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The Chaos Cycle Duology #2
The Echoed Realm
Ancient fables rise from the grave and take a sinister turn in the thrilling sequel to A. J. Vrana's haunting dark fantasy debut, THE HOLLOW GODS. Fans of V. E. SCHWAB and MAGGIE STIEFVATER will devour this macabre folktale, even as it awaits to consume them from between the pages.
Miya's world ended in Black Hollow.
It's been three years since the Dreamwalker upended her life and left her with a heavy burden. A fledgling to the ethereal realm, Miya stumbles into the nightmares of those haunted by spectres. Little does she know, one of them is coming for her, clutching a dark secret abreast.
Kai has found a new purpose with his companion, but the price is his freedom. Bound and beholden to Miya, he struggles to adjust to his new role as her vanguard.
Meanwhile, Mason discovers he may be a pawn trapped in a web of schemes. Was his time in Black Hollow an accident, or was it only the beginning of some greater machination?
As Black Hollow's bloody stain spreads beyond its wooded borders, Miya fights to evade a past she barely understands. The Dreamwalker's legacy is a vise grip, and it isn't letting go. Primordial horrors draw near, fables come alive, and long-buried histories rise from the grave, ready to hunt.
Sharpen your claws and bloody your teeth. There's fear to be sown.
Miya's world ended in Black Hollow.
It's been three years since the Dreamwalker upended her life and left her with a heavy burden. A fledgling to the ethereal realm, Miya stumbles into the nightmares of those haunted by spectres. Little does she know, one of them is coming for her, clutching a dark secret abreast.
Kai has found a new purpose with his companion, but the price is his freedom. Bound and beholden to Miya, he struggles to adjust to his new role as her vanguard.
Meanwhile, Mason discovers he may be a pawn trapped in a web of schemes. Was his time in Black Hollow an accident, or was it only the beginning of some greater machination?
As Black Hollow's bloody stain spreads beyond its wooded borders, Miya fights to evade a past she barely understands. The Dreamwalker's legacy is a vise grip, and it isn't letting go. Primordial horrors draw near, fables come alive, and long-buried histories rise from the grave, ready to hunt.
Sharpen your claws and bloody your teeth. There's fear to be sown.
366 pages, Hardcover
First published August 10, 2021
44 people are currently reading
2245 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Vrana
8 books295 followersA. J. Vrana is a Serbian-Canadian academic and writer from Toronto, Canada. She lives with her rescue cats, Moonstone and Peanut Butter, who nest in her window-side bookshelf and cast judgmental stares at nearby pigeons. She holds a PhD from the University of Toronto, and her doctoral research examines the supernatural in Japanese and former Yugoslavian literature and its relationship to modern nation-building and historiography. A. J. Vrana's published works include the Indie Author Project-winning Chaos Cycle Duology: The Hollow Gods (2020) and The Echoed Realm (2021), the companion novel Wildblood (2024) from Parliament House Press, and the romantic short story collection, Stray Feathers: Extras from The Chaos Cycle (2022). Her short fiction includes “These Silent Walls” (2020) printed in Three Crows Magazine, and “Sapling” (2023) from Clan Destine Press’ horror anthology This Fresh Hell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
February 21, 2023
"I'm the Dreamwalker. My story isn't done with me."
"You've got it backwards," Kai's gruff voice snapped Miya our of her thoughts. "Your story doesn't own you. Write the damn thing yourself. Preferably in blood."
🎶song: On The Inside by Of Mice and Men
hello im obsessed with this book
No, seriously, I am in love with every bit of it.
Where The Hollow Gods was a fantastic debut that set the basis for an unforgettable story that obviously left me craving for more, The Echoed Realm was the perfect conclusion of a duology that filled me with so many feelings I don't think I'll ever be able to properly put into words.
Old embers ignite new flames.
The Echoed Realm takes place three years after the events of The Hollow Gods, and it follows the story of Miya, Kai and Mason with all the aftermath their last adventure came with.
But, BUT, it's not just a darker, grimier and absolutely mind-blowing sequel.
This book is characterized by a writing that you'll hardly believe comes from a new author, and (one of my favorite parts) is filled with all the lore you'll ever need about the Dreamwalker and the Hollow Gods. While I adored Miya, Kai, Mason, Ama, Gavran and new entry Crowbar's journey, I was also pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the part that focused on past events that not only help you understand better the whole story, it also gives you the final proof you needed to categorize this in the fantasy shelf.Ama was right; Miya could be whatever kind of weapon she wanted. She wasn't a fragile swallow, and she wouldn't be at the mercy of the story any longer. She would become the storm.
The story is amazingly crafted and incredibly fast-paced for a book so heavy on the lore, to the point I had to physically keep myself from reading too much of it, at times. I wanted to savor it and many of the scenes, but it was just too good to resist.
Vrana's characters are unique. One of the things I appreciate the most about them and how they're written, is that they always stay coherent to their characterization and that they're only unpredictable when it comes to the funny as shit dialogues."Places don't move like ethereal farts.(this one seriously made me laugh for an entire hour)
They're characters you can't help but love and relate to. My favorite remains Kai I'm not a king. I'm just a piece of trash. A beef jerky enthusiast with a hard-on for chaos" Donovan, but I might have also developed a little crush on Crowbar who, direct quote, is as gay as a fucking unicorn.
And for those wondering about romance...there is some romance in this, and it comes in all shades, if you get what I mean *wink wink*. It's not the main focus of the story, though, so I think it wouldn't bother those who appreciate their fantasy less romantic and more action-packed.Dawn's voice grew quieter. "Do you believe in the devil?"
Miya caught her client's gaze. "I believe in far worse."
Author's writing never ceases to amaze me. I'd give a toe to have only an ounce of her talent and her imagination.
If you want to form an idea of how much cool this book is and how much of a badass heroine Miya is, just read the prologue. You'll end up devouring the entire thing and falling in love with The Chaos Duology just like I did.She followed the sould out of her body until it garbled roars grew cleared, and she could make out the demon's threats. You come seeking death, it hissed.
Yes, Miya replied. Yours.
And, speaking of duologies...I think writing a duology in a world so overwhelmed by trilogies and endless sagas was a really clever move. It helps the reader mantain interest in the story and its characters without losing the mystery a standalone would give away too soon.
I recommend this duology to all the people like me who like to read their books in the dark AND to every single person who adored The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater and wanted to find something similar but with older characters and darker themes. Both stories share a few details about the setting and they give off the same gloomy, nostalgic yet dream-like atmosphere vibes. Like I said, go for it. You won't regret it.
(I know this review's a bit meager, but like I mentioned at the beginning, it seems like I can't find a better way to express how much I love this book and how much it means to me. If I know myself, and I like to think I do, I know I'll come back to this and add stuff as it comes to mind, so please humor me and my inability to write reviews that make sense for now.)
Thank you so much to my dearest Alex for sending me an ARC of this beautiful sequel. {Go request your eARC copy on NetGalley!}
Read
June 9, 2021**UPDATE 3: NETGALLEY**
Hey y'all! THE ECHOED REALM IS NOW ON NETGALLEY! Go request your copies!
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
**UPDATE 2: PRE-ORDERS ARE LIVE**
You can now pre-order signed copies of The Echoed Realm on my website: https://thechaoscycle.com/product/the...
The complete duology set can be found at a discounted price here: https://thechaoscycle.com/product/the...
Ebooks can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KYMZVJF
The pre-order campaign is officially live as well, with tons of incentives and prizes, including art prints, custom candles, soap, jewelry, and more!
*************************
*UPDATE*
COVER REVEAL WILL BE NOVEMBER 12, 2020!! I will also be revealing the book blurb on SEPTEMBER 15 2020!
**********
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me all the way to my second book!! None of this would be possible without you, and I'm so pleased to have fans of The Hollow Gods along for this thrilling ride. Expect darker, grittier, and spookier things in this book!
In the second and final installment of The Chaos Cycle Duology, blood will flow as the gripping conclusion to Black Hollow's fable unfolds. After the dark events of The Hollow Gods, prepare to step into The Echoed Realm.
Some serious themes to look forward to: the interplay between communal and personal trauma, grief (again), identity, legacy, and violence against women. Please note that this book deals with themes of domestic violence, though there are no depictions of domestic violence on the page.
Some fun shit to look forward to: poetic cussing, crass humour, kick-ass queer women, swamps, small towns, Slavic folklore, and troll ravens.
p.s. There will be romance ;)
Hey y'all! THE ECHOED REALM IS NOW ON NETGALLEY! Go request your copies!
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
**UPDATE 2: PRE-ORDERS ARE LIVE**
You can now pre-order signed copies of The Echoed Realm on my website: https://thechaoscycle.com/product/the...
The complete duology set can be found at a discounted price here: https://thechaoscycle.com/product/the...
Ebooks can be found on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KYMZVJF
The pre-order campaign is officially live as well, with tons of incentives and prizes, including art prints, custom candles, soap, jewelry, and more!
*************************
*UPDATE*
COVER REVEAL WILL BE NOVEMBER 12, 2020!! I will also be revealing the book blurb on SEPTEMBER 15 2020!
**********
Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me all the way to my second book!! None of this would be possible without you, and I'm so pleased to have fans of The Hollow Gods along for this thrilling ride. Expect darker, grittier, and spookier things in this book!
In the second and final installment of The Chaos Cycle Duology, blood will flow as the gripping conclusion to Black Hollow's fable unfolds. After the dark events of The Hollow Gods, prepare to step into The Echoed Realm.
Some serious themes to look forward to: the interplay between communal and personal trauma, grief (again), identity, legacy, and violence against women. Please note that this book deals with themes of domestic violence, though there are no depictions of domestic violence on the page.
Some fun shit to look forward to: poetic cussing, crass humour, kick-ass queer women, swamps, small towns, Slavic folklore, and troll ravens.
p.s. There will be romance ;)
November 1, 2024
Three years have passed since the events of the first book, and Kai and Miya are now...demon hunters, facing both old and new foes alike.
The world and lore got such an expansion in this one, there was almost a bigger focus on it than the new mystery, but it all ties together, carried over from book one.
I feel like the atmosphere was lighter, and there were no slower parts, everything moved at a medium pace. It was really easy for me to jump back in, despite the in-world time skip.
We still follow Kai, Miya and Mason, but there's a few other PoVs we get later on that are important to the story. They help to explain what was, and what will be (I'm channeling my inner Gavran, can you tell?).
The romance is deeper, and you get to see just how deep it goes at the end, it's true devotion, the kind that makes even undead mermaids bawl.
There was something that happened to Kai that made me want to screech, I was like "not agaaaain" and then he went and did something stupid and AGH. It gets fixed, don't worry, but for a portion of the book, he and Miya were apart and IT HURT ME.
On a lighter note, there were more Serbian names that popped up, and a demon called Drekalo which is actually a screeching creature in Slavic mythology, so I was not the only one wanting to screech!! There was also a Rusalka (hence the undead mermaid), so now I'm wondering which other creatures will show up in Wildblood.
I do kinda wish that more of this series was based around Slavic myths, but I'll take what I can get.
The ending wrapped things up once again, but left the door open for more adventures. Which we are getting, TODAY, because Wildblood is out and I am on my way to read it, yes sir.
P. S. I'm glad Ama found her happy ending as well. Mason next?? Fingers crossed.
The world and lore got such an expansion in this one, there was almost a bigger focus on it than the new mystery, but it all ties together, carried over from book one.
I feel like the atmosphere was lighter, and there were no slower parts, everything moved at a medium pace. It was really easy for me to jump back in, despite the in-world time skip.
We still follow Kai, Miya and Mason, but there's a few other PoVs we get later on that are important to the story. They help to explain what was, and what will be (I'm channeling my inner Gavran, can you tell?).
The romance is deeper, and you get to see just how deep it goes at the end, it's true devotion, the kind that makes even undead mermaids bawl.
There was something that happened to Kai that made me want to screech, I was like "not agaaaain" and then he went and did something stupid and AGH. It gets fixed, don't worry, but for a portion of the book, he and Miya were apart and IT HURT ME.
On a lighter note, there were more Serbian names that popped up, and a demon called Drekalo which is actually a screeching creature in Slavic mythology, so I was not the only one wanting to screech!! There was also a Rusalka (hence the undead mermaid), so now I'm wondering which other creatures will show up in Wildblood.
I do kinda wish that more of this series was based around Slavic myths, but I'll take what I can get.
The ending wrapped things up once again, but left the door open for more adventures. Which we are getting, TODAY, because Wildblood is out and I am on my way to read it, yes sir.
P. S. I'm glad Ama found her happy ending as well. Mason next?? Fingers crossed.
April 22, 2021
“The Echoed Realm” is the second and final book of Vrana’s Chaos duology (which is a two-book trilogy). Reading book one first (The Hollow Gods) is highly recommended or, at least, reading it closely in time to Echoed Realm. It is part urban fantasy, part myth, part lyrical prose, and can be confusing at times to those who have not delved into the background set forth in the first book. The key to understanding and enjoying these two books are that they tell a story partly grounded in today, partly grounded in a long-ago yesterday, and partly placed in an entirely different realm of dreams and nightmares.
It is now three years after the events in the first book and Miya has firmly accepted that she is the Dream Walker. No longer in fear of being burned at the stake (at least not afraid for the most part), she is hunting for fissures between the realms where demons have spit out into our reality. She is connected both literally and figuratively to the Black Wolf, Kai, in a torrid love affair, but tethered as she crosses between realms. On this side of the divide, Miya visits West Virginia and Louisiana, and finds the powers on the other side because she is not bound by reality, but transcends it.
A large part of the novel, like the first one in this two-book series, is the magical prose which never fails to let the reader know that Miya is in the dreamscape where all is timeless and death does not exist. Back in the real world, though, it is as “humid as Satan’s balls” and “[e]verything stank like pickle juice and wet clay.” And, it is spooky as the townspeople seem to hide when the sun dips beneath the skyline. When she fights demons, she releases “a torrent of shimmering smoke” and “[d]ark vapour woven from amethyst and obsidian.”
It is not a classic expository story, but dips here and there and takes a long detour into the myths and fables of small villages and howling wolves and beings that hover between Gods and Devils. The best way to clamber through this one is to enjoy the lyrical poetry and let the story take you where it needs to take you.
It is now three years after the events in the first book and Miya has firmly accepted that she is the Dream Walker. No longer in fear of being burned at the stake (at least not afraid for the most part), she is hunting for fissures between the realms where demons have spit out into our reality. She is connected both literally and figuratively to the Black Wolf, Kai, in a torrid love affair, but tethered as she crosses between realms. On this side of the divide, Miya visits West Virginia and Louisiana, and finds the powers on the other side because she is not bound by reality, but transcends it.
A large part of the novel, like the first one in this two-book series, is the magical prose which never fails to let the reader know that Miya is in the dreamscape where all is timeless and death does not exist. Back in the real world, though, it is as “humid as Satan’s balls” and “[e]verything stank like pickle juice and wet clay.” And, it is spooky as the townspeople seem to hide when the sun dips beneath the skyline. When she fights demons, she releases “a torrent of shimmering smoke” and “[d]ark vapour woven from amethyst and obsidian.”
It is not a classic expository story, but dips here and there and takes a long detour into the myths and fables of small villages and howling wolves and beings that hover between Gods and Devils. The best way to clamber through this one is to enjoy the lyrical poetry and let the story take you where it needs to take you.
August 10, 2021
10/08/2021
Happy publishing day to this one!! If you haven't read this duology, please pick it up. It's SO GOOD!
11/07/2021
Book 35/52
You've got it backwards (...) Your story doesn't own you. Write the damn thing yourself. Preferably in blood.
You can buy the duology here or on amazon via these links: The Hollow Gods and The Echoed Realm
------------------------------------------------------
genre: Fantasy/horror
age: adult
Review: THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!! WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE READING THIS DUOLOGY.
All screaming aside, this book was even better than the first one. The pacing is the same as in The Hollow Gods, which means it doesn't go super fast, but not slow at all. The world that has been created is wonderful and dreamlike (literary). I'm so glad I preordered this one, and can't wait for it to arrive so I can put my annotations in there. I'm obsessed with this world, the characters and the writing. It suffices to say I have a new favorite author to add to my list!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the author for sending me an e-copy to review, this has been one of the best books I have read this year!
Trigger warnings: lots of gore, self-inflicted stab wounds (in the beginning and towards the end), murder by drowning, multiple mentions of suicide, detailed description of being burned at the stake, loss of a loved one by murder
25/10/2020
You have no idea how excited I am for this book!!
Happy publishing day to this one!! If you haven't read this duology, please pick it up. It's SO GOOD!
11/07/2021
Book 35/52
You've got it backwards (...) Your story doesn't own you. Write the damn thing yourself. Preferably in blood.
You can buy the duology here or on amazon via these links: The Hollow Gods and The Echoed Realm
------------------------------------------------------
genre: Fantasy/horror
age: adult
Review: THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!! WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE READING THIS DUOLOGY.
All screaming aside, this book was even better than the first one. The pacing is the same as in The Hollow Gods, which means it doesn't go super fast, but not slow at all. The world that has been created is wonderful and dreamlike (literary). I'm so glad I preordered this one, and can't wait for it to arrive so I can put my annotations in there. I'm obsessed with this world, the characters and the writing. It suffices to say I have a new favorite author to add to my list!
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the author for sending me an e-copy to review, this has been one of the best books I have read this year!
Trigger warnings: lots of gore, self-inflicted stab wounds (in the beginning and towards the end), murder by drowning, multiple mentions of suicide, detailed description of being burned at the stake, loss of a loved one by murder
25/10/2020
You have no idea how excited I am for this book!!
May 23, 2021
The Echoed Realm…a masterpiece that reminded me absolutely of a love affair between the horror movie Insidious and The Mist. Miya’s back and I’ve fallen in love with these characters even more, didn’t think that was possible but that is the magic being summoned by the incredibly talented Vrana. If you haven’t read The Hollow Gods…rectify that immediately, its ethereal, haunting and the narrative is as likely to leave a hole in you as the devastating plot. Writers who leave you staring into the void with anguish and joy at the ending is something to cherish and Vrana is no exception.
The Echoed Realm takes place three years after catastrophic events in The Hollow Gods. We are reintroduced to the protagonists, Miya, Kai and Mason once again, it’s like a homecoming. The writing absolutely blew my socks off. Writing that feels like a haunting whisper in the wind. Writing that feels etched in time, never aging, powerful. Everything about this book has a dark and spellbinding edge….an emerging threat in your peripheral vision, a creeping dread. I constantly found myself dumbstruck that this is a debut writer because she writes with consummate skill and intelligence.
One thing that The Echoed Realm delivered on was an exceptionally strong ending, but that can only be as strong as its opening. The opening chapter was right on point. The imagery, the desolation, everything had heart and passion and the tone is instantly set…bleak but not without hope. We know what Miya is, what she is capable of, oftentimes a heavy burden for her to bare but it is what it is, and she doesn’t pretend otherwise. The book is a treasure trove of lore, mythology and an entrance into another realm…forget all you knew before.
Vrana takes the path least trodden with The Echoed Realm. It’s a fresh and unique take on the supernatural…it’s a real genre bending series. Horror, supernatural and fantasy pushing the threads of realism to its very edges. It’s a real work of art, you can feel the pulse running through it, the author has put her everything into it and left a part of herself contained within the pages. You can feel the personal edge to its narrative.
The heralding achievement lies within the fact that it is written as a duology. The market is absolutely flooded with trilogies, it was clever and authentic to write it this way.
The Echoed Realm has exceedingly well drawn characters. Vrana does powerful, strong female characters with heart with a constant feeling of omnipresent danger lurking.
The Echoed Realm takes place three years after catastrophic events in The Hollow Gods. We are reintroduced to the protagonists, Miya, Kai and Mason once again, it’s like a homecoming. The writing absolutely blew my socks off. Writing that feels like a haunting whisper in the wind. Writing that feels etched in time, never aging, powerful. Everything about this book has a dark and spellbinding edge….an emerging threat in your peripheral vision, a creeping dread. I constantly found myself dumbstruck that this is a debut writer because she writes with consummate skill and intelligence.
One thing that The Echoed Realm delivered on was an exceptionally strong ending, but that can only be as strong as its opening. The opening chapter was right on point. The imagery, the desolation, everything had heart and passion and the tone is instantly set…bleak but not without hope. We know what Miya is, what she is capable of, oftentimes a heavy burden for her to bare but it is what it is, and she doesn’t pretend otherwise. The book is a treasure trove of lore, mythology and an entrance into another realm…forget all you knew before.
Vrana takes the path least trodden with The Echoed Realm. It’s a fresh and unique take on the supernatural…it’s a real genre bending series. Horror, supernatural and fantasy pushing the threads of realism to its very edges. It’s a real work of art, you can feel the pulse running through it, the author has put her everything into it and left a part of herself contained within the pages. You can feel the personal edge to its narrative.
The heralding achievement lies within the fact that it is written as a duology. The market is absolutely flooded with trilogies, it was clever and authentic to write it this way.
The Echoed Realm has exceedingly well drawn characters. Vrana does powerful, strong female characters with heart with a constant feeling of omnipresent danger lurking.
October 31, 2025
"Love is not a thing of need, Dreamwalker. It’s a thing of choice"
I can concur that reading the second book actually made it better!!
The way the story unfolds is so perfect and the fact that everything is explained in this book made it better. ♥️✨
Miya just found out that she's a dreamwalker and that she's tethered Kai to her but the problem is she doesn't know how?? 🙂
But evil never rests and they're pulled to another small town being plagued by a demon which may or may not be connected to Black Hallow 💁🏾♀️.
I love this duology and again I thank past me for adding this to my priority tbr 👏🏾🙂.
Such a perfect book to end October 🤭💁🏾♀️
I can concur that reading the second book actually made it better!!
The way the story unfolds is so perfect and the fact that everything is explained in this book made it better. ♥️✨
Miya just found out that she's a dreamwalker and that she's tethered Kai to her but the problem is she doesn't know how?? 🙂
But evil never rests and they're pulled to another small town being plagued by a demon which may or may not be connected to Black Hallow 💁🏾♀️.
I love this duology and again I thank past me for adding this to my priority tbr 👏🏾🙂.
Such a perfect book to end October 🤭💁🏾♀️
March 2, 2021
Well, damn. If that wasn't a great closing to a series, I don't know what is. I don't 100% agree that this is just a duology, but what am I going to do? Fly to Canada and force the author to write me another book MISERY style?
Why, yes, I have considered it and with great detail.
Buuuuuut, I'll review this instead, and then I'll check airline prices and go from there.
THE ECHOED REALM takes place three after the events of THE HOLLOW GODS and things are not as OK as they should be. We have a more subdued Kai (except that one part and you know what I'm talking about), and a more focused, albeit Dreamwalker newbie Miya who is only doing her best not to kill poor Kai and figure wtf she's supposed to do about her newfound power. We've got Mason, who is still my favorite, although he takes a backseat, he shines in this book.
We have a bit of backstory in this book, which will please a lot of fans. It definitely explains a lot that may have confused readers in book one and gives us a bit of closure.
In THG I was instantly drawn in by Vrana's writing style. Being very King-ish, I knew I was in for it from the very first chapter. I don't compare writers to King often, but I'm doing it here because it's true, and because I see the author rising in the publishing world with more unique and fascinating ideas. If this is the case, I cannot wait to see what else the author cooks up next.
THE ECHOED REALM may have closed off The Chaos Cycle, but it's still going to be playing back in my mind for a long time to come.
Why, yes, I have considered it and with great detail.
Buuuuuut, I'll review this instead, and then I'll check airline prices and go from there.
THE ECHOED REALM takes place three after the events of THE HOLLOW GODS and things are not as OK as they should be. We have a more subdued Kai (except that one part and you know what I'm talking about), and a more focused, albeit Dreamwalker newbie Miya who is only doing her best not to kill poor Kai and figure wtf she's supposed to do about her newfound power. We've got Mason, who is still my favorite, although he takes a backseat, he shines in this book.
We have a bit of backstory in this book, which will please a lot of fans. It definitely explains a lot that may have confused readers in book one and gives us a bit of closure.
In THG I was instantly drawn in by Vrana's writing style. Being very King-ish, I knew I was in for it from the very first chapter. I don't compare writers to King often, but I'm doing it here because it's true, and because I see the author rising in the publishing world with more unique and fascinating ideas. If this is the case, I cannot wait to see what else the author cooks up next.
THE ECHOED REALM may have closed off The Chaos Cycle, but it's still going to be playing back in my mind for a long time to come.
February 5, 2021
I don’t have the words at this time. That’s is all 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
September 10, 2021
https://sophsbookworld.wordpress.com/...
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book series in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021. I read the first book, The Hollow Gods and was completely blown away by it. It’s such a unique book that conjoins all of my favorite themes together. Also, the dark, spooky vibe is immaculate and perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!
When the author contacted me about reviewing the second book I was so excited because I loved the first book so much. Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. I read this book back in June but I only got around to reviewing it now so I apologize for that.
Our main protagonist Miya is the Dreamwalker. One of the main downsides to that is that she has to abandon her family in order to protect them. She has turned into this badass demon-slayer and is fighting the evil in the world with her boo Kai. I honestly love their relationship because it’s so real, raw and passionate. However, this is much more than a simple love story.
A.J. Vrana’s writing amazed me over and over again. She has the ability to portray this amazing, dark atmosphere that sends chills down your spine with words only. That is one of the main reasons why I like her books so much.
Although I loved this book, the first one will always have a special place in my heart and I will never stop talking about it. This book, although it’s the sequel, has much different vibes than the first book, and I liked that a lot.
The ending was one of the coolest and unexpected things I’ve ever read and it blew my mind. I’m a little sad that this is a duology but I will definitely be picking up A.J. Vrana’s other work because her writing is unmatched.
When it comes to this book, you’re in for a ride. It’s so fast paced and full of plot twists and I promise you you’ll finish this in a day. If you liked The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater (which is my favorite series!) you will definitely like this because it has those similar macabre vibes. All in all, this is one of the best paranormal fantasy series I’ve ever read and I absolutely love it!
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this book series in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was one of my most anticipated reads for 2021. I read the first book, The Hollow Gods and was completely blown away by it. It’s such a unique book that conjoins all of my favorite themes together. Also, the dark, spooky vibe is immaculate and perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!
When the author contacted me about reviewing the second book I was so excited because I loved the first book so much. Needless to say, it didn’t disappoint. I read this book back in June but I only got around to reviewing it now so I apologize for that.
Our main protagonist Miya is the Dreamwalker. One of the main downsides to that is that she has to abandon her family in order to protect them. She has turned into this badass demon-slayer and is fighting the evil in the world with her boo Kai. I honestly love their relationship because it’s so real, raw and passionate. However, this is much more than a simple love story.
A.J. Vrana’s writing amazed me over and over again. She has the ability to portray this amazing, dark atmosphere that sends chills down your spine with words only. That is one of the main reasons why I like her books so much.
Although I loved this book, the first one will always have a special place in my heart and I will never stop talking about it. This book, although it’s the sequel, has much different vibes than the first book, and I liked that a lot.
The ending was one of the coolest and unexpected things I’ve ever read and it blew my mind. I’m a little sad that this is a duology but I will definitely be picking up A.J. Vrana’s other work because her writing is unmatched.
When it comes to this book, you’re in for a ride. It’s so fast paced and full of plot twists and I promise you you’ll finish this in a day. If you liked The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater (which is my favorite series!) you will definitely like this because it has those similar macabre vibes. All in all, this is one of the best paranormal fantasy series I’ve ever read and I absolutely love it!
August 8, 2021
The Echoed Realm is a very worthy sequel. The pacing is paralleled to The Hollow Gods, the story moves along seamlessly. This book dives deeper into the unique and multi-faceted world Vrana has created. The characters are resilient and bold, yet each has their own voice and tone. The aspect I appreciate the most is the writing style; it's engaging and exciting. And, c'mon, these covers!?! This series definitely needs more attention!
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**Check me out on Bookstagram/Instagram! I'm @Iheartya311
**Looking to make new book friends? Join LiterALLy BOOKiSh on Facebook to read reviews, play games, join discussions and more!
July 12, 2022
I don't know. Irgendwas zwischen 2,5 und 3 Sternen ⭐️
Selbes wie bei Band 1 eigentlich.
Mochte Miya, Kai, Ama und auch Crowbar (auch wenn der Name richtig dumm ist). Mason ist unnötig. Die Story wiederholt sich. Aber diesmal gibt's wenigstens ne Menge Backstory. Die war spannend aber am Ende dann doch leider wieder unlogisch. Einfach eher so ein Mäh-Buch. Das ganze Thema war mir zu viel, zu wirr und zu chaotisch und dafür dann zu wenig hinsichtlich Details und Hintergrund. Das ganze Götter Thema hätte viel cooler umgesetzt werden können. Es waren alles gute Ideen, aber irgendwie hat mir doch viel gefehlt.
Mehr hab ich eigentlich nicht zu sagen.. just.. mäh.
Selbes wie bei Band 1 eigentlich.
Mochte Miya, Kai, Ama und auch Crowbar (auch wenn der Name richtig dumm ist). Mason ist unnötig. Die Story wiederholt sich. Aber diesmal gibt's wenigstens ne Menge Backstory. Die war spannend aber am Ende dann doch leider wieder unlogisch. Einfach eher so ein Mäh-Buch. Das ganze Thema war mir zu viel, zu wirr und zu chaotisch und dafür dann zu wenig hinsichtlich Details und Hintergrund. Das ganze Götter Thema hätte viel cooler umgesetzt werden können. Es waren alles gute Ideen, aber irgendwie hat mir doch viel gefehlt.
Mehr hab ich eigentlich nicht zu sagen.. just.. mäh.
August 9, 2021
You know what - here is my blog link
https://onereadingnurse.com/2021/08/0...
100% must read for fans of folklore, dark fantasy, grimdark, atmosphere, legends, discovering your own worth, and snark for days
There is a giveaway in the blog link too ;)
https://onereadingnurse.com/2021/08/0...
100% must read for fans of folklore, dark fantasy, grimdark, atmosphere, legends, discovering your own worth, and snark for days
There is a giveaway in the blog link too ;)
August 10, 2021
ARC provided by Parliament House Press and AJ Vrana via Storytellers On Tour, but I also purchased two physical copies. All opinions are mine and freely given.
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08-10: Those of you who know me, also know I love a dark visceral story with a suffering bad boy to pine over and a female character that manages to be both strong and non-annoying in the process. The Echoed Realm (The Chaos Cycle Duology #2) by AJ Vrana definitely has all that and much more.
I completely fell for Kai and Miya in book one, The Hollow Gods, and couldn't wait to get my hands on the follow-up. Let me tell you, Vrana does NOT disappoint. What I love about a series that trails specific characters.. is that you get to see them grow and evolve.. and everyone's doing that here. They've all come a long way, but the road ahead may be longer still.
The second part of their story finds them on the move. Black Hollow is far behind them geographically, if not far from their thoughts and dreams. Three years have passed and the Dreamwalker has become the hunter. Traveling from place to place in search of the types of entities that would see darkness swallow us all, she has one goal in mind.. ending them.
Kai has found companionship, but it comes with a cost. Bound to the Dreamwalker, his movements have never been more restrictive and though he would do anything to protect her, he longs for his freedom.
Mason discovers things are not at all as they seem, that his decisions and movements may merely be the result of strings being pulled outside his periphery.. leaving him to question his situation and himself.
While age old beings close in on them and their friends, Miya struggles with memories that don't completely make sense and a future she doesn't know how to control.
There's a gorgeously macabre new villain added to the mix of problems the group already has to deal with in this book. Positively appalling and sympathetic, sometimes simultaneously. Though my favorite aspect of this addition is Kai's way of dealing with them. I'm not sure there's a snarkier character out there that's actually funny. Often they're just overdone, but his reactions just rang so true at times that I laughed out loud.. then had to explain myself to those around me. He can be such a PITA in such a good way.
Likewise, Crowbar is a fantastic supplement to the cast of characters. She's pretty much everything I like in my favorite female characters. Who knew an author could hit that out of the park three times in one series? Between her, Ama, and Miya.. my expectations for strong female protagonists has been solidified. I used to think what I wanted just didn't happen in modern storytelling, but they're proof otherwise.
Certainly, the dreamworld sequences are fantastically moody. While the transitions are smooth, the weight of that shift becomes heavy.. which is so beautifully suited to the story being told there and I love, LOVE the new villain's backstory.
I can't recommend this book and this series enough. It's shadowy, Slavic folklore at its best in an adult fantasy setting, filled with both traditional and existential horrors.. and I still want more..
PURCHASE LINKS: SIGNED PAPERBACK FROM AJ VRANA | SIGNED SPECIAL EDITION HARDBACK SET: THE CHAOS CYCLE DUOLOGY (2 BOOKS)
PARLIAMENT HOUSE PRESS | AMAZON | APPLE BOOKS | BARNES & NOBLE | BLACKWELL'S | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSAMILLION | BOOKSHOP.ORG | DYMOCKS | GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS | INDIEBOUND | INDIGO | KOBO | WATERSTONES
July 17, 2021
Firstly, thank you so much to A.J. Vrana for graciously letting me read this ARC. It has been an honor and a pleasure.
When I read and reviewed the first installment in this duology, The Hollow Gods, I mentioned the folklore of the story. It was such a great addition then, and it was bumped up a notch in The Echoed Realm. Not only did it lend itself to the novel treading along smoothly, but it entrenched itself so deeply into it that it allowed for an even more immersive experience. And by doing so, it brought to life gods and their pasts that would otherwise have been too out of reach for the rest of the cast or even the reader to truly get to know. It humanized them with all their imperfections and faults regardless of who or what they were meant to be.
This story is incredibly intriguing from the get-go—especially given the fact that 3 years have passed since the events of Black Hollow, and all I wanted to know was how things had progressed since then—but as soon as Velizar enters the scene, all bets are off. Up to this point we have a demonic being that calls herself Rusalka, wreaking havoc among the lives of Kai and Miya. She is good at what she does, she is quite the bitch. But she is almost a walk in the park followed by a sit-down afternoon tea compared to the being that once called himself Abaddon.
I like Miya and have from the start, and she sure had her own hellish past to live through, but Kai stole the book for me. Vrana brought down such anguish upon this young man that he is an emotional roller coaster for a reader to experience. If others were a fan of him after The Hollow Gods, they need to brace themselves. I have heard it often: whenever characters are going through a crappy time, make things even worse for them and see how they go about handling themselves. Call me a masochist, but I am a fan of these moments. It will either give said characters an opportunity to grow, or it will be a sure way for them to sink. And if they grow, watch how beautifully they change while retaining the core of who they are.
All of this, again, thanks to that glorious folklore previously mentioned. It livened the entire tale, from the setting—and it is a setting that’s pure magic whenever the dreamscape made an appearance—to the pacing, to the writing itself and description of each role. Whether their part was small or big, each one played a part in The Echoed Realm without being wasted. Even Mason—who, bless his intrusive little heart, still makes me want to scream at times; and thank you Miya, for so firmly yet politely putting him in his place after you almost died for his sake—at least developed a hint of a backbone when facing off in the end with the very reason he was once more thrust into the lives of Kai and Miya.
The Echoed Realm often read like a mythological tale, and I have always been a sucker for mythology; it made me feel, and a novel that creates chaos of my emotions is nearly always a winner.
When I read and reviewed the first installment in this duology, The Hollow Gods, I mentioned the folklore of the story. It was such a great addition then, and it was bumped up a notch in The Echoed Realm. Not only did it lend itself to the novel treading along smoothly, but it entrenched itself so deeply into it that it allowed for an even more immersive experience. And by doing so, it brought to life gods and their pasts that would otherwise have been too out of reach for the rest of the cast or even the reader to truly get to know. It humanized them with all their imperfections and faults regardless of who or what they were meant to be.
This story is incredibly intriguing from the get-go—especially given the fact that 3 years have passed since the events of Black Hollow, and all I wanted to know was how things had progressed since then—but as soon as Velizar enters the scene, all bets are off. Up to this point we have a demonic being that calls herself Rusalka, wreaking havoc among the lives of Kai and Miya. She is good at what she does, she is quite the bitch. But she is almost a walk in the park followed by a sit-down afternoon tea compared to the being that once called himself Abaddon.
I like Miya and have from the start, and she sure had her own hellish past to live through, but Kai stole the book for me. Vrana brought down such anguish upon this young man that he is an emotional roller coaster for a reader to experience. If others were a fan of him after The Hollow Gods, they need to brace themselves. I have heard it often: whenever characters are going through a crappy time, make things even worse for them and see how they go about handling themselves. Call me a masochist, but I am a fan of these moments. It will either give said characters an opportunity to grow, or it will be a sure way for them to sink. And if they grow, watch how beautifully they change while retaining the core of who they are.
All of this, again, thanks to that glorious folklore previously mentioned. It livened the entire tale, from the setting—and it is a setting that’s pure magic whenever the dreamscape made an appearance—to the pacing, to the writing itself and description of each role. Whether their part was small or big, each one played a part in The Echoed Realm without being wasted. Even Mason—who, bless his intrusive little heart, still makes me want to scream at times; and thank you Miya, for so firmly yet politely putting him in his place after you almost died for his sake—at least developed a hint of a backbone when facing off in the end with the very reason he was once more thrust into the lives of Kai and Miya.
The Echoed Realm often read like a mythological tale, and I have always been a sucker for mythology; it made me feel, and a novel that creates chaos of my emotions is nearly always a winner.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2021
1) The Hollow Gods ★★★★☆
Thank you A.J. Vrana for reaching out to me and sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The Echoed Realm is the logical sequel to The Hollow Gods. In the first book, we've been introduced to the world and the characters, with a lot of action - and it was such a great book. One thing I told the author is that this sequel is different, but in a good way: one that makes sense in the world she created as well as its characters. It's darker, which was expected. A time jump can be a hit or a miss, and in that case it was a good idea. Things aren't all right after the ending of The Hollow Gods, and there's a lot of angst.
There's a lot of background story as well as the world-building being expanded. The first helped me makes sense of some things, and the second was brilliant. Fantasy needs an interesting world-building, sure, but a solid one. For a debut author, Miss Vrana has once again impressed me. This sequel is also a lot more character-driven, and I loved it. I felt more invested in the characters, their feelings, their emotions - including their fears and what's at stake for them. While I love all the characters and how unique they are, Miya is still my favorite (perhaps even a new favorite female character). I just love her so much, and her journey is my favorite.
Those who loved The Hollow Gods won't want to miss out this sequel. Darker, more impactful, more complex, with rich and interesting characters' development and the delightful writing of Miss Vrana, The Echoed Realm is the perfect conclusion to one of the best duologies I've had the pleasure to read.
The Echoed Realm will be released on August 10, 2021!
Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/386Vafc
Pre-order your signed paperback: https://bit.ly/2Gn6KY7
Thank you A.J. Vrana for reaching out to me and sending me an ARC in exchange of an honest review.
The Echoed Realm is the logical sequel to The Hollow Gods. In the first book, we've been introduced to the world and the characters, with a lot of action - and it was such a great book. One thing I told the author is that this sequel is different, but in a good way: one that makes sense in the world she created as well as its characters. It's darker, which was expected. A time jump can be a hit or a miss, and in that case it was a good idea. Things aren't all right after the ending of The Hollow Gods, and there's a lot of angst.
There's a lot of background story as well as the world-building being expanded. The first helped me makes sense of some things, and the second was brilliant. Fantasy needs an interesting world-building, sure, but a solid one. For a debut author, Miss Vrana has once again impressed me. This sequel is also a lot more character-driven, and I loved it. I felt more invested in the characters, their feelings, their emotions - including their fears and what's at stake for them. While I love all the characters and how unique they are, Miya is still my favorite (perhaps even a new favorite female character). I just love her so much, and her journey is my favorite.
Those who loved The Hollow Gods won't want to miss out this sequel. Darker, more impactful, more complex, with rich and interesting characters' development and the delightful writing of Miss Vrana, The Echoed Realm is the perfect conclusion to one of the best duologies I've had the pleasure to read.
The Echoed Realm will be released on August 10, 2021!
Pre-order on Amazon: https://amzn.to/386Vafc
Pre-order your signed paperback: https://bit.ly/2Gn6KY7
August 10, 2021
One of the things I loved most about The Hollow Gods was how Vrana used language and storytelling to reflect the tale that was being told, giving it that feel of a folktale, only one that was being woven around you as you read so that you were fully immersed in it. In The Echoed Realm that feeling has been dialled up to twelve, and it was fantastic. The Hollow Gods built the foundations, let us learn about some of the lore and the characters, but ultimately left us on the tantalising hunt for answers to questions, because Vrana knew just how to balance the intricacy of the world she had created with a sense of ambiguity that would stretch out into this second book. The Echoed Realm reaches out and pulls you into a twisting, dark labyrinth that is built on those very foundations, and here in dark and the twists of time and dreams, you get to find their answers.
That is the first major difference – the darkness. The Hollow Gods dabbled in the shadows, and there were wonderful tendrils of horror stretching through the story, but it felt as though it was in the twilight with just enough lingering light to hold the darkness at bay. The Echoed Realm on the other hand is a moonless night for the most part, with stars appearing on the horizon. It’s dark. What success there was at the end of the previous book, has not meant that everything is all right with the world. It’s not. And I love that connection between the two, that here we get to see the consequences for those events and the character’s choices, and that it is continuing to play out. It’s always nice to see a good payoff for a character’s actions, but it’s fascinating to see the fallout – the angst and darkness – when that payoff isn’t as positive as you would want it to do, and Vrana plays on that beautifully. I was a little unsure about how it would work with the time skip, but it works really well, and it makes sense with the shift in the mood of the book as the darkness has had time to build.
As has the emotions.
We return to the characters we met and loved from The Hollow Gods, as well as a host of new ones, and once again we get to see Vrana’s skill with the characters. This series has always been character-driven, focusing on the relationships between the characters and their pasts and present, delving deep into the secrets, the lies, their path to learning the truth about Black Hollow and about themselves, and as with everything about The Echoed Realm that reaches new levels. There are a lot more moving parts here, and a stronger sense of a river surging forwards than in the first book, but the focus remains on the character. It was fantastic to return to Miya, Kai and Mason – and to meet the new characters. What I really loved though, was that although there was that familiarity, there was also obvious change. The time-skip wasn’t going past unmarked, that time between now and the events of the first book had left a mark and shaped their relationships – and not just in how Kai and Miya were now bound, but in multiple ways, some subtle some less so, but also in how it had changed the characters. They had learned and grown – not always in the best way – and it just makes for such a realistic edge that you’re immediately pulled back into their story.
That feeling of forward momentum and character growth continues throughout The Echoed Realm, and the way Vrana brings them to life on the page means that we’re fully immersed as we watch them trying to deal with the impact of those events, and with the unfolding darkness around them.
Miya remains my favourite, and in many ways, her journey was the most personal – because she is trying to learn who and what she is, while in the shadow of her predecessors, having to balance that connection and the weight of their choices with her own and those around her in the here and now while trying to find her own path. I like that she makes mistakes, that she gets lost, but that for all the setbacks and struggles, she keeps moving forwards. She really felt as though she came into her own in this book. Mason was always a little harder to connect to, perhaps because he feels like a pillar of ‘reality in a world that doesn’t bend that way, he has good intentions, but as they say ‘the road to hell is paved with good intentions and in some ways, it feels like he had the biggest transformation, as he had to learn to accept that ‘the truth’ is not some rigid, definable thing and that sometimes you have to accept that there isn’t an explanation. Kai – our bad boy – has turned out to be a surprise in many ways. He’s always had more depth than a typical bad boy character might have, and I enjoyed his arc in the first book, and Vrana has taken that to new levels in this book and to some extent, his journey is almost as personal as Miya’s (which makes sense considering the bond between them). In some ways, Kai is simpler, and that means his chapters had some of the strongest impacts because the growth and emotion were just so clear and raw – and your heart can’t help but go out to him.
Everything about The Echoed Realm felt MORE. It was darker and more intense, without losing that character focus, and the quiet moments in between. The world and the lore which was so enticing in the first book has expanded considerably, and I like how Vrana gave us those threads and questions in The Hollow Gods and followed them through to this book. It feels like she has drawn back the curtain to show us the full majesty of the world that she has woven, and what a world – it’s so richly imagined, both past and present – and the use of flashbacks to show us that past, to show us the decisions and threads that led to the now was masterfully done and didn’t stop that forward momentum. This still felt like a folktale, just one that was whispered in hushed voices under a starless sky, and the prose just seals the deal.
I went into this one with high expectations because I loved the first book so much, and The Echoed Realm was so much more and the perfect way to finish out this duology. It was wonderfully, deliciously dark without losing all the charm that makes it stand out. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with a love for dark tales, folklore and character-driven tales.
That is the first major difference – the darkness. The Hollow Gods dabbled in the shadows, and there were wonderful tendrils of horror stretching through the story, but it felt as though it was in the twilight with just enough lingering light to hold the darkness at bay. The Echoed Realm on the other hand is a moonless night for the most part, with stars appearing on the horizon. It’s dark. What success there was at the end of the previous book, has not meant that everything is all right with the world. It’s not. And I love that connection between the two, that here we get to see the consequences for those events and the character’s choices, and that it is continuing to play out. It’s always nice to see a good payoff for a character’s actions, but it’s fascinating to see the fallout – the angst and darkness – when that payoff isn’t as positive as you would want it to do, and Vrana plays on that beautifully. I was a little unsure about how it would work with the time skip, but it works really well, and it makes sense with the shift in the mood of the book as the darkness has had time to build.
As has the emotions.
We return to the characters we met and loved from The Hollow Gods, as well as a host of new ones, and once again we get to see Vrana’s skill with the characters. This series has always been character-driven, focusing on the relationships between the characters and their pasts and present, delving deep into the secrets, the lies, their path to learning the truth about Black Hollow and about themselves, and as with everything about The Echoed Realm that reaches new levels. There are a lot more moving parts here, and a stronger sense of a river surging forwards than in the first book, but the focus remains on the character. It was fantastic to return to Miya, Kai and Mason – and to meet the new characters. What I really loved though, was that although there was that familiarity, there was also obvious change. The time-skip wasn’t going past unmarked, that time between now and the events of the first book had left a mark and shaped their relationships – and not just in how Kai and Miya were now bound, but in multiple ways, some subtle some less so, but also in how it had changed the characters. They had learned and grown – not always in the best way – and it just makes for such a realistic edge that you’re immediately pulled back into their story.
That feeling of forward momentum and character growth continues throughout The Echoed Realm, and the way Vrana brings them to life on the page means that we’re fully immersed as we watch them trying to deal with the impact of those events, and with the unfolding darkness around them.
Miya remains my favourite, and in many ways, her journey was the most personal – because she is trying to learn who and what she is, while in the shadow of her predecessors, having to balance that connection and the weight of their choices with her own and those around her in the here and now while trying to find her own path. I like that she makes mistakes, that she gets lost, but that for all the setbacks and struggles, she keeps moving forwards. She really felt as though she came into her own in this book. Mason was always a little harder to connect to, perhaps because he feels like a pillar of ‘reality in a world that doesn’t bend that way, he has good intentions, but as they say ‘the road to hell is paved with good intentions and in some ways, it feels like he had the biggest transformation, as he had to learn to accept that ‘the truth’ is not some rigid, definable thing and that sometimes you have to accept that there isn’t an explanation. Kai – our bad boy – has turned out to be a surprise in many ways. He’s always had more depth than a typical bad boy character might have, and I enjoyed his arc in the first book, and Vrana has taken that to new levels in this book and to some extent, his journey is almost as personal as Miya’s (which makes sense considering the bond between them). In some ways, Kai is simpler, and that means his chapters had some of the strongest impacts because the growth and emotion were just so clear and raw – and your heart can’t help but go out to him.
Everything about The Echoed Realm felt MORE. It was darker and more intense, without losing that character focus, and the quiet moments in between. The world and the lore which was so enticing in the first book has expanded considerably, and I like how Vrana gave us those threads and questions in The Hollow Gods and followed them through to this book. It feels like she has drawn back the curtain to show us the full majesty of the world that she has woven, and what a world – it’s so richly imagined, both past and present – and the use of flashbacks to show us that past, to show us the decisions and threads that led to the now was masterfully done and didn’t stop that forward momentum. This still felt like a folktale, just one that was whispered in hushed voices under a starless sky, and the prose just seals the deal.
I went into this one with high expectations because I loved the first book so much, and The Echoed Realm was so much more and the perfect way to finish out this duology. It was wonderfully, deliciously dark without losing all the charm that makes it stand out. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone with a love for dark tales, folklore and character-driven tales.
April 23, 2024
An incredibly exceptional sequel that blew the first clean out of the water.
The character development in this was absolutely immaculate. It was well paced, believable, and heart wrenching. Even Mason had a huge transformation.
I absolutely loved the new character Crowbar and how she played into the story and Ama's character development 🖤✨️ ngl would love to see them get their own story fr
It had a non-linear timeline where we get to learn about Miya and Kai's first incarnations and rather than these chapters being dull, they added mountains of intrigue to the story and were suspenseful and important in their own ways.
I truly feel this is one of the best duologies I've ever read as both books absolutely need each other, but the second is actually better and wraps everything up nicely.
The gore, the emotion, worldbuilding, settings, characters and lore were so on point. I love the way Vrana writes. The characters povs and voices are always so unique and well fleshed out and her prose is top notch.
Cannot wait to read the next book set in this world!
The character development in this was absolutely immaculate. It was well paced, believable, and heart wrenching. Even Mason had a huge transformation.
I absolutely loved the new character Crowbar and how she played into the story and Ama's character development 🖤✨️ ngl would love to see them get their own story fr
It had a non-linear timeline where we get to learn about Miya and Kai's first incarnations and rather than these chapters being dull, they added mountains of intrigue to the story and were suspenseful and important in their own ways.
I truly feel this is one of the best duologies I've ever read as both books absolutely need each other, but the second is actually better and wraps everything up nicely.
The gore, the emotion, worldbuilding, settings, characters and lore were so on point. I love the way Vrana writes. The characters povs and voices are always so unique and well fleshed out and her prose is top notch.
Cannot wait to read the next book set in this world!
April 14, 2024
Дочитала я цю дилогію, пишу відгук відразу на дві частини.
Перша книга > Друга книга
Ідея була прикольна, мені сподобався розвиток подій, загадка, таємничість, герої. Але було ну так багато описів, що герої в них загубилися, а коли зʼявлялися діалоги - вони були тупенькі. Потім це змінилось і ситуація покращилась, але посмак залишився.
Це все я пишу про першу книгу, друга була зайва. Як щоб б поєднати їх та зробити одну книжку нехай на 400-500 сторінок, то було набагато краще. І ще декілька недоліків:
1) А де тут був Adult, якщо реально 16+максимум?
2) Знання жіночої фізіології нульові та сексуальна освіта також нульова, хоча автор жінка. Кай знав, що у Мії овуляція, вони переспали, і спали потім явно без захисту я так зрозуміла декілька років, а дітей нема. 😅
Тому
Перша книга: 3,5/5
Друга 2,5/5
Перша книга > Друга книга
Ідея була прикольна, мені сподобався розвиток подій, загадка, таємничість, герої. Але було ну так багато описів, що герої в них загубилися, а коли зʼявлялися діалоги - вони були тупенькі. Потім це змінилось і ситуація покращилась, але посмак залишився.
Це все я пишу про першу книгу, друга була зайва. Як щоб б поєднати їх та зробити одну книжку нехай на 400-500 сторінок, то було набагато краще. І ще декілька недоліків:
1) А де тут був Adult, якщо реально 16+максимум?
2) Знання жіночої фізіології нульові та сексуальна освіта також нульова, хоча автор жінка. Кай знав, що у Мії овуляція, вони переспали, і спали потім явно без захисту я так зрозуміла декілька років, а дітей нема. 😅
Тому
Перша книга: 3,5/5
Друга 2,5/5
July 8, 2021
Immediately immersed back into the chaos of the Dreamwalker’s legend and history, and damn it felt so good! To say that crazy adventure ensues everywhere Miya and Kai go would be an understatement, but that happens when you’re a god of chaos!! I absolutely LOVE this sequel, and how it dives into the history of how the Dreamwalker came to be. It was creative, well structured and strategically written, giving you snippets of the past and then ripping you back into the sweet dark chaos of the present with Miya and Kai. I love the folklore elements, and the dark & creepy atmosphere. I can not say enough good things about this series, and will scream about it everywhere!!
August 13, 2021
RTC
I was contacted by the author and was sent an ARC.<\i>
I was contacted by the author and was sent an ARC.<\i>
February 22, 2023
2.5
I was hoping that in its definition, this story would deliver more; it was not the case. It continued to feel a bit chaotic and tumultuous to me, and I ended up suffering from it.
I was hoping that in its definition, this story would deliver more; it was not the case. It continued to feel a bit chaotic and tumultuous to me, and I ended up suffering from it.
February 2, 2021
What would you do for a love and bond that transcends generations, distance and earthly planes? What happens when you learn that sometimes love and hate are two sides of the same coin?
It's been three years since Miya's world ended in Black Hollow. Now she and Kai follow nightmares to hunt the demons responsible for them and the tragedies that follow. Mason is trying to get back to work in the "real world" and forget all about Dreamwalkers and small town lore and just how real those stories can be.
Miya is struggling with how she fits into this new world and just how powerful she is. Or could be if she learned to trust herself as much as she trusted those around her. Her path to self discovery isn't a pretty one but it is certainly a sight to behold.
Kai is more than happy to traverse all over and back with his best friend and lover...but this time he's bound to her in more ways than one. Kai is not your regular textbook bad boy. He is so much more and he is certainly not for everyone and quite frankly...he doesn't give a fuck. He is raw emotion and pain in its harshest and most honest form. In the process he must learn he is more than just blood and fists.
Mason is still not minding his own business and finds out what happens when you go looking for answers to questions you should have never asked. Mason frustrated me in THG and continued to frustrate me here (It's okay. Some characters are meant to be.) He learns that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And that sometimes the best way to rectify a past mistake is by walking away and leaving it alone.
The Echoed Realm is definitely more intense than The Hollow Gods. Gone is the slow, melodic pace. Here we have everything coming to a head in a wilder ride.
AJ has managed to do in this duology what some authors can't do across a massive series. She showed us brilliant, story telling, raw emotions, side characters who matter and add to the story and not just take up space and a perfectly timed backstory that melded past and present beautifully.
Come prepared to feel all of the feelings.
It's been three years since Miya's world ended in Black Hollow. Now she and Kai follow nightmares to hunt the demons responsible for them and the tragedies that follow. Mason is trying to get back to work in the "real world" and forget all about Dreamwalkers and small town lore and just how real those stories can be.
Miya is struggling with how she fits into this new world and just how powerful she is. Or could be if she learned to trust herself as much as she trusted those around her. Her path to self discovery isn't a pretty one but it is certainly a sight to behold.
Kai is more than happy to traverse all over and back with his best friend and lover...but this time he's bound to her in more ways than one. Kai is not your regular textbook bad boy. He is so much more and he is certainly not for everyone and quite frankly...he doesn't give a fuck. He is raw emotion and pain in its harshest and most honest form. In the process he must learn he is more than just blood and fists.
Mason is still not minding his own business and finds out what happens when you go looking for answers to questions you should have never asked. Mason frustrated me in THG and continued to frustrate me here (It's okay. Some characters are meant to be.) He learns that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And that sometimes the best way to rectify a past mistake is by walking away and leaving it alone.
The Echoed Realm is definitely more intense than The Hollow Gods. Gone is the slow, melodic pace. Here we have everything coming to a head in a wilder ride.
AJ has managed to do in this duology what some authors can't do across a massive series. She showed us brilliant, story telling, raw emotions, side characters who matter and add to the story and not just take up space and a perfectly timed backstory that melded past and present beautifully.
Come prepared to feel all of the feelings.
August 16, 2021
This is book two of the chaos cycle duology.
It was such a perfect conclusion to a fantastic series, The echoed realm picks up 3 years after the ending of book one.
Once again we have POV’s from Miya, Kai and Mason. In this book we learn A LOT more of the past and how Kai and Miya first became connected.
I absolutely loved the darker feel to book two, it was creepier, more psychotic spirits and some of the supporting characters back stories were delved into too.
In Echoed realm we also meet a spitfire of a new character Crowbar, I adored crowbar and thought she was the perfect addition to the Black Hollow crew.
Personally I think there is more to come from this world and I would LOVE more Crowbar *hint Hint*
A.J Varna’s writing is so beautiful and descriptive and really paints the images in your imagination. I highly recommend this series.... go read it now.-
“Anger is nothing more than hurt with teeth”
It was such a perfect conclusion to a fantastic series, The echoed realm picks up 3 years after the ending of book one.
Once again we have POV’s from Miya, Kai and Mason. In this book we learn A LOT more of the past and how Kai and Miya first became connected.
I absolutely loved the darker feel to book two, it was creepier, more psychotic spirits and some of the supporting characters back stories were delved into too.
In Echoed realm we also meet a spitfire of a new character Crowbar, I adored crowbar and thought she was the perfect addition to the Black Hollow crew.
Personally I think there is more to come from this world and I would LOVE more Crowbar *hint Hint*
A.J Varna’s writing is so beautiful and descriptive and really paints the images in your imagination. I highly recommend this series.... go read it now.-
“Anger is nothing more than hurt with teeth”
November 10, 2024
4.5⭐️
“Change is a storm,” Miya called after him. “And I am that storm.”
This duology was a fascinating approach to the ideas of power and control, as well as myth and memory. Who has power, who yields it, who controls it? How can myth lead to mass hysteria and collective trauma, and how do we move on from it? The author addresses these issues in a fictional, folklore-inspired tale told through multiple perspectives, and across time. I liked this book more even than the first in the series, as it dove deeper into the origins of the Dreamwalker and the demons - of chaos, order, and destruction. Despite being paranormal fiction, the author also touches on some sensitive issues like misogyny and violence against women, and how cycles of violence tend to repeat themselves across history unless action is taken to break them. I really enjoyed the story, especially the connection between Kai and Miya.
“Change is a storm,” Miya called after him. “And I am that storm.”
This duology was a fascinating approach to the ideas of power and control, as well as myth and memory. Who has power, who yields it, who controls it? How can myth lead to mass hysteria and collective trauma, and how do we move on from it? The author addresses these issues in a fictional, folklore-inspired tale told through multiple perspectives, and across time. I liked this book more even than the first in the series, as it dove deeper into the origins of the Dreamwalker and the demons - of chaos, order, and destruction. Despite being paranormal fiction, the author also touches on some sensitive issues like misogyny and violence against women, and how cycles of violence tend to repeat themselves across history unless action is taken to break them. I really enjoyed the story, especially the connection between Kai and Miya.
February 2, 2021
I’ve been obsessed with A.J. Vrana’s dark, lyrical fantasy ever since The Hollow Gods, and this sequel didn’t disappoint. The Echoed Realm cleverly expands Vrana’s wholly original Dreamwalker mythology beyond the town of Black Hollow, with blood-chilling consequences. Gods are more powerful, possibilities are endless, and threats are more sinister than ever. Miya and Kai are haunted by the past, literally; while the lines between dreams and reality, lore and fact, and obsession and possession are paper thin. I can’t wait for you to experience this dangerous, glittering world for yourself!
Please note that The Chaos Cycle Duology is not YA; and please check out CWs the author has listed.
Please note that The Chaos Cycle Duology is not YA; and please check out CWs the author has listed.
May 7, 2024
It's been a long time coming, but I finally got around to reading the second book of The Chaos Cycle Duology, and I'm pleased to say that it did not disappoint. Prepare to be whisked away into the dreamscape and confront the living horrors and fables, ready to hunt you down.
As most people have said, the writing of this book is extremely poetry, yet also tense and chaotic. The Echoed Realm is a roller-coaster of events and emotions that are energetic and intense. You don't quite know what's going to happen next. The relationship between Miya and Kai is tested throughout the book, both dealing with their own struggles and learning to overcome their flaws to become stronger individuals. And, by the end of the book, they acknowledge that they did things that they could not avoid and that they are stronger for it. I also love that with the multiple povs, there are subtle differences in just the writing to remind you that this is someone else's perspective. Especially when it comes to Kai's pov. The brutal yet real way he perceives scenes and characters is the best thing ever. He's not afraid to tell you to "fuck off" is what I'm hinting at. But, going back to the world, having this book explore more of the dreamscape and the way that world works is so intriguing. The idea that you have to follow tree roots, that happen to be the roots of ancient gateways between realm, to find your way through the dreamscape is just so cool. This book is visceral and possesses teeth and claws that are going to sink right into you.
Definitely recommend checking out the second book of this duology if you haven't already. It may be 3 years late, but I did it! I finished another series! And I plan on picking up more books by A.J Vrana in the future.
As most people have said, the writing of this book is extremely poetry, yet also tense and chaotic. The Echoed Realm is a roller-coaster of events and emotions that are energetic and intense. You don't quite know what's going to happen next. The relationship between Miya and Kai is tested throughout the book, both dealing with their own struggles and learning to overcome their flaws to become stronger individuals. And, by the end of the book, they acknowledge that they did things that they could not avoid and that they are stronger for it. I also love that with the multiple povs, there are subtle differences in just the writing to remind you that this is someone else's perspective. Especially when it comes to Kai's pov. The brutal yet real way he perceives scenes and characters is the best thing ever. He's not afraid to tell you to "fuck off" is what I'm hinting at. But, going back to the world, having this book explore more of the dreamscape and the way that world works is so intriguing. The idea that you have to follow tree roots, that happen to be the roots of ancient gateways between realm, to find your way through the dreamscape is just so cool. This book is visceral and possesses teeth and claws that are going to sink right into you.
Definitely recommend checking out the second book of this duology if you haven't already. It may be 3 years late, but I did it! I finished another series! And I plan on picking up more books by A.J Vrana in the future.
August 9, 2021
When you find a debut that totally grabs you by the throat and makes you yearn for more, that's great.
But when you find a sequel to said debut, and it drags you in further into the world written on the page and doesn't let go, well... that's absolutely perfect.
Vrana's duology is just that to me. A story that grabbed me from it's folklore tale, characters, atmosphere, and writing. Then turn around and held me more for it's continuation and even more lore in said folklore.
I absolutely adored The Hollow Gods. Miya and Kai's journey held me rapt and left me hanging on with every utterance of the word "fuck" or dreadful thing happening, and that didn't stop with The Echoed Realm.
We follow our beloved duo 3 years after the events of the first book. But it honestly seems like we never left. Each character has their new battle to face and I might add it feels more dangerous than ever. Throw in a new character, setting, and amazingly detailed flashback sequences that tell the story of the Dreamwalker, I didn't want their journey to end.
Normally I completely distaste flashbacks. I tend to see most as just fluff in a story that doesn't show what we actually need to know, but heck Vrana does really well in merging them with the ongoing story and with it, gave us a fully fleshed out villain that still lingers in the back of the mind.
Overall, im going to miss The Chaos Cycle. I'll miss Miya, Kai, Gavran, Ama and now Crowbar. I might even miss Mason for all the shit he caused. But I'm sad the series is a duology and not going to continue further.
If you're a fan of darker fantasy and well done characters, then please pick up this series!
But when you find a sequel to said debut, and it drags you in further into the world written on the page and doesn't let go, well... that's absolutely perfect.
Vrana's duology is just that to me. A story that grabbed me from it's folklore tale, characters, atmosphere, and writing. Then turn around and held me more for it's continuation and even more lore in said folklore.
I absolutely adored The Hollow Gods. Miya and Kai's journey held me rapt and left me hanging on with every utterance of the word "fuck" or dreadful thing happening, and that didn't stop with The Echoed Realm.
We follow our beloved duo 3 years after the events of the first book. But it honestly seems like we never left. Each character has their new battle to face and I might add it feels more dangerous than ever. Throw in a new character, setting, and amazingly detailed flashback sequences that tell the story of the Dreamwalker, I didn't want their journey to end.
Normally I completely distaste flashbacks. I tend to see most as just fluff in a story that doesn't show what we actually need to know, but heck Vrana does really well in merging them with the ongoing story and with it, gave us a fully fleshed out villain that still lingers in the back of the mind.
Overall, im going to miss The Chaos Cycle. I'll miss Miya, Kai, Gavran, Ama and now Crowbar. I might even miss Mason for all the shit he caused. But I'm sad the series is a duology and not going to continue further.
If you're a fan of darker fantasy and well done characters, then please pick up this series!
August 10, 2021
"Oh my sweet little wolf, just because you know how something works doesn't mean you can stop it. Nothing is more painful, more terrifying than watching a spider spin its Web around your paralyzed body."
.
.
I first came across this series last year when I was offered an ARC and let me tell ya, it's been a readily favorite read of mine since then.
.
Miya's tenacity, Kai's dark humor and Mason's determination have been very amusing and a pleasure to read!
.
Last book left me wanting more and this one did not disappoint in the least!
.
The book is so fast paced that you aren't tempted to put it down for even one second.
.
The only thing, I regret is not rereading the first book before diving into this one!
.
I'm sad that the book series has ended but excited for what comes next from one of my favorite authors, A J Vrana!
.
I hope she keeps dazzling us with new adventures and crass but lovable heroes!!
.
"The truth is, you weren't ready. You had battles to win first. Fears to conquer."
.
Last book focused on Kai and Miya as a pair and what they meant to each other.... as people and as the dreamwalker and her wolf....
.
"She was the dreamwalker. All she had in the world was her wolf."
.
This book focused on them as separate and how they would fare if they had to live and go on without each other... tbh I was very disappointed when they resolved to go their own ways but that actually made me understand them more deeply!
.
"He is not needed. You are lost and found without him. You are whole without him. But, he stood by you on all four paws."
.
.
"The witch and the wolf will always find each other."
.
.
I first came across this series last year when I was offered an ARC and let me tell ya, it's been a readily favorite read of mine since then.
.
Miya's tenacity, Kai's dark humor and Mason's determination have been very amusing and a pleasure to read!
.
Last book left me wanting more and this one did not disappoint in the least!
.
The book is so fast paced that you aren't tempted to put it down for even one second.
.
The only thing, I regret is not rereading the first book before diving into this one!
.
I'm sad that the book series has ended but excited for what comes next from one of my favorite authors, A J Vrana!
.
I hope she keeps dazzling us with new adventures and crass but lovable heroes!!
.
"The truth is, you weren't ready. You had battles to win first. Fears to conquer."
.
Last book focused on Kai and Miya as a pair and what they meant to each other.... as people and as the dreamwalker and her wolf....
.
"She was the dreamwalker. All she had in the world was her wolf."
.
This book focused on them as separate and how they would fare if they had to live and go on without each other... tbh I was very disappointed when they resolved to go their own ways but that actually made me understand them more deeply!
.
"He is not needed. You are lost and found without him. You are whole without him. But, he stood by you on all four paws."
.
.
"The witch and the wolf will always find each other."
July 30, 2021
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“The Echoed Realm” is the second book in “The Chaos Cycle” duology, and it does not disappoint!
I loved reading the first book, “The Hollow Gods,” and could not wait to start reading this one. We reunite with our main characters Miya, Kai, and Mason. Miya and Kai stand out in the story, and I loved the scenes. Miya, in particular, is the highlight as she navigates her way in the role of Dreamwalker. She goes through a lot of emotions in the tale, and I was rooting for her throughout. Kai is also excellent in the story, and some moments were heartwrenching to read. Although Mason is less prominent in the story compared to the first book, he has his moments. I enjoyed his scenes where he comes to Orme’s Rest. Moreover, the author adds many thrilling moments, like when Miya fights the imp.
The author also introduces us to characters like Crowbar, Dawn, Rusalka, Kali, and Velizar. Although we see some of these characters from the first book, they are more prominent in this story. Frankly, I loved reading about the more extensive cast of characters, and it was interesting to see Gavran and Velizar get their perspectives. Honestly, I liked Rusalka a lot and would not mind seeing a spinoff series for this enigmatic character. While the first half of the story is gripping, the second half of the story, though, just blew me away! The author amps up the action and drama as Miya has to make the most challenging decision in her life.
Overall, “The Echoed Realm” is a satisfying end to the duology, and I will miss these characters.
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