyable read, with great touches of philosophy mixed in with the character development and action. Although slower than the previous book in the series, it was still just as hard to put down when I needed to do other stuff. I love that Verus is back, and in a big way! I'm definitely looking forward to the next volume.
I have to say that I’m surprised to be giving this book a 5-star, but... it really was great. The characters and story have bloomed and there was a lot of variety of action, scenery, and ideas. Good stuff. Nicely done and well worth the money spent.
Atraya is back in this third instalment as is Versus, albiet with a much more prominent role. We learn so much more of her backstory and the history of Echo, with mind-bendingly creative mind-travel exploits along the way.
Of course, there's plenty of violent action along the way (Kent lives an eye turned to jelly). This time, though, it's much more balanced than in book 2, which was mostly just action. There's world-building abound here along with parallel narratives and of course, the mighty Gribbles.
This third installment is a more in-depth exploration of the world of Echo as well as the psyche of our broken hero Atriya and his enlightened mentor Verus. Both the sci-fi and supernatural elements in this were enjoyable to read, most especially the intense action. A few philosophical elements were also inserted here, and I especially enjoyed Verus’ interaction with the “Flow-riders” as well as Atriya’s conversation with the Regent.
Verus’ journey in the desert was a change of perspective and change of pace from the previous book’s fast-paced action which centered on Atriya. She does eventually encounter some action herself, this time with manipulation of Kaia (which is somewhat akin to magic) rather than advanced military tech like Atriya. Gribbles the Tokage lizard added a little bit of quirk, and that scene with Gribbles and Atriya was completely unexpected but enjoyable to read nonetheless. I’ve seen documentaries about dolphins and orcas lifestyles and intelligence, which really fascinated me, so a particular scene with the dolphins was quite endearing.
Intriguing as Verus was, the highlights of this book, though, were definitely Atriya’s scenes. From him sleeping in such a horrible apartment to his epic battle in the Wastes with his Exo, I was with him in both slow scenes and intense scenes. I was genuinely full of dread when I came across the term Enhancile (what? again?? now???), and was internally screaming for him to stop boosting when he kept doing so (have you not learned from Cityscape 87?!). The world-building continues to be excellent and the way Atriya navigates it is thought-provoking. The sci-fi elements and military jargon are so cool to read as well and I especially like the terms Judge, Jury, Enhanciles, Enforcers, Crusaders, Specters, Harvesters, Orbital, Ascension, Regent, Dissident, Kaia, “approaching shatter”, and how they are used within this world (“Wraiths” not so much, but we’ll see). The epilogue in the hospital was especially heartbreaking because I know a lot of people are suffering that way in the real world.
It’s so ironic that Verus considers Atriya as someone incredibly important, while Atriya himself is questioning his own purpose and survival.
(Some things I didn’t like were when the narration gives descriptions of specific real-world things which are not part of the current timeline of Echo because it takes me out of the story and reminds me that I’m reading a book where apparently the author is a fan of this and that. It makes me think of the author rather than the story, and therefore takes me out of the story. Like maybe describe a pose as something cool or majestic rather than saying she looks like a samurai; or describe the music as something empowering or energizing rather than saying it came from Pacific Rim, “an Old Earth classic”. Basically I’m not fond of these Old Earth references, although I do like that Atriya is old-fashioned, with his revolver and such. Note that I love Pacific Rim and the soundtrack, but some of my friends did not, and it didn’t do as well as it should have in the box office so I don’t think it will be a “classic”… see? I’m thinking these things when I really didn’t need to when reading this story. Good thing there were no references to Evangelion or Gundam or anything like that, then my mind will go to emo fifteen-year-olds piloting mech LOL. This also goes for directly naming the specific martial arts styles that Verus uses as the fight is still ongoing. It is impressive indeed but you can’t be thinking of the specific name of the fighting style your friend is using while you are in a life-and-death situation. That only happens in anime! But then, I’ve never been in a life-and-death situation so what do I know? The phrase “spooky action at a distance” also took me out of it because that’s what Einstein called quantum entanglement, and I felt that it wouldn’t take me so much out of it if the narration had just mentioned “quantum entanglement” instead. My brain got interrupted in the middle of the story because it reminded me that Einstein was wrong about quantum entanglement. I can’t be thinking about Einstein while reading a book that had nothing to do with Einstein. But anyway, this is just me. Other readers might love all these references. And with that, I’ll end my nitpicking. Also, sorry for nitpicking.)
Overall, definitely a compelling read. On to the next one!
The third installment of Kent Wayne's Echo series was definitely my favorite, and I was a big fan of the first two, Approaching Shatter and The Taste of Ashes.
For the reasons I love techno-thrillers, the nerdy, geeky explanations of periphery tech and gadgets, I loved this book. Only, in this case, the geeky, techy stuff was not so techy as it was mystical (the use of kaia). Call it magic to make the explanation easier, it was something I'd been waiting to see since Volume 1. Its explanation through its many uses was great fun, and I hope to learn more when we finally reach Mandala City (hint, hint Mr. Wayne ;) ).
Themes of ruled to ruler; Patriot to free-thinker; soldier to civilian are thick from the first pages of Approaching Shatter, and only get thicker in Dialectic of Agony. Forced into missions he knows are fruitless and under-planned, the struggle of Atriya's personal code versus what's expected of him is fascinating to watch unfold. I thought he'd had a hard time in Volume 2, but we hadn't seen anything like what was pushed on him this time around. More than once, my heart bled for him, and I wondered if maybe we weren't seeing his end.
These themes are also shown in Verus' story, an interesting philosophy to follow as she deals with politics (in a much more minor setting than Atriya) in a system that should be above such things. Ah, the nature of humanity... but that's the point, right? The irony alive in the constructs we build; the inherent prison nature of dogma meant to free us.
The blending of what I interpret as a sort of Mystic Buddhism with advanced combat is just fun to read. From Atriya's marvelous mech suits to Verus' mystical battle magic to the macabre Enhanciles, there are few dull moments. Questions for Volume 4
Is there a love story unfolding? I always pictured Atriya and Verus as somehow being above the frivolity of love, as their first love is clearly Battle, but my second read-through suggests maybe something more is going on...
Fingers crossed that we'll be seeing Volume Four very soon...
How wonderful it is to be reading a series and walk away still loving the story, the characters and the writer. Echo Volume 3 is paced slower as the minute details of the world is unfolded bringing in rich characters along the path of Crusader Atriya. His psychological battles intertwines with his physical limits as he accepts the consequences of his decisions but his inability to just give in fights against everything thrown at him. This is a story that just holds you until the end when once again you wonder where it will lead Atriya. Excellent story and writer!
I loved this book! The settings are extremely vivid, the storylines are fascinating, and the characters are more than I even expected. I'd wax poetic about this but, again, I stayed up far too late, not wanting to leave this world. Thanks again, Kent, for another fantastic read! I can't wait for the finale as well as your new stuff. Thank you for sharing with the rest of us and will definitely be buying your paperbacks when they come out, for my technophobic friends!
This is an amazing book by Kent Wayne. I am fascinated by Atriya's adventures in his latest mission on Cityscape 4. His mentor, Verus, is also on journey to reach the Mandala City. It's a gripping page Turner that provides an insight into the near future on a planet similar to the earth, The Echo. It's a brilliant work of Science Fiction. I am very much impressed with the story. I loved the concept of the house responding to the directions of Atriya. Excellent work.
After reading the first two books, I thought I was ready, but sadly no. I am in awe of Mr. Wayne's writing. I thought I knew where he was going, then a sharp turn and I was aesthetically blindsided. I had to force myself to put the bok down to do mundane tasks like eat, sleep and go to the post office. I am patiently waiting on the next book, counting the days until I can get my greedy hands on it.
I burned through this book with the white hot passion of a thousand burning sun's, reading it in the space of just 3 hours over two days. Bam, it hit me like a fist that was reinforced with adrenaline. I cracked it open and HAD TO READ MORE. It was hard trying to sleep last night because I kept feeling an intense tug at my psyche to keep reading. Man, what a ride. I cannot wait to read book 4. Come on, Kent, edit faster!
At first, I was honestly not sure what to make of this instalment of the Echo series. With the story being told from two perspectives with two different takes on the fantasy sci-fi genre, it was a little confusing but as the two storylines drew closer it all made sense into an enjoyable adventure that broadens the complicated but similar world of Echo. I would definitely say give this series a read!
Given the fact that I gave volume 2 of this series a 5-star review, I went into the book with high expectations. I was not disappointed! In fact, this one was even better than volume 2! Read my full review
A KW. SYFY. Novel (EV.-3)/The Beginning of the End
KW. has. penned a SYFY. Nove! About the planet Echo where people do-exist in a world that has gone be crazy. The world of civilization as we of Earth have begun to realize that when out to the test humanity failed miserably. This is an excellent read of the genre.....DEHS
Echo Volume 3 pulled me in. I had a hard time putting it aside, especially in the latter half of the book, even with tired eyes. I felt vested in Atriya’s and Verus’s journeys. Great Job, Kent!
Yes. Read this. No wait...read all three volumes. Now. Im typing this review on my Kindle. Not easy to capture my enthusiasm or fully describe why the Echo series is fantastic. so, yes. Read this series. I'll be back with a better reason why soon. :-)