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The Echo Trail #2
Terminal Static
After months on the road hunting monsters and freeing ghosts, Eden and the Morgans are ready for some much-needed R&R. While Mab continues the search for her missing sister, they’re off to their next Westwood, Colorado.
A few weeks of small-town charm are just what they board games and baked goods, all in the safety of the Morgan family home. Anything to forget the blood mage, Josephine Laurent, and the night that nearly destroyed them all
No jobs.
No ghosts.
No monsters.
But something has followed them to Westwood, a being equipped with their darkest nightmares. The creature lurks behind the television screens, hidden within the static. And whenever it reaches out, someone pays the price.
A few weeks of small-town charm are just what they board games and baked goods, all in the safety of the Morgan family home. Anything to forget the blood mage, Josephine Laurent, and the night that nearly destroyed them all
No jobs.
No ghosts.
No monsters.
But something has followed them to Westwood, a being equipped with their darkest nightmares. The creature lurks behind the television screens, hidden within the static. And whenever it reaches out, someone pays the price.
- GenresFantasy
354 pages, Paperback
Published May 9, 2022
1 person is currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 17, 2022
“Terminal Static” is the second book in the Echo Trail series, so if you haven’t read “Resurrection Road” yet, do that before reading this review. I’ll do my best to avoid all spoilers, but you never know what may slip through the veil. In this second book, Laz, Zeke, and Eden are looking to relax after surviving their encounter with the blood mage, each has changed to varying degrees, but none more so than Zeke. This second book focuses more on his emotional journey and I loved seeing him struggle with wanting to remain who he was in the face of all the new changes he’s undergoing, and what that may mean for his family—considering his father got out of the hunting life a long time ago. But of course, the consequences of their showdown with the blood mage continue to follow them in surprising, and really creepy ways!
I had the honor of beta reading an early copy of “Terminal Static” but I didn’t want to rate or review this story until after the final book hit the wider world. A lot can change between those early versions, but the bones of this Supernatural inspired series are all strong, so of course the final iteration of this book turned out even better than I could have imagined! While I generally knew where this story was going, rereading it still felt like a new experience as there was a new layer of subtly over the story that kept me fully invested in these characters and their adventures all over again.
The second book has a creepy factor to it that is much more intense than its predecessor. It’s a slow burn build of unsettling events mingled with the feeling of constantly being watched… This book would be perfect to read on chilly nights if you’re looking to up that spooky factor! It’s not so much that I’d call it horror, but just like the show Supernatural, you get moments of really fantastic body shivers. I won’t say more than that because I don’t want to spoil the big reveal, but let’s just say that when things escalate in this book, they escalate FAST. It was a treat to watch each of the characters deal with their fears as well, as it really allows Marae to showcase just how well-crafted and different each character is. Everyone felt so distinct and unique from one another! While Eden and Laz are adorable together, I have to say that Zeke and his sunshine demeanor and Mab’s pure bad babe sass make them my favorites hands down.
True to Supernatural form, each of the Echo Trail books focus on one “case”, as it were, with an overarching mystery/monster that the characters are heading toward. In “Terminal Static” who and what they are heading toward becomes a little clearer, and has me so excited for the third book, which is why I am giving this book 5 stars. The slow burn romance is really starting to heat up, and the ghosts and monsters are getting more intense, which has me both excited and worried for the characters! I can’t wait to see how our main group grows and evolves next!
I had the honor of beta reading an early copy of “Terminal Static” but I didn’t want to rate or review this story until after the final book hit the wider world. A lot can change between those early versions, but the bones of this Supernatural inspired series are all strong, so of course the final iteration of this book turned out even better than I could have imagined! While I generally knew where this story was going, rereading it still felt like a new experience as there was a new layer of subtly over the story that kept me fully invested in these characters and their adventures all over again.
The second book has a creepy factor to it that is much more intense than its predecessor. It’s a slow burn build of unsettling events mingled with the feeling of constantly being watched… This book would be perfect to read on chilly nights if you’re looking to up that spooky factor! It’s not so much that I’d call it horror, but just like the show Supernatural, you get moments of really fantastic body shivers. I won’t say more than that because I don’t want to spoil the big reveal, but let’s just say that when things escalate in this book, they escalate FAST. It was a treat to watch each of the characters deal with their fears as well, as it really allows Marae to showcase just how well-crafted and different each character is. Everyone felt so distinct and unique from one another! While Eden and Laz are adorable together, I have to say that Zeke and his sunshine demeanor and Mab’s pure bad babe sass make them my favorites hands down.
True to Supernatural form, each of the Echo Trail books focus on one “case”, as it were, with an overarching mystery/monster that the characters are heading toward. In “Terminal Static” who and what they are heading toward becomes a little clearer, and has me so excited for the third book, which is why I am giving this book 5 stars. The slow burn romance is really starting to heat up, and the ghosts and monsters are getting more intense, which has me both excited and worried for the characters! I can’t wait to see how our main group grows and evolves next!
May 17, 2022
If you thought book one was good get ready for the ride that is book two! Meep!
I'm going to do a fuller review when I reread the finished copy but let me tell you. Hannah is a wizard and I am under her spell. ;)
I'm going to do a fuller review when I reread the finished copy but let me tell you. Hannah is a wizard and I am under her spell. ;)
May 1, 2022
Terminal Static was one of my most anticipated releases of this year and it didn’t let me down!
This book is definitely a middle book in a series, continuing plot points started in the first book and laying out foundational work for future installments, but it still manages to be a solid story while doing so.
The characters were a main highlight of the first book and that remains true in this installment. Zeke, while still a delight, is definitely going through it this time around (vamparism can do that to a person) but that doesn’t stop his fun quips or charm. Lazarus and Eden have found themselves in an alluring “will they won’t they” position and I can not get enough of the two of them together. Mab is also more prominent in this story which, is a little meh for me as she wasn’t exactly my favorite in Resurrection Road and this book didn’t change that. Although they weren’t traveling around the country hunting and were mostly in one area this time around, I still loved spending time with these characters and watching them interact.
This book was creepy (although that could be because I am easily scared and read most of this at night off a screen), fun, and carried on all the great aspects of the first book. I know I said this after the last book but I mean it even more this time, I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
An E-ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
This book is definitely a middle book in a series, continuing plot points started in the first book and laying out foundational work for future installments, but it still manages to be a solid story while doing so.
The characters were a main highlight of the first book and that remains true in this installment. Zeke, while still a delight, is definitely going through it this time around (vamparism can do that to a person) but that doesn’t stop his fun quips or charm. Lazarus and Eden have found themselves in an alluring “will they won’t they” position and I can not get enough of the two of them together. Mab is also more prominent in this story which, is a little meh for me as she wasn’t exactly my favorite in Resurrection Road and this book didn’t change that. Although they weren’t traveling around the country hunting and were mostly in one area this time around, I still loved spending time with these characters and watching them interact.
This book was creepy (although that could be because I am easily scared and read most of this at night off a screen), fun, and carried on all the great aspects of the first book. I know I said this after the last book but I mean it even more this time, I cannot wait for the next book in the series!
An E-ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
I was lucky enough to read an ARC of Terminal Static earlier this month. Terminal Static is the fantastic sequel to Resurrection Road and it just made me fall even more in love with these characters! Where some sequels lag after a first book, TS flourishes, taking you on a fast-paced adventure that’s impossible to put down. I can’t wait for book 3 to see what is going to happen next after all the groundwork laid in TS.
December 23, 2022
4.5 stars
Resurrection Road was my favourite book of 2021 and Terminal Static was my most anticipated book of 2022.
*edited to reflect a second read through*
The novel feels like a ‘middle’ book but it lays the roadwork for the next instalment without sacrificing a solid story. I had been hoping that there would be more rambling around the country with the trio hunting ghosts since that was my favorite part of the first book, but I’m not disappointed in how this book went. The story gave me the warm fuzzies and still managed to creep me out at the right moments. I really loved this book, more so after my second read.
I can not wait for the next one!!
Every moment that Lazarus and Eden had together left me smiling. I wanted to give Zeke a giant hug and a monster, he’s really going through in this one. Ignatius and Pyke are awesome as always. I disliked Mab in the last book and it's only gotten stronger this time around. She's needlessly abrasive and everything good about her is said not shown. I dislike characters like this in general and is not a slight to the author.
e-arc in exchange for an honest review
Resurrection Road was my favourite book of 2021 and Terminal Static was my most anticipated book of 2022.
*edited to reflect a second read through*
The novel feels like a ‘middle’ book but it lays the roadwork for the next instalment without sacrificing a solid story. I had been hoping that there would be more rambling around the country with the trio hunting ghosts since that was my favorite part of the first book, but I’m not disappointed in how this book went. The story gave me the warm fuzzies and still managed to creep me out at the right moments. I really loved this book, more so after my second read.
I can not wait for the next one!!
Every moment that Lazarus and Eden had together left me smiling. I wanted to give Zeke a giant hug and a monster, he’s really going through in this one. Ignatius and Pyke are awesome as always. I disliked Mab in the last book and it's only gotten stronger this time around. She's needlessly abrasive and everything good about her is said not shown. I dislike characters like this in general and is not a slight to the author.
e-arc in exchange for an honest review
December 21, 2023
Terminal Static is a Adult Paranormal/Urban Fantasy book 2 in the Echo Trails series.
Book Cover: 5* - Ok, so I'm just a big fan of anything done by Nicole Deal, and the fact that cover 2 stars my boy Zeke, just made this cover all the more amazing!
Summary/Tagline: 5* - This time the synopsis isn't split into three, but it's still as mysterious and enticing as book 1. A creature lurking within the static of the screens? Count me in, let's go!
Characters: 4* - Okiedokie, so besides following our main trio: Eden, Laz, and Zeke, Mab joins the list as well as she continues her search for her sister with the help of the coyote shifter Ignatius while Eden and the Morgans cousins head back home to meet with Zeke's parents. I think it's going to be really hard to just talk about their journeys here without spoiling what's happened, so just know that it's been fun, thrilling, and NO NOT MY ZEKE! Lol, you'll see what I mean.
World Building: 5* - Same for the last part, I don't want to spoil anything, but in my opinion, I loved that the paranormal world expanded in this book. The Goodnight, more Reapers, some higher, mysterious being, maybe even more worlds? I loved it. Can't wait to see what more is revealed in book 3.
Story: 4* - So, I think the synopsis did an amazing job just explaining what goes down. Zeke, because of what happened to him in book 1, is really wanting the comfort of his parents at the moment, and Laz, feeling like he's a hated outcast by his aunt and uncle, keeps his lips sealed and goes, for his cousin's sake. Eden goes along for the ride, curious to meet this quiet life Zeke left behind for ghost hunting. Unfortunately, something follows them there, something really, REALLY, bad. Ensues creepy and thrilling new journey. Yeah I really don't know what else to say in case of spoilers, but sh*t hits the fan soon after arriving to the Morgans hometown, and I really enjoyed each of the characters individual journeys before stopping the baddie in this book. Go read it! Please.
Over All: 4* - The story was fun, creepy, and thrilling to boot. Romances blossomed, baggages unpacked, and secrets were revealed with a cliffhanger ending leaving me with wanting more. I seriously can't wait to see what more of Eden gets revealed along with the paranormal aspect of this series. Oh man, I can not WAIT for book 3!
Book Cover: 5* - Ok, so I'm just a big fan of anything done by Nicole Deal, and the fact that cover 2 stars my boy Zeke, just made this cover all the more amazing!
Summary/Tagline: 5* - This time the synopsis isn't split into three, but it's still as mysterious and enticing as book 1. A creature lurking within the static of the screens? Count me in, let's go!
Characters: 4* - Okiedokie, so besides following our main trio: Eden, Laz, and Zeke, Mab joins the list as well as she continues her search for her sister with the help of the coyote shifter Ignatius while Eden and the Morgans cousins head back home to meet with Zeke's parents. I think it's going to be really hard to just talk about their journeys here without spoiling what's happened, so just know that it's been fun, thrilling, and NO NOT MY ZEKE! Lol, you'll see what I mean.
World Building: 5* - Same for the last part, I don't want to spoil anything, but in my opinion, I loved that the paranormal world expanded in this book. The Goodnight, more Reapers, some higher, mysterious being, maybe even more worlds? I loved it. Can't wait to see what more is revealed in book 3.
Story: 4* - So, I think the synopsis did an amazing job just explaining what goes down. Zeke, because of what happened to him in book 1, is really wanting the comfort of his parents at the moment, and Laz, feeling like he's a hated outcast by his aunt and uncle, keeps his lips sealed and goes, for his cousin's sake. Eden goes along for the ride, curious to meet this quiet life Zeke left behind for ghost hunting. Unfortunately, something follows them there, something really, REALLY, bad. Ensues creepy and thrilling new journey. Yeah I really don't know what else to say in case of spoilers, but sh*t hits the fan soon after arriving to the Morgans hometown, and I really enjoyed each of the characters individual journeys before stopping the baddie in this book. Go read it! Please.
Over All: 4* - The story was fun, creepy, and thrilling to boot. Romances blossomed, baggages unpacked, and secrets were revealed with a cliffhanger ending leaving me with wanting more. I seriously can't wait to see what more of Eden gets revealed along with the paranormal aspect of this series. Oh man, I can not WAIT for book 3!
June 6, 2023
4.5 stars
Resurrection Road was my favourite book of 2021 and Terminal Static was my most anticipated book of 2022.
*edited to reflect a second read through*
The novel feels like a ‘middle’ book but it lays the roadwork for the next instalment without sacrificing a solid story. I had been hoping that there would be more rambling around the country with the trio hunting ghosts since that was my favorite part of the first book, but I’m not disappointed in how this book went. The story gave me the warm fuzzies and still managed to creep me out at the right moments. I really loved this book, more so after my second read.
I can not wait for the next one!!
Every moment that Lazarus and Eden had together left me smiling. I wanted to give Zeke a giant hug and a monster, he’s really going through in this one. Ignatius and Pyke are awesome as always. I disliked Mab in the last book and it's only gotten stronger this time around. She's needlessly abrasive and everything good about her is said not shown. I dislike characters like this in general and is not a slight to the author.
e-arc in exchange for an honest review
Resurrection Road was my favourite book of 2021 and Terminal Static was my most anticipated book of 2022.
*edited to reflect a second read through*
The novel feels like a ‘middle’ book but it lays the roadwork for the next instalment without sacrificing a solid story. I had been hoping that there would be more rambling around the country with the trio hunting ghosts since that was my favorite part of the first book, but I’m not disappointed in how this book went. The story gave me the warm fuzzies and still managed to creep me out at the right moments. I really loved this book, more so after my second read.
I can not wait for the next one!!
Every moment that Lazarus and Eden had together left me smiling. I wanted to give Zeke a giant hug and a monster, he’s really going through in this one. Ignatius and Pyke are awesome as always. I disliked Mab in the last book and it's only gotten stronger this time around. She's needlessly abrasive and everything good about her is said not shown. I dislike characters like this in general and is not a slight to the author.
e-arc in exchange for an honest review
May 8, 2023
"I'm here"
Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique... MY GOSH what a ride! I was glued to my book from the beginning to the end. The evolution of the characters was so well made (Zeke my precious 💖) and the mystery gave me the creeps.
Buuut the top of the pop for me is the relationship between Eden and Lazarus. I felt so much for them that it's indecent. I want to have little dolls of them to make them kiss all the time. And hold hands. Hand share a hug. And a jacket 🥺💙
I can't wait for the 3rd one, especially after this cliffhanger. I'm sure it will be a whole experience again and. I'm. Here. For. That
Talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique... MY GOSH what a ride! I was glued to my book from the beginning to the end. The evolution of the characters was so well made (Zeke my precious 💖) and the mystery gave me the creeps.
Buuut the top of the pop for me is the relationship between Eden and Lazarus. I felt so much for them that it's indecent. I want to have little dolls of them to make them kiss all the time. And hold hands. Hand share a hug. And a jacket 🥺💙
I can't wait for the 3rd one, especially after this cliffhanger. I'm sure it will be a whole experience again and. I'm. Here. For. That
September 15, 2022
It's not super often I pick up the second book in a series, but I enjoyed the first book so much I was happy to grab this one. Terminal Static did not disappoint. Much like the first book it was just what I wanted out of it, solid plot, and good believable character building. Plus the author didn't miss a beat in upping the stakes of the over all series plot in a way that made me excited for book three.
(Spoiled-ish) Even the slow burn romance parts were done well and not cringy, which can so easily happen.
(Spoiled-ish) Even the slow burn romance parts were done well and not cringy, which can so easily happen.
May 17, 2022
Happy release day to Terminal Static! The story of Resurrection Road escalates!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews