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Southern Echo #2
A Whisper from the Edge of the World
A Fracturing Life
With the hunt for Mordanti’s treasure over, Nate Lowwind is just happy to be alive and among people he can truly call friends. But his freedom came at a steep cost, and not everyone is content with the price they paid. It doesn’t take long for secrets to spill, and the Southern Echo suddenly has enemies at every point of the compass… until Rori Goodtide steps forward with a plan.
A Haunted Past
Proposing the ship go west into the Forbidden Sea, Rori believes she can keep her own found family safe. All she has to do is protect the ship and crew in the face of her own demons while navigating the most dangerous waters in the world, bringing them to an island that exists on the cusp between two worlds. Rori has survived it all once before. She’s determined to do it again, if only to keep her own world from falling apart. If only a sea full of monsters and dangerous weather patterns were the worst threats to the Southern Echo.
An Impossible Journey
As the ship sails into the west, a plot to betray Captain Arani emerges. While Rori searches for signs of the mythical Vanishing Island, Nate races to unmask the traitor before a mutiny can tear the crew apart, but it may not matter if either of them succeed. The Southern Echo is out on another voyage, and only one thing is certain: this time, not everyone will return.
With the hunt for Mordanti’s treasure over, Nate Lowwind is just happy to be alive and among people he can truly call friends. But his freedom came at a steep cost, and not everyone is content with the price they paid. It doesn’t take long for secrets to spill, and the Southern Echo suddenly has enemies at every point of the compass… until Rori Goodtide steps forward with a plan.
A Haunted Past
Proposing the ship go west into the Forbidden Sea, Rori believes she can keep her own found family safe. All she has to do is protect the ship and crew in the face of her own demons while navigating the most dangerous waters in the world, bringing them to an island that exists on the cusp between two worlds. Rori has survived it all once before. She’s determined to do it again, if only to keep her own world from falling apart. If only a sea full of monsters and dangerous weather patterns were the worst threats to the Southern Echo.
An Impossible Journey
As the ship sails into the west, a plot to betray Captain Arani emerges. While Rori searches for signs of the mythical Vanishing Island, Nate races to unmask the traitor before a mutiny can tear the crew apart, but it may not matter if either of them succeed. The Southern Echo is out on another voyage, and only one thing is certain: this time, not everyone will return.
386 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2023
4 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Salustro
10 books50 followersK.N. Salustro is a science fiction and fantasy writer who loves outer space, dragons, and stories that include at least one of those things. When not writing, she can often be found drawing or painting, designing and sewing plushies, or trying to play video games while her cat demands her attention. (She doesn't play a lot these days.)
Her science fiction trilogy The Star Hunters has been nominated for the Cygnus Awards, with each book in the trilogy receiving its own accolades. Most recently, Light Runner (the third book of the series) received an honorable mention in the Global eBook Awards.Chasing Shadows, the first book in the trilogy and K.N. Salustro's debut novel, was also a quarter-finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Contest, and won a silver medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite book awards in addition to receiving a 5-star review from the same platform.
K.N. Salustro has also written a spinoff novella called The Arkin Races, and made her fantasy debut with Cause of Death: ???, a murder mystery starring and narrated by Death. She is now working on her Southern Echo pirate fantasy series.
Her science fiction trilogy The Star Hunters has been nominated for the Cygnus Awards, with each book in the trilogy receiving its own accolades. Most recently, Light Runner (the third book of the series) received an honorable mention in the Global eBook Awards.Chasing Shadows, the first book in the trilogy and K.N. Salustro's debut novel, was also a quarter-finalist in the 2018 Screencraft Cinematic Book Contest, and won a silver medal in the 2019 Readers Favorite book awards in addition to receiving a 5-star review from the same platform.
K.N. Salustro has also written a spinoff novella called The Arkin Races, and made her fantasy debut with Cause of Death: ???, a murder mystery starring and narrated by Death. She is now working on her Southern Echo pirate fantasy series.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 22, 2023
We fear what we do not understand
We continue from the previous book with shaming those with diverse skills into hiding them and bullying them for not being able to downgrade their minds. In Rori’s case, the un-Skilled not only lied about her, but even vilified her for a positive action.
Another lesson brought to our attention is regarding education and talents. We are not the same and need to be more respectful to those who know/do less than we know/do as well as to those who know/do more. In this book, that might translate to “Not all worthwhile skills are magic; not all magic skills are worthwhile”. Kinda like college degrees IRL!
It took my until now to figure out why we landlubbers use the nautical terms “crew” and “mate” in reference to whose got our backs. When out on the high seas, with no other humans in sight, each person not only relied on the other ship members but they also needed to be reliable for others. “All hands on deck” can mean everybody gather ‘round, but it could also indicate, nay remind, each person that we literally hold other people’s lives in our hands. That’s pretty heavy. Imagine what a better world this would be if we kept that in mind with every decision we made, whether it be on the road, in business dealings, with relationships.
#HonorTheCode
May you embrace the magic within you and never allow anyone to take the wind out of your sails…
We continue from the previous book with shaming those with diverse skills into hiding them and bullying them for not being able to downgrade their minds. In Rori’s case, the un-Skilled not only lied about her, but even vilified her for a positive action.
Another lesson brought to our attention is regarding education and talents. We are not the same and need to be more respectful to those who know/do less than we know/do as well as to those who know/do more. In this book, that might translate to “Not all worthwhile skills are magic; not all magic skills are worthwhile”. Kinda like college degrees IRL!
It took my until now to figure out why we landlubbers use the nautical terms “crew” and “mate” in reference to whose got our backs. When out on the high seas, with no other humans in sight, each person not only relied on the other ship members but they also needed to be reliable for others. “All hands on deck” can mean everybody gather ‘round, but it could also indicate, nay remind, each person that we literally hold other people’s lives in our hands. That’s pretty heavy. Imagine what a better world this would be if we kept that in mind with every decision we made, whether it be on the road, in business dealings, with relationships.
#HonorTheCode
May you embrace the magic within you and never allow anyone to take the wind out of your sails…
October 16, 2023
A Superior Sequel
KD Salustro’s A Whisper from the Edge of the World is of superior quality to the first book in the Southern Echo series, The Roar of the Lost Horizon. This is a real page-turner from start to finish. This is primarily the navigator Rori’s story from her origins to her wrestling with her inner demons on taking the crew of the Southern Echo to the Vanishing Island. The characters, like in the first book, are very well-developed. The action and narrative are well-paced. There will be on-your-seat surprises (some predictable) and a climax with several interesting twists. For fans of fantasy and pirate adventures, you will not be disappointed with A Whisper from the Edge of the World. I look forward to the third installment when it comes out.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Whisper from the Edge of the World by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine
KD Salustro’s A Whisper from the Edge of the World is of superior quality to the first book in the Southern Echo series, The Roar of the Lost Horizon. This is a real page-turner from start to finish. This is primarily the navigator Rori’s story from her origins to her wrestling with her inner demons on taking the crew of the Southern Echo to the Vanishing Island. The characters, like in the first book, are very well-developed. The action and narrative are well-paced. There will be on-your-seat surprises (some predictable) and a climax with several interesting twists. For fans of fantasy and pirate adventures, you will not be disappointed with A Whisper from the Edge of the World. I look forward to the third installment when it comes out.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Whisper from the Edge of the World by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine
March 12, 2024
A great read
I happened to meet this wonderful young author in Feb 2024 at an art fair in Fountain Hills AZ. I had never read any of her work, and I bought the books thinking I would give it a shot. She was kind enough to sign books one and two. I was enthralled, delighted, and pulled into the crew from the first few chapters. K.N.Salustro, thank you for being so kind and sweet when I was oblivious. You took me on a journey, I was crying and laughing alongside the crew. I can not wait for the next one. Keep weaving your story's I can step inside and forget about the world around me.
I happened to meet this wonderful young author in Feb 2024 at an art fair in Fountain Hills AZ. I had never read any of her work, and I bought the books thinking I would give it a shot. She was kind enough to sign books one and two. I was enthralled, delighted, and pulled into the crew from the first few chapters. K.N.Salustro, thank you for being so kind and sweet when I was oblivious. You took me on a journey, I was crying and laughing alongside the crew. I can not wait for the next one. Keep weaving your story's I can step inside and forget about the world around me.
May 4, 2025
In the summer of 2022, I read The Roar of the Lost Horizon. It was so memorable, years later I could remember the names of the characters, the magic system, and the adventure. But life happens and I either forgot or didn’t know that there were additional books until last month. I was surprised to learn that there were TWO more books published in the Southern Echo series, and a fourth one coming out in May!
This second book, Whisper from the Edge of the World, is another adventure on the high seas. Our intrepid pirates on the Southern Echo have returned to the Spider’s Nest without the treasure map and without a dragon. But there are bills to pay, crew that need to be compensated, and a crime boss to be appeased. Rori Goodtide, the navigator of the Southern Echo, has a new plan to make them rich. If they can stay alive long enough to collect.
Folks, I read this book in two days. And the only reason it took me so long, is because I am old (over 20) and can no longer stay up all night reading. If you asked me if this series is character driven or plot driven, I would say both. The psychological trauma the Skilled go through as they are used and abused by the empire is crushing. Yet even within their ranks, the weakest are mocked and denigrated. I was so morally conflicted to see Xander had a Skill that made him so much more than a Greyvoice. On one hand, I cheered because he found his voice (literally). On the other hand, ah Xander, you’re breaking my heart!
The action is fast paced, the world building is encompassing, and the monsters - both human and non-human - are deliciously villainous. The plot twist and battle scenes were stellar. (Of course they are when the Gods themselves come to watch the entertainment!)
Tropes of found family (my favorite), quest for glory and riches, and favored by the gods.
Trigger warnings: gaslighting, murder, and pirate punishment (off-page).
Now’s your chance. Book 4 drops in a couple of weeks according to Amazon. Binge read this series for a rollicking story of pirates and magic and adventure!
This second book, Whisper from the Edge of the World, is another adventure on the high seas. Our intrepid pirates on the Southern Echo have returned to the Spider’s Nest without the treasure map and without a dragon. But there are bills to pay, crew that need to be compensated, and a crime boss to be appeased. Rori Goodtide, the navigator of the Southern Echo, has a new plan to make them rich. If they can stay alive long enough to collect.
Folks, I read this book in two days. And the only reason it took me so long, is because I am old (over 20) and can no longer stay up all night reading. If you asked me if this series is character driven or plot driven, I would say both. The psychological trauma the Skilled go through as they are used and abused by the empire is crushing. Yet even within their ranks, the weakest are mocked and denigrated. I was so morally conflicted to see Xander had a Skill that made him so much more than a Greyvoice. On one hand, I cheered because he found his voice (literally). On the other hand, ah Xander, you’re breaking my heart!
The action is fast paced, the world building is encompassing, and the monsters - both human and non-human - are deliciously villainous. The plot twist and battle scenes were stellar. (Of course they are when the Gods themselves come to watch the entertainment!)
Tropes of found family (my favorite), quest for glory and riches, and favored by the gods.
Trigger warnings: gaslighting, murder, and pirate punishment (off-page).
Now’s your chance. Book 4 drops in a couple of weeks according to Amazon. Binge read this series for a rollicking story of pirates and magic and adventure!
June 24, 2024
Second book in the series with a new and exciting adventure. In this book, we learn more about Rori's backstory, and it really helps develop her character and get a better understanding of how she carries herself. There was still mystery to the book that kept me hooked. I also love how all the character relationships are developing in the series. I still see a lot more in store for this crew, and I'm excited to continue the series.
June 6, 2025
The way my heart squeezed at the new character introduction (Does that count as a spoiler?)! Another amazing story of the Southern Echo and her crew. I think I’ll be starting book 3 today!
November 6, 2024
A huge thank you to K.N. Salustro for providing a free advance review copy. It truly is a delight to be one of your first readers!
Journeying with the crew of the Southern Echo once more is truly a delight. K. N. Salustro writes in a compelling manner, creating a beautiful fantasy novel for all ages. There is intrigue, drama, and a new treasure far in the distance. Once more, I was spellbound by the way she writes about sailing on the open seas, a trip that is more about the journey than the destination and a found family that rallies together.
While compared to the first book in the series, A Whisper from the Edge of the World lacks the same world-building and character development, as there aren’t many new characters nor relationships. Even though one sees more of Rori’s backstory, the pacing of the book felt a little off as the changing POVs detract slightly. It started a little slower without the adventure truly starting until maybe about 25% of the way in.
As a huge Nate empathizer, I was excited to see his development. Instead, I was a little disappointed that while Nate has grown more courageous and learns to be less self-important, there are moments when he acts rather bull-headed and near-sighted, which was a little frustrating, given how much I liked him in the first book. Granted, I can see where the author is coming from as tensions are high when a mutiny is on the rise, but I had wanted more from the characters, especially since they grapple with inner demons and thoughts that are (in my opinion), a little too easily resolved towards the end.
I appreciated the climax, but there were so many elements thrown in that felt a little unexplained and rushed . I can hold my disbelief to a certain extent and enter into the world, but these elements made it a little more challenging for me to wrap my head around it.
Overall, Salustro’s writing is impeccable. The words pass quickly, and the story grabs you. I still appreciate the concept of pirates and the abuse of those with magical abilities, but I would like it to develop more from there and gain further insight into the rest of the world. What’s happening in the North? What’s happening with the remaining Solkyrians? Aren’t there more that are dissatisfied? And while the crew of the Southern Echo are pirates, I feel like they don’t act like pirates as much as I would have liked. They are all about family and sticking together (a great theme), but there isn’t any of the collusion and rebellion I had hoped to see eventually.
I am thrilled to continue following the journey and the world-building and storytelling that has so much more potential!
Journeying with the crew of the Southern Echo once more is truly a delight. K. N. Salustro writes in a compelling manner, creating a beautiful fantasy novel for all ages. There is intrigue, drama, and a new treasure far in the distance. Once more, I was spellbound by the way she writes about sailing on the open seas, a trip that is more about the journey than the destination and a found family that rallies together.
While compared to the first book in the series, A Whisper from the Edge of the World lacks the same world-building and character development, as there aren’t many new characters nor relationships. Even though one sees more of Rori’s backstory, the pacing of the book felt a little off as the changing POVs detract slightly. It started a little slower without the adventure truly starting until maybe about 25% of the way in.
As a huge Nate empathizer, I was excited to see his development. Instead, I was a little disappointed that while Nate has grown more courageous and learns to be less self-important, there are moments when he acts rather bull-headed and near-sighted, which was a little frustrating, given how much I liked him in the first book. Granted, I can see where the author is coming from as tensions are high when a mutiny is on the rise, but I had wanted more from the characters, especially since they grapple with inner demons and thoughts that are (in my opinion), a little too easily resolved towards the end.
I appreciated the climax, but there were so many elements thrown in that felt a little unexplained and rushed . I can hold my disbelief to a certain extent and enter into the world, but these elements made it a little more challenging for me to wrap my head around it.
Overall, Salustro’s writing is impeccable. The words pass quickly, and the story grabs you. I still appreciate the concept of pirates and the abuse of those with magical abilities, but I would like it to develop more from there and gain further insight into the rest of the world. What’s happening in the North? What’s happening with the remaining Solkyrians? Aren’t there more that are dissatisfied? And while the crew of the Southern Echo are pirates, I feel like they don’t act like pirates as much as I would have liked. They are all about family and sticking together (a great theme), but there isn’t any of the collusion and rebellion I had hoped to see eventually.
I am thrilled to continue following the journey and the world-building and storytelling that has so much more potential!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews