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Blood Echo #1
Blood Echo
When her abusive father finally goes too far, shy eighteen-year-old Rayne Kennedy finds that her savior is far from an angel. Lost and alone she is completely enraptured by the beautiful but murderous, Scarlett. Taken on an adventure by the vampire’s well-intentioned sister, Rayne is drawn into Vires, a dark and dangerous vampire world, where humans are little more than natural resources to be exploited.
In a society that has been turned upside down while learning to live inside its constraints, Scarlett Pearce may not be much more than a slave to a power-hungry Government and the violent bloodlust that consumes her may be all her own. Before she loses herself in a world unlike anything she has ever known, Rayne needs to find Scarlett and the answers to those questions.
In a society that has been turned upside down while learning to live inside its constraints, Scarlett Pearce may not be much more than a slave to a power-hungry Government and the violent bloodlust that consumes her may be all her own. Before she loses herself in a world unlike anything she has ever known, Rayne needs to find Scarlett and the answers to those questions.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 3, 2018
22 people are currently reading
267 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
December 8, 2018
3.25 Stars. I thought this was okay. I love vampires and really any supernatural beings so I was excited to read this. It was a decent read, I was just hoping for more.
While one of the main characters was still in high school (age 18 I think), I would put the New Adult tag on this over a YA tag. These are not sparkly vampires, this world was dark and I think a bit too gritty for YA.
This book is written in first person. I like a good first person book, but I was missing out on more dialogue. I know the author Royal was trying to make you really understand what the main character’s inner feelings were, but it was too much at times. The feelings became a bit too repetitive for me. And maybe because of that I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I hoped. I thought they were alright, but I wasn’t on pins and needles for their safety. When you are reading a book where life is on the line, I think you should feel a tad bit more invested in the characters.
There is a romance in this book. The romance is pretty PG-13. It felt a little too insta love for my personal preferences, but with the whole vampire/blood thing, I just let it go. Humans are supposed to be drawn to vamps.
The way the book ended it was very “happily for now”. It looks like there may be a sequel. I’m a bit up in the air if I will read it or not. I think I’m happy enough with the ending that I could stop here. All in all not a bad read, but it did have some bumps for me. If you want some grittier vampires this book may be for you.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
While one of the main characters was still in high school (age 18 I think), I would put the New Adult tag on this over a YA tag. These are not sparkly vampires, this world was dark and I think a bit too gritty for YA.
This book is written in first person. I like a good first person book, but I was missing out on more dialogue. I know the author Royal was trying to make you really understand what the main character’s inner feelings were, but it was too much at times. The feelings became a bit too repetitive for me. And maybe because of that I didn’t connect to the characters as much as I hoped. I thought they were alright, but I wasn’t on pins and needles for their safety. When you are reading a book where life is on the line, I think you should feel a tad bit more invested in the characters.
There is a romance in this book. The romance is pretty PG-13. It felt a little too insta love for my personal preferences, but with the whole vampire/blood thing, I just let it go. Humans are supposed to be drawn to vamps.
The way the book ended it was very “happily for now”. It looks like there may be a sequel. I’m a bit up in the air if I will read it or not. I think I’m happy enough with the ending that I could stop here. All in all not a bad read, but it did have some bumps for me. If you want some grittier vampires this book may be for you.
An ARC was given to me for a honest review.
June 3, 2019
💖 representation: sapphic mc's, f/f romance 💖
every other lesbian vampire book i've tried to read has been erotica so i'm not gonna complain.
also, if you're looking for a morally grey, villainous character that's soft for the people they love but sapphic, then maybe you should read this ;-)
September 15, 2019
Note: I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review on NetGalley. This novel was actually released last December.
I don’t know where she came from, how she found me, or how she knew the exact right time to walk into my life.
— i.
“Life is tragic, love is never straightforward… Or least not from what I’ve seen,” I added quickly, not wanting to say too much on a subject I had experienced so little of. “There’s light and dark in everything, the story doesn’t fall into the light for the sake of a happy ending. Things end badly, imperfectly… Like I said… Realistic.”
So in winter of last year, I went on the hunt on NetGalley for WLW stories, especially set in a fantasy realm. This is the first one I picked up, and as I said, it took me eons to finish. It wasn’t bad, and I wish I had finished it way earlier, but life had gotten in the way.
This is the first book in a series (I’m unsure of how many books the author is planning), and it revolves around loner Rayne Kennedy, who is unexpectedly saved by a vampire (because Rayne was being abused by her father). Then, Rayne finds herself in the vampire world of Vires (which is sort of hidden as a dimension in our world), only to discover that her saviour is actually one of the most ruthless, dangerous vampires out there. Then lots of stuff happens, and along the way, Rayne and Scarlett (the vampire) fall for each other. It was a lot to take in, so let’s get started. If you want to read the full review, it's here on my book blog.
-
Vires frightened me, but I was more alive here, more myself than I knew I ever could have been on the other side of the wall.
This was my life, and Scarlett, for better or for worse, for all that she scare me and disgusted me had also saved me and showed me myself, and everything else in a new light.
I don’t know where she came from, how she found me, or how she knew the exact right time to walk into my life.
— i.
“Life is tragic, love is never straightforward… Or least not from what I’ve seen,” I added quickly, not wanting to say too much on a subject I had experienced so little of. “There’s light and dark in everything, the story doesn’t fall into the light for the sake of a happy ending. Things end badly, imperfectly… Like I said… Realistic.”
So in winter of last year, I went on the hunt on NetGalley for WLW stories, especially set in a fantasy realm. This is the first one I picked up, and as I said, it took me eons to finish. It wasn’t bad, and I wish I had finished it way earlier, but life had gotten in the way.
This is the first book in a series (I’m unsure of how many books the author is planning), and it revolves around loner Rayne Kennedy, who is unexpectedly saved by a vampire (because Rayne was being abused by her father). Then, Rayne finds herself in the vampire world of Vires (which is sort of hidden as a dimension in our world), only to discover that her saviour is actually one of the most ruthless, dangerous vampires out there. Then lots of stuff happens, and along the way, Rayne and Scarlett (the vampire) fall for each other. It was a lot to take in, so let’s get started. If you want to read the full review, it's here on my book blog.
-
Vires frightened me, but I was more alive here, more myself than I knew I ever could have been on the other side of the wall.
This was my life, and Scarlett, for better or for worse, for all that she scare me and disgusted me had also saved me and showed me myself, and everything else in a new light.
February 16, 2019
When Rayne Kennedy is save from her abusive father by the day-walking vampire, Scarlett, her life is turned upside down. Being in love with a vampire who is the punisher of the ruling families of the walled city of Vire is the new, harsh reality Rayne must contend with.
This is definitely not your romantic vampire love story we usually get with YA novels (I'd probably put this in the New Adult category, though). It's dark, bloody, and gritty. Although Scarlett does have a lot of the traits of a romantic hero (think Mr. DArcy of Pride and Predujice) she is also a victim in her own right. The story works really hard to make her feel mysterious and deep, but she really is just a prime example of an abuse victim perpetuating the cycle of violence. Rayne isn't set up to save her from her darker self, which is great, but there are illusions to Rayne's father that can be a little uncomfortable.
With pretty solid world building that only has a small amount of holes in it, like how hasn't the regular world found out about this giant walled city full of preternaturally strong predators, the story gives a convincing glimpse into vampire society. I wish we had more time to explore the details of the political set up of the city, but since Rayne was isolated for so long, we only caught a small portion of how the society is build.
It's so hard to find quality paranormal romance lesfic, and this series seems to start off on solid ground. Recommended for anyone who likes their paranormal romances with a grittier take. Just be prepared for a lot of angst and minor hiccups in the world building.
NineStar Press kindly gave me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is definitely not your romantic vampire love story we usually get with YA novels (I'd probably put this in the New Adult category, though). It's dark, bloody, and gritty. Although Scarlett does have a lot of the traits of a romantic hero (think Mr. DArcy of Pride and Predujice) she is also a victim in her own right. The story works really hard to make her feel mysterious and deep, but she really is just a prime example of an abuse victim perpetuating the cycle of violence. Rayne isn't set up to save her from her darker self, which is great, but there are illusions to Rayne's father that can be a little uncomfortable.
With pretty solid world building that only has a small amount of holes in it, like how hasn't the regular world found out about this giant walled city full of preternaturally strong predators, the story gives a convincing glimpse into vampire society. I wish we had more time to explore the details of the political set up of the city, but since Rayne was isolated for so long, we only caught a small portion of how the society is build.
It's so hard to find quality paranormal romance lesfic, and this series seems to start off on solid ground. Recommended for anyone who likes their paranormal romances with a grittier take. Just be prepared for a lot of angst and minor hiccups in the world building.
NineStar Press kindly gave me this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
Want to read
January 27, 2022Lost and alone, Rayne is completely enraptured by the beautiful but murderous Scarlett.
Lesbian vampire series?! I'm here for it.
Lesbian vampire series?! I'm here for it.
February 14, 2019
A Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words Review
Vampires aren’t necessarily my favourite fantasy creatures, but every now and again I like to read a vampire novel. And “Blood Echo” promised a rather unusual take on vampire romances.
Before I start with my criticism, I want to say that it’s entirely possible I read the book at the wrong time. I was already in a bad mood and feeling down and “Blood Echo” made me feel even more depressed and grumpy. So my judgment is probably coloured by that.
First of all: This books comes with a warning for “torture, bloody violence and death” . And that warning is there for a reason, so don’t ignore it.
Like I already said, this story didn’t make me feel good. And that’s fine, I like dark stories, but something about “Blood Echo” just rubbed me the wrong way. It all seemed so bleak and hopeless and there was so much senseless violence and tragedy, I always dreaded having to keep reading a little bit.
Rayne was an okay character, if a little naive and awfully innocent at times. But that was understandable, her teen years weren’t exactly easy and didn’t give her much opportunity to do normal teen stuff. Though I must admit I mostly felt sort of indifferent about her.
Scarlett was… complicated. I like complicated MCs who blur the line between “good” and “evil”. I’ve read plenty of MCs who do horrible stuff but who were still somehow redeemable. Scarlett did plenty of awful things, but I never quite got the “redeemable” bit. Yes, she has her reasons, but still. It was the little things that made it so hard to believe there was anything good in her. She broke Rayne’s arm and while it was an accident and she healed it, she never even apologized for it., for example. I feel like an apology every now and then would have gone a long way to making me think of her as anything other than purely evil.
I didn’t really feel the romance. Rayne is very insecure and I have to agree with her. Why would gorgeous Scarlett pick a simple mortal girl, when she has so many other options? And they barely even knew each other, so it couldn’t have been because of Rayne’s character. Rayne’s “love” felt more like an unhealthy obsession to me, especially since Scarlett seems to be the first ever person she’s felt any sort of attraction for.
The publisher has tagged this with “sex content: explicit” and I actually feel kind of cheated. There was exactly one explicit sex scene, which was interrupted. When Rayne loses her virginity, it’s completely fade-to-black and other than that, we barely even get kisses. The author isn’t shy about explicitly depicting bloody violence, so why no explicit sex?
There were parts of the book that I found interesting. I liked the idea of a vampire city with very strict rules. Scarlett’s younger sister was a great supporting character and added a little variety to the otherwise rather evil vampire society.
I feel like the book got better towards the end, so I will read the next part, in the hopes that this upward trend continues.
The cover by Natasha Snow shows a hand with blood dripping from the fingers. I like the concept of it, I think it fits the tone of the story pretty well. But I find the execution a little lacking, the bloody fingertips look a bit like gloves.
Vampires aren’t necessarily my favourite fantasy creatures, but every now and again I like to read a vampire novel. And “Blood Echo” promised a rather unusual take on vampire romances.
Before I start with my criticism, I want to say that it’s entirely possible I read the book at the wrong time. I was already in a bad mood and feeling down and “Blood Echo” made me feel even more depressed and grumpy. So my judgment is probably coloured by that.
First of all: This books comes with a warning for “torture, bloody violence and death” . And that warning is there for a reason, so don’t ignore it.
Like I already said, this story didn’t make me feel good. And that’s fine, I like dark stories, but something about “Blood Echo” just rubbed me the wrong way. It all seemed so bleak and hopeless and there was so much senseless violence and tragedy, I always dreaded having to keep reading a little bit.
Rayne was an okay character, if a little naive and awfully innocent at times. But that was understandable, her teen years weren’t exactly easy and didn’t give her much opportunity to do normal teen stuff. Though I must admit I mostly felt sort of indifferent about her.
Scarlett was… complicated. I like complicated MCs who blur the line between “good” and “evil”. I’ve read plenty of MCs who do horrible stuff but who were still somehow redeemable. Scarlett did plenty of awful things, but I never quite got the “redeemable” bit. Yes, she has her reasons, but still. It was the little things that made it so hard to believe there was anything good in her. She broke Rayne’s arm and while it was an accident and she healed it, she never even apologized for it., for example. I feel like an apology every now and then would have gone a long way to making me think of her as anything other than purely evil.
I didn’t really feel the romance. Rayne is very insecure and I have to agree with her. Why would gorgeous Scarlett pick a simple mortal girl, when she has so many other options? And they barely even knew each other, so it couldn’t have been because of Rayne’s character. Rayne’s “love” felt more like an unhealthy obsession to me, especially since Scarlett seems to be the first ever person she’s felt any sort of attraction for.
The publisher has tagged this with “sex content: explicit” and I actually feel kind of cheated. There was exactly one explicit sex scene, which was interrupted. When Rayne loses her virginity, it’s completely fade-to-black and other than that, we barely even get kisses. The author isn’t shy about explicitly depicting bloody violence, so why no explicit sex?
There were parts of the book that I found interesting. I liked the idea of a vampire city with very strict rules. Scarlett’s younger sister was a great supporting character and added a little variety to the otherwise rather evil vampire society.
I feel like the book got better towards the end, so I will read the next part, in the hopes that this upward trend continues.
The cover by Natasha Snow shows a hand with blood dripping from the fingers. I like the concept of it, I think it fits the tone of the story pretty well. But I find the execution a little lacking, the bloody fingertips look a bit like gloves.
December 3, 2021
Well fair warning to the readers who are looking to read this book...every chapter the MC (Rayden) asks "Where is Scarlett?" so just blame it on their bloodbond that she has no idea about throughout the story yet she hears another voice inside her head along with deep feelings of obsession consuming her about a stranger she barely met.
Rayden was quick to resign herself over to what happens to her in life and all thanks to her poor excuse of a father. She does not have the will to fight for anything in her life until Scarlett gives her that through their shared bond.
I also did not like how Rayden easily just left all the things in her life behind like nothing to remember the good before her mother's death. No trinkets. Nothing.
I found Scarlett to be a mystery when introduced and the scene that changed that for me is when she compelled a human to kill herself (Aria the only human nurse in Viers). Now I feel for Scarlett and all but she is a monster. She claims to have fought and failed to be different and make a difference, but yeah. Anyway Jade kept making excuses for some of her crappy behaviour she continues even after meeting Rayden the so called person her and Camille claims Scarlett loves so much she is slowly changing for.
We actually see transformation in Rayden's character mostly because of Scarlett's manipulating her through their bloodbond. By the end she embraces her change hopefully she keeps that up and we see more of a change in Scarlett's character in the sequel.
Rayden was quick to resign herself over to what happens to her in life and all thanks to her poor excuse of a father. She does not have the will to fight for anything in her life until Scarlett gives her that through their shared bond.
I also did not like how Rayden easily just left all the things in her life behind like nothing to remember the good before her mother's death. No trinkets. Nothing.
I found Scarlett to be a mystery when introduced and the scene that changed that for me is when she compelled a human to kill herself (Aria the only human nurse in Viers). Now I feel for Scarlett and all but she is a monster. She claims to have fought and failed to be different and make a difference, but yeah. Anyway Jade kept making excuses for some of her crappy behaviour she continues even after meeting Rayden the so called person her and Camille claims Scarlett loves so much she is slowly changing for.
We actually see transformation in Rayden's character mostly because of Scarlett's manipulating her through their bloodbond. By the end she embraces her change hopefully she keeps that up and we see more of a change in Scarlett's character in the sequel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2018
3.75/5
Rayne Kennedy has an abusive father who one night goes too far and she saved by Scarlett. A dangerous and beautiful vampire. When Rayne gets taken into the vampire city, in search of Scarlett, she discovers a whole new society where the vampire royalty rules and her dark saviour is not who Rayne thought she was.
The book has a really good premise and the story is good, the characters are complicated and lovable. I love vampire books, so I was really excited to read this one. I think the author did a good job presenting the new society where things are completely different from what we have been presented before in other vampire books.
This book is written in first person, and while I enjoy first person books, this one was a bit of a difficult read. I found it slow and there wasn't that much dialogue. While I understand you are in Rayne's mind and you get to experience everything from the POV, most of the writing was about her dwelling over her feelings towards Scarlett. I just found it a bit repetitive and for me, it took away from what was happening at the moment in the story.
Having said that, I know this would be the perfect book for many first person book lovers.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Rayne Kennedy has an abusive father who one night goes too far and she saved by Scarlett. A dangerous and beautiful vampire. When Rayne gets taken into the vampire city, in search of Scarlett, she discovers a whole new society where the vampire royalty rules and her dark saviour is not who Rayne thought she was.
The book has a really good premise and the story is good, the characters are complicated and lovable. I love vampire books, so I was really excited to read this one. I think the author did a good job presenting the new society where things are completely different from what we have been presented before in other vampire books.
This book is written in first person, and while I enjoy first person books, this one was a bit of a difficult read. I found it slow and there wasn't that much dialogue. While I understand you are in Rayne's mind and you get to experience everything from the POV, most of the writing was about her dwelling over her feelings towards Scarlett. I just found it a bit repetitive and for me, it took away from what was happening at the moment in the story.
Having said that, I know this would be the perfect book for many first person book lovers.
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
April 2, 2019
From the very first chapter I was hooked in. Achingly beautiful and sometimes shockingly harsh, it suits the world in which it's set, to a T.
What Rayne goes through on this journey tests her boundaries, in relation to both fear and bravery. There were actually moments where I held my breath.
Within this adventure is a connection between two women that is palpable and leads them to risk so much!
Love it!!!
What Rayne goes through on this journey tests her boundaries, in relation to both fear and bravery. There were actually moments where I held my breath.
Within this adventure is a connection between two women that is palpable and leads them to risk so much!
Love it!!!
March 9, 2020
Blood Echo
This story was about a woman called Rayne whose father constantly beat her when one night a vampire stopped him and killed him, but she is badly hurt. This story is awersome and well. written and the characters are great too
Author .E.Royal did an awersome job and looking forward to reading more by her. If you like.ree
ad ing about vampires then recommend you give this book a chance.
This story was about a woman called Rayne whose father constantly beat her when one night a vampire stopped him and killed him, but she is badly hurt. This story is awersome and well. written and the characters are great too
Author .E.Royal did an awersome job and looking forward to reading more by her. If you like.ree
ad ing about vampires then recommend you give this book a chance.
September 11, 2019
Awesome very dark vampire novel.
This is what I consider real vampires are like, dark, twisted and sadistic nothing like brooding sparkling twilight vamps. I could not stop reading this. I was cheering for Rayne and Scarlett. Can't wait to read the sequel.
This is what I consider real vampires are like, dark, twisted and sadistic nothing like brooding sparkling twilight vamps. I could not stop reading this. I was cheering for Rayne and Scarlett. Can't wait to read the sequel.
October 31, 2019
Felt like Heidi Loewe’s Sinning series meets Twilight Saga. It is still a very powerful story. I enjoy the references to tragedy. Life experiences is indeed a tragedy of its own. I can’t wait to read the next book
February 24, 2019
It should probably have a few trigger warnings, and while not my brand of genre, it was interesting to venture out. Dark and complicated.
abandonei
May 21, 2022li 50% e não me prendeu
achei muito chato
achei muito chato
November 15, 2022
3 estrelas
O livro é interessante até o meio, depois começa a ficar um pouco maçante. É um livro ok
O livro é interessante até o meio, depois começa a ficar um pouco maçante. É um livro ok
December 12, 2018
I loved Blood Echo. Rayne and Scarlett just seem to work flawlessly together,even with one being a Vampire and the other human. Rayne struggles with her love of Scarlett and knowing that she is the punisher for Vires and the woman her saved her from dying at her father’s hand. Scarlett can be brutal and gentle. Rayne straits to see Scarlett through the eyes of those that love her, which shows sides of her that others don’t see. I can’t think of anything I didn’t like in this story. It was well written and the world that Royal builds is incredible and immersive. I started this book and found it to be a book that I couldn’t put down till I finished it. I can’t wait for the next one. Definitely a book that I will recommend to others.
did-not-finish
January 7, 2019I was expecting dark, but this was even darker than I expected, and precious few questions about the world are being answered. All hurt with no comfort isn't my thing, so DNF at 68%.
April 25, 2019
Blood Echo is a vampire tale with young love. I enjoyed most of this book, there was just something missing for me. The author has a lot of promise.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews