Epeolatry Book Review: Echoes of Darkness by Cheryl Campbell

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Title: Echoes of Darkness
Author: Cheryl Campbell
Genre: Sci-fi
Publisher: Cheryl Campbell
Release Date: 5th October, 2020

Synopsis:  The decades-long conflict with the Wardens, the genocidal faction of alien Echoes that started the war on Earth in 2069, rages on. Dani, an Echo, fights alongside humans and other aliens against the Wardens. As the bond of her newfound family strengthens, she continues to struggle to find a viable solution to retake Boston from the Wardens.

Maine’s civilian and Commonwealth military alliance against the enemy remains intact, but Dani’s relationship with Colonel Houston becomes more strained with rogue Warden attacks, unreliable intelligence reports, and the high casualty counts that will come when they move on the enemy stronghold in the city.

Rowan’s unwavering ambition to eliminate all humans from Earth, rise within Warden ranks, and capture Dani drives him to commit treason. When Dani learns that Rowan is behind an assault in Maine that wounds and kills several people on the Commonwealth base, her well-orchestrated plan against Boston is replaced with one focused only on rescue … and revenge.

I originally reviewed ‘Echoes Of War’ by Cheryl Campbell last year when I was still writing for Science Fiction. I quite enjoyed the novel. The cover made it clear it was Book 1 of a series and my own review left me wanting more. Now, the author has delivered a second serving of the series which I’ve had a chance to sit down and read. 

Did it fill my desire for second helping? Was I satisfied with the words put on paper (and yes, this was a physical copy that the publisher sent out in exchange for an honest review)? Only time, and the next few paragraphs will answer that question so read on to find out, my friends and fellow book lovers! 

A quick overview. In the first novel, Campbell threw us into a future Earth where aliens came a-calling. One group called the Echoes were at peace with humanity and another group called The Wardens had their sights set on eliminating humankind. Bonus points for The Wardens as when the story kicks off, they appear to be nearly immortal. 

Dani, is an Echo who grew up amongst humans and thinks of herself as one of them. Now, she is thrown headfirst into a conflict where she has to save both humanity and herself. 

In a series like this, I always try and read all of the novels and in order. That being said, you could technically pick this one up as they do a few quick summaries of previous events at the beginning. A nice reminder for those of us who read far too much and may have forgotten a couple of details in the last year (I’m guilty as charged folks).

First off, I would love to talk about the characters. Not only do we see Dani really grow in this installment, but she is also surrounded by some fantastic voices. Mary, Crow, and Colonel Houston all stand out and you will grow to love or hate them as they become fleshed out. This also gives us quite a bit of insight into Rowan who will do anything to get ahead, even commit treason. 

The plot is set at a quick pace which will keep you reading and coming back for more. There isn’t ever a point where the novel appears to drag or feels that it is being rushed. 

Just as the first book, I would give this one a 4/5 star for some great YA sci-fi fun.

4/5 stars

Available from Amazon.

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