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Echoes
She must untangle dark secrets from the past in order to survive the dangerous future waiting for her.
Laura Jones is pretty sure the strangest thing about her life is the fact that she hears echoes of the past everywhere she goes. Sure, it makes going to school and fitting in with her peers pretty difficult, but she’s managed to make a couple of friends and even keep her grades up in the last year, so she knows she can carve out some semblance of “normal” despite her unexplainable ability.
At least, until she starts hearing echoes of Maverick. When his echo appears on Laura’s doorstep and she overhears a conversation she shared with him exactly one year ago, Laura is pretty sure she’s going crazy. Because she’s never met a boy named Maverick in her life.
Soon enough, Laura is hearing echoes of her past self with Maverick all over the place, and it sounds like the beginnings of a relationship she’s absolutely certain she wouldn’t have forgotten about. So what happened to him? And why doesn’t she remember any of it?
Throw into the mix a black SUV that starts following Laura everywhere she goes, and she quickly realizes that things are about to get a lot stranger than she ever thought possible.
So much for normal.
Laura Jones is pretty sure the strangest thing about her life is the fact that she hears echoes of the past everywhere she goes. Sure, it makes going to school and fitting in with her peers pretty difficult, but she’s managed to make a couple of friends and even keep her grades up in the last year, so she knows she can carve out some semblance of “normal” despite her unexplainable ability.
At least, until she starts hearing echoes of Maverick. When his echo appears on Laura’s doorstep and she overhears a conversation she shared with him exactly one year ago, Laura is pretty sure she’s going crazy. Because she’s never met a boy named Maverick in her life.
Soon enough, Laura is hearing echoes of her past self with Maverick all over the place, and it sounds like the beginnings of a relationship she’s absolutely certain she wouldn’t have forgotten about. So what happened to him? And why doesn’t she remember any of it?
Throw into the mix a black SUV that starts following Laura everywhere she goes, and she quickly realizes that things are about to get a lot stranger than she ever thought possible.
So much for normal.
- GenresMystery
340 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2021
7 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Marissa Lete
4 books21 followersMarissa decided early on that she never wanted to grow up, so she became an author of young adult novels. When she isn’t writing her own books or reading everything she can get her hands on, you can usually find her somewhere in the outdoors admiring nature or curled up on the couch playing The Legend of Zelda.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
February 7, 2021
I blazed through Echoes this morning -- what a quick and entertaining read!
Ideal audience (as I see it): middle grade / very young YA readers looking for a story that's light and wholesome as well as action-packed.
Here's an incomplete list of things I really enjoyed about Lete's debut:
- Laura's ability is very original, and it affects her every-day life in authentic and tangible ways. Lete explores Laura's issues from the beginning, making me feel invested in Laura's story.
- Laura's and Maverick's relationship is everything but uncomplicated, but it's also refreshingly non-toxic. And although they make some (HUGE) mistakes, it's always clear that they respect each other.
- I loved the wholesome "echo" passages of Laura's and Maverick's past as well as - SPOILER ALERT - their interactions in the present.
- While we're at it, Laura's and Maverick's banter is adorable.
- There are so many breathtaking twists and turns in this novel! It never got boring.
- Lete actually included gun safety! Color me shocked and impressed.
Some more observations that might matter to other readers:
- The style is clear and straight-forward, making the book a quick read as well as a good option for reluctant readers.
- Although there's a lot of conflict between the characters, the book is very "clean" - no sex, no drugs, no swearing.
- There's a satisfying ending, but it's also abundantly clear that Echoes is the first part of a series, with lots of unresolved problems that will undoubtedly have to be addressed in the sequels.
5 stars from my 12-year-old self who's completely enamored with Maverick.
Ideal audience (as I see it): middle grade / very young YA readers looking for a story that's light and wholesome as well as action-packed.
Here's an incomplete list of things I really enjoyed about Lete's debut:
- Laura's ability is very original, and it affects her every-day life in authentic and tangible ways. Lete explores Laura's issues from the beginning, making me feel invested in Laura's story.
- Laura's and Maverick's relationship is everything but uncomplicated, but it's also refreshingly non-toxic. And although they make some (HUGE) mistakes, it's always clear that they respect each other.
- I loved the wholesome "echo" passages of Laura's and Maverick's past as well as - SPOILER ALERT - their interactions in the present.
- While we're at it, Laura's and Maverick's banter is adorable.
- There are so many breathtaking twists and turns in this novel! It never got boring.
- Lete actually included gun safety! Color me shocked and impressed.
Some more observations that might matter to other readers:
- The style is clear and straight-forward, making the book a quick read as well as a good option for reluctant readers.
- Although there's a lot of conflict between the characters, the book is very "clean" - no sex, no drugs, no swearing.
- There's a satisfying ending, but it's also abundantly clear that Echoes is the first part of a series, with lots of unresolved problems that will undoubtedly have to be addressed in the sequels.
5 stars from my 12-year-old self who's completely enamored with Maverick.
April 7, 2024
Ahhhh this is what I call a perfect YA fantasy book!
It gives us X-Men vibes, it's an easy reading and a fast paced book. I actually don't have anything against the characters or the plot. I mean the only word I can say is: cute!!!!! And the ending was *chef's kiss*! I really liked this one!! Can't wait for the next one to arrive!!!!!!
I think everybody is going to enjoy this book and everyone should read it!
It gives us X-Men vibes, it's an easy reading and a fast paced book. I actually don't have anything against the characters or the plot. I mean the only word I can say is: cute!!!!! And the ending was *chef's kiss*! I really liked this one!! Can't wait for the next one to arrive!!!!!!
I think everybody is going to enjoy this book and everyone should read it!
April 18, 2021
I. Loved. This. Book.
It was recommended to me by another indie author who thought I would like it, and boy was she right.
The premise hooked me and it only got better from there. The ending was fantastic. Listened to the whole thing in 3 days despite having other things I should have been doing.
It was recommended to me by another indie author who thought I would like it, and boy was she right.
The premise hooked me and it only got better from there. The ending was fantastic. Listened to the whole thing in 3 days despite having other things I should have been doing.
October 4, 2021
This is not usually the genre I read in but HOLY MOLY I loved this book.
I was invested in the story from the very beginning. The premise was so unique and not something I’d seen before in a middle grade/early YA book, and I loved the juxtaposition with the cute romance and the creepy car following Laura around. I had no idea how this plot was going to unfold which kept me glued to the pages as I was reading. My jaw fell open at multiple times during this book as I couldn't believe what was happening and I didn't see it coming.
So excited to see what happens next in the series!
I was invested in the story from the very beginning. The premise was so unique and not something I’d seen before in a middle grade/early YA book, and I loved the juxtaposition with the cute romance and the creepy car following Laura around. I had no idea how this plot was going to unfold which kept me glued to the pages as I was reading. My jaw fell open at multiple times during this book as I couldn't believe what was happening and I didn't see it coming.
So excited to see what happens next in the series!
February 2, 2021
Echoes is a Young Adult novel about 17-year-old Laura, a girl who can hear echoes -when she enters a room, it is already full of all the noise that occurred in years prior. Such an ability is often more of a curse than a gift, as the noise is chaotic and distracting more often than helpful. However, one day Laura begins to hear the echoes of herself, interacting with a boy named Maverick - but she doesn't remember these interactions. The book is a mystery just as much as it is a thriller - who was Maverick? What happened? Is Laura being followed?
Echoes is a brilliant and creative debut novel by Marissa Lete. The premise is so unique, and the writing is funny, witty, and suspenseful. I recommend this book to fans of YA novels - Echoes has everything you're looking for! It has romantic banter, thrilling chases, unexpected twists, and of course, a sprinkle of good, old-fashion high school drama!
Echoes is a brilliant and creative debut novel by Marissa Lete. The premise is so unique, and the writing is funny, witty, and suspenseful. I recommend this book to fans of YA novels - Echoes has everything you're looking for! It has romantic banter, thrilling chases, unexpected twists, and of course, a sprinkle of good, old-fashion high school drama!
February 2, 2021
This book is amazing! I was curious about the book and it hooked me. From start to finish I was entranced by the writing and the story. I have never read a better ending in my life. I look forward to the next part of the series.
January 1, 2024
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would. Couldn’t put it down!
February 2, 2021
Couldn't put it down! Hooked me from beginning to end, and wow what an ending!
August 16, 2023
Drop what you’re doing and go read this book! This was truly a spectacular read and every page I went through had me on the edge of my seat! I loved reading the characters, and I truly believe that Marissa Lete did a spectacular job with writing them out and the conversations never once seemed flat or out of place! I definitely got X-Men vibes from this book, and if I had the choice to read it again or not I would definitely read it again! This was definitely the read I needed and I am super happy I took the chance at reading this! I am now very excited to read the next book in her trilogy and I look forward to what’ll lay ahead for the main characters and what obstacles they’ll have to face next!
January 30, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
This book makes me think that I do not understand the paranormal genre in the slightest. I always assumed paranormal was borderline horror with ghosts and demons and such. But this book gave me so many superhero vibes, especially "Young Justice".
Laura Jones has a unique ability to hear the past. The more recent, the louder it is. She calls these "echoes", something she often has to push past and tune out in order to focus on the present. But one day, she hears a conversation with a boy she doesn't remember, that no one seems to remember, and Laura is determined to figure it out.
As she unravels more of the story, she realizes she may not be the only one with a unique ability, and soon it becomes a race to uncover the answers to her endless questions before the situation gets out of control.
I loved Laura as a character. As a female with both ADHD and anxiety, I related to Laura's struggle with her ability. I can't hear echoes of the past, but my mind is so often filled with hypothetical conversations, things that happened yesterday and last month and five years ago. My head is always filled with other thoughts that it's rarely quiet. It was so refreshing to read a character who struggles similarly with this, and also has a hard time with expressing her headspace to those closest to her.
I am so excited to read the next book and see where this story goes from here because I have a million questions after this book ended. If you haven't read this book yet, you should!
This book makes me think that I do not understand the paranormal genre in the slightest. I always assumed paranormal was borderline horror with ghosts and demons and such. But this book gave me so many superhero vibes, especially "Young Justice".
Laura Jones has a unique ability to hear the past. The more recent, the louder it is. She calls these "echoes", something she often has to push past and tune out in order to focus on the present. But one day, she hears a conversation with a boy she doesn't remember, that no one seems to remember, and Laura is determined to figure it out.
As she unravels more of the story, she realizes she may not be the only one with a unique ability, and soon it becomes a race to uncover the answers to her endless questions before the situation gets out of control.
I loved Laura as a character. As a female with both ADHD and anxiety, I related to Laura's struggle with her ability. I can't hear echoes of the past, but my mind is so often filled with hypothetical conversations, things that happened yesterday and last month and five years ago. My head is always filled with other thoughts that it's rarely quiet. It was so refreshing to read a character who struggles similarly with this, and also has a hard time with expressing her headspace to those closest to her.
I am so excited to read the next book and see where this story goes from here because I have a million questions after this book ended. If you haven't read this book yet, you should!
April 16, 2024
I will be up front in saying that I have a personal connection to the author, which you may rightly read as biasing me to leave a good review. HOWEVER, I am not someone who seeks out young adult (YA) fiction, and I certainly do not enjoy recalling high school (hence I quoted "glory days" in the title). I am also a writer, so my lens for critiquing a book is perhaps more focused and discerning than the average person. I like to think this push and pull helped me keep an objective outlook while reading.
I made a solid 40-page push into this book the first night I got it. Then life got busier and I wasn't able to return for a week. When I finally was able to pick it up again, I crushed the remaining 300 pages in *two days*. The only other book that immediately comes to mind as commanding that level of my attention is Trevor Noah's autobiography Born a Crime. Despite the fact that I do not make a habit of reading young adult fiction, I found myself gripped by the central mystery and the relationship it's connected to. That need to know what happens propelled me forward.
The supernatural element to this story was a definite plus since I also write speculative fiction and enjoy exploring the unknown. I am also envious of the scenes around the protagonist Laura's relationship and the romance elements throughout. As I discussed with a fellow writer, capturing the nuances of attraction and intimacy is more challenging than many people realize, and to me these parts of the book felt the most real of all, so that is quite an achievement.
I made a solid 40-page push into this book the first night I got it. Then life got busier and I wasn't able to return for a week. When I finally was able to pick it up again, I crushed the remaining 300 pages in *two days*. The only other book that immediately comes to mind as commanding that level of my attention is Trevor Noah's autobiography Born a Crime. Despite the fact that I do not make a habit of reading young adult fiction, I found myself gripped by the central mystery and the relationship it's connected to. That need to know what happens propelled me forward.
The supernatural element to this story was a definite plus since I also write speculative fiction and enjoy exploring the unknown. I am also envious of the scenes around the protagonist Laura's relationship and the romance elements throughout. As I discussed with a fellow writer, capturing the nuances of attraction and intimacy is more challenging than many people realize, and to me these parts of the book felt the most real of all, so that is quite an achievement.
January 30, 2023
What a great read! It’s been a while since I read a YA book, and I can’t wait to dive into the rest of this series. Even though we’ve all read and watched a million stories about a teenager with a secret power, this one felt fresh and original. I loved the specificity the author provided that Laura can’t just generally hear sounds from the past, but sounds that were created exactly one, two, five, etc. years ago. So much thought went into the accommodations she had with her noiseless office and newly built (free of echoes) house. I was hooked on this book as an adult and only wish I’d had it to obsess over as a teenager!
I read this book half ebook, half audiobook. I love the current cover art and the stars on the chapter pages! The narrator for the audiobook was easy to listen to and sounded age appropriate for the main character. They also did distinct voices for all the different characters that brought them to life, and I was able to keep track of everyone easily even when 3 or more people were having a conversation.
(Some light/vague spoilers ahead)
Because of these powers, the author introduced Laura and Maverick’s relationship in such a creative way: hearing their relationship begin in her echoes, following the sounds, and searching for physical evidence of his existence when no one seemed to remember him. By the end, she’s left what remained of her ordinary life behind, and I’m so excited to read the next book to see where she and the people in her new life go now.
I read this book half ebook, half audiobook. I love the current cover art and the stars on the chapter pages! The narrator for the audiobook was easy to listen to and sounded age appropriate for the main character. They also did distinct voices for all the different characters that brought them to life, and I was able to keep track of everyone easily even when 3 or more people were having a conversation.
(Some light/vague spoilers ahead)
Because of these powers, the author introduced Laura and Maverick’s relationship in such a creative way: hearing their relationship begin in her echoes, following the sounds, and searching for physical evidence of his existence when no one seemed to remember him. By the end, she’s left what remained of her ordinary life behind, and I’m so excited to read the next book to see where she and the people in her new life go now.
February 1, 2023
A super relatable FMC … except for her powers obviously lol.
Laura tries to survive high school, but it’s kind of hard when she can hear echoes of the past … especially when she hears her past self talking to a guy she has zero memory of. Why can’t she remember? And why can’t anyone else?
Narrative Voice: 1st person
Cussing/profanity: 0/5
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5
Kissing: 1/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 2/5
The mystery of Maverick had me hooked and speeding through, demanding answers. Suspense and plot twists abound in this fast-paced action novel, and it also manages to hit me in the feels.
This is a very immersive book; it almost felt like a movie! I really felt for Laura. As an introvert myself, she was very relatable and caused me to wonder if I would make the same choices.
With abilities, amnesia love, mystery, suspense, and plenty of action, this is a must read!
5/5 would recommend
(I was an ARC reader for this)
Laura tries to survive high school, but it’s kind of hard when she can hear echoes of the past … especially when she hears her past self talking to a guy she has zero memory of. Why can’t she remember? And why can’t anyone else?
Narrative Voice: 1st person
Cussing/profanity: 0/5
Drug/alcohol use: 1/5
Kissing: 1/5
Sex/nudity: 0/5
Violence/gore: 2/5
The mystery of Maverick had me hooked and speeding through, demanding answers. Suspense and plot twists abound in this fast-paced action novel, and it also manages to hit me in the feels.
This is a very immersive book; it almost felt like a movie! I really felt for Laura. As an introvert myself, she was very relatable and caused me to wonder if I would make the same choices.
With abilities, amnesia love, mystery, suspense, and plenty of action, this is a must read!
5/5 would recommend
(I was an ARC reader for this)
February 9, 2023
I honestly really liked this book! I rated it a bit lower because it had a bit of a slow start but once I got more into it, it kept me captured and before I knew it I finished the book! It is one that keeps you on the edge of your seat and makes you wonder what is going to happen. I loved the plot and as much as I wanted everything resolved, it leads really nicely into the next book and wanting to figure out what Laura and Maverick do next.
August 23, 2023
Hi, I’m writing this as I’m almost crying… because I feel like I’ve finished this book a little too quickly, taking in every single thing as if I sit in a car constantly speeding up—
Simply because this book is great. It’s fantastic! And oh my gosh. I… I hope things can get fixed, that the question marks stop to become bolder and finally become more dots again. And perhaps a few exclamation marks.
It’s a fantastic read. Really.
Simply because this book is great. It’s fantastic! And oh my gosh. I… I hope things can get fixed, that the question marks stop to become bolder and finally become more dots again. And perhaps a few exclamation marks.
It’s a fantastic read. Really.
June 30, 2022
Absolutely LOVE this book! It was so different and the author did a fantastic job keeping readers interested in the story. (And that ending!! Oh my goodness!) I love the main character; I hope that she continues to grow and become a fiercely independent and strong female. There are not many books in which females are pure badasses, so I am looking forward to seeing her mature and grow.
February 13, 2023
If you enjoy normal people with unique superpowers who are trying to stay out of the grasp of an evil scientist and a story with a heavy romantic subplot, then you'll love this book. It's a straightforward plot with a lot of mystery, action, high school friend drama and romantic angst that will make your heart skip a beat. I'll definitely be picking up the next books in the series!
March 27, 2021
This is an excellent first novel from an up-and-coming author!
The idea of hearing echoes of past years is a fabulous basis for some great story-telling, and it’s well-managed here.
Looking forward to the sequel!
The idea of hearing echoes of past years is a fabulous basis for some great story-telling, and it’s well-managed here.
Looking forward to the sequel!
January 4, 2022
Unique gifts, suspicious vehicles, bubbling first love, action, and X-Men! Yes, I totally just said that. LOL! A must read. I'm excited to read the next book, what a great ending!
BTW, Storm and Rogue are my favorites! Lol
(It took so long bc library books got in the way, shame on me.)
BTW, Storm and Rogue are my favorites! Lol
(It took so long bc library books got in the way, shame on me.)
July 30, 2021
Excellent read for an author's first book. Interesting plot...I can't wait for more in the series. I would highly recommend.
May 28, 2022
great YA novel
Loved this first book and can’t wait to find out what happens in the next two. You’re amazing Marissa! Best of luck in your future novels
Loved this first book and can’t wait to find out what happens in the next two. You’re amazing Marissa! Best of luck in your future novels
February 8, 2023
So good! It brings you right up to where the 2nd book will start, and I am here for it!
May 22, 2023
This book was a wonderful surprise! I LOVE the concept so much!
December 12, 2022
⭐️ 4/5
It took me a little bit to get into the book but once I was in I was so interested! I loved learning about the unique universe and different anomalies. I’m excited to see how the story develops in future books!
It took me a little bit to get into the book but once I was in I was so interested! I loved learning about the unique universe and different anomalies. I’m excited to see how the story develops in future books!
December 31, 2021
Not the usual type of book I pick up, but I literally couldn't put it down! It's got both Shatter Me & X-Men vibes with a touch of romance. I loved it and can't wait for the next one!!
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January 5, 2023I had so much fun writing this book and am so proud of what turned out to be my debut novel. I hope you'll love it, too!
The sequel, Anomalies will be out January 18th, 2022!
The sequel, Anomalies will be out January 18th, 2022!
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews