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Echoes of the Storm
The battle for Torredo is over, but the war has just begun...
Jack Gamble’s lover is a double agent. Norse betrayed the resistance and now commands Galilei's military operations.
Rallying what remains of the resistance and their galactic allies wasn’t part of Jack’s plans. His contacts are scattered, maybe dead. Streams are broadcasting his face from one end of the galaxy to the other, and mercenaries under the command of Captain Ben Stone intercept his ship.
Space pirates, friendly interrogators, security grunts, and Norse stand in Jack’s way. Can he trust Stone? The intriguing captain has his own problems with the empire - and an interest in Jack.
Jack isn’t looking for a one-night stand, and any emotional entanglements need to be off the radar. He has a rebellion to win and a world to take back. Failure means his people will never break the empire’s chains, and his homeworld is screwed.
Norse already did that to him.
He won’t let it happen again.
ECHOES OF THE STORM is an action-packed science fiction adventure with a gay protagonist, ace pilots, undercover spies, special forces teams, some wild battles, and a slow-burn romance.
Jack Gamble’s lover is a double agent. Norse betrayed the resistance and now commands Galilei's military operations.
Rallying what remains of the resistance and their galactic allies wasn’t part of Jack’s plans. His contacts are scattered, maybe dead. Streams are broadcasting his face from one end of the galaxy to the other, and mercenaries under the command of Captain Ben Stone intercept his ship.
Space pirates, friendly interrogators, security grunts, and Norse stand in Jack’s way. Can he trust Stone? The intriguing captain has his own problems with the empire - and an interest in Jack.
Jack isn’t looking for a one-night stand, and any emotional entanglements need to be off the radar. He has a rebellion to win and a world to take back. Failure means his people will never break the empire’s chains, and his homeworld is screwed.
Norse already did that to him.
He won’t let it happen again.
ECHOES OF THE STORM is an action-packed science fiction adventure with a gay protagonist, ace pilots, undercover spies, special forces teams, some wild battles, and a slow-burn romance.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2020
About the author
Charlene Newcomb
29 books57 followersWelcome to my worlds.
Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, writes historical fiction and science fiction. Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal. She published the scifi/space opera Echoes of the Storm in 2020, and returns to medieval times with her latest novel ROGUE in 2023.
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CharleneNewco...
and Bluesky:
https://charnewcomb.bsky.social/
Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, writes historical fiction and science fiction. Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal. She published the scifi/space opera Echoes of the Storm in 2020, and returns to medieval times with her latest novel ROGUE in 2023.
Find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CharleneNewco...
and Bluesky:
https://charnewcomb.bsky.social/
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 27, 2020
I usually don’t read science fiction but when one of my favourite historical fiction authors decides to break out into a space adventure, I knew I had to check it out. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Echoes of the Storm is a fast-paced, page-turning read with a number of twists and reversals that I did not see coming.
Jack Gamble is a resistance fighter whose lover, Norse, has betrayed both him and the Resistance for his own ambition. Jack’s forces are scattered and fighting for survival while those who were left behind have to regroup and coordinate a counterstrike. Help comes from an unexpected source through Ben Stone, mercenary pilot and love interest.
The action switches between Jack, trying to rally the beaten Resistance to launch a counterstrike, and Tic, who coordinates the vulnerable ground effort. But they are up against Norse, a chillingly baddie who is always two steps ahead of everyone.
Echoes of the Storm has action, a developing m/m romance, great characters and page-turning action. It’s a roller coaster ride of a book!
Jack Gamble is a resistance fighter whose lover, Norse, has betrayed both him and the Resistance for his own ambition. Jack’s forces are scattered and fighting for survival while those who were left behind have to regroup and coordinate a counterstrike. Help comes from an unexpected source through Ben Stone, mercenary pilot and love interest.
The action switches between Jack, trying to rally the beaten Resistance to launch a counterstrike, and Tic, who coordinates the vulnerable ground effort. But they are up against Norse, a chillingly baddie who is always two steps ahead of everyone.
Echoes of the Storm has action, a developing m/m romance, great characters and page-turning action. It’s a roller coaster ride of a book!
October 18, 2020
If you love Star Wars then this one is for you. It is a fun read set in a futuristic universe.
This one is exciting from start to finish. With characters that you want to read more about and don’t mind the point of view changing from time to time. They are well developed and deal with emotional issues in a familiar way.
If you are looking for a sci-fi book with a happy ending then this one is for you.
This one is exciting from start to finish. With characters that you want to read more about and don’t mind the point of view changing from time to time. They are well developed and deal with emotional issues in a familiar way.
If you are looking for a sci-fi book with a happy ending then this one is for you.
July 14, 2020
Great action, compelling story line and characters you have to love or hate. Was everything a book should be!
November 11, 2020
This was a really enjoyable sci-fi action adventure. The M-M romance is there, but it does not overtake or distract from the plot flow or steady escalation of tension and drama. There's actually comparatively little bedroom action (which might disappoint some) but that suited me just fine.
The main struggle is between two former lovers, over the governance and lives of the people of planet Torredo. Jack, who wants freedom from the hegemonic tyranny of the Galaleic Empire and Ari Norse who has megalomaniac power and control issues (and pretending to do so on behalf of the Empire). A whole cast of decently developed secondary/supporting characters on either side flesh out this battle for control ... with some good-uns being sacrificed and lost as a result.
I don't believe this is a start of a series unfortunately, but I wouldn't mind seeing where Jack and Ben take their relationship and freedom-fighting skills next. 4.5 stars.
The main struggle is between two former lovers, over the governance and lives of the people of planet Torredo. Jack, who wants freedom from the hegemonic tyranny of the Galaleic Empire and Ari Norse who has megalomaniac power and control issues (and pretending to do so on behalf of the Empire). A whole cast of decently developed secondary/supporting characters on either side flesh out this battle for control ... with some good-uns being sacrificed and lost as a result.
I don't believe this is a start of a series unfortunately, but I wouldn't mind seeing where Jack and Ben take their relationship and freedom-fighting skills next. 4.5 stars.
June 30, 2020
“We could spend hours reciting the names of friends we’ve lost. It won’t bring them back. We’ll honour them by ending Galilei’s rule…”
But that was easier said than done.
Jack Gamble had been every kind of fool. He had thought that what they had was love, but it wasn’t love, he knew that now. Ari Norse had used him to get what he wanted. He had used them all. With the resistance scattered and his heart broken, Jack flees his homeland.
However, Norse is not a man who gives up easily, and he certainly isn’t going to give up on one of the resistances greatest fighters. He knows Jack. He knows how he thinks. And he has the perfect weapon in which to manipulate his former lover and bring him back home. Jack will meet his fate. He has to. For it is the only way Norse can get what he truly wants.
From a desperate flight to a battle that will decide who is the better man, Echoes of the Storm by Charlene Newcomb is the unforgettable story of Jack Gamble and his resistance friends.
With a realistic science fiction backdrop and a narrative that entices, enchants and enthrals, Echoes of the Storm has an awful lot to recommend it. There is an authenticity to the atmospheric backdrop, and a realism in the characters that one meets on this journey that Jack Gamble finds himself on. But this is not the story of just one man, but a group of resistant fighters, who fight for their planet, the galaxy, but more importantly each other. This book has it all. There are desperate betrayals, extraordinary acts of heroism and a beautifully tender love story as well. The writing is absolutely phenomenal. It is in a class of its own. This novel is next to impossible to put down — it is addictive to the extreme. This is the kind of book that one would happily forgo sleep to finish.
Newcomb has an understanding of not only what makes a great story, but also how to write realistic science-fiction. You will find no loud explosions in space in this book! Nor, will you find any impossible situations, or worlds that are so implausible that there is no way they could ever exist. What Newcomb gives her readers is realism. The planets, the space crafts, everything is backed up by a confident scientific understanding. It is very clear that Newcomb knows what she is talking about, and this is what makes this book stand out on a very crowded bookcase. Kudos, Ms Newcomb. Kudos, indeed.
Jack Gamble is the kind of hero that a reader can really get behind. Norse’s betrayal blindsides him, and yet he finds the courage to continue to fight for his beliefs, even in the face of terrible adversity. Jack is a very astute and very driven man who cares very deeply, which I think is why I was drawn to him. He is this wonderfully honourable man who could easily have lost his confidence, who could have spent the rest of his life in hiding, but he cannot walk away. He has to finish what he started. To pen a hero that touches the heart of the reader is a lot harder that one would think, but Newcomb has nailed it in her depiction of Jack. I adored everything about him, and he certainly drove this story forward.
Ben Stone is a character that did run and hide many years previous from the same people who are now hunting Jack. Ben, despite now being a pirate, is one of the most compassionate characters in this book. His keen wit, and his willingness to help Jack, made him a character that I came to care about. I thought Ben’s depiction was sublime. I enjoyed reading about him and his scenes, particularly with Jack, were delightfully portrayed.
Likewise, Atticus “Tic” Ford is a man of deep integrity, who like many has been living a double life. Tic was a character that I enjoyed getting to know. He is, like many of the resistance fighters, incredibly empathetic, but he is also very intelligent, and he isn’t scared to put himself forward for the most dangerous missions again and again. I thought his portrayal was fabulous.
The antagonist of this story is cloaked in shadows of his own making. Norse has an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Fantasies of success and power blind him, and he will stop at nothing to get what he wants. However, he is also very clever and was willing to wait a very long time to make sure the circumstances were right for him to play his master hand. He is a very manipulative man who wears two faces. At times there are hints of the loving man he pretended to be, which makes the reader wonder if he really was pretending. However, there is a ruthless, very brutal side to him which leaves a reader with a sense of fear as to what he would do next. This is a villain that is obsessively motivated, and he has the resources and the audacity to take what he wants while at the same time demanding absolute loyalty. I thought Norse’s depiction was brilliant.
Echoes of the Storm by Charlene Newcomb is an absolute must for fans of quality science-fiction. This is quite possibly the best science-fiction book that I have ever read.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
July 27, 2020
I loved this action military based SF story for so many reasons. I hope the author writes more set in this universe, as, despite being satisfied with the ending of this story, it left me wanting more of Jack, Ben, and their friends.
The characters are interesting, and layered, and the heroes make mistakes. The cast is very much an ensemble one and I liked how the multiple narrators gave a sense of both sides of the conflict, their beliefs, and what they were prepared to do to achieve their goals. All of the cast swiftly defy stereotypes, and I especially wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Cloe. The description at the beginning of the story of Jack’s state of mind and emotions do a great job in setting up his inner conflict, and the overall arc of the story. It’s very understandable why this needs to be a slow burn romance, and although their relationship—and Tic and Maggie’s—is a part of the story it’s not what drives it.
The world building is fabulous. Gililei feels very real, and has a rich history, yet the empire has very much become one that needs to be overthrown. I liked how taking them down isn’t easy, and that they lose good people along the way. Although there are some lighter moments, such as the growing relationship and more between Jack and Ben, they never forget what is at stake and the constant danger they’re in.
Norse is a total piece of work. There’s one scene in particular where he shows just how ruthless and unhinged he is, and it’s chilling. The identity of the resistance undercover agent was nicely done, and unexpected. As it should be.
Loved the action scenes, both on the ground and in the air/in space. The military strategy is well thought out and everything feels authentic. I liked how the enemy wasn’t easy to take down and how the tension rises right until the end.
More please.
The characters are interesting, and layered, and the heroes make mistakes. The cast is very much an ensemble one and I liked how the multiple narrators gave a sense of both sides of the conflict, their beliefs, and what they were prepared to do to achieve their goals. All of the cast swiftly defy stereotypes, and I especially wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of Cloe. The description at the beginning of the story of Jack’s state of mind and emotions do a great job in setting up his inner conflict, and the overall arc of the story. It’s very understandable why this needs to be a slow burn romance, and although their relationship—and Tic and Maggie’s—is a part of the story it’s not what drives it.
The world building is fabulous. Gililei feels very real, and has a rich history, yet the empire has very much become one that needs to be overthrown. I liked how taking them down isn’t easy, and that they lose good people along the way. Although there are some lighter moments, such as the growing relationship and more between Jack and Ben, they never forget what is at stake and the constant danger they’re in.
Norse is a total piece of work. There’s one scene in particular where he shows just how ruthless and unhinged he is, and it’s chilling. The identity of the resistance undercover agent was nicely done, and unexpected. As it should be.
Loved the action scenes, both on the ground and in the air/in space. The military strategy is well thought out and everything feels authentic. I liked how the enemy wasn’t easy to take down and how the tension rises right until the end.
More please.
July 26, 2020
The good:
The supporting cast. Nuanced, detailed characters whose individual qualities add up to make you really root for the resistance and believe, despite the odds against them, that they will ultimately succeed. They were all so real and so vital that it hurt to lose (some) of them and felt so good when they made it through.
The worldbuilding: interesting planet, interesting government structures, just enough background dispersed throughout the narrative so that you know what’s going on without any awkward infodumps. Plenty of sequel potential (the wolves?)
The meh:
The romantic subplot is too fast, too simplistic, and too stereotypical (handsome pirate captain with a heart of gold to the rescue... this has been done a time or twenty) to fit in with the complexity of the rest of the story. I genuinely cared more for every other character besides Ben and Jack, and I ended up speeding through their scenes because they felt like pointless detours from the action.
The takeaway:
An exciting novel (the action is enthralling and I got really invested). Totally worth a read, would love a sequel, could definitely live without any more Jack and Ben.
* I received an ARC and voluntarily composed an unbiased review.
The supporting cast. Nuanced, detailed characters whose individual qualities add up to make you really root for the resistance and believe, despite the odds against them, that they will ultimately succeed. They were all so real and so vital that it hurt to lose (some) of them and felt so good when they made it through.
The worldbuilding: interesting planet, interesting government structures, just enough background dispersed throughout the narrative so that you know what’s going on without any awkward infodumps. Plenty of sequel potential (the wolves?)
The meh:
The romantic subplot is too fast, too simplistic, and too stereotypical (handsome pirate captain with a heart of gold to the rescue... this has been done a time or twenty) to fit in with the complexity of the rest of the story. I genuinely cared more for every other character besides Ben and Jack, and I ended up speeding through their scenes because they felt like pointless detours from the action.
The takeaway:
An exciting novel (the action is enthralling and I got really invested). Totally worth a read, would love a sequel, could definitely live without any more Jack and Ben.
* I received an ARC and voluntarily composed an unbiased review.
September 13, 2020
WOW!
The universe created for this book is fascinating and I never felt confused or bored by the world- building, just completely absorbed. All the characters, good or bad, are well defined and multidimensional, but most of all, unforgettable.
I loved everything about this book: the writing style, the pacing and the fact that the romantic pairing wasn't the main focus, but rather a byproduct of the events that brought Jack and Ben in each other's lives.
Echoes of the Storm was a fast flowing space adventure, filled with action, intrigue, twists and surprises at every turn. It offered me a few hours' escape into a whirlwind of emotions and suspense, and I can't recommend it enough.
The universe created for this book is fascinating and I never felt confused or bored by the world- building, just completely absorbed. All the characters, good or bad, are well defined and multidimensional, but most of all, unforgettable.
I loved everything about this book: the writing style, the pacing and the fact that the romantic pairing wasn't the main focus, but rather a byproduct of the events that brought Jack and Ben in each other's lives.
Echoes of the Storm was a fast flowing space adventure, filled with action, intrigue, twists and surprises at every turn. It offered me a few hours' escape into a whirlwind of emotions and suspense, and I can't recommend it enough.
July 28, 2020
I loved this interesting and exciting action-packed science fiction novel. The author has created intriguing characters, heroes and villains, political power plays, and intense engagements. Old lovers, betrayal, and plenty of twists and turns will keep you engaged through the end. This is a completely different genre from what I have read from this author before, but the writing, descriptions, and settings are fantastic and really let the reader *see* the story.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
July 26, 2020
A wonderful sci-fi adventure. The world-building was top-notch and the amazing characters were well-written and wonderfully engaging. The action-packed storyline pulled me in right from the first page and held me hostage until the very end, I was up well past my bedtime because I just couldn't put it down.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book*
November 18, 2020
We are proud to announce that ECHOES OF THE STORM by Charlene Newcomb is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
July 27, 2020
If you are a Star Wars fan or a space movie junky, then you will appreciate Echoes of the Storm. It has the echo of Star Wars, Star Trek, Battle Star Galactica, and many more. The book is set in the 24th Century and opens with Jack Gamble fleeing his home planet, Torredo, which is under attack by Galilei and Jack's former lover, Ari Norse who wants to rule the galaxy. Speeding through the stars, Jack is angry. How could he have loved someone and not really know them? Norse's betrayal hurt more than Jack. It hurt his people. Jack's mission: to free Torredo from the grasp of Galilei. He needed to regroup and figure a way back to Torredo to help the resistance fighters who were still alive on the ground. So "boldly go where no one has gone before", and follow Jack's journey through the galaxy far, far, away and encounter secrets, spies, lies, violence, death, destruction, betrayal, politics, power, and friendships.
*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) for an honest review.
*I received an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) for an honest review.
October 9, 2020
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Echoes of the Storm is a futuristic sci-fi novel that features a sizable cast of characters and a plot that relies on feints within feints and outsmarting double-crossers. One of the most immediate stand-out aspects of the story was, for me, how Newcomb begins with Jack and a few resistance fighters running for their lives in the immediate aftermath of Norse’s spectacular betrayal. This was a pretty ballsy move and kept me intrigued for several chapters. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, despite having literally zero information about the characters or the situation, I quickly felt a deep interest in who Jack was and why Norse betrayed him. Another strong element of the story was how the plot gets broken up between different sides. Many chapters are from Norse’s perspective, many are from Jack’s, and several are from undercover agents Fog and from Field.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Echoes of the Storm is a futuristic sci-fi novel that features a sizable cast of characters and a plot that relies on feints within feints and outsmarting double-crossers. One of the most immediate stand-out aspects of the story was, for me, how Newcomb begins with Jack and a few resistance fighters running for their lives in the immediate aftermath of Norse’s spectacular betrayal. This was a pretty ballsy move and kept me intrigued for several chapters. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, despite having literally zero information about the characters or the situation, I quickly felt a deep interest in who Jack was and why Norse betrayed him. Another strong element of the story was how the plot gets broken up between different sides. Many chapters are from Norse’s perspective, many are from Jack’s, and several are from undercover agents Fog and from Field.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
August 17, 2020
3.5 stars, rounding up.
I'm a pretty big fan of the sci-fi/fan genre as well as MM romance, so I was excited to see this book on NetGalley. The blurb sounded amazing and I snapped it up right away. For the most part, I truly wasn't disappointed. It has a Star Wars-y, Star Trek-y vibe and competes as a solid sci-fi space opera. The world-building was pretty great and mostly complete with only a few areas that tripped me up and left me scratching my chin.
Sadly, the area that primarily decreased the star rating for me were the MC love interests. I just couldn't connect with them and didn't buy their romantic relationship as genuine. It felt a bit forced and unnatural.
However, despite that, I believe this is a pretty solid space opera that'll find many fans. I'd still recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The review I'm leaving is being done voluntarily and contains my own thoughts, views, and personal opinions.
I'm a pretty big fan of the sci-fi/fan genre as well as MM romance, so I was excited to see this book on NetGalley. The blurb sounded amazing and I snapped it up right away. For the most part, I truly wasn't disappointed. It has a Star Wars-y, Star Trek-y vibe and competes as a solid sci-fi space opera. The world-building was pretty great and mostly complete with only a few areas that tripped me up and left me scratching my chin.
Sadly, the area that primarily decreased the star rating for me were the MC love interests. I just couldn't connect with them and didn't buy their romantic relationship as genuine. It felt a bit forced and unnatural.
However, despite that, I believe this is a pretty solid space opera that'll find many fans. I'd still recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. The review I'm leaving is being done voluntarily and contains my own thoughts, views, and personal opinions.
November 22, 2020
Echoes of the Storm was an intricate science fiction novel, featuring a military against a resistance band, double-crossing characters and plenty of twists and turns that will keep your mind trying to figure out what is going to happen next.
That being said it was hard for me to get into the actual story. I DNF’d it and I do my best to never do that to a book. I wanted there to be romance, but it was one dimensional romance. There were so many characters it became a chore keeping them and their stance right in my mind.
This may be the book for you! It just wasn’t for me.
That being said it was hard for me to get into the actual story. I DNF’d it and I do my best to never do that to a book. I wanted there to be romance, but it was one dimensional romance. There were so many characters it became a chore keeping them and their stance right in my mind.
This may be the book for you! It just wasn’t for me.
July 27, 2020
Loved this book,at first i didn"t think i would but when the wrongs were put right well then there was lots of action
both Jack & Ben go through alot to right the wrongs and evil they have to overcome is great,and finaly to be together at the end.This author did a great writting this book you have to read the whole thing in one sitting.
I wrote this review for this author for my free honest opinion.
both Jack & Ben go through alot to right the wrongs and evil they have to overcome is great,and finaly to be together at the end.This author did a great writting this book you have to read the whole thing in one sitting.
I wrote this review for this author for my free honest opinion.
January 6, 2021
This has complicated relationships and spaceships. I put it forward for your consideration on that basis!
Jack's lover has betrayed the resistance and he's now on the run across space and has become an unlikely rallying point for survivors to begin the fight to win their planet back. The slow-burn romance with the space-pirate captain is perfect and there are battles and spies and ace rep. It's perfect and you should read it!
Jack's lover has betrayed the resistance and he's now on the run across space and has become an unlikely rallying point for survivors to begin the fight to win their planet back. The slow-burn romance with the space-pirate captain is perfect and there are battles and spies and ace rep. It's perfect and you should read it!
August 2, 2020
DNF @ 60%, and it was a struggle to get that far. I feel bad as I loved the author's Crusaders novels and was looking forward to this, but the characters were all wrong in this one for me... the main romantic leads were unconvincing and mostly boring, the secondary characters were better except for the two-dimensional 'villain'.
January 4, 2021
I've read several books written by Charlene Newcomb; she has done a great job at writing a good book; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2024
** 4.5 Stars **
Did Not Finish
March 4, 2026too many pov's for such a short book.
July 17, 2020
Jack Gamble is a shattered man. If you are a fan of space opera, the reluctant hero, and tumultuous relationships, this is the story for you! Through a masterful use of craft, the protagonist and his world are reduced to shambles under the relentless pressure of a tyrannical oppressor. Haunted by betrayal, Jack is forced to redefine himself in order to save his world, his people, and himself. The stakes don’t get any higher, especially with a heart hanging in the balance.
This story unfolds on multiple levels of intrigue and various points of view to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. The climactic space battles are fast-paced and visually stunning for he mind’s eye, coupled with military ground maneuvers that are breath-taking as the lives of characters teeter on the brink. No one is safe as civilians and soldiers fight and die for their beliefs on both sides of a dynamic conflict.
Jack is part of the Resistance, fighting to take back his beloved planet of Torredo from the Corona. He’s also fighting an internal battle for his heart, which was stolen by the double-agent leader, Norse. With a price on his head, Jack finds himself in a leadership role that he didn’t ask for, forcing him to redefine himself or lose the only home he has ever known.
Readers will find their own hearts as bruised as the protagonist’s as he navigates the land mines of political upheaval and a broken heart. What does it means to love and be loved when there is always the real danger of being hurt...again? It’s a tried and true trope, masterfully presented as Jack outmaneuvers the enemy, bounty hunters, and the pitfalls of relationships.
From a personal point of privilege, the LGBTQ+ community will truly enjoy this story. There is no gay-baiting or gaslighting in this narrative. The relationships are real, old and present, and visceral, certain to delight all science fiction readers from the first word until the last. Long live the Resistance!
October 30, 2020
I received this book as a free copy from Netgalley (in exchange for an honest review). And it was definitely a great pick. It featured betrayal, romance, cool space-ship fights, and blast-gun fighting. It all had a very ‘Star Wars-like’ feel to it, but instead of twin-romance, we get gay-romance (which naturally a lot better). And boy, did I ship Jack and Ben hard in this book. ❤️
In Echoes of the Storm, we meet Jack Gamble, who was betrayed by his lover Norse. They were both in the resistance, fighting against the Galilei Empire and its oppressive regime. But Norse appeared to be a double-agent and betrayed them, leading them into a trap.
Needless to say, things go horribly wrong, and the resistance has taken a major hit. Things worsen when a ship of mercenaries under the command of Captain Ben Stone intercepts his ship and crew. Not to mention that Norse has broadcast Jack’s face over the entire galaxy. Can Jack trust Ben? Can he turn them to their side? Can the resistance rise again?
The story was very fast-paced, with some good twists and turns along the way. We don’t just get the story from Jack’s perspective, but it also occasionally turns to Ben, Tic (another spy for the resistance), Commander Berg (who works for Galilei), and even Norse. It does give the reader a bird-eyed view of the situation and the war, and it helps in understanding what kind of person Norse is, but I always prefer a more select cast of characters. Or a clearer division, such as per chapter. But that’s a nitpicky personal preference.
I will say that all the characters felt like they had their own personality, and the style of thinking and talking changed accordingly, which is always a pretty impressive feat.
So, if you love a good star wars-like story, with epic space-battles and taking down the empire, along with some steamy romance—this is the book for you!
For this and other reviews, click here.
In Echoes of the Storm, we meet Jack Gamble, who was betrayed by his lover Norse. They were both in the resistance, fighting against the Galilei Empire and its oppressive regime. But Norse appeared to be a double-agent and betrayed them, leading them into a trap.
Needless to say, things go horribly wrong, and the resistance has taken a major hit. Things worsen when a ship of mercenaries under the command of Captain Ben Stone intercepts his ship and crew. Not to mention that Norse has broadcast Jack’s face over the entire galaxy. Can Jack trust Ben? Can he turn them to their side? Can the resistance rise again?
The story was very fast-paced, with some good twists and turns along the way. We don’t just get the story from Jack’s perspective, but it also occasionally turns to Ben, Tic (another spy for the resistance), Commander Berg (who works for Galilei), and even Norse. It does give the reader a bird-eyed view of the situation and the war, and it helps in understanding what kind of person Norse is, but I always prefer a more select cast of characters. Or a clearer division, such as per chapter. But that’s a nitpicky personal preference.
I will say that all the characters felt like they had their own personality, and the style of thinking and talking changed accordingly, which is always a pretty impressive feat.
So, if you love a good star wars-like story, with epic space-battles and taking down the empire, along with some steamy romance—this is the book for you!
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May 22, 2021
Time to fall in love with the irrepressible Jack Gamble. Feel for him as he pushes past a betrayal of unimaginable magnitude and strives against a heartless and inimical force – the Galilei empire that has conquered his home world.
But Jack is not alone, and this is the key to this engaging and endearing space opera. Jack’s fellow resistance fighters and the enemies and allies he encounters on the way kept me turning the pages and I’m sorry to see Jack, in particular, go. I hope there will be a sequel.
Will appeal to fans of The Rush’s Edge by Ginger Smith, with characters I warmed to similarly and action beats that will keep your breathing shallow.
But Jack is not alone, and this is the key to this engaging and endearing space opera. Jack’s fellow resistance fighters and the enemies and allies he encounters on the way kept me turning the pages and I’m sorry to see Jack, in particular, go. I hope there will be a sequel.
Will appeal to fans of The Rush’s Edge by Ginger Smith, with characters I warmed to similarly and action beats that will keep your breathing shallow.
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