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The Summoning #5
Echoes in the Dark
The planet is dying, slowly being drained by an alien Dark, and only one last, desperate plan can save it.
Deep in another dimension, a disillusioned young singer is summoned as Lladrana's last hope. Uncertain of her future, unaware of her extraordinary magical talent, Jikata will be the sixth and final outsider—Exotique—to step through a dangerous portal of prophecy and magic. Survival will require her to forge closer friendships than she has ever known. The price of those bonds will threaten the very fate of Lladrana: a world where music holds the key to an ancient mystery—and six women will wage the ultimate battle against the forces of Dark.
Deep in another dimension, a disillusioned young singer is summoned as Lladrana's last hope. Uncertain of her future, unaware of her extraordinary magical talent, Jikata will be the sixth and final outsider—Exotique—to step through a dangerous portal of prophecy and magic. Survival will require her to forge closer friendships than she has ever known. The price of those bonds will threaten the very fate of Lladrana: a world where music holds the key to an ancient mystery—and six women will wage the ultimate battle against the forces of Dark.
560 pages, Paperback
First published December 23, 2008
22 people are currently reading
385 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 17, 2013
couldn't enjoy this as much as I'd want to.
The series was supposed to be 6 books.
But the last 2 stories were summarized and got merged into one plot-line.
Really unfair for the last 2 couples who have to share a 548-page book: Raine & Faucon and Jakarta & Luthan. tsk.
I really wanted to get to know the last 2 guys. such a letdown. darn.
The series was supposed to be 6 books.
But the last 2 stories were summarized and got merged into one plot-line.
Really unfair for the last 2 couples who have to share a 548-page book: Raine & Faucon and Jakarta & Luthan. tsk.
I really wanted to get to know the last 2 guys. such a letdown. darn.
February 26, 2009
After reading the first four books, I've had some quite investment in the series, so was excited to see how Owens finishing the tale of the Exotique earth women who try to stop the Dark from taking over another world. It wasn't my favorite in the series, as I enjoy the focus and time spent on individual characters. Instead, I had to quickly get to know and believe in two new Exotiques, Jikata and Raine, along with the point of view of the heroes they fell in love with.
Overall, it was a good story and wrapped up the series nicely. This book was focused much more on plot, rather than Jikata and Raine's personal struggles, but again, it was typing up a book series so it's fairly understandable. "Echoes" didn't disappoint and I was satisfied with how the series ended.
A great book for those who love a good mix of romance and fantasy. If you're more focused on the fantasy side, try the earlier books (there's much more worldbuilding) or any of Anne Bishop's novels. She's the best author I've read who creates a real, believable world with strong romance subplots.
- Chrissy
Overall, it was a good story and wrapped up the series nicely. This book was focused much more on plot, rather than Jikata and Raine's personal struggles, but again, it was typing up a book series so it's fairly understandable. "Echoes" didn't disappoint and I was satisfied with how the series ended.
A great book for those who love a good mix of romance and fantasy. If you're more focused on the fantasy side, try the earlier books (there's much more worldbuilding) or any of Anne Bishop's novels. She's the best author I've read who creates a real, believable world with strong romance subplots.
- Chrissy
July 13, 2013
Very nice completion to the series. Loved the book, loved the main characters' stories. It paced nicely and never got dull. Loved the development of the characters and their relationships. I really liked the relationship of the Exotiques in this book. The ending was both expected and unexpected. I was never quite sure how it would turn out, who would survive. Very well done. I'm going to miss these guys. Faucon turned out to be one of my favorites, which was not something I expected. I'll miss them all.
March 19, 2013
This was an excellent series, love the whole inter-dimensional thing, sad that it finished so soon after five books. I recommend the read though, the author has brought a few female protagonists to the table for people to relate to, and I like that. As a Karate Instructor myself, I'm definately an Alexa character, I'm amazed how much I relate to her, more so than any of the others. Definately a good read peeps!
January 14, 2024
Nous voici arrivés au dernier tome de cette aventure au pays de Lladrana.
Jikata la nouvelle arrivée doit chanter et développer son chant avec la vieille acariâtre de chanteuse qui est retirée dans son abbaye.
Elle y croise le beau Luthan, frère de Bastien et beau-frère d’Alexa et la magie opère…
Dans ce tome on y comprend mieux le rôle de Rainy et ce qu’elle est venue faire sur Lladrana malgré son appel bâclé par les pécheurs.
Ce dernier tome m’a autant emporté que les autres. Chaque tome nous parle d’une exotique tout en gardant un lien avec les autres, car elles font partie de la vie de chacune.
Je suis ravie d’avoir découvert cette série de livres.
Jikata la nouvelle arrivée doit chanter et développer son chant avec la vieille acariâtre de chanteuse qui est retirée dans son abbaye.
Elle y croise le beau Luthan, frère de Bastien et beau-frère d’Alexa et la magie opère…
Dans ce tome on y comprend mieux le rôle de Rainy et ce qu’elle est venue faire sur Lladrana malgré son appel bâclé par les pécheurs.
Ce dernier tome m’a autant emporté que les autres. Chaque tome nous parle d’une exotique tout en gardant un lien avec les autres, car elles font partie de la vie de chacune.
Je suis ravie d’avoir découvert cette série de livres.
July 6, 2019
I waited years to read this final book- had read the lot back when Keepers of The Flame was new and always wondered what the conclusion would be. I am so glad I finally remembered this series and reread it with this last one. A good ending to a story I quite enjoyed.
May 1, 2020
Loved the series!!!
June 5, 2009
The planet is dying, slowly being drained by an alien Dark, and only one last, desperate plan can save it.
Deep in another dimension, a disillusioned young singer is summoned as Lladrana's last hope. Uncertain of her future, unaware of her extraordinary magical talent, Jikata will be the sixth and final outsider—Exotique—to step through a dangerous portal of prophecy and magic. Survival will require her to forge closer friendships than she has ever known. The price of those bonds will threaten the very fate of Lladrana: a world where music holds the key to an ancient mystery—and six women will wage the ultimate battle against the forces of Dark.
This was one of my favorite series! Loved the six Exotiques - ordinary women who became extraordinary in their fight to save their adopted homeworld.
I sort of wish that Raine had her own book and didn't have to share with Jikata, but that was my only quibble with this story. Both of these women were strong and resourceful, although very different. Of the two, I liked Raine's story better and felt that she was the more sympathetic character.
And I got a kick out of seeing the other Exotiques again! They're like old friends at this point. I think Alexa is my favorite, and not just because of her name! :)
As the last of the series, this was focused more on the final battle with the Dark as opposed to building a romantic relationship between the Exotique and a Llandran male. Still a satisfying story though, and a great ending! I highly recommend this whole series! Sad to see these ladies go....
Deep in another dimension, a disillusioned young singer is summoned as Lladrana's last hope. Uncertain of her future, unaware of her extraordinary magical talent, Jikata will be the sixth and final outsider—Exotique—to step through a dangerous portal of prophecy and magic. Survival will require her to forge closer friendships than she has ever known. The price of those bonds will threaten the very fate of Lladrana: a world where music holds the key to an ancient mystery—and six women will wage the ultimate battle against the forces of Dark.
This was one of my favorite series! Loved the six Exotiques - ordinary women who became extraordinary in their fight to save their adopted homeworld.
I sort of wish that Raine had her own book and didn't have to share with Jikata, but that was my only quibble with this story. Both of these women were strong and resourceful, although very different. Of the two, I liked Raine's story better and felt that she was the more sympathetic character.
And I got a kick out of seeing the other Exotiques again! They're like old friends at this point. I think Alexa is my favorite, and not just because of her name! :)
As the last of the series, this was focused more on the final battle with the Dark as opposed to building a romantic relationship between the Exotique and a Llandran male. Still a satisfying story though, and a great ending! I highly recommend this whole series! Sad to see these ladies go....
April 2, 2018
This book is a wonderful and satisfying conclusion to a series that began four books back, and that has not disappointed once.
Amee, a planet linked to Earth via a dimensional corridor, has been invaded by an evil force that is slowly destroying it. Six Earth women--the Exotiques--are summoned to save Amee, and will stand together with their magic power to do so, or Amee first, and then Earth next, will be destroyed by the evil.
Each of the four previously summoned women found amazing Power and true love on Lladrana, and one had fulfilled her task and chosen to return to Earth. Echoes in the Dark focusses on the last two Exotiques summoned: Raine, who the Seamasters summoned on the sly, botched, and suffered immensely until she was discovered; and Jikata, whom the Singer (Amee's Oracle) herself summons to train as her successor. Both Raine and Jikata are key to the upcoming invasion of the Dark's nest since Raine will create the ship to sneak them close enough to attack, and Jikata, with her four-octave voice, will release the powerful spell that will destroy the Dark--and hopefully not all of her and her new love and friends along with it.
This book, like the others in the series, will keep you enthralled...but I recommend you begin with book one and work your way to the end of the series. A must-read for all lovers of romance and fantasy.
Amee, a planet linked to Earth via a dimensional corridor, has been invaded by an evil force that is slowly destroying it. Six Earth women--the Exotiques--are summoned to save Amee, and will stand together with their magic power to do so, or Amee first, and then Earth next, will be destroyed by the evil.
Each of the four previously summoned women found amazing Power and true love on Lladrana, and one had fulfilled her task and chosen to return to Earth. Echoes in the Dark focusses on the last two Exotiques summoned: Raine, who the Seamasters summoned on the sly, botched, and suffered immensely until she was discovered; and Jikata, whom the Singer (Amee's Oracle) herself summons to train as her successor. Both Raine and Jikata are key to the upcoming invasion of the Dark's nest since Raine will create the ship to sneak them close enough to attack, and Jikata, with her four-octave voice, will release the powerful spell that will destroy the Dark--and hopefully not all of her and her new love and friends along with it.
This book, like the others in the series, will keep you enthralled...but I recommend you begin with book one and work your way to the end of the series. A must-read for all lovers of romance and fantasy.
February 4, 2012
The last in the Summoning Series, always a sad thing when you come to the end of a series, especially one that captures your heart and this one did mine. Not a disappointment at all.
'The planet is dying, slowly being drained by an alien Dark, and only one last, desperate plan can save it.
Deep in another dimension, a disillusioned young singer is summoned as Lladrana's last hope. Uncertain of her future, unaware of her extraordinary magical talent, Jikata will be the sixth and final outsider--Exotique--to step through a dangerous portal of prophecy and magic. Survival will require her to forge closer friendships than she has ever known. The price of those bonds will threaten the very fate of Lladrana: a world where music holds the key to an ancient mystery--and six women will wage the ultimate battle against the forces of Dark.'
This final book introduces the last Exotic needed to banish the dark, and continues the story of the Seamasters Exotic who was discovered towards the end of the last book. It also features the climatic battle with the dark - the reason why the Exotics were summoned to Lladrana.
I would love to see more from this author and she details in the rear section a few stories she does have but isn't sure she'd publish. PLEASE, please, please I'd love to read them.
'The planet is dying, slowly being drained by an alien Dark, and only one last, desperate plan can save it.
Deep in another dimension, a disillusioned young singer is summoned as Lladrana's last hope. Uncertain of her future, unaware of her extraordinary magical talent, Jikata will be the sixth and final outsider--Exotique--to step through a dangerous portal of prophecy and magic. Survival will require her to forge closer friendships than she has ever known. The price of those bonds will threaten the very fate of Lladrana: a world where music holds the key to an ancient mystery--and six women will wage the ultimate battle against the forces of Dark.'
This final book introduces the last Exotic needed to banish the dark, and continues the story of the Seamasters Exotic who was discovered towards the end of the last book. It also features the climatic battle with the dark - the reason why the Exotics were summoned to Lladrana.
I would love to see more from this author and she details in the rear section a few stories she does have but isn't sure she'd publish. PLEASE, please, please I'd love to read them.
July 8, 2019
This final installment in the Summoning series doesn’t disappoint.
It’s narrative path is…unusual. There are twists and turns that you don’t see coming, and others that have been foreshadowed since the beginning and throughout the other books. There’s action and suspense and also long weeks of boredom for the characters—definitely lull before the storm type pauses.
We get to follow two women again in this book, but this time they aren’t twins. Raine and Jikita are as different as they could possibly be, but their stories weave well together and I think the pacing was handled the right way. You end up caring about both of them, and hearing their unique voices in their sections when you switch back and forth, which is a good tactic to keep the reader engaged and aware of what’s going on in any given chapter.
This series isn’t long by fantasy standards—five books is nothing compared to something like the Wheel of Time or Sword of Truth series. For romance novels, they are a bit longer, especially if you’re used to Nora Roberts’ trilogies. I think they’re well worth the effort, though, if you’re a fan of romance novels and fantasy. The intersection of those two genres in this series is executed well and was enjoyable for me to read and to re-read.
This and other reviews by me can be found at www.annaimber.com
It’s narrative path is…unusual. There are twists and turns that you don’t see coming, and others that have been foreshadowed since the beginning and throughout the other books. There’s action and suspense and also long weeks of boredom for the characters—definitely lull before the storm type pauses.
We get to follow two women again in this book, but this time they aren’t twins. Raine and Jikita are as different as they could possibly be, but their stories weave well together and I think the pacing was handled the right way. You end up caring about both of them, and hearing their unique voices in their sections when you switch back and forth, which is a good tactic to keep the reader engaged and aware of what’s going on in any given chapter.
This series isn’t long by fantasy standards—five books is nothing compared to something like the Wheel of Time or Sword of Truth series. For romance novels, they are a bit longer, especially if you’re used to Nora Roberts’ trilogies. I think they’re well worth the effort, though, if you’re a fan of romance novels and fantasy. The intersection of those two genres in this series is executed well and was enjoyable for me to read and to re-read.
This and other reviews by me can be found at www.annaimber.com
June 11, 2012
Maybe the weakest of the books. Owens has a great base for all her characters but she doesn't explore them as deeply as she could or should. Tons of potential for this book but she didn't fullfill most of it. The story was good and I had a couple of moments where I felt very strongly about things but not nearly as many times as I should have. The story arch was great but the exicution should have been stronger.
July 9, 2016
This book continues in the vein of the previous ones. Musical magic, romance, magical creatures and the fight against the dark. I thought it was a satisfactory read, but I think the ending could have been a little less neat. Ok, sure, loads of people die, but the heroes all get their happily ever after. Not that I'm against that, I just think some things could have been left open or could have been a little less perfect.
April 15, 2014
Well, the finale was a little underwhelming, but it was all up a satisfying conclusion, if unsurprising. I thought it might have evoked some emotion but not a lot. I think if Koz had died then that might be more bittersweet, but there was no main characters who died or were even affected much. I think one of the exotiques leaving in the previous book was the most emotional I got in this entire series, which is why I gave it more stars.
August 25, 2009
A pretty good ending for the series. The author tied it up well, though she did employ a bit of "deus ex machina", though she did set it up well enough that I didn't feel cheated. I did have to skip parts of this book, which I don't really remember having to do with the other 4, where she got a little too "steamy" with her love scenes. However, they didn't detract from the story.
August 3, 2009
Excellent ending, closure for the series and the characters. I did not like the "Song" hero but I loved the one that was the guardian for the fishermen and the sea. Her romance was realistic and her lack of courage made sense. I am glad I found this series after all the books were written. I would not have wanted to wait for them to come out like I am doing with many other series.
February 17, 2016
I really enjoyed the end to the series. I feel like we got a bit jipped out of Raine and Jikata's stories having them combined. Raine tended to fall a little flat for me, she didn't feel like a whole person to me and Jikata tended to annoy me. I was sad that Koz was just a filler character to show Marian was a loving person.
April 26, 2009
I liked this book and thought it wrapped up the series well enough. It wasn't my favorite in the series and I think this was partly because it focused on two Exotiques, which caused less characterization and development for each.
January 4, 2009
As usual, Robin D. Owens serves up a great story. It is absolutely the saddest thing that this is the end of the series. I won't give anything away, but I will say that if you read the first few books, this one does not disappoint.
Bravo Ms. Owens. You are a favorite of mine.
Bravo Ms. Owens. You are a favorite of mine.
March 8, 2009
Good so far. It is a little disconcerting in that she's (the author) trying to tell 2 stories in one book, and keeps switching back and forth. You can tell she's trying to tie up all the loose ends, as it is the lasy book in the series.
February 6, 2011
I have to say i didn't not like that she focused on 2 characters. Really all it did was give her 2 half characters who you couldn't really relate to. Over all i loved this series even if the finale wasn't much to speak about, i'm picky about my finales.
January 22, 2012
It took me a longer than usual time to get into this book probably because it is book 5 of a series. It was good though pretty much science fiction. I now want to read the earlier 4 books so that I can get background on the other characters.
November 27, 2015
Pretty good but not as good as the rest of the series... I think that was mainly due to the inclusion of two lead characters. The other books focused on individuals and what they brought to the society, with the two combined and the rushed nature of the ending, you miss the details of their lives.
January 13, 2009
What a wonderful and fulfilling end to a great series. I highly recommend this series. It is romantic fantasy but I really think would be enjoyed by those who don't normally read fantasy.
March 22, 2013
Loving it.... I don't want this series to come to an end.
Want to read
January 26, 2009From Dorri
October 5, 2009
A pretty good ending to a wonderful series.
May 17, 2012
loved this series and Robin D. Owens delivers a wonderful finale to it.
Read
January 9, 2010Amazon preorder
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews