Echo Island

by Edward Karlow

Theresa’s vacation on Echo Island takes a dark turn when she discovers a conspiracy to pollute the pristine island. She enlists Max, a charming local, to help her expose the scheme.

Even as they fight the illegal polluters, Theresa becomes irresistibly drawn to Max. Soon they are bound together by his deepest secret. Their fight to protect the lake leads them to underwater caves, dangerous paths, and a spontaneous kiss. But will they make it off the island alive?

Genres: Fiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 2017

Reviews

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

Thanks to the author for sending me his book in exchange of an honest review.

« It confuses people (including myself) when you don’t fit neatly into one specific box. »

I don't really know what to think about this book. I really like the idea, but I don't know. I think this book wasn't for me.
I didn't understood why some choices were made, there were a lot of things I didn't like, some things that were not necessary and others that didn't make sense.
The all thing Max's power with water was really really interesting, but this wasn't enough. I wanted learn more about his power, how, why, his sister's power, if there were other people or just the three of them, this whole power thing was good but not exploited enough. And that's such a shame because that was really a good idea, and I was really surprised that we couldn't see much of it. (at least, for me, this wasn't enough).
But I really liked the way this book ended!

In a few words: for me it was too much, and not enough at the same time.

I really liked the summary of this book, and I'm so sad I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.

[Brittany Piazza · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't even with this book. First off, the layout is weird. Is it a diary? Is it first person? it swapped back and forth. Super weird.

Second, The author or someone said this book was like Twilight if Bella didn't suck. This book was like 160 pages long. How do you compare that to a four boo series with an actual story developed.

I mean, at least Twilight is fleshed out. This hardly made any sense.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was sweet and clean. Had a middle grade feel to it. Theresa is green conscious and tries to keep Echo Island that way. Max is the boy she meets that helps her but he has a mysterious life. Quick read with some action. Romance is done well for the age group. I won a copy of this book and it in no way influenced my review.

[Stephanie A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars -- thankfully it's short and ended before I could resent its weirdness too much. Girl arrives to island, girl meets odd mutant/not-quite-human boy with the power to do things like control water and breathe underneath it, girl and boy foil a mustache-twirling villain, as you do. While forging an epic "it was the greatest week and a half of my life" summer romance.

Overall, decent for the younger end of YA and middle grade but also reads like a My First Novel, technically competent but with a teenage voice that sounds more artificial than natural. I maintain that the beautiful cover art is the best thing about it.

[Jessi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Echo Island was a super quick and enjoyable read. We follow a 15 year old girl who's environmental heart and principles are challenged when visiting her aunt on Echo Island. She takes it upon herself to help save the island and suddenly finds herself caught up in bigger scheme. What I loved most was the main characters internal dialogue/voice. It was strong and allowed me to really connect and feel what the main character was going through. The message this book sends mixed with the fantasy element makes this a fun summer YA.

Full review --> https://youtu.be/hLvC-cUYC9Q

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Echo Island" was really sweet and fun to read. I loved Theresa- quirky and dramatic,like most of the teenage girls I've known. Fast paced and engaging- I finished it in one setting! Looking forward to reading more from the Author.

[H.S. Palladino · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was such an easy read, I finished it in one sitting. When I have only giving it 3 stars it's for a couple of reasons. I think the characters could have been developed more. I would love to know more about them, more about there motives for doing what they do instead of just acting out. Also, I would (like the previous review said) like to have known more about Max's powers (how, why, what etc)
That being said, I love the concept of the book and obviously the message it is sending.

[Jody Wenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Echo Island is a sweet and relatable coming of age story. I think every teen girl has the fantasy that while spending the summer with relatives on a beautiful little island, she’ll meet a cute boy with the magical abilities to save her life while she’s trying to save the planet. This book has all the elements: love, adventure, fantasy. Theresa is likeable and quirky and the story is easy to follow and enjoyable!