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Echoes
After one thousand years of listless eternity, Oskar is used to his particular brand of loneliness. But a long walk through middle America and a few chance encounters will lead him straight to a man he'd known to be long since dead―his childhood best friend, Aranck.
Being undead hasn't stopped Aran from living life to the fullest. He has all the money and power his charm and business savvy could earn him, and plenty of friends. Lately, though, something seems to be missing. After a millennia, perhaps the world's shine has worn off—and that's when Oskar stumbles back into his life, reminding him of who he used to be.
Together the two vampires remember what it felt like to live, all the while navigating a conflict with the local pack of werewolves. A lot has changed in a thousand years, and only time will tell if those changes will bring Oskar and Aranck closer together, or ensure they remain apart.
Being undead hasn't stopped Aran from living life to the fullest. He has all the money and power his charm and business savvy could earn him, and plenty of friends. Lately, though, something seems to be missing. After a millennia, perhaps the world's shine has worn off—and that's when Oskar stumbles back into his life, reminding him of who he used to be.
Together the two vampires remember what it felt like to live, all the while navigating a conflict with the local pack of werewolves. A lot has changed in a thousand years, and only time will tell if those changes will bring Oskar and Aranck closer together, or ensure they remain apart.
242 pages, Paperback
First published September 19, 2017
1 person is currently reading
127 people want to read
About the author
L.A. Ashton
4 books34 followersL. A. Ashton is an LGBT+ author writing LGBT+ fiction. They enjoy rock music, traveling, and anything else that adds color to their daydreams. They believe in the healing properties of art and of having a cat firmly stationed on one’s lap. Their official site can be found at www.LAAshton.com.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 21, 2017
talk about the longest slow burn to ever slow burn holy hell.. if you’re looking for a book with pining that lasts a MILLENNIA than this IS THE BOOK FOR YOU!!!!!
April 3, 2019
After reading and reviewing L. A. Ashton’s Valhalla, released from NineStar Press back in December 2018, I practically tripped over my own two readerly feet to get my hands on this author’s full-length novel, Echoes. I preordered it and it sat taunting me in my Kindle until I bit the proverbial bullet and just made time to read. Did I have it to spare on this particular weekend? Nope. Do I care one iota that I lost sleep to read it? Heck to the no.
Just as with Valhalla, this author blew me away with their inexplicable ability to harness the writing craft to turn simple words into a magical experience. I got sucked into this mythical world of paranormal creatures right off the bat, practically flying through the pages because I just had to see what came next.
I fell hard for our lead vamps, Oskar and Aran. They have such beautifully realistic minds, and the bond they share—one that stretches over a millennium—is unquestionable and heartwarming. Nothing about this felt rushed, and that moment when they finally come together is so frickin’ gorgeous (and hot… oh, yes, my lovelies… it’s very, very hot🔥 ) that my little readerly heart melted even as its rate increased to uncontrollable speeds.
Oh, and then there was that gloriously wicked twist near the end. Holy guacamole! Trust and believe, my lovelies, you will not see it coming. I was squeezing my Kindle so hard I’m surprised the screen didn’t break. I couldn’t devour the words fast enough. I was like a druggie trying to get a fix… and what a fix it was. 😍
I would highly recommend this bad boy to any and all paranormal lovers, most especially those down for some awesome LGBTQ+ rep. It’s also a phenomenal semi-slow burn romance with an insanely satisfying incineration at its climax. 🔥😁 So, ya know, anyone who loves love and loves hot, sexy yumminess would also be prime candidates to dive into this awesomeness.
Just as with Valhalla, this author blew me away with their inexplicable ability to harness the writing craft to turn simple words into a magical experience. I got sucked into this mythical world of paranormal creatures right off the bat, practically flying through the pages because I just had to see what came next.
I fell hard for our lead vamps, Oskar and Aran. They have such beautifully realistic minds, and the bond they share—one that stretches over a millennium—is unquestionable and heartwarming. Nothing about this felt rushed, and that moment when they finally come together is so frickin’ gorgeous (and hot… oh, yes, my lovelies… it’s very, very hot🔥 ) that my little readerly heart melted even as its rate increased to uncontrollable speeds.
Oh, and then there was that gloriously wicked twist near the end. Holy guacamole! Trust and believe, my lovelies, you will not see it coming. I was squeezing my Kindle so hard I’m surprised the screen didn’t break. I couldn’t devour the words fast enough. I was like a druggie trying to get a fix… and what a fix it was. 😍
I would highly recommend this bad boy to any and all paranormal lovers, most especially those down for some awesome LGBTQ+ rep. It’s also a phenomenal semi-slow burn romance with an insanely satisfying incineration at its climax. 🔥😁 So, ya know, anyone who loves love and loves hot, sexy yumminess would also be prime candidates to dive into this awesomeness.
February 13, 2018
Slow start
But before I knew it I was invested. The more... intimate scene towards the end somewhat continued unexpectedly long but it didn't take away from the story, which was exceptional. I don't even like vampire and werewolf stories but if they were all like this I could love them.
But before I knew it I was invested. The more... intimate scene towards the end somewhat continued unexpectedly long but it didn't take away from the story, which was exceptional. I don't even like vampire and werewolf stories but if they were all like this I could love them.
September 30, 2017
LOVE IT
It's been a long time since my last review. I just fell in love this story, it is a slow burn romance. The way the feelings are described is just amazing. Feel connected to the characters. Very well developed. To me a MUST READ!
It's been a long time since my last review. I just fell in love this story, it is a slow burn romance. The way the feelings are described is just amazing. Feel connected to the characters. Very well developed. To me a MUST READ!
January 5, 2018
If you like lgbtq fiction, romance, and the slowest slow burn to ever burn this book is for you! I've been trying to get my friends to read Ashton's writing for YEARS. I'm excited to have a hard copy I can push into their hands in addition to opening tons of archive tabs on their phone.
October 29, 2017
Vampire fare
This was an interesting take on vampires and werewolves, you'll definitely like it if you lean more towards team Edward
This was an interesting take on vampires and werewolves, you'll definitely like it if you lean more towards team Edward
April 30, 2019
This book wasn’t for me, hated the last 20% of the story.
November 19, 2017
Was recommended this book by a friend who also likes romance and paranormal stuff. I so wanted to like this book more. The overall plot and dialogue was enjoyable. I love the world that L.A. made, I just wanted more information about it. Like the interaction between the wolves and vampires, we didn't really find out the rules and history between them, and I wanted to know more about their interactions with humans. And I wanted to know more of the inner thoughts and feelings of the main characs. Even with that done, I felt like the writing could've been stronger. It took a lot for me to get through the story because the prose was too repetitive. There were so many 'eye' actions like glancing, looking, staring, even just the word 'eye' sometimes I counted 17 times in 5 pages! L.A. could've been more creative with that, because it made the reading dull and dragged on. Other than that, I enjoyed the story, those issues just made it a struggle for me to get through.
January 28, 2018
What a fantastic read! The story sucked me right in from the start. I absolutely loved the suspense of the story; I kept wanting to read more so I could find out who was the culprit! More than that, the cast of characters was so interesting and Oskar and Aranck will forever have a special place in my heart. The slow burn of their romance was almost frustrating at times, but it was really rewarding in the end!
The world-building in itself was really intriguing as well. Not only the way that vampires and werewolves both fit in society in very different ways, but also the different powers their conditions gave them. It was interesting how Aranck and Oskar were both really old vampires and yet they had different abilities and were affected by the sun in different ways.
The world-building in itself was really intriguing as well. Not only the way that vampires and werewolves both fit in society in very different ways, but also the different powers their conditions gave them. It was interesting how Aranck and Oskar were both really old vampires and yet they had different abilities and were affected by the sun in different ways.
October 3, 2017
I couldn't put this book down as soon as I started it. Usually, I have trouble liking new characters in novels I'm just starting, but Ashton's writing made it easy for me to become enamored with the main characters. This is a beautifully crafted supernatural LGBT romance. If you love history, vampires, werewolves, romantic and plot tension, and slow burn romance, this is the book for you. I sincerely hope this isn't the last we see of these characters and this world, because I loved every minute I was immersed in the story.
June 27, 2019
The Blogger Girls
I love vampires and werewolves, I love paranormal, and I love reunited stories, too, so having all three together is a win-win-win. Aranck and Oskar were besties about one thousand years ago when the vampires came and wiped out their village. Aranck thought everyone was killed…including Oskar. Oskar thought everyone was killed, including Aranck. Until one thousand years and lots of walking later, Oskar stumbles onto the lands overseen by Aranck and this when their reunited story begins. I loved these two. I loved that not even a thousand years could remove an ounce of affection they have for each other. If ever there were two men who deserved to find happiness, and each other, it was Aranck and Oskar.
Sounds so simple, right? Nope, of course it’s not. Oskar is more than he seems, and both of them tend to have lost their tongues when comes to letting the other know their true feelings. Now Oskar, I understand. He really had a story to tell. But never fear, no matter the barrier, Aranck was not about to live another thousand years without his Oskar, not even another day. And of course, we have a species slash turf war with the wolves, so there is that, too. Seriously, this was so sweet…with a little rough added in to round it out. A well read story and one I can easily recommend. Enjoy.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
I love vampires and werewolves, I love paranormal, and I love reunited stories, too, so having all three together is a win-win-win. Aranck and Oskar were besties about one thousand years ago when the vampires came and wiped out their village. Aranck thought everyone was killed…including Oskar. Oskar thought everyone was killed, including Aranck. Until one thousand years and lots of walking later, Oskar stumbles onto the lands overseen by Aranck and this when their reunited story begins. I loved these two. I loved that not even a thousand years could remove an ounce of affection they have for each other. If ever there were two men who deserved to find happiness, and each other, it was Aranck and Oskar.
Sounds so simple, right? Nope, of course it’s not. Oskar is more than he seems, and both of them tend to have lost their tongues when comes to letting the other know their true feelings. Now Oskar, I understand. He really had a story to tell. But never fear, no matter the barrier, Aranck was not about to live another thousand years without his Oskar, not even another day. And of course, we have a species slash turf war with the wolves, so there is that, too. Seriously, this was so sweet…with a little rough added in to round it out. A well read story and one I can easily recommend. Enjoy.
Overall Impression: I really liked it!
March 8, 2019
3.5 Stars
I thought this was an enjoyable story with some excellent world building. The story focuses on a vampire attack against some werewolves and the local vampire district leader has to do his best to find out what happened and who was behind the attack. As he investigates he comes face-to-face with his past, but it is a past but he never would have thought possible.
The story is really about the politics between within the vampire community and between the vampires and the wolves. It is an exciting story with rich characterisation and it definitely drew me in and held my attention. I really wanted to know what had happened and how the mystery would be resolved. The answer wasn't obvious so I was nicely surprised at the end.
I enjoyed the relationship between the main characters particularly as they were attracted to each other but that wasn't immediately obvious. Their relationship was slow burning.
Overall I thought this was a good book to read. It is the first time I have read anything from this author and I will definitely read her books again. My only criticism of this story is that it sometimes felt a bit too slow and I think maybe this might be the first story in a series. It definitely felt like a introduction to a series.
Copy provided by Nine Star Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
I thought this was an enjoyable story with some excellent world building. The story focuses on a vampire attack against some werewolves and the local vampire district leader has to do his best to find out what happened and who was behind the attack. As he investigates he comes face-to-face with his past, but it is a past but he never would have thought possible.
The story is really about the politics between within the vampire community and between the vampires and the wolves. It is an exciting story with rich characterisation and it definitely drew me in and held my attention. I really wanted to know what had happened and how the mystery would be resolved. The answer wasn't obvious so I was nicely surprised at the end.
I enjoyed the relationship between the main characters particularly as they were attracted to each other but that wasn't immediately obvious. Their relationship was slow burning.
Overall I thought this was a good book to read. It is the first time I have read anything from this author and I will definitely read her books again. My only criticism of this story is that it sometimes felt a bit too slow and I think maybe this might be the first story in a series. It definitely felt like a introduction to a series.
Copy provided by Nine Star Press via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 1, 2019
There were quite a few twists and turns in this story that I was seriously unable to stop reading to the end. So dramatic, fantastic and the longest pining in the history of pinings.
Oskar is a wandering vampire. He's lived a thousand years, since the Vikings. When he shows up in the middle of corn field flat Iowa, he's overcome with emotion to see his best friend from his human life.
Aranck has made something of himself as the 'Lord' of the vampires in his town. He's charged with dealing with all matters of bloodsuckers as well as keeping the peace with the were wolves in the area. When there's a matter to be dealt with the truce between the two is compromised. But to what end?
L.A. Ashton created a unique world where vampires are known, light-tight motel rooms are a thing, and were wolves are still hidden. In the middle of this small town in nowhere Iowa, an epic love is kindled and lives are changed. And it's sometimes pretty funny...
"The fragility of humans is strange. Creeps me out."
I don't want to give anything away, but this was a serious edge of your seat entertainer full of blood lust, shifters and secret promises you won't want to put down.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
Oskar is a wandering vampire. He's lived a thousand years, since the Vikings. When he shows up in the middle of corn field flat Iowa, he's overcome with emotion to see his best friend from his human life.
Aranck has made something of himself as the 'Lord' of the vampires in his town. He's charged with dealing with all matters of bloodsuckers as well as keeping the peace with the were wolves in the area. When there's a matter to be dealt with the truce between the two is compromised. But to what end?
L.A. Ashton created a unique world where vampires are known, light-tight motel rooms are a thing, and were wolves are still hidden. In the middle of this small town in nowhere Iowa, an epic love is kindled and lives are changed. And it's sometimes pretty funny...
"The fragility of humans is strange. Creeps me out."
I don't want to give anything away, but this was a serious edge of your seat entertainer full of blood lust, shifters and secret promises you won't want to put down.
*Galley copy generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. Cross posted to http://gaybook.reviews/ *
April 18, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and would highly recommend it! I loved all the characters, especially the two ancient protagonists reconnecting after 1,000 years apart and their super cute rediscovery of each other. This novel sucked me in very quickly, was a pleasure to read the whole way through, and consistently made me laugh and smile. The core mystery was an entertaining arc to follow while learning more about the characters and served as a vehicle for some excellent interactions. I was definitely surprised by some of the discoveries near the end, so was kept guessing all the way up to the reveal and enjoyed it the whole way through. On a self-discovery note, it turns out that I'm squeamish when it comes to visualizing the messiness with the whole drinking blood part of vampires, but that was only a small part of the novel and the lovable characters and their excellent interactions made up for my slight discomfort many times over! I really enjoyed my read and would highly recommend this novel to anyone looking for a light-hearted story with great characters and I’m very much looking forward to reading my next L.A. Ashton work!
March 31, 2019
I've had an ARC of this for a while, and had meant to review a month ago, but I just didn't have time. I haven't read a novel in over a month, but tonight, I finally had time. I read the whole book in one sitting.
Overall, it was a great read. It was cute. It balanced plot tropes and original, complex characters. It was predictable in a good way. Even though I had a good idea of how it was going to end from early in the book, I still couldn’t put it down.
See my full review here: https://saracodair.com/2019/03/31/boo...
Overall, it was a great read. It was cute. It balanced plot tropes and original, complex characters. It was predictable in a good way. Even though I had a good idea of how it was going to end from early in the book, I still couldn’t put it down.
See my full review here: https://saracodair.com/2019/03/31/boo...
March 1, 2019
Excellent book; I'm always so happy when I find good vampire stories! So many are poorly done, or feel done to death. This one was neither of those. The characters were interesting and sympathetic and nicely vampiric. Good little mystery with hints and misdirections, satisfying ending. I'm ready for a sequel :)
February 27, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-g5W
From that review: It's rare that a story with vampires and werewolves can offer up a new narrative slant on both but Echoes by L.A. Aston does, and with a story full of jaw dropping, mind spinning, never saw that coming stunning twists. Do I love this story? Why yes I do!"A thousand years weren't enough to forget him."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit https://wp.me/p220KL-g5W
From that review: It's rare that a story with vampires and werewolves can offer up a new narrative slant on both but Echoes by L.A. Aston does, and with a story full of jaw dropping, mind spinning, never saw that coming stunning twists. Do I love this story? Why yes I do!"A thousand years weren't enough to forget him."
For all our reviews, check out http://scatteredthoughtsandroguewords...
July 28, 2019
This was quite a ride. I love that the author was able to surprise me in new and unique ways. I loved the characters, and despite having some qualms with the twist at the end, I adored the story. I'm looking forward to more from this author!
February 6, 2020
I just hated the ending, it ruined everything for me. It turned barely likeable characters into fully hateable ones
April 17, 2019
3.5
Decent enough vampire fiction.
The mythos and hierarchy reminded me of that in the Southern Vampire Mysteries which is definitely a good thing. Some decent slow burn romance with an alright pay off.
You could tell there was an attempt at realism in the intimacy portion but it came off a bit unrealistic unfortunately.
Ending felt a little odd and fizzled somewhat. Felt like an attempt at open ended/continuation point.
Decent enough vampire fiction.
The mythos and hierarchy reminded me of that in the Southern Vampire Mysteries which is definitely a good thing. Some decent slow burn romance with an alright pay off.
You could tell there was an attempt at realism in the intimacy portion but it came off a bit unrealistic unfortunately.
Ending felt a little odd and fizzled somewhat. Felt like an attempt at open ended/continuation point.
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October 10, 2019super liked this
January 30, 2020
I read this books ages ago when it was first published and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it. I loved a lot of the tropes in this, and it's very well-written, with intriguing side characters. Highly recommend.
May 14, 2021
First book I've finished in 1 day for a while. Had some stylistic choices I didn't like, but I was drawn in quickly enough it only bothered me for the first few chapters.
October 16, 2020
I went into Echo almost completely blind after coming across it as part of my PhD research. I was intrigued by the idea of two pansexual 1,000 year old vampires reuniting post-death and falling in love
Firstly I need to say that L.A.Ashton is a good writer, they were able to build suspense, world-build and do a decent level of characterisation in a relatively short novel. The level of detail paid to vampire and werewolf society was great!
Also the twist took me completely by surprise but it made sense, and the breadcrumbs had been there all along thinking back! If I’d been wanting an interesting mystery involving supernatural societies this would have easily been a five star book!
What let this down for me was the romance... It felt underdeveloped and honestly it was hard to get a read on Oskar, one of the heroes. I struggled to root for them as a couple because apart from a few scenes they felt more like best friends than lovers...
Given they are both supernatural creatures who have already lived for over 1,000 years I wasn’t convinced they would stay together that long... It just felt a bit flat.
The ending (which I won’t spoil) also left a slight bad taste in my mouth. I didn’t come out of it feeling... Triumphant for our heroes.
I would be interested to see if L.A. Ashton has a sequel planned... From what I can see no but I’d personally love to see what Oskar and Aran were doing in around five years time!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🔥
Rep: Pansexual MCs, Native Canadian MC
Firstly I need to say that L.A.Ashton is a good writer, they were able to build suspense, world-build and do a decent level of characterisation in a relatively short novel. The level of detail paid to vampire and werewolf society was great!
Also the twist took me completely by surprise but it made sense, and the breadcrumbs had been there all along thinking back! If I’d been wanting an interesting mystery involving supernatural societies this would have easily been a five star book!
What let this down for me was the romance... It felt underdeveloped and honestly it was hard to get a read on Oskar, one of the heroes. I struggled to root for them as a couple because apart from a few scenes they felt more like best friends than lovers...
Given they are both supernatural creatures who have already lived for over 1,000 years I wasn’t convinced they would stay together that long... It just felt a bit flat.
The ending (which I won’t spoil) also left a slight bad taste in my mouth. I didn’t come out of it feeling... Triumphant for our heroes.
I would be interested to see if L.A. Ashton has a sequel planned... From what I can see no but I’d personally love to see what Oskar and Aran were doing in around five years time!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟
Steam: 🔥
Rep: Pansexual MCs, Native Canadian MC
February 26, 2019
I received a copy of Echoes by L.A. Ashton via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review. I am always intrigued by an author who can add a new twist to the vampire mythos. The author has done that in Echoes. The idea that two humans were both turned a thousand years ago finding each other again lends itself to some interesting scenarios. The contrast between what they’ve each become in the intervening centuries provided much of the angst in the story. There are also several morally ambiguous characters, which did not bother me except in one case. The setting in the cornfields of Iowa contrasts with the urbanity of many of the vampires in the book. A worthwhile read.
July 8, 2019
I finished reading it few minutes ago, but I already miss them all. And I want to read more about all of them. I really loved the relationship between Arank and Oskar : the slowest slow burn eeeeever. Loved it.
I loved Isabela and Ryan, i wished we could have had more of them but nonetheless they were great.
The wolves were pretty interesting too, my favorite is Anna!
I think that if you love vampire, werewolf, slow burn, soulmate, pining and long haired vampire making out : this is the story for you.
I loved Isabela and Ryan, i wished we could have had more of them but nonetheless they were great.
The wolves were pretty interesting too, my favorite is Anna!
I think that if you love vampire, werewolf, slow burn, soulmate, pining and long haired vampire making out : this is the story for you.
February 21, 2019
A very good novel, with interesting characters and an engaging plot.
I liked the way the writer describe the character's feeling and how the plot is developed.
It's a very good urban fantasy with a romantic twist and some spiritual side.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
I liked the way the writer describe the character's feeling and how the plot is developed.
It's a very good urban fantasy with a romantic twist and some spiritual side.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC
March 6, 2019
A unique paranormal vampire romance that’s definitely worth a read. I could read so many more novels with this romantic premise. I LOVED Aranack, the languages & reading about vamps of color and interracial relationships!!
March 1, 2019
This review is based on an ARC.
While most of the common tropes found in vampire novels are present, it does give everything an interesting twist. Some of the twists were quite unexpected and I always appreciate when a book manages to surprise me without ever needing to lie. I enjoyed the characters, though it would have been nice to have a little more backstory it's understandable why there isn't. It's not needed, it would just be nice. All in all very enjoyable.
While most of the common tropes found in vampire novels are present, it does give everything an interesting twist. Some of the twists were quite unexpected and I always appreciate when a book manages to surprise me without ever needing to lie. I enjoyed the characters, though it would have been nice to have a little more backstory it's understandable why there isn't. It's not needed, it would just be nice. All in all very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews