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Chasing Echoes #2
Black Lilies
Aviva Aevos is stalked by a shadow only she can see--the ghost of a young man from the 1800s, Kade Oaks. Frustrated by the havoc his presence is wreaking on her life, Aviva seeks to unravel the mystery of why Kade haunts her. As she digs deeper into his past, she discovers a connection between Kade and the notorious Angel Killer. But the closer Aviva comes to unveiling the truth, the more unstable Kade becomes...until one day, he’s gone.
Determined to find the lost ghost, Aviva turns to her uncle for help. But will the chaos that follows allow her to rescue Kade, or trap her and her sisters forever in the past?
Determined to find the lost ghost, Aviva turns to her uncle for help. But will the chaos that follows allow her to rescue Kade, or trap her and her sisters forever in the past?
- GenresYoung Adult
434 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2019
21 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Perkins
5 books157 followersHigh school teacher moonlighting as a writer of contemporary fantasies with fairy tale endings. For more, visit www.jodiperkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 26, 2020
No no no no no no no!!! Argh!!! I love these characters and the world Jodi has created! This series is original and leaves me wanting so much more! This time we travel to the late 1800’s and I thought it was really cool to get a glimpse of what life was like in the 19th century. That cliffhanger..... 2021 is too far away! I will go crazy waiting for the next book!!! If you haven’t read these start with Chasing Echoes! You will not be disappointed!!!
September 13, 2019
We get to travel from present day to late 1800s in this, and the time travel aspect was very well-done. I really felt like I had been transported to the 19th century, and I enjoyed the language and customs and all the differences in the way of life. Aviva, our hero, is very likable, and I was super anxious to see how the story would end and if everyone would be alive by the end. This gets so suspenseful! I was so pacing and worried and having a great time all at once. It ends on a tiny bit of a cliff hanger, but this book does have a satisfying conclusion for the main part of the story, and now I'm way too excited about book three.
While I do think this is likely easy enough to follow on its own, the stories build off each other and Chasing Echoes is fantastic and shouldn't be skipped to get the full impact of the story.
While I do think this is likely easy enough to follow on its own, the stories build off each other and Chasing Echoes is fantastic and shouldn't be skipped to get the full impact of the story.
September 15, 2019
Heart-rending, dramatic, funny page turner by an amazingly talented writer
Black Lilies is the sequel to Chasing Echoes, which I also liked a great deal. I don’t summarize books in the review, but I will tell you what you need to know. Both books are great reads, and as good as Chasing Echoes was, I think Black Lilies is a masterpiece. Can you imagine this only being Jodi’s second book? *insert wow emoji here* This book is everything storytelling should be. It’s instantly relatable through the very human and real feeling characters. Aviva, our heroine, is a delight. I really enjoyed Phee too and really can’t wait until she gets her own book. That will be a treat. Kade is a pompous jerk in some ways but you get over that very quickly and he proves a sympathetic and honorable character very quickly. The plot is somewhat complex, as is expected with a time travel story, but it hits some wonderful highs and pulse-thumping thriller-like moments with some deep lows that scrape the bottom of the soul. This is great fiction because the human element is authentic. You laugh, rejoice, and suffer in all the right places. It ends on a cliffhanger, but the main plot is resolved leading you into the next logical leg of the story. I also have to add that the period research about social norms and speech patterns is impressive. I was also impressed by the author’s anime trivia knowledge in Act I. Not to mention, there are truly some gems in this book “…and Yuri on Ice is meth.” Comical. You have a lifelong fan in me, Mrs. Perkins, and I can’t wait until the next book, and I won’t even pressure you to get it done.
Black Lilies is the sequel to Chasing Echoes, which I also liked a great deal. I don’t summarize books in the review, but I will tell you what you need to know. Both books are great reads, and as good as Chasing Echoes was, I think Black Lilies is a masterpiece. Can you imagine this only being Jodi’s second book? *insert wow emoji here* This book is everything storytelling should be. It’s instantly relatable through the very human and real feeling characters. Aviva, our heroine, is a delight. I really enjoyed Phee too and really can’t wait until she gets her own book. That will be a treat. Kade is a pompous jerk in some ways but you get over that very quickly and he proves a sympathetic and honorable character very quickly. The plot is somewhat complex, as is expected with a time travel story, but it hits some wonderful highs and pulse-thumping thriller-like moments with some deep lows that scrape the bottom of the soul. This is great fiction because the human element is authentic. You laugh, rejoice, and suffer in all the right places. It ends on a cliffhanger, but the main plot is resolved leading you into the next logical leg of the story. I also have to add that the period research about social norms and speech patterns is impressive. I was also impressed by the author’s anime trivia knowledge in Act I. Not to mention, there are truly some gems in this book “…and Yuri on Ice is meth.” Comical. You have a lifelong fan in me, Mrs. Perkins, and I can’t wait until the next book, and I won’t even pressure you to get it done.
September 27, 2019
BLACK LILIES, the sequel to Jodi Perkin’s excellent CHASING ECHOES, continues with everything that made the first installment so excellent. While it can be read as a standalone, readers will not be disappointed to follow the story (so far) from start to finish.
Perkin’s story this time is still in Taz’s world, but follows Aviva, who gets to travel around in time, when the ghost of a boy from the 1800s, Kade Oaks, starts to “haunt” her. Aviva dives head long into the ghost’s history, believing that if she can solve his murder, she can free him—and hopefully herself.
Perkins has crafted an immersive world of believable characters and fascinating stories. Never one to pull punches, the plot is wonderfully layered, and just complicated enough. Is Aviva headed for a trap? Will she figure out the mystery? Can she save her sisters or even herself? It’s all so delicious, readers will want to keep turning the pages to find out.
In BLACK LILIES, Jodi Perkins has advanced her craft and continued to shine as a force in the urban fantasy genre. With very read, believable characters, and a stunning plot that will leave readers gasping for air and desperate for more.
Perkin’s story this time is still in Taz’s world, but follows Aviva, who gets to travel around in time, when the ghost of a boy from the 1800s, Kade Oaks, starts to “haunt” her. Aviva dives head long into the ghost’s history, believing that if she can solve his murder, she can free him—and hopefully herself.
Perkins has crafted an immersive world of believable characters and fascinating stories. Never one to pull punches, the plot is wonderfully layered, and just complicated enough. Is Aviva headed for a trap? Will she figure out the mystery? Can she save her sisters or even herself? It’s all so delicious, readers will want to keep turning the pages to find out.
In BLACK LILIES, Jodi Perkins has advanced her craft and continued to shine as a force in the urban fantasy genre. With very read, believable characters, and a stunning plot that will leave readers gasping for air and desperate for more.
January 12, 2021
Beautiful story and do unique with the story going from past to present. I loved the development of the previous characters while getting to know new ones, where will this story lead us next? I’m anxious to read book 3 but no news anywhere on if this is happening. Please put me out of my misery soon Jodi Perkins!!
March 12, 2021
I have to admit, it took me a while to pick this one up. After reading the first Chasing Echoes book, I was so emotionally invested in Taz and Stryder, I wasn’t ready to move on to her sister Aviva and leave their story behind. I honestly didn’t think Jodi Perkins could tie me in as much as that again. I was very well mistaken. This author is incredible and I can’t get enough of her writing. Already I’m so frustrated to discover there is a third book in this series. Not only that, but a cliffhanger from this one. Aviva’s story is not over and I’m screaming for more! Sadly the next book won’t be available until the end of 2021. I hate this part. The waiting. I’m too impatient.
I just can’t fault this book. I’m struggling to write a review just like the first one because I just can’t seem to put my feelings into words. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the pace, I loved the scenery, I loved the writing style, I loved the mystery. I should just finish my review based on that.
Aviva was a great protagonist, she’s young and still learning about her magical abilities, she can’t help herself and her instant need to bring life back into plants and small animals. She’s still human, and a teenager at that, so seeing a shadowy form of a hanging man didn’t come easy for her, even if the ghost soon projected into a handsome boy at her school, she was still on edge at first. Her character was completely relatable, the constant attention from her ghost that only she could see brought her out of her shell and made her into a stronger person when she was sure of his innocence. Her determination to go back to the past to rescue him was sweetly reckless. Even though she was all alone, she refused to leave and worked hard in her role of a servant in order to make sure she could play her part to prove he wasn’t guilty of murder. I absolutely fell in love with Aviva and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Kade was a lovely addition to the story and I liked the character build up and the way he changed from being a relaxed carefree teenage ghost with no memories in the present, to being a middle class gentleman with expectations in 1886. The way the author was slowly able to bring the two parts of his character together to show you how much pressure he puts on himself to look after his family and his responsibilities to others can hide away his true self and what he really wants. He only begins to allow himself a chance at happiness when Aviva shows up in his life in the past, determined to save him from his future.
The author did a fantastic job at setting the scene, both in the modern day present and the past when our characters get thrown into 1886. The fact that you could easily go back and forth without losing pace of the story was brilliant and well written. You could tell the author did her research on the typical every day momentum of the 1800s with it’s clothing, cleaning, serving, the class system, transportation and even the advances in technology when it came to producing the first handheld camera using light exposure. Even without the magic of the seasons it felt magical.
Even though he wasn’t the main protagonist in this book, I still had a soft spot for Stryder and the way he just accepted all parts of the Aevos family no matter what, whether it was discovering Aviva talking to a ghost next to him, listening to the family magical mishaps with their powers, or accepting that Taz and her sisters were trapped in the past before instantly helping the family to save them whatever it takes. I’m glad for his continued appearance, even with majority of the story based in 1886.
‘”Uh, sir, would you like to take your seat so you can enjoy your meal?”
Stryder looked at me, his eyebrows raised in question. I gave him a small shake of my head. “He’s in your chair,” I mouthed.
“Nope, I’m good,” Stryder told the server. “I, uh, prefer to eat my meals standing. Apparently.”
The server gave Stryder a strange look before sauntering off with the tray. Once the server was out of earshot, Stryder swore under his breath and moved to the foot of the table, sitting down in the empty seat. “Can’t believe my chair just got jacked by a ghost…”‘
If you couldn’t tell from my review, I absolutely loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to all who like a YA fantasy mixed with magic, time travel, mystery and historical romance. It’s everything I want in a book and more and I can’t wait for the last Chasing Echoes book to be released!
I just can’t fault this book. I’m struggling to write a review just like the first one because I just can’t seem to put my feelings into words. I loved the characters, I loved the plot, I loved the pace, I loved the scenery, I loved the writing style, I loved the mystery. I should just finish my review based on that.
Aviva was a great protagonist, she’s young and still learning about her magical abilities, she can’t help herself and her instant need to bring life back into plants and small animals. She’s still human, and a teenager at that, so seeing a shadowy form of a hanging man didn’t come easy for her, even if the ghost soon projected into a handsome boy at her school, she was still on edge at first. Her character was completely relatable, the constant attention from her ghost that only she could see brought her out of her shell and made her into a stronger person when she was sure of his innocence. Her determination to go back to the past to rescue him was sweetly reckless. Even though she was all alone, she refused to leave and worked hard in her role of a servant in order to make sure she could play her part to prove he wasn’t guilty of murder. I absolutely fell in love with Aviva and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
Kade was a lovely addition to the story and I liked the character build up and the way he changed from being a relaxed carefree teenage ghost with no memories in the present, to being a middle class gentleman with expectations in 1886. The way the author was slowly able to bring the two parts of his character together to show you how much pressure he puts on himself to look after his family and his responsibilities to others can hide away his true self and what he really wants. He only begins to allow himself a chance at happiness when Aviva shows up in his life in the past, determined to save him from his future.
The author did a fantastic job at setting the scene, both in the modern day present and the past when our characters get thrown into 1886. The fact that you could easily go back and forth without losing pace of the story was brilliant and well written. You could tell the author did her research on the typical every day momentum of the 1800s with it’s clothing, cleaning, serving, the class system, transportation and even the advances in technology when it came to producing the first handheld camera using light exposure. Even without the magic of the seasons it felt magical.
Even though he wasn’t the main protagonist in this book, I still had a soft spot for Stryder and the way he just accepted all parts of the Aevos family no matter what, whether it was discovering Aviva talking to a ghost next to him, listening to the family magical mishaps with their powers, or accepting that Taz and her sisters were trapped in the past before instantly helping the family to save them whatever it takes. I’m glad for his continued appearance, even with majority of the story based in 1886.
‘”Uh, sir, would you like to take your seat so you can enjoy your meal?”
Stryder looked at me, his eyebrows raised in question. I gave him a small shake of my head. “He’s in your chair,” I mouthed.
“Nope, I’m good,” Stryder told the server. “I, uh, prefer to eat my meals standing. Apparently.”
The server gave Stryder a strange look before sauntering off with the tray. Once the server was out of earshot, Stryder swore under his breath and moved to the foot of the table, sitting down in the empty seat. “Can’t believe my chair just got jacked by a ghost…”‘
If you couldn’t tell from my review, I absolutely loved this book and I would definitely recommend it to all who like a YA fantasy mixed with magic, time travel, mystery and historical romance. It’s everything I want in a book and more and I can’t wait for the last Chasing Echoes book to be released!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2019
Note: If you haven’t read “Chasing Echoes” yet, read that one first!!!
The wait for this this novel was a long one, and it didn’t disappoint! “Black Lilies” begins exactly where “Chasing Echoes” ends, but with an entirely different but equally captivating plot. While “Chasing Echoes” revolves around Taz, “Black Lilies” immerses the reader into Aviva’s world. Her character is different from Taz - she has an enduring naivety to her personality, but also quite funny. Aviva is being followed by a very annoying and yet humerously charming ghost. But as usual for this author, there is SO MUCH MORE to the story than this. Aviva finds herself thrust into the past, which inadvertently causes catastrophic consequences for the present. This novel involves all the sisters in a more significant way. Just like the first novel, this author weaves an amazing, thrilling, and remarkable story. EVERY problem/conflict/issue is tended to - everything satisfyingly falls together. You can tell that the author really respects her readers - she takes no shortcuts in her writing. She also manages to create a whole new tale while simultaneously intertwining this novel with her last one. The ending of this novel left me absolutely thirsting for the last one in this series.
The wait for this this novel was a long one, and it didn’t disappoint! “Black Lilies” begins exactly where “Chasing Echoes” ends, but with an entirely different but equally captivating plot. While “Chasing Echoes” revolves around Taz, “Black Lilies” immerses the reader into Aviva’s world. Her character is different from Taz - she has an enduring naivety to her personality, but also quite funny. Aviva is being followed by a very annoying and yet humerously charming ghost. But as usual for this author, there is SO MUCH MORE to the story than this. Aviva finds herself thrust into the past, which inadvertently causes catastrophic consequences for the present. This novel involves all the sisters in a more significant way. Just like the first novel, this author weaves an amazing, thrilling, and remarkable story. EVERY problem/conflict/issue is tended to - everything satisfyingly falls together. You can tell that the author really respects her readers - she takes no shortcuts in her writing. She also manages to create a whole new tale while simultaneously intertwining this novel with her last one. The ending of this novel left me absolutely thirsting for the last one in this series.
September 21, 2021
I've always loved stories of imaginary friends. This book moves that concept to a ghost.
For all the romanticizing of the Victorian era, this author decides to confront the reality of such times, showing us that the parts we romanticize comes on the backs of many who doubtlessly didn't have as much fun.
Faint hints at the Goonies movie for the youth trying to solve a puzzle, this novel has our supernatural sisters tracing off in the present, and the past to deal with the above mentioned ghost, who apparently dresses quite well.
Like much of the author's work, one is hard pressed to find damsels in distress waiting for knights on horseback. Instead you something with more grit, at least at this genre level, where the damsels could use a bit of polish, but are decent ladies, who have something special about them. The knights no different, gentlemen to be sure, but not above laying the law down.
The second book in the yet unfinished series, our author has honed her skill not only as setting scenes, but in development of characters. I felt the bond, and companionship of the sisters, with all its coming of age conflict, boy-craze, and locker room talk. And of course, the purple ink flows here.
For all the romanticizing of the Victorian era, this author decides to confront the reality of such times, showing us that the parts we romanticize comes on the backs of many who doubtlessly didn't have as much fun.
Faint hints at the Goonies movie for the youth trying to solve a puzzle, this novel has our supernatural sisters tracing off in the present, and the past to deal with the above mentioned ghost, who apparently dresses quite well.
Like much of the author's work, one is hard pressed to find damsels in distress waiting for knights on horseback. Instead you something with more grit, at least at this genre level, where the damsels could use a bit of polish, but are decent ladies, who have something special about them. The knights no different, gentlemen to be sure, but not above laying the law down.
The second book in the yet unfinished series, our author has honed her skill not only as setting scenes, but in development of characters. I felt the bond, and companionship of the sisters, with all its coming of age conflict, boy-craze, and locker room talk. And of course, the purple ink flows here.
October 2, 2019
When I learned that there was going to be a book two in the Chasing Echoes series, I cheered. I couldn't wait to read what the characters have been up to and this story didn't disappoint. This time, the focus is on Aviva Aevos. She encounters a ghost named Kade during a candlelight vigil at the diner. Though annoying at first, she learns that Kade was accused of a heinous crime in 1886 and put to death. Believing that he was set up by the real killer, Aviva travels back in time to stop the murder and prove Kade's innocence. The loops left from Chasing Echoes is also felt in this story. Aviva can't stay in the past for too long or else she'll be stuck there forever.
Once again, this was a very well written story that had me on the edge of my seat as Aviva fights to clear Kade's name and the many obstacles that she encounters. There is a twist in the ending clearly setting up for the next story and I can't wait to read it to see how the story will conclude. Easily five stars and a must-have to add to your collection.
Once again, this was a very well written story that had me on the edge of my seat as Aviva fights to clear Kade's name and the many obstacles that she encounters. There is a twist in the ending clearly setting up for the next story and I can't wait to read it to see how the story will conclude. Easily five stars and a must-have to add to your collection.
August 20, 2020
I was supposed to add this sooner!! I wrote it after I first read the book and it's been sitting in a doc. But this book is so amazing I'm not sure how I forgot!
Black Lilies has an interesting plot that keeps readers on their toes as they learn more about the mystery of Sezona Valley. Piecing together clues along with Aviva was really entertaining and there were so many interesting twists! The attention to detail was absolutely amazing, I can’t even describe how much I loved it. The research that clearly went into this is overwhelming and the characters appealed to me like crazy. The way the author was able to use even the smallest details in her favor proves her skill. There’s romance involved, but it’s not gross and the reader isn’t constantly reminded that the characters are in love. Even if you were skeptical after reading Chasing Echoes, I’d say still give this series another chance. This book has me in awe and I can’t wait for the next one!
Black Lilies has an interesting plot that keeps readers on their toes as they learn more about the mystery of Sezona Valley. Piecing together clues along with Aviva was really entertaining and there were so many interesting twists! The attention to detail was absolutely amazing, I can’t even describe how much I loved it. The research that clearly went into this is overwhelming and the characters appealed to me like crazy. The way the author was able to use even the smallest details in her favor proves her skill. There’s romance involved, but it’s not gross and the reader isn’t constantly reminded that the characters are in love. Even if you were skeptical after reading Chasing Echoes, I’d say still give this series another chance. This book has me in awe and I can’t wait for the next one!
June 12, 2020
Jodi Perkins’ follow-up to Chasing Echoes is just as captivating. Black Lillies sees younger sister, Aviva, being haunted!? Or is it something more? Join Aviva as she takes her own journey in time to try and right what she knows is a terrible wrong.
What you aren’t going to be prepared for are her accidental companions, and the cliffhanger! Also, what’s up with everyone’s favorite uncle? Some closely-held secrets are revealed in Black Lillies leaving so many more questions. The final installment of the series is sure to be huge!
What you aren’t going to be prepared for are her accidental companions, and the cliffhanger! Also, what’s up with everyone’s favorite uncle? Some closely-held secrets are revealed in Black Lillies leaving so many more questions. The final installment of the series is sure to be huge!
November 26, 2020
I have really enjoyed this series. Excellent storytelling, great characters and a lot of heart.
May 20, 2020
The first & second book were hard for me to put down. When I started reading the first book I didn’t expect to be so enthralled in the story. I can hardly wait for the third book to come out! I will definitely be reading these again.
April 18, 2022
Great
I loved the first book, ditto on the second. The detail is fantastic. Every character is fleshed out. I love it
I loved the first book, ditto on the second. The detail is fantastic. Every character is fleshed out. I love it
October 14, 2019
Delightful story
Love, loved this book, read the first one chasing echoes and found that this sequel is even better. Love the characters created by this author. The story line made it difficult to put this book down. The ending is so surprising, I want more!
Love, loved this book, read the first one chasing echoes and found that this sequel is even better. Love the characters created by this author. The story line made it difficult to put this book down. The ending is so surprising, I want more!
October 22, 2019
Great book 2!
Great second book of the series. Love how it picks up right where book 1 finished. Had me racing towards the end eager to find out happens next.
Great second book of the series. Love how it picks up right where book 1 finished. Had me racing towards the end eager to find out happens next.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews