Book Review: The Echoed Realm by A.J. Vrana

Before starting out this review I want to apologize for being MIA. The work schedule and school got the best of me and if the few extra hours of nap meant I had to abandon all of my book blogger duties, so be it. I cannot promise you I’ll be able to be consistent with my blog post but I’ll try. Also, I haven’t read a single book page in over 2 months, yikes!!

Anyways, lets get on with the review!

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.

Title: The Echoed Realm (The Chaos Cycle, #2)

Author: A.J. Vrana

Description:

An epic, macabre folktale for a new generation.

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.

RATING

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!