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Stonehaven League #7

Echoes of the System

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Monsters. Mayhem. Toaster waffles?

Devon Walker has had it rough lately. She kinda saved the game world--or at least earned the citizens of Aventalia a small respite from the demon attacks--but the wild magic she used had some devastating consequences, starting with a shattered landscape and the apparent vanishing of her settlement. Now, it's up to her to fix the problems, save her NPC friends, and lay plans to take the attack to the demon forces.

The challenges are too big to face alone, and Devon will need the help of her guildmates and friends. Can she level up her social skills in time? Will she ever get her apartment in shape for houseguests? Does growing up mean the end of soggy microwave burritos and the appearance of crunch toaster waffles?

273 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 24, 2019

177 people are currently reading
112 people want to read

About the author

Carrie Summers

27 books278 followers

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5 stars
297 (49%)
4 stars
216 (35%)
3 stars
78 (12%)
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14 (2%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for XR.
1,980 reviews107 followers
September 20, 2021
Yes... things are working out for Devon, and she's actually spending face to face time with people. I can't wait to read what happens next for Devon and her peeps.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Laura May.
Author 12 books53 followers
October 12, 2021
First book for 2020, and an excellent addition to the series. While the books' formula is very much apparent, the quality of the books has by no means dropped off. Excellent characerisaion as always (and thankfully less Emerson in this book).
42 reviews1 follower
December 24, 2019
Lich chickens

In the interest of fairness in should mention in as lucky enough to get an ARC copy of the book.
Which I read I one sitting at 6am it is as that good I didn't move for a couple of hours.

The overarching plot moves onwards. Multiple characters both player and npc develop... History of the world expands a little. geography a lot. All in all a triumphant return for Devon and co. Which will hopefully be continued very very soon.

I could go as lyrical about so much of the book.... But I won't spoil the surprises
Profile Image for GaiusPrimus.
873 reviews95 followers
January 4, 2020
Glad this series is back

The story continues to move along quite well, although the settlement building that this series has been known for is absent this time around.

Nonetheless, it's a very enjoyable read and I think Devon actually grew as a character without any nudging by the author. Everything felt natural and organic as a reader, be that's really a great compliment to the author.

Now to await the next one...
Profile Image for Jeff Sabean.
Author 9 books4 followers
February 4, 2020
I tried really hard to like it....

Honestly I only forced my way through the book because I absolutely loved the first 5 books. Number 6 was a letdown, and I didn’t leave a review for it because I was hoping it was just because I’ve never been a huge fan of books about demons and such, and I was hoping this book would be better since the demon invasion was taken care of (albeit with an OP cheap shot at the end of the book).

I’ve been trying to find a positive way to say that this book seriously just dragged on and on, but I can’t find one. We’re seven books into this series, and the main character still seems outclassed by every single monster she faces, although she finds a lucky way to win in the end. It’s getting dreadful. I liked it at the beginning of the series because it contrasted other books where the main character is seriously OP and everyone just dies when they walk in the room, but at the same time it’s gotten to where the UNDER-powered main character is getting just as cringe worthy.

I actually liked the insertion of her mother in the real world to show some personal growth, although the trip to Vegas was just plain strange and seemed like unnecessary filler, as she could have just gone to a hotel in town and achieved the same results without having to describe a rainforest hotel room. It was clever, but really didn’t seem to fit the story at all.

The main thing I couldn’t help but keep thinking as I read 75% of this book was: the only people who would still be playing this broken game would be the ones who were getting paid to do so. No one in their right mind would keep playing a game where everything sucks, you can’t even get gear repaired, and your enemies are always destroying you every time you turn around, especially if you could actually FEEL your deaths.

On a positive note, I actually enjoyed the end of the book for the most part. I thought the author found a creative way to find and transfer authority of Stonehaven back to Devon, and the whole purgatory for the griefer guild was a nice touch.

I hope that Book 8 has the feel of the first 5 books, or I may give up on this story, as much as I am really interested to see what happens to the characters....
Profile Image for Taylor-Leigh Derchin.
135 reviews8 followers
January 14, 2021
I really enjoyed learning more about Devon’s past. This book spent a lot of time in the real world and personal issues that happen during the time while the world is falling apart online. A lay line is broken, and these strange magic immune worm things start attacking everyone in the area. Stonehaven is in the middle of no where and it is under the rule of a PvP guild where the NPCs need to survive long enough for Devon to solve the problem she caused.

Hailey’s arc is interesting since she is now accepting her new life and she is still keeping it from most people, but she is bonding with the dragons and NPCs in new and fascinating ways. She gains powers that could be said are plot conveniences to an extent.

I thought the ending tied up a little too well. It has not really left me with the desire or need to continue with the series. If this was the last book I would be okay with it, she didn’t answer all of the question and it feels that there will be more books but the loose ends tied up a little too nicely in my opinion. I like cliffhangers or enough questions that I am compelled to keep reading or want to pick up the next book as soon as it is released, and this book didn’t leave me with that feeling.
Profile Image for Zerdath.
89 reviews
December 31, 2019
Siiiiiiiigh... already?

One day. ONLY ONE DAY. I waited FOREVER for this book to come out and I binged the whole thing in one day.

/sigh

It's book seven of a great series, do you really need me to tell you how good it is, or to pick it up? The story continues, it's amazing, always want it to be longer, blah blah blah. GET IT!
Profile Image for Troy Osgood.
Author 49 books107 followers
January 4, 2020
Another excellent entry in the series. Devon is turning into a great character. Reading her growth has been fun. Her way of solving problems is nice to see after all the overpowered characters get in the genre.
Profile Image for Dean.
187 reviews
October 15, 2025
The mana eaters were interesting but a bit too much. Would have liked to know more about Ash. I just feel like there are so many unanswered questions. Weird way to end a book.
377 reviews4 followers
December 2, 2020
Lot of Crossover Between Real Life and Game Life
Overall, just has gotten very jumbled with multiple real-life and in-game plots, and now enough crossover that most main characters have two names to keep straight. Losing its appeal, also as "god"/AI intervention gets move interactive and obvious.

Ashley start to be friend the NPC’s in Stonehaven, going exploring in the desert with them and Hunting food. Also explains her philosophy of PvP gaming. Another strong interesting female character.

Devon meets up with Tamar in real life, and discusses consideration on moving closer to Emerson.

Devon is grinding level up and has a fun fight with a village of mud people. Another Group with most of the regulars encounters a dragon! Then IRL Devon’s mother reappears throwing her off.

Devon solos mana eating worms. Hailey with the core group manages to befriend some Plains Dragons, who blame Devon for creating a rift in the Ley lines which is feeding the incursion of mana eating worms & bugs.

Everyone is fighting bugs, but no one likes the fact that magic doesn’t work against them which make some classes useless.

Devon’s trouble with her mother continues in real life. Devon runs away from her mom and ends up booking a honeymoon suite in a bit at a Vegas casino.

Emerson makes a special place online for he and Devon to meet up virtually and it has friendly dinosaurs.

Players have discovered a de-buff which locks off mana making them invisible to the bugs. The bug attacks escalate and of course Devon has to save the world again by herself. Skydiving from a griffon. Devon figures out how to use the ley lines to teleport herself to Stonehaven. Meanwhile Hailey has learned a new spell with her ability to glean them from enemies while studying the annihilators, the biggest mana bugs.

All the core players meet up in real life, making things much more confusing because now they all have two names.

Greel has started a court case and now an active trial against the guild holding Stonehaven. Funny mechanics for trial by combat/combat by trial.

Things come together perfectly and Haley’s new spell combined with Devon being at Stonehaven allow them to get the whole guild there just in time for the trial to end in the blood soaked blades to be expelled from the city in a weakened state. So the BBs are quickly killed to the last person. Except Ashley, who escapes temporarily and then resigns from the guild BBs.

Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,589 reviews66 followers
December 27, 2019
Ok, here’s the good and the (sorta) bad (there is no ugly) about Carrie Summers’ Echoes of the System (Stonehaven League, Book 7).

First the good. This really is the perfect LitRPG Adventure. If you’re any sort of RPGer you will feel right at home as this author must be a lifelong gamer since she captures the feel of what a total immersion virtual reality game must eventually come to be. You truly do feel like you’re living in the game. At the same time, if you’ve no idea what RPG even stands for (it’s the acronym for Role Playing Game) that’s fine too as even total newbies (novices) to the RPG world will love this story as a perfect mix of sci-fi and fantasy. As with the whole Stonehaven League series this book is perfectly written, with a great plot (part of a really superb overarching story arc even if there’s no cliffhanger here) and a great cast, this time focusing almost as much on Hailey (and wow is it cool what happens with her) as it does in Devon both within game (more greatness from her) and in Real Life (and, yes, things do continue to develop with Emerson). Add in strong cameos (I got my Tamara fix) and an AI (Artificial Intelligence) that is still growing, while staying wonderfully snarky, and if you’re a series fan you couldn’t really ask for more.

If you got lost by some of the references made above that is because of the only “bad” here. While you can kinda sorta read this standalone, it’s immeasurably better if you start with book 1. Having said that, it’s not really all that bad as that first book, Temple of Sorrows (separately reviewed), is astoundingly superb and it’s more than worth the read to start with book 1 and read forward to this one.

Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Saundra Wright.
2,933 reviews12 followers
December 24, 2019
I really love this series and look forward to each new book. Gamer or not, these are great books with a strong storyline both ingame and out.

With the help of the Throne of Ancients, Devon managed to defeat the latest demon attack but not without serious consequences. To use the throne correctly you need to be twenty levels higher than Devon. The magical whirlwind she created destroyed much of the savannah leaving it riddled with long trenches and upheavals.

But the worst consequence is that Stonehaven appears to have been transported somewhere else with all of the people who were there at the time. She has been trying ever since but Devon hasn’t been able to find out where it went. Are her NPC’s alright? Will they ever be reunited?

The demons are sure to attack again but there is trouble the people at Ishildar need to address now. There are new monsters on the savannah. A dragon has been spotted but the mysterious mana eaters may be the more serious problem. How can they fight them when magic can’t be used? Will they even survive long enough to face the demons again?

In the real world, Devon’s mother appears out of the blue. Devon isn’t prepared to deal with the woman who threw her out before she even finished high school. How long can she avoid the coming confrontation?
Profile Image for Lana.
2,811 reviews60 followers
December 26, 2019
Poor Devon, she did her best to save Aventalia from the demon attacks and in doing this she caused a bit of havoc, there was a land rift and she lost her settlement of Stonehaven which was more home to her than her apartment IRL. Now she was expected to close the rift through which manna eating monsters where appearing and growing and she had to do this without using her magic powers. She desperately needed to locate Stonehaven as this was being taken over by a nasty bunch of players and her poor NPC's were being used as slaves. Also in her real life someone she had hoped she would never meet again turned up on her doorstep and she had to get away from her because whenever she turned up Devon's life turned to crap. Can Devon get both her lives in order, can she gain enough rank power to win against the massive monsters, she definitely cannot do this alone but can she risk her friends life to sort the problem which she had created? This is the seventh book in this very exciting series and the thrill in this book is nothing less than we are used to whilst living with Devon and her friends in Stonehaven.
Profile Image for Melissa Hayden.
1,006 reviews119 followers
November 19, 2024
Devon has a number of things happening in game, like finding Stonehaven and then a new boss arrives that only she can solve, while also dealing with people in person. Emerson has asked if she wants to move to his area, she has a surprise visitor that's not really welcome, and her friends want to meet. A lot for someone that's not really a people person.

I love the beginning! I took a break between books and the author did a great job of weaving past events into the story happening. Because the characters are all still a little shellshocked. Great catchup with not retelling the story. It all plays into what's happening now.

The game world and characters created there are amazing. I love how the NPC's have become friends and important in everyone's life, especially for Devon.

This is a great story of events and happenings for the characters in game and in life. I loved the way it was all done. This book ties a lot of things up. Almost a finally, as there's not another one. (Yet?) We still have the looming possible threat of more demons, but in a game there's always something to come.

This series is definitely worth a listen or read.
217 reviews27 followers
March 19, 2020
What a great series this has been!

I have really enjoyed this series and the writing and humor are a great fit for what I like. The series is clean with only a little profanity here and there, but nothing gratuitous or obnoxious. The MC is done really well and feels like a real person with real flaws, needs, and motives. The story is well done without any major plot holes dont make sense or that conflict with the reality as it's been laid out.

I wish a little more happened in each book as the series is a little slow, and major plot progression feels anemic as does character progression at times. But, all in all it's a good "feel-good" read and is well above average quality for this type of book.

Keep up the good work Carrie!
Profile Image for Paula.
190 reviews
January 6, 2026
3.5 stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I have caught up to the latest book in the series, and from what I can tell, it has been about five years. I do not know if book eight will still come out, but if it does not, this is not a bad spot to leave things at. Sure, there are still a few unresolved and unanswered questions, but I would be okay with the series ending here.

Overall, this series has been a pleasant read. At first, I did not care much for the real-world sections, but over time they became a tiny bit more interesting. However, the game world has always been the best parts. It's fun and amusing, like I was not expecting that, and moments like it reminded me why I liked this series.
Profile Image for Clint Young.
849 reviews
January 11, 2020
Alert

I hate trying to write reviews because there are really only pass/fail results for me. Did I make it all the way through? Yes? 5 stars. No? There would be nothing here to read. In all fairness, if an author holds my attention from page one to the end, they’ve done their job. Anything less than 5 stars is petty criticism from someone incapable of even doing the job let alone doing a better one.

So in respect for the author and their work, I am going to start pasting this along with a generic review I found somewhere. “This was a fun book. I am glad that I read it. You should try it too.”

Cheers
Profile Image for Travis.
2,955 reviews48 followers
December 28, 2019
Hmm, thought I'd already written a review for this one. In any case, this book won't make many long term fans happy. There's not much character progression, and although some questions are answered, and there is some nice storyline progression, overall, there wasn't much to please the fans who have been waiting for this installment in the series. Sure, the story is good, and the characters are still their same snarky/insufferable/plain selves, but there's just too much supernatural nonsense in this one for me to classify it in the same league as the other books in the series. It's a good story, don't get me wrong, it's just not (in my opinion) in the same class as the other books in the series. Still, if you're a fan, you'll want to read this one to keep current with the happenings.
Profile Image for Brandon Eaves.
12 reviews
December 31, 2019
Another great chapter in the Stonehaven series

It's hard not to like Devon and root for her in both her real life and her in-game life. She is such a great character and anyone would be blessed to make her acquaintance. If you aren't familiar with the Stonehaven series I highly recommend you start from the beginning to fully understand everything that has happened and is happening in this book. If you truly enjoy this genre of books, you will not be disappointed.
194 reviews12 followers
January 3, 2020
One of the most consistently good and well-written LITRPG series.

Don't start with the latest in the adventures of Devon, reluctant town leader and Hero. But if you're just discovering this series then know this book is the culmination of great world building, some of the best character development and relationships in the genre. This book resolution issues both in-game and out with her usual style and flair.
My one concern, time for Bob to go.
1,005 reviews13 followers
February 7, 2020
Awesome as usual

More Devon fun. Devon is growing up in more ways than she realizes. She has Minnie issues... Don't we all. Finding a lost Stonehaven and rescuing it from the griefers as well as defending the throne from a new threat are making Devon 's life he'll in both worlds. She is up to the task and of course does it in a Devon(unique) way. Awesome fun of you like the prior books. Looking ahead to next book and more in the authors new series.
Profile Image for Lyndie C..
Author 5 books5 followers
December 24, 2019
So to avoid spoilers. Loved the developments of the town, characters and places! The twists and turns of what happened were page turning. Also amazing new additions! Loved some of the inside jokes as well! Totally worth it and can’t wait to see where it all goes from here! Loved it!
Profile Image for John DeBlanc.
337 reviews2 followers
January 8, 2020
Good Stuff!!

Carrie Summers brings us back to Stonehaven in Book Seven of her Stonehaven League series, Echoes of the System. Really great addition to a really great series. Looking forward to reading book 8!
4 reviews
January 8, 2020
The Aftermath of a demon invasion

This book feels like the perfect intersection for a story arc. It completes a few story lines while opening several more! After reading this book you will be anxious to find and read the next book in the series.
288 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2020
Great addition to the series

Continued advancement in the lore and plot that the author has built, along with the fun, humor, magic, and action... cant wait to see what's in the next books!
45 reviews1 follower
January 27, 2020
It was ok

Unfortunately this book was not as good as the first six. It just seemed like a rehash of oh no the works is going to end. The separate story on Stonehaven was really more interesting than what was going on with Devon.
404 reviews3 followers
February 7, 2020
Another good story

Very good story that continues and kind of wraps up one phase of the stone haven saga. More real world stuff again that seemed somewhat contrived but wraps up nicely by the end
77 reviews2 followers
June 13, 2020
Now we have a question: where are we going to? Adventures become quite boring as the same sequence repeats itself again and again (quest / challenge / solution) and we can wonder why exactly the gamer would create such unique content for a single player...
90 reviews
July 11, 2020
Saving the online world can wear you out.

Devon is juggling a new overwhelming threat from the game. Her friends in Stonehavem are dealing with the evil pvp group. On top of all of this, past personal trauma surprises her at this most inopportune time.
Profile Image for Danny Moody.
1,439 reviews11 followers
May 14, 2022
For whatever reason it took me a couple years to get back around to this series. I really enjoy the game world. There is a good balance between game plot and real life plot. Very well written and entertaining.
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