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Chasing Echoes
Taz Aevos can make things fall with a single glance. Of all the random and bizarre powers that she and her three sisters were born with, hers is clearly the most useless. That is, until New Year’s Eve. When high school senior Stryder Black executes a cruel joke, Taz uses her powers, and all hell breaks loose.
Stryder’s ill-fated prank lands him straight into a mysterious stranger's powerful curse—one meant to teach him a lesson. Desperate for help, Stryder unwittingly drags Taz into the curse with him. Now both are forced to relive the same twenty days of their lives over and over.
But something goes deadly wrong. Not only is their loop mysteriously shrinking, Taz learns that Stryder is harboring a dark secret. Is his murky past the key to helping them escape…or will their time run out?
Stryder’s ill-fated prank lands him straight into a mysterious stranger's powerful curse—one meant to teach him a lesson. Desperate for help, Stryder unwittingly drags Taz into the curse with him. Now both are forced to relive the same twenty days of their lives over and over.
But something goes deadly wrong. Not only is their loop mysteriously shrinking, Taz learns that Stryder is harboring a dark secret. Is his murky past the key to helping them escape…or will their time run out?
292 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2014
166 people are currently reading
1930 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Perkins
6 books157 followersHigh school teacher moonlighting as a writer of contemporary fantasies with fairy tale endings. For more, visit www.jodiperkins.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
April 1, 2015
Chasing Echoes is a beautifully crafted tale of a young girl who discovers what she thought she knew about herself was only the tip of the iceberg and what she discovered of those closest to her her was just as surprising. Taz is a high school student who has all the problems a typical high school girl does. Fitting in, making better choices, withstanding bullies and hoping to connect with a certain crush...or a frienemy. As we journey with Taz we soon learn she has a special ability, and further discover she is not the only one. This story was addicting! I couldn't stop reading!
I tend to question when a book is given only five stars in all of it's reviews, but this was one I would give six stars to. The writing was flawless, the flow perfect and the story, well, I read all of the Harry Potter books and Hunger games and Divergent, this book is right up there among the giants. I hope to see Jodi Perkins and her book do well out there in the land of YA reads. So many current authors just don't put in the soul and wit and depth that Chasing Echoes surprised me with.
I hope Ms. Perkins is planning the next book because I need to know what happens with the sisters, I see a great story in all of them!
I tend to question when a book is given only five stars in all of it's reviews, but this was one I would give six stars to. The writing was flawless, the flow perfect and the story, well, I read all of the Harry Potter books and Hunger games and Divergent, this book is right up there among the giants. I hope to see Jodi Perkins and her book do well out there in the land of YA reads. So many current authors just don't put in the soul and wit and depth that Chasing Echoes surprised me with.
I hope Ms. Perkins is planning the next book because I need to know what happens with the sisters, I see a great story in all of them!
May 21, 2020
I usually avoid YA but decided to download Chasing Echoes due to the blurb and because it was a Kindle freebie. What a pleasant surprise! It reminded me of Groundhog Day (it does mention the movie), but the way I see it, it's closer to Before I Fall. The redemption idea and time loop concept are wrapped in a more positive and enjoyable story here.
December 27, 2014
Chasing Echoes was such a fantastic read, I struggled to put it down and chose reading one more chapter over sleep several times! (Quite a big deal for a mother of a three month old.)
The characters are wonderful, and like many great authors, Jodi Perkins does a fantastic job of creating a real relationship between the reader and her characters. I adore the way she made me hate and love Stryder at the same time.
The dynamic of the sisters, and clear separation between their personalities makes me long to know even more about them. I was thrilled to find out this is just the first in a series. However, Chasing Echoes can easily stand it's own.
I was completely absorbed by Perkins' ability to describe an item, or scene in such exquisite detail that I could actually picture it. The plot unfolded so naturally that I could completely suspend all disbelief and imagine myself as one of these two young people, struggling against one another, all while clinging too each other, tightly.
It's a beautiful love story amidst supernatural circumstances, with a truly amazing ending. If I had to make one complaint, it would be that the suspense was just too gripping. It was a very intense read.
I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Jodi Perkins, especially the next installment in this series! Which sister will get the spotlight next?
The characters are wonderful, and like many great authors, Jodi Perkins does a fantastic job of creating a real relationship between the reader and her characters. I adore the way she made me hate and love Stryder at the same time.
The dynamic of the sisters, and clear separation between their personalities makes me long to know even more about them. I was thrilled to find out this is just the first in a series. However, Chasing Echoes can easily stand it's own.
I was completely absorbed by Perkins' ability to describe an item, or scene in such exquisite detail that I could actually picture it. The plot unfolded so naturally that I could completely suspend all disbelief and imagine myself as one of these two young people, struggling against one another, all while clinging too each other, tightly.
It's a beautiful love story amidst supernatural circumstances, with a truly amazing ending. If I had to make one complaint, it would be that the suspense was just too gripping. It was a very intense read.
I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Jodi Perkins, especially the next installment in this series! Which sister will get the spotlight next?
November 16, 2020
I cannot recommend this book enough!!! The plot is remarkably fresh and well thought out. The story moves at a brisk and entertaining pace, and the characters are loveable. This is such a creative, well-woven story. The main plot involves Taz and Stryder, enemies who are trapped in a shrinking time loop together. What is remarkable is as the time loop kept shrinking, the faster I found myself turning the pages. As a reader, I could FEEL the tightening of the time loop.
There is also a sub-plot, where Taz and Stryder are desperately trying to save a little girl. Meanwhile, Taz is discovering Stryder's dark secret, as well as shocking revelations about herself and her sisters. With all of these plot twists taking place, one would think the novel would get confusing. But it flows WONDERFULLY. The last several chapters are so exciting that my heart was actually beating faster than usual. And in a time when most books either have crummy or mediocre endings, this book has a wonderfully satisfying ending. The ending brought tears to my eyes (but in a good way!). This book is in the "Young Adult" genre, but adults will love it too.
There is also a sub-plot, where Taz and Stryder are desperately trying to save a little girl. Meanwhile, Taz is discovering Stryder's dark secret, as well as shocking revelations about herself and her sisters. With all of these plot twists taking place, one would think the novel would get confusing. But it flows WONDERFULLY. The last several chapters are so exciting that my heart was actually beating faster than usual. And in a time when most books either have crummy or mediocre endings, this book has a wonderfully satisfying ending. The ending brought tears to my eyes (but in a good way!). This book is in the "Young Adult" genre, but adults will love it too.
July 5, 2015
Whoa. What an exciting novel. It was the perfect mix of intensity and comedy with a totally unique concept that you just don't see in YA books. One page I'm laughing and the next I'm holding my breath on the edge of my seat. With endearing characters and an engaging plotline, I felt like I was part of the story. This novel is well written and fascinating from start to finish.
May 23, 2016
With her book Chasing Echoes, Jodi Perkins takes the readers on an amazing journey of conflicts, special powers, self-discovery, and tension-filled situations. Jodi deserves full credit for writing a memorable romance book which relies on clean and pure emotions of its characters, instead of using repeated doses of unnecessary sex scenes that many of today's writers use as a device to make up for their lack of writing talent. That's why Jodi's talent as an author becomes even more apparent in this book. I would be looking forward to reading more books from Jodi.
The conflict of Taz and Stryder is at the centre of the story, caught in a time loop that's shrinking fast, good enough to make reader's heart beat go even faster. Every now and then while reading the book, just when I thought that Jodi had hit the peak of her story and thought it couldn't be kept at the level, she proved me wrong and kept creating new peaks. Truly an extraordinary story created with characters who seem so real as though they are part of your friend circle!
The range of genres this book expands to is simply outstanding. This book is highly recommended to the readers seeking a page turner in romance, mystery, fantasy, or time travel.
The conflict of Taz and Stryder is at the centre of the story, caught in a time loop that's shrinking fast, good enough to make reader's heart beat go even faster. Every now and then while reading the book, just when I thought that Jodi had hit the peak of her story and thought it couldn't be kept at the level, she proved me wrong and kept creating new peaks. Truly an extraordinary story created with characters who seem so real as though they are part of your friend circle!
The range of genres this book expands to is simply outstanding. This book is highly recommended to the readers seeking a page turner in romance, mystery, fantasy, or time travel.
November 23, 2014
I was able to read this book as a Beta reader. I couldn't put the book down. I finished to book in 3 days and it would have been faster if I didn't have kids. The plot is very fresh and new. The characters come to life as soon as you start reading and you will find yourself rooting for them to find the answers. This book will make you laugh and want to cry. This a book was written for young adults but anyone would love this story. I'm excited to read more books from this series.
April 14, 2019
Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review and that’s what the review is going to be – honest. And like any of my other reviews, I’ll keep it completely spoiler-free.
Introduction
We do not possess imagination enough to sense what we are missing.
- Jean Toomer
Every chapter in the book begins with a quote, and the above is from the third chapter. Before getting into the rest of the review, I have to say the quotes at the beginning of each chapter are perfect for what the chapter includes. I couldn’t have picked out more appropriate sayings which, apart from being apt, are also beautiful, fun, profound, interesting while also being concise all at the same time.
The reason I chose to begin my review with the above quote is that after I had finished reading the novel, I realized that I too had no idea of what I was missing. There is no way in hell I could ever predict what Chasing Echoes would be like. There are times when you pick up a book, look at the cover, read the blurb and try to guess what the book will be about. Sometimes your prediction is close. Sometimes after you’re a little into the book, you think “huh, this is a little different from what I was expecting.”
And occasionally, after you’ve put down the book after turning the last page, you realize how wrong you were and how content you are that not only did it meet your expectations; it was so much better than you could have guessed. This is what Chasing Echoes was like. Wildly entertaining and absolutely fantastic storytelling and character development. I recommend it to everyone.
Plot
Taz Aevos, our protagonist, can make things fall. She’s also an inherently good person. She cares about people and she loves her sisters more than anything. Her three sisters also have random powers but I won’t spoil the mystery by talking about them; they are supposed to be secrets. No one knows about what the Aevos sisters can do, not even their parents.
What you do need to know, however, is that Taz thinks that her power is the most useless one compared to what her sisters can do. What could she ever accomplish by making things fall?
Stryder Black is a bad guy. He does awful things, harms people and doesn’t care about anyone. On the New Year’s Eve, Stryder executes a wicked joke which enrages Taz, provoking her to use her powers. But everything has repercussions and someone has resolved to teach Stryder a lesson by putting a curse on him because of which he is forced to relive the same twenty days of his life over and over. After Stryder is deep into his curse and desperate to evade it, he turns to Taz for help. Taz who loathes him.
Unintentionally, Stryder drags Taz into the curse with him. So now, they’re both stuck in the loop. And if that wasn’t terrible enough, now the loop is SHRINKING. WHAT?!?!
Also, Stryder is hiding a secret. It must be dark because he is never willing to talk about it. But that same secret could also be their key to escaping their doom.
Will he be able to face his deepest secrets and make amends for them? What will pull them out? And will they escape the loop in time?
The plot is incredibly well written; I was astonished by how wonderfully it all fit together. It’s a story about how one can do anything for their loved ones. It’s also about how every decision you make affects everything and how one can change their ways, no matter how far gone they think they are.
Characters
The characters were my favorite part of Chasing Echoes. They are remarkably realistic. They act like actual people and make rational decisions. The conversations are also realistic and well written.
What’s undoubtedly the finest thing about the characters in Chasing Echoes is character development. There was background information about most of the characters and that information wasn’t dumped on the readers; they were built up. The character development wasn’t forced either. Since the moment each character was introduced, there was a lot of room for them to grow. The growth was natural, and it was a joy to see how they evolved.
Conclusion
You already know that I’ve truly enjoyed reading Chasing Echoes. I appreciated everything about it. The plot was gripping. The prose was remarkably well written, and it all flowed together like a charm. The characters were realistic and made the whole thing feel as real as possible. It was hard to believe that Chasing Echoes is the debut novel of the author, Jodi Perkins simply because of how wonderful it was. I loved reading it and felt a lot of emotions along the way – I smiled, laughed, and it also managed to move me to tears a few times.
I thank Jodi Perkins and Booktasters for giving me the opportunity to read Chasing Echoes. I recommend it to everyone. I’ll surely have an eye out for the future books by Jodi Perkins.
Thank you for reading.
Have a great day!
April 2, 2015
Chasing Echoes had me at its first line- "it all started because of a RAT". I had no idea what to expect reading that first line, but I knew for sure I was in for a great ride on the fantasy train. And I wasn't disappointed.
I loved that Chasing Echoes focused on a ingenious story-line, exploring a genre of the fantastical world that hasn't been written to death. And not just that, the humor and catfights between the MCs Taz and Stryder had me laughing times without number it is hard to pick a favorite line or scene. I guess that shouldn't be surprising given the first line of the book, but we all know a couple of books that started off on a great note and fell into that movement-inhibiting muddy middle. The author handled time-turning very well, so much it never felt repetitive (there were always new twists and turns!) and the plot didn't slow down at any point.
This book also deserves an extra star for the character development (so much that- without giving away spoilers- one of my most-hated characters at the beginning became one of my favorites)! And given that it's a book told from more than one-point-of-view, I was thrilled I could tell Taz and Stryder simply by their distinct voices. Which is a good thing I always love in novels.
If you want a "present-day" fantasy novel with quirky characters and witty-without-being-annoying conversations, not to mention an original plot, definitely get this!
Now counting down to the next book (CHASING LILIES)!
I loved that Chasing Echoes focused on a ingenious story-line, exploring a genre of the fantastical world that hasn't been written to death. And not just that, the humor and catfights between the MCs Taz and Stryder had me laughing times without number it is hard to pick a favorite line or scene. I guess that shouldn't be surprising given the first line of the book, but we all know a couple of books that started off on a great note and fell into that movement-inhibiting muddy middle. The author handled time-turning very well, so much it never felt repetitive (there were always new twists and turns!) and the plot didn't slow down at any point.
This book also deserves an extra star for the character development (so much that- without giving away spoilers- one of my most-hated characters at the beginning became one of my favorites)! And given that it's a book told from more than one-point-of-view, I was thrilled I could tell Taz and Stryder simply by their distinct voices. Which is a good thing I always love in novels.
If you want a "present-day" fantasy novel with quirky characters and witty-without-being-annoying conversations, not to mention an original plot, definitely get this!
Now counting down to the next book (CHASING LILIES)!
February 22, 2015
Chasing Echoes by Jodi Perkins was an exciting paranormal romance that I really couldn't put down. Written in a sweet, engaging style, there was fun, action, plenty of drama, beautiful descriptions and a story-line that kept me guessing throughout.
The characters developed nicely as the tale progressed with a nice development of tension which kept me reading through the wee small hours of the morning.
This book is suitable for all lovers of fantasy/supernatural suspense. I'll be looking for the next book from this author!
The characters developed nicely as the tale progressed with a nice development of tension which kept me reading through the wee small hours of the morning.
This book is suitable for all lovers of fantasy/supernatural suspense. I'll be looking for the next book from this author!
July 6, 2020
I don't usually read YA but the cover caught my eye so I took a chance and it was a good read. I loved the time-loop plot and quest for redemption and even reliving the same days, the story wasnt repetitive. The sisters are intriguing and I enjoyed the supernatural elements too.
May 18, 2020
Fantastic!
I was completely enthralled into this story. I love the world building and phenomenal character development. The characters were so deep and fleshed out and I loved all of them. I really enjoyed the hopeful ending as well. This book has great pacing and suspense. I can't believe I got this book for free as its worth so much more. I am now definitely a fan of this author's and can't wait to read the next installment.
I was completely enthralled into this story. I love the world building and phenomenal character development. The characters were so deep and fleshed out and I loved all of them. I really enjoyed the hopeful ending as well. This book has great pacing and suspense. I can't believe I got this book for free as its worth so much more. I am now definitely a fan of this author's and can't wait to read the next installment.
April 15, 2017
What a great, wonderful, unique and fascinating story! I had a blast reading this! The opening chapter pulled me in immediately and I'm happy to say that it only got better from there on.
The writing was wonderful, the pacing perfect, it just flowed and everything sounded natural. The characters, especially the main MCs - Topaz, Taz for short, and Stryder - were interesting and likeable. Taz was easy to like from the beginning, she was strong, honest and caring. Stryder came across as a not so nice person in the first chapters but the moment it switched to his POV I could instantly sympathize with him. And he only got more wonderful during the book! :) The supporting characters were great, too. Taz's sisters all had distinct personalities and voices. The romance between Taz and Ryder developed slowly and naturally and at the end I totally believed that they were in love.
The plot idea about a time loop, one that I haven't read about yet, was cool, new and fascinating! I loved that all the little things that were hinted at throughout the book came together and made sense in the end. The story managed to surprise and delight me again and again! There were lots of small clever details that enriched the story like the thing with the RAT (read the book if you want to know why I wrote this in capital letters!). Lots of things also pointed to what Taz really was but for some reason I didn't put it together until it was revealed and then I was like "Why didn't I think of that?!?". I loved the intelligent way in which this book was written! Brilliantly done!
I adored this book and was really disappointed that I couldn't find any other books by Ms. Perkins. I'm also amazed because this means it was her first book. At least I found out that she plans to write books for Taz's sisters, too. I can't wait because there was a plotline in the story that wasn't completely resolved and I'm dying to find out. Oh, and one last thing: I love the beautiful cover! The leaves and the clocktower are part of the actual story and Taz's hair looks exactly like it's described in the book. :)
The writing was wonderful, the pacing perfect, it just flowed and everything sounded natural. The characters, especially the main MCs - Topaz, Taz for short, and Stryder - were interesting and likeable. Taz was easy to like from the beginning, she was strong, honest and caring. Stryder came across as a not so nice person in the first chapters but the moment it switched to his POV I could instantly sympathize with him. And he only got more wonderful during the book! :) The supporting characters were great, too. Taz's sisters all had distinct personalities and voices. The romance between Taz and Ryder developed slowly and naturally and at the end I totally believed that they were in love.
The plot idea about a time loop, one that I haven't read about yet, was cool, new and fascinating! I loved that all the little things that were hinted at throughout the book came together and made sense in the end. The story managed to surprise and delight me again and again! There were lots of small clever details that enriched the story like the thing with the RAT (read the book if you want to know why I wrote this in capital letters!). Lots of things also pointed to what Taz really was but for some reason I didn't put it together until it was revealed and then I was like "Why didn't I think of that?!?". I loved the intelligent way in which this book was written! Brilliantly done!
I adored this book and was really disappointed that I couldn't find any other books by Ms. Perkins. I'm also amazed because this means it was her first book. At least I found out that she plans to write books for Taz's sisters, too. I can't wait because there was a plotline in the story that wasn't completely resolved and I'm dying to find out. Oh, and one last thing: I love the beautiful cover! The leaves and the clocktower are part of the actual story and Taz's hair looks exactly like it's described in the book. :)
September 16, 2016
I have a confession to make, I’m absolutely terrible at remembering names. Character names in books as well as people I meet in real life. It usually takes me a long time to remember a name, unless a person makes a significant impression on me. So, when I woke up the next morning after reading the first chapter of Chasing Echoes and thought about how much I wanted to read more about Taz and Stryder, I knew it was something special!
Taz is a teenage girl with three sisters who all share a special secret. When one of her younger sisters is tricked into a vicious prank in front of everyone at a school dance, Taz takes vengeance on the student body in an unexpected way.
It turns out Taz has a history with Stryder, the guy who pulled the prank. It isn’t the first time he’s done something to hurt someone in her family, but Taz is determined it’ll be the last. Unbeknownst to her, however, as punishment for his devilish ways, Stryder gets cursed with repeating the same days over and over again until he can change.
Desperate to mend his ways and free himself from the curse, Stryder seeks to right things, but inadvertently pulls Taz into the time loop with him.
My favorite thing about this book is how well the author kept track of all the different time loops. Even though certain events repeated, everything was fresh each time so I never knew what to expect, and I only wanted to keep turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. Not only that, but the time loop kept shrinking, and the pace increased with such intensity I couldn’t put it down! Nothing about this book was predictable.
The characters are all incredibly well crafted. Each chapter peels back another layer, revealing more of the characters’ past to satisfy intrigue and understand motivation while simultaneously creating more suspense. It’s a tough line to walk, but this author does it with perfection!
Everything is wrapped up by the end of the book in a breathlessly thrilling climax, while still leaving the reader wanting more of this vivid, magical world these characters live in. I definitely enjoyed this book and will be anxiously waiting more from Jodi Perkins!
Taz is a teenage girl with three sisters who all share a special secret. When one of her younger sisters is tricked into a vicious prank in front of everyone at a school dance, Taz takes vengeance on the student body in an unexpected way.
It turns out Taz has a history with Stryder, the guy who pulled the prank. It isn’t the first time he’s done something to hurt someone in her family, but Taz is determined it’ll be the last. Unbeknownst to her, however, as punishment for his devilish ways, Stryder gets cursed with repeating the same days over and over again until he can change.
Desperate to mend his ways and free himself from the curse, Stryder seeks to right things, but inadvertently pulls Taz into the time loop with him.
My favorite thing about this book is how well the author kept track of all the different time loops. Even though certain events repeated, everything was fresh each time so I never knew what to expect, and I only wanted to keep turning pages to find out what was going to happen next. Not only that, but the time loop kept shrinking, and the pace increased with such intensity I couldn’t put it down! Nothing about this book was predictable.
The characters are all incredibly well crafted. Each chapter peels back another layer, revealing more of the characters’ past to satisfy intrigue and understand motivation while simultaneously creating more suspense. It’s a tough line to walk, but this author does it with perfection!
Everything is wrapped up by the end of the book in a breathlessly thrilling climax, while still leaving the reader wanting more of this vivid, magical world these characters live in. I definitely enjoyed this book and will be anxiously waiting more from Jodi Perkins!
December 11, 2016
This is one of those books that leaves a lingering feeling of emptiness once it's over. You know, the one that's so addicting that the moment it's over all you can do is huddle up in the fetal position and mentally screech "WHY!" until you can compose yourself and accept the fact that it really is over.
One of the first things that jumps out is the characters- some books hook you with the plot, some with the writing-style, this one definitely gets you with the characters.
Unlike some books where you read it simply because of the story itself, the characters are so lovable and relatable that you almost don't care what they're doing as long as you get to read about it; but that's not to say I didn't enjoy their misadventure into their own folly.
More on that note, the story takes so many twists and turns that tug at the heart strings and compells the finger's primal urge to flip another page- and it doesn't help either that the chapters shrink with the time-loop.
What Mrs. Perkins did here is she made sure that the reader felt the time difference by shrinking the chapters whenever Taz and Stryder's day got shorter; for someone who doesn't know when to put a good book down this was my Cryptonite because upon reaching a certain point in the story, all you want to do is follow them through each short little loop of time that takes less and less time to read (and creates the illusion that reading the second half of the book in one sitting isn't much reading at all lol).
The humor was so perfectly spot-on and the MC's as well as a surprising array of side characters all had an ocean of depth that brought them to life.
This was a fantastic read that will stay engraved in my memory for years to come.
One of the first things that jumps out is the characters- some books hook you with the plot, some with the writing-style, this one definitely gets you with the characters.
Unlike some books where you read it simply because of the story itself, the characters are so lovable and relatable that you almost don't care what they're doing as long as you get to read about it; but that's not to say I didn't enjoy their misadventure into their own folly.
More on that note, the story takes so many twists and turns that tug at the heart strings and compells the finger's primal urge to flip another page- and it doesn't help either that the chapters shrink with the time-loop.
What Mrs. Perkins did here is she made sure that the reader felt the time difference by shrinking the chapters whenever Taz and Stryder's day got shorter; for someone who doesn't know when to put a good book down this was my Cryptonite because upon reaching a certain point in the story, all you want to do is follow them through each short little loop of time that takes less and less time to read (and creates the illusion that reading the second half of the book in one sitting isn't much reading at all lol).
The humor was so perfectly spot-on and the MC's as well as a surprising array of side characters all had an ocean of depth that brought them to life.
This was a fantastic read that will stay engraved in my memory for years to come.
March 6, 2016
This is one of those books that makes you feel like you really know the heroine. She is the girl you've known your whole life and loved without ever saying a word for fear you'd lose her. Taz has this way of bringing about the best in people (as a reader too), even the brooding hero, whom I really just wished she'd kick in the nuts, repeatedly. By the end I get it and I got Stryder a lot better. He's not so bad. :P
I'm a fantasy and horror guy. I'm also a secret sucker for a good romance. In fact, everything I write has a strong romantic storyline in it. Without spoilers I will say that this story hits my love of magic and mystery and has one of those very rare and truly satisfying endings this is gripping, and has you on the edge of your seat. I usually shy away from anything that involves time travel or manipulation, but I love the way it works here. I'm truly impressed that Jodi could keep each cycle new and interesting, remembering every little detail and allowing you the reader to truly immerse in her magic system with complete believability. That's very important in paranormal and fantasy.
I love this book. I love this author. I can't wait for more.
I'm a fantasy and horror guy. I'm also a secret sucker for a good romance. In fact, everything I write has a strong romantic storyline in it. Without spoilers I will say that this story hits my love of magic and mystery and has one of those very rare and truly satisfying endings this is gripping, and has you on the edge of your seat. I usually shy away from anything that involves time travel or manipulation, but I love the way it works here. I'm truly impressed that Jodi could keep each cycle new and interesting, remembering every little detail and allowing you the reader to truly immerse in her magic system with complete believability. That's very important in paranormal and fantasy.
I love this book. I love this author. I can't wait for more.
February 1, 2015
This book literally gave me shivers. It's such a new and unheard of plot for a series, and I fell in love with the characters. Stryder is harboring this dark secret, that he kills himself with guilt over ceaselessly, and Taz has these extraordinary powers that she views as explicitly UN-extraordinary. It switches back and forth between there point of views, so you see the things both of them struggle with day in and day out as there time loop shrinks slowly down to nothing. Going through all the pain and love with these characters, you really connect with them. I can't even describe how excited I am for the next three books in the series to come out. This book is truly amazing, and I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone who loves a good paranormal romance with a fresh new spin.
January 7, 2015
Can't wait for the next installment!
I rarely give books 5 stars but I think Chasing Echoes deserves it. This story was well-written, thought provoking and hard to put down! Can't wait to see what's next.
I rarely give books 5 stars but I think Chasing Echoes deserves it. This story was well-written, thought provoking and hard to put down! Can't wait to see what's next.
February 3, 2019
A Journey Through The Time Loop: A Review of Chasing Echoes by Jodi Perkins
My rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
First of all, thank you to Booktaster and the author for providing me an e-copy in exchange of an honest review.
Chasing Echoes by Jodie Perkins is an interesting tale about these two high school enemies, Taz and Stryder who were both caught up in a “curse” where both of our main characters got sucked into a journey through the time loop where they had to repeat their days until they found a solution to break the curse. However, there is only one problem – the time loop was shrinking every time they loop back through time. Would they manage to find the right solution to break the curse?
I am ever so glad that I chose this book for my next read. I am almost fall to my book slump episodes, but then this book kind of reach out its hand and save me from my doom. Okay, that sounds weird, forget I said anything at all.
I seriously didn’t know how to write this review to fully express my love for this book. I just love everything about it. And if I must say, Jodi Perkins has quickly won my heart over this one. But, here we go.
To be honest, initially, I thought I wouldn’t like this book, and rather, I thought it will be confusing. However, I was wrong. Right from the first line of the book, I was already sold.
Filled with humors, conflicts, oneself discovery, and of course, a little touch of magic, this book is fantastically magical.
The plot is simple, refreshing and really well thought out. And in addition to it, the narration is tip top. It was so easy to get into and it was really entertaining. At first, I thought it would be tedious to read the time rewind thing, but again, I was being slapped hard on my face by my own thoughts. It was not tedious at all. Instead, each chapter brings you a new element of excitements, adventures and discoveries.
Besides, the characters were so cute, lovely and greatly invested. Over the time, you get to see their well-development and the exciting part of it, the characters seems so real. Not to mention, the family aspects between Taz and her sisters, her family as a whole; the hot and cold relationship between Taz and Stryder are very nice to read. I’m so fond of these characters that I don’t want to stop reading it. And I’m looking forward for the next installment of this book and definitely will stand by it till the end.
Overall, the book is an interesting read. I enjoyed it immensely and I love it so much. If you want something light, yet thrilled you with excitements and anticipations, then I can’t recommend this outstanding book enough.
My rating: 4.5 / 5 stars
First of all, thank you to Booktaster and the author for providing me an e-copy in exchange of an honest review.
Chasing Echoes by Jodie Perkins is an interesting tale about these two high school enemies, Taz and Stryder who were both caught up in a “curse” where both of our main characters got sucked into a journey through the time loop where they had to repeat their days until they found a solution to break the curse. However, there is only one problem – the time loop was shrinking every time they loop back through time. Would they manage to find the right solution to break the curse?
I am ever so glad that I chose this book for my next read. I am almost fall to my book slump episodes, but then this book kind of reach out its hand and save me from my doom. Okay, that sounds weird, forget I said anything at all.
I seriously didn’t know how to write this review to fully express my love for this book. I just love everything about it. And if I must say, Jodi Perkins has quickly won my heart over this one. But, here we go.
To be honest, initially, I thought I wouldn’t like this book, and rather, I thought it will be confusing. However, I was wrong. Right from the first line of the book, I was already sold.
Filled with humors, conflicts, oneself discovery, and of course, a little touch of magic, this book is fantastically magical.
The plot is simple, refreshing and really well thought out. And in addition to it, the narration is tip top. It was so easy to get into and it was really entertaining. At first, I thought it would be tedious to read the time rewind thing, but again, I was being slapped hard on my face by my own thoughts. It was not tedious at all. Instead, each chapter brings you a new element of excitements, adventures and discoveries.
Besides, the characters were so cute, lovely and greatly invested. Over the time, you get to see their well-development and the exciting part of it, the characters seems so real. Not to mention, the family aspects between Taz and her sisters, her family as a whole; the hot and cold relationship between Taz and Stryder are very nice to read. I’m so fond of these characters that I don’t want to stop reading it. And I’m looking forward for the next installment of this book and definitely will stand by it till the end.
Overall, the book is an interesting read. I enjoyed it immensely and I love it so much. If you want something light, yet thrilled you with excitements and anticipations, then I can’t recommend this outstanding book enough.
April 19, 2019
Early on, Jodi Perkins sets the tone for “Chasing Echoes” as Topaz—Taz for short—starts to lay things out, “It all starts because of a rat.” With relatable characters that will have you laughing, awing, and rooting all the way to the end, Perkins has set the bar high for both young adult and urban fantasy books.
Perkins’ story is the youthful misadventures of Stryder Black, bully and emotionally disgruntled teenage boy, and Topaz Aevos, the semi-average girl with some pretty interesting powers. They’ve known each other most of their lives, but they haven’t really known each other—being more or less aware of the other, but not involved.
Of course, following the “rat incident” things start to take a turn for the weird. Both Taz and Stryder carry around a lot of baggage, not little of it self-inflicted. Perkins adds several layers for all of her characters as strange events start to take place around town, including a very tragic shooting. But when Stryder finds himself “cursed,” and Taz inadvertently joins the curse, they’ll have to work together before they run out of time.
Perkins creates a very believable world with fine attention to detail. The pacing is a little slow in parts, but this musical read is hard to put down. The struggles and obstacles that face Stryder and Taz are emotional, passionate, and well told. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Perkins was able to build to one of my all-time favorite story tropes in such a way that I never saw it coming, and I’m still in awe of the mastery.
In “Chasing Echoes”, Jodi Perkins debuts impressive skill in storytelling built around two interesting and very real characters. Readers will get to see some fascinating depth, as the plot builds to a very satisfying and surprising conclusion.
Perkins’ story is the youthful misadventures of Stryder Black, bully and emotionally disgruntled teenage boy, and Topaz Aevos, the semi-average girl with some pretty interesting powers. They’ve known each other most of their lives, but they haven’t really known each other—being more or less aware of the other, but not involved.
Of course, following the “rat incident” things start to take a turn for the weird. Both Taz and Stryder carry around a lot of baggage, not little of it self-inflicted. Perkins adds several layers for all of her characters as strange events start to take place around town, including a very tragic shooting. But when Stryder finds himself “cursed,” and Taz inadvertently joins the curse, they’ll have to work together before they run out of time.
Perkins creates a very believable world with fine attention to detail. The pacing is a little slow in parts, but this musical read is hard to put down. The struggles and obstacles that face Stryder and Taz are emotional, passionate, and well told. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Perkins was able to build to one of my all-time favorite story tropes in such a way that I never saw it coming, and I’m still in awe of the mastery.
In “Chasing Echoes”, Jodi Perkins debuts impressive skill in storytelling built around two interesting and very real characters. Readers will get to see some fascinating depth, as the plot builds to a very satisfying and surprising conclusion.
April 24, 2019
Chasing Echoes is a fast-paced, riveting read with many unanticipated plot twists and revelations about things that aren’t as they seemed. Although Perkins keeps you so excited and emotionally attached to Taz and Stryder, the fact that the book hides Stryder’s faults and wrongdoings, and them turning out to be not as bad as I anticipated created a sense of disappointment and relief that Stryder didn’t do so many things. Also, the book keeps many of the reasons that people don’t like Stryder a secret and that leaves a sense of mystery that I hope will be fulfilled in Black Lillies. Although I’ve been somewhat harsh on the book up to this point, I would like to point out that just the details about things you wouldn’t know as a normal person is amazing, and the realism behind all of the fantasy and mystical powers and time loops is breathtaking. All the explanation and details for such otherworldly ideas makes you believe that it can literally happen in real life. Overall, the immense anticipation and dramatic action in this book makes you want it to never end. Although the ending is, in a way, sad, it is such a relief to see that everything ended peacefully. In the epilogue, the mysterious event that occurred creates tons of excitement and anticipation for the sequel to come. In conclusion, Chasing Echoes is a hard to put down, riveting read that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.
December 17, 2018
Chasing Echoes is an absolute fun and exciting read! Once I started reading, I never want to put it down until I reach the ending. It has the perfect elements of a must-read Young Adult/Teen Fantasy: the strong but humble heroine, the seemingly bad boy with a past that she's stuck with, a world composed of magic and mystery, and the challenging adventure they must take to save their world. It reminds us of the beautiful, never-ending wonder of the World of Fiction and why we started reading in the first place: to be lost in a world where anyone can be a hero, if only we believe. And a little bit of magic and courage is all it takes to be one!
Topaz (Taz) Aevos is a junior in high school whose only goal is to survive the year unscathed and get the boy he likes to notice her. And she already accomplished the second and almost with the first, but the senior class bullies have another plan for her... Thus, starts the longest January of her life. With Stryder Black (the senior whose been tormenting her since forever) nonetheless. The story is definitely interesting, especially for young readers, and you can't help but wanna know what happens next. Kudos to Ms. Jodi Perkins for a well-thought story line!
It's a light and fast read, and a must for this chill and relaxing Holiday season. However, there are still mysteries in the story that are yet to be solved... So I'm looking forward to the sequel of Chasing Echoes!
Topaz (Taz) Aevos is a junior in high school whose only goal is to survive the year unscathed and get the boy he likes to notice her. And she already accomplished the second and almost with the first, but the senior class bullies have another plan for her... Thus, starts the longest January of her life. With Stryder Black (the senior whose been tormenting her since forever) nonetheless. The story is definitely interesting, especially for young readers, and you can't help but wanna know what happens next. Kudos to Ms. Jodi Perkins for a well-thought story line!
It's a light and fast read, and a must for this chill and relaxing Holiday season. However, there are still mysteries in the story that are yet to be solved... So I'm looking forward to the sequel of Chasing Echoes!
January 30, 2019
One word... Wow!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the characters were interwoven and their chemistry with one another.
Topaz (Taz) has a gift. She can make things fall.
Stryder (Stry) has no gift. He is an arse!
Case in point... The Senior Dance. Stryder asks Krystal, Topaz younger sister, is there with Stryder; much to Taz's dismay.
Stryder drags Krystal on stage and another boy, Lance, who is actually a bigger arse than Stryder, announces that they make a cute couple and they should have their first kiss in front of the school. Krystal puckers up and Stryder holds up a wriggling rat.s
The whole school dance is in hysterics and Krystal is, obviously, mortified.
Taz gets super pissed and focuses her attention on the chandelier. A few seconds later, the chandelier has broken from its fixings and crashes to the floor.
Little does she realise, Stryder has watched her.
Later that night, a figure stands in the shadows of Stryder's porch, waiting for him to arrive.
The figure places a curse on stryder, with a warning for him to change his ways or be cursed with living the same couple of weeks, forever.
But messing around with time, comes with severe consequences that nobody could have predicted.
This book has all he elements that you want in a story.
There is anger, heartbreak, betrayal, fear, death, devastating sadness and of course, the replaying of the exact same high school lessons, day after day.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the way the characters were interwoven and their chemistry with one another.
Topaz (Taz) has a gift. She can make things fall.
Stryder (Stry) has no gift. He is an arse!
Case in point... The Senior Dance. Stryder asks Krystal, Topaz younger sister, is there with Stryder; much to Taz's dismay.
Stryder drags Krystal on stage and another boy, Lance, who is actually a bigger arse than Stryder, announces that they make a cute couple and they should have their first kiss in front of the school. Krystal puckers up and Stryder holds up a wriggling rat.s
The whole school dance is in hysterics and Krystal is, obviously, mortified.
Taz gets super pissed and focuses her attention on the chandelier. A few seconds later, the chandelier has broken from its fixings and crashes to the floor.
Little does she realise, Stryder has watched her.
Later that night, a figure stands in the shadows of Stryder's porch, waiting for him to arrive.
The figure places a curse on stryder, with a warning for him to change his ways or be cursed with living the same couple of weeks, forever.
But messing around with time, comes with severe consequences that nobody could have predicted.
This book has all he elements that you want in a story.
There is anger, heartbreak, betrayal, fear, death, devastating sadness and of course, the replaying of the exact same high school lessons, day after day.
April 24, 2019
This book is a touchdown for a new series that may & actually should be a best settler in my opinion. Chasing Echoes is a must read for anyone who loves romance-genre and even a good mystery read. Unlike the many romantic books on stock, the characters aren’t in “insta-love” but instead slowly start to care for each other as the story progresses over time. It also has a good plot that is actually new to me, which got me hooked. There may be some edits here or there, no spoilers, but overall, the series should continue on until all the mysteries of the book are answered. I even think the author should write more books & series after she has finished this one. This book shows that she loves what she’s doing & she also shows talent on it. Just, no pressure. Ok?
I heard Perkins is going to release the second book at the summer of 2019. According to her blog she also has the third book already plotted out. I’m really hyped & I hope she can finish the series & hopefully continue on her writing career. Jodi Perkins, I wish you good luck on the series & any future books & ideas in your head cause they may be better than any book this generation has brought us & will bring us.
(I also feel like this book deserves a movie for its great plot & creativity, doesn’t it?)
I heard Perkins is going to release the second book at the summer of 2019. According to her blog she also has the third book already plotted out. I’m really hyped & I hope she can finish the series & hopefully continue on her writing career. Jodi Perkins, I wish you good luck on the series & any future books & ideas in your head cause they may be better than any book this generation has brought us & will bring us.
(I also feel like this book deserves a movie for its great plot & creativity, doesn’t it?)
June 30, 2019
I wasn't exactly sure what to expect from this book but from the blurb alone it caught me.
I really like the style of the book, the alternative POV narratives makes it easy to read and also allows you to really get inside the head of the two main characters.
Topaz, one of the lead characters, really has a good twist to her character, I loved the fact when you're introduced to the story you think it's about a normal girl with a normal family but oh wait they have powers... WHAT! This really made it interesting to read more because once more and more things get unfolded the more it makes sense.
The story is quite intriguing as it really goes into dealing with the consequences of your actions but in a Groundhog day style which I quite enjoyed because as the characters are teenagers you expect them to react in a certain way and they do - if that redoing that same boring class that you wished was over a thousand times or just thinking do I really have to do this again.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the depth to the characters aswell as the twists and turns to the story takes make it an interesting read and something a bit different from your classic YA romance fantasy novel.
I really like the style of the book, the alternative POV narratives makes it easy to read and also allows you to really get inside the head of the two main characters.
Topaz, one of the lead characters, really has a good twist to her character, I loved the fact when you're introduced to the story you think it's about a normal girl with a normal family but oh wait they have powers... WHAT! This really made it interesting to read more because once more and more things get unfolded the more it makes sense.
The story is quite intriguing as it really goes into dealing with the consequences of your actions but in a Groundhog day style which I quite enjoyed because as the characters are teenagers you expect them to react in a certain way and they do - if that redoing that same boring class that you wished was over a thousand times or just thinking do I really have to do this again.
Overall I enjoyed the book, the depth to the characters aswell as the twists and turns to the story takes make it an interesting read and something a bit different from your classic YA romance fantasy novel.
January 22, 2019
So it took me a while to start reading this book but once i actually started, i couldn't put it down!
Taz is a typical high school student, with typical high school problems. As her journey progresses, we learn she has a special ability, and of course, she is not the only one. Stryder is her enemy and together, they are trapped in a shrinking time loop together. I swear i could actually time loop shrinking! There's so many secrets, revelations and sub-plots, and a hell of a plot twist but the entire novel just flowed so beautifully.
I loved a lot of things about this book. It was the perfect mix of humor and nerve racking tension. I'm laughing at one scene and the next thing, I'm tense on the edge of my seat. The characters were totally relatable, mostly. The plot was super engaging as well. This novel is beautifully written and fascinating from start to finish.
Many thanks to BookTasters and Jodi Perkins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Taz is a typical high school student, with typical high school problems. As her journey progresses, we learn she has a special ability, and of course, she is not the only one. Stryder is her enemy and together, they are trapped in a shrinking time loop together. I swear i could actually time loop shrinking! There's so many secrets, revelations and sub-plots, and a hell of a plot twist but the entire novel just flowed so beautifully.
I loved a lot of things about this book. It was the perfect mix of humor and nerve racking tension. I'm laughing at one scene and the next thing, I'm tense on the edge of my seat. The characters were totally relatable, mostly. The plot was super engaging as well. This novel is beautifully written and fascinating from start to finish.
Many thanks to BookTasters and Jodi Perkins for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2019
I'd like to thank Booktasters and Jodi Perkins for the opportunity in reading this splendid story. From the first chapter to the last, I could not put the book (or my phone in the case) down I was so immersed in the story, plot, and likable and complex characters.
Chasing Echoes tells the story of Taz and Stryder and how a cruel prank that he played on her youngest sister resulted in a curse that he can break only if he changes his ways. Forced to keep reliving January 1st to the 21st in a time loop, he ends up pulling Taz into the curse with him. Now they both have to break the curse. However, with each loop, the time shortens, leaving echoes of the previous timeline. As the story coursed to its thrilling conclusion, I was on the edge of my seat as Taz and Stryder struggled to break the curse and change the outcome of a tragedy; growing closer along the way. In the end, I was so enthralled by this story and well-written characters that I didn't want it to end.
From the dialogue and descriptions, this story captured my imagination from start to finish. Also, a nod to the author for her seamless switch in narration for the protagonists. The chapters for Taz were in first person narration and the chapters for Stryder were in third-person narration. Overall, Chasing Echoes was a joy to read. I recommend adding it to your book collection. It's that good.
Chasing Echoes tells the story of Taz and Stryder and how a cruel prank that he played on her youngest sister resulted in a curse that he can break only if he changes his ways. Forced to keep reliving January 1st to the 21st in a time loop, he ends up pulling Taz into the curse with him. Now they both have to break the curse. However, with each loop, the time shortens, leaving echoes of the previous timeline. As the story coursed to its thrilling conclusion, I was on the edge of my seat as Taz and Stryder struggled to break the curse and change the outcome of a tragedy; growing closer along the way. In the end, I was so enthralled by this story and well-written characters that I didn't want it to end.
From the dialogue and descriptions, this story captured my imagination from start to finish. Also, a nod to the author for her seamless switch in narration for the protagonists. The chapters for Taz were in first person narration and the chapters for Stryder were in third-person narration. Overall, Chasing Echoes was a joy to read. I recommend adding it to your book collection. It's that good.
December 27, 2018
Amazing. Incredible. Stunning. Fascinating. Unbelievable. Beautiful.
When I first read the first chapter of the story, I was already engaged with it. It had totally captured my attention and triggered my curiosity to knew what happened in the next chapter. Chasing Echoes was beautifully written by the author. The way the plots were written was definitely incredible and neat. The author had also done a great job in introduced and described all the amazing characters in the story. She also includes some sense of humor in it which I think was acceptable and suitable for the storyline (I laughed hard at some of the funny dialogues). In conclusion, this book was definitely captivating (and all the words on the top that I used to describe it) and I definitely, totally recommended this book for you to read and have on your bookshelves.
When I first read the first chapter of the story, I was already engaged with it. It had totally captured my attention and triggered my curiosity to knew what happened in the next chapter. Chasing Echoes was beautifully written by the author. The way the plots were written was definitely incredible and neat. The author had also done a great job in introduced and described all the amazing characters in the story. She also includes some sense of humor in it which I think was acceptable and suitable for the storyline (I laughed hard at some of the funny dialogues). In conclusion, this book was definitely captivating (and all the words on the top that I used to describe it) and I definitely, totally recommended this book for you to read and have on your bookshelves.
February 26, 2019
Time travel will always be one of my favorite tropes and this book puts a clever and exciting twist to it. It doesn't go hard into science fiction but that's what makes it better because laced with fantasy and elements of suspense, this otherwise modern romantic tale transformed into a distinct and engaging story filled with intrigue and hilarity.
I honestly expected a light and sweet romantic narrative but this novel took my emotions on a roller-coaster ride. The book may be targeted for young adults but people of all ages should be able to enjoy it. The suspense of what would ultimately solve the curse amidst their shrinking time loop kept me ceaselessly curious that I ended up reading it in one go. It was an absolute page-turner.
From the title alone, I just knew I'd love this novel. I was always drawn to book titles with seemingly cryptic connotations and I was glad to discover I was right. I also really liked the alternating POV's of the leads in every chapter. It makes the reading a more immersive experience as we get to peak into their thoughts and easily connect to their sentiments.
Looking forward to the next installments of the series especially Phee's! I’m sure it would be interesting to see what kind of guy will be able to tame the fiery lass.
I honestly expected a light and sweet romantic narrative but this novel took my emotions on a roller-coaster ride. The book may be targeted for young adults but people of all ages should be able to enjoy it. The suspense of what would ultimately solve the curse amidst their shrinking time loop kept me ceaselessly curious that I ended up reading it in one go. It was an absolute page-turner.
From the title alone, I just knew I'd love this novel. I was always drawn to book titles with seemingly cryptic connotations and I was glad to discover I was right. I also really liked the alternating POV's of the leads in every chapter. It makes the reading a more immersive experience as we get to peak into their thoughts and easily connect to their sentiments.
Looking forward to the next installments of the series especially Phee's! I’m sure it would be interesting to see what kind of guy will be able to tame the fiery lass.
December 16, 2018
While reading Chasing Echoes, I went through a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, love, suspense, sympathy and awe are some examples. The storyline progresses smoothly with no loopholes, so there are no unanswered questions. Through Taz Aevos and other protagonists we learn the importance of righting any wrongs we’ve done to others, solving our problems instead of ignoring them and in general the need to evolve in a better person.
Character development is evident and I could easily put myself in their place, understanding their struggles and thoughts and the plot twists keep you wanting to read the whole book in a single day! All in all I would recommend this novel to everyone that loves romance, supernatural, suspense and a fantastically written story full of unexpected surprises.
Thank you, Jodi Perkins and Silverhand Press for this amazing work that I will gladly read more than once. Can’t wait for the next one!
Character development is evident and I could easily put myself in their place, understanding their struggles and thoughts and the plot twists keep you wanting to read the whole book in a single day! All in all I would recommend this novel to everyone that loves romance, supernatural, suspense and a fantastically written story full of unexpected surprises.
Thank you, Jodi Perkins and Silverhand Press for this amazing work that I will gladly read more than once. Can’t wait for the next one!
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