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Echo #1

Echo Among Stars

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Would you risk everything you thought you knew about yourself if it meant saving everyone you love?

Sixteen-year-old Eden Huntleigh and her family live within the district of Empyrean. Under the rule of The Renegades, and their tyrant leader Cesar, every aspect of life is controlled. Streets are patrolled by humanoid Enforcers. Necessities are rationed. Disobedience is not tolerated.

When Eden receives an omen, and joins a group of Rebels led by the alluring Leo Dillon, her life begins to unravel.

Just as the Rebels are beginning to understand what they are capable of Cesar has kidnapped their families forcing them to strike before they are ready. Once inside the Empyrean palace they discover the horror of what they are truly facing. Does Eden have what it takes to be the legend she was destined to be? Ready or not she's about to find out..

219 pages, ebook

First published February 25, 2015

144 people are currently reading
1288 people want to read

About the author

JoAnna S. Morris

4 books183 followers
JoAnna S. Morris was born in sunny California and raised, worlds apart, in good ol' Oklahoma, USA.
She's been absorbed in words since she can remember. From journal entries, to the hundreds of screenplays-mostly of the horror variety-hidden deep somewhere in her mothers storage, she's been writing from the moment she could hold a pen.
With encouragement from her husband Nathan and their two children, Lyndsey and Noah, she decided to take the plunge and pursue the dream that's always haunted her.
Some of her favorite things include her family, Brad Pitt, movies, Justin Timberlake, reading and writing, music, laughing until her sides ache, painting, and Channing Tatum.

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5 stars
72 (29%)
4 stars
52 (21%)
3 stars
64 (26%)
2 stars
26 (10%)
1 star
29 (11%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Profile Image for Sarah Elizabeth.
5,002 reviews1,411 followers
October 23, 2015
(Source: I received digital copy of this book for free on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to author JoAnna S. Morris.)

This was an okay YA sci-fi story, but I didn’t love it. I found the start of the book quite info-heavy, and the main character came across as a little naïve. I did appreciate that the book was quite short, but I wasn’t expecting the cliff-hanger ending.



6 out of 10
15 reviews
February 12, 2015
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book grabbed my attention from the very beginning. The excitement and anxiety starts in the first chapter, which I really appreciate in a book! I was instantly rooting for Eden and just love the way her character evolves. The author does a fantastic job of making you truly care about all of the side characters, who all really play huge parts in the overall story. I am sooo looking forward to the second installment!
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews127 followers
Want to read
May 13, 2019
🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (5/13/2019)! 🎁
Profile Image for Abi.
1,998 reviews663 followers
October 22, 2015
(I received a copy from the author, In exchange for an honest review.)

Eden was an okay character, but I didn't warm to her enough to love her.

The pacing in this one was quite weird for me. I was getting through the book pretty quickly, but at the same time, it felt like quite a slow read.
The stroryline itself wasn't bad, but it did lose my interest a few times.

Overall, An okay read.
Profile Image for Joanne.
245 reviews5 followers
August 28, 2018
This is the worst book I have ever read in terms of writing, characters, romance, story - literally anything that matters. I didn't actually read 60-90% but I barely missed anything and the ending was shit so I didn't feel any inclination to go back.

Seriously just don't bother with this. I can't believe this ever got published and there were so many grammatical/sentence errors that I doubt it was edited
Profile Image for T.S. Arthur.
Author 14 books29 followers
June 26, 2015
A fresh look at a dystopian classic scenario, Echo Among Stars follows Eden as she learns the meaning behind a strange necklace and a mysterious connection to the past. Upon invitation to a secret society, she battles for changes in her world, but will she succeed?

This book was incredibly entertaining and very gripping. Within pages I was hooked into the story, enjoying the piecemeal way I learned of the Renegades and their mission alongside Eden, Jude and Millie. Morris has a new twist on the traditional dystopian concept of oppressive society, throwing a magical element into the mix. This is a clever move and really makes for engaging story telling.

Eden as a lead character is very entertaining. She is a tad dramatic and prone to exaggeration at times, but she is also a very insightful character at the same time. In contrast to Leo, she works brilliantly, and their connection was most enjoyable to see developing. Phoenix was a rogue, but a loveable one, and Teresa got my back up from the start, clearly I have the same insightful nature as Eden! On the whole though, Morris has created a very diverse and believable selection of characters who all have their own little part to play in plot development.

The story is also very well placed, flowing quite smoothly at a steady pace that leaves you enough time to soak up the events, but doesn't dawdle. That said, there were occasions where I felt some points were over developed and others where time skipped a little too much, however they were not overly noticeable. The only other quibble I'd raise is the need for another quick check for consistency as some characters names were spelt differently and there were some minor typos and tense issues. Though visible, they didn't detract from the story being told.

In conclusion I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It's a super little start to what promises to be a very engaging and exciting series. I am sure it will be one I will continue to enjoy as I add it to my watch list. And just one more thing, I hope you like a good cliff hanger! I sat with my mouth open for a good few minutes thinking what on earth is it ending there for!

*This book was first reviewed on Lily Loves Indie as part of a blog tour, for which an ARC was received in return for an honest review*
Profile Image for Rosie.
24 reviews
May 10, 2018
I started this book because it sounded good. Once I start a book, I'm usually pretty determined to finish it, even if it isn't that great. I made it half way through this book and I just can't keep going. The characters are flat, the plot is slow moving, I just couldn't bring myself to devote any more time to something I really wasn't enjoying. I know other people hate it when you leave a review of a book you didn't finish, but I feel like that's important information for people who are deciding if they want to purchase it. I would not recommend this book.
This is a excerpt from page 52, when I started to think this may not be worth my time:
"What is wrong with you?" My cheeks flush with rage that makes my teeth rattle. Phoenix rolls his eyes at me, which only fuels my anger. "You're such an ass! Do you really think this is our idea of fun? Don't worry Phoenix, you don't have to waste any more of your precious time on us!"

After this dramatic outburst Eden proceeds to sit back down and finish eating, in other words, she does nothing, this isn't the only time something like this happens either. Her and Ainsley don't like each other because they're both girls, vying for the same guy. Eden is self-centered, expecting everyone to accommodate her and make exceptions when they all had to have gone through similar experiences without the help of a best friend and brother at their side, but she lacks the empathy to see that. All of these little things added up to a book that I didn't see the value in finishing.
Profile Image for Amira Zoe .
7 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2016
Eden Huntleigh is a normal girl of 16 years who lives with her family in Empyrian which is ruled by The Renegades and their leader Cesar. Being normal in Empyrian means streets being patrolled by people with a special training that makes them "bots", human beings without any feelings that are more like robots. These humanoid soldiers make sure that no one is disobedient. You don"t make your own choices, your life is planned for you and all necessities are rationed.

One day everything changes for Eden when the heirloom of her grandfather sends her an omen. She, her best friend Millie and her brother Jude find themselves with a group of rebels who want to dispossess Cesar. They have no other choice than join them because in the meanwhile Cesar has kidnapped their families. The rebels try to prepare themselves as good as possible to face Cesar and his troops. But they are not ready for what is awaiting them...

I really enjoyed this enthralling book because the story is awesome and the characters are "real".  You really feel with them and like or dislike a few of them. The solvent writing style is another thing I like a lot.  I couldn't put it out of my hands. It is a must read. And look at the covers layout. Isn't it lovely?
Profile Image for Riley K. .
840 reviews13 followers
March 18, 2015
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I loved reading about Eden Huntleigh. She is a strong female character (the book world needs more of these) that is not afraid to kick butt and take names.

For me the story started off smoothly but towards the end it felt kinda rushed. I still have questions about one of the secondary questions but I guess that can wait until book 2.There were a few grammatical errors that I noticed but it did not take me out of the story. Once I started Echo Among Stars, I could not put it down. The ending of the story left me wanting more. I cannot wait for the sequel to come out.

I will definitely recommend this book to others to read. I give it 4/5 Platypires.

Profile Image for Jessica Zelkovich.
843 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2015
This was a gifted read to me from a much respected author to intrigue me on my hunt for YA books to add to my kiddos' reading list. So good! The world building, the character development, the plot twists and development...this will definitely intrigue the kids (and I can't wait for book 2). In fact I emailed the author to inquire about the next one already. And Everyone needs a friend like Millie...
Ends with a cliffhanger so be warned.
Profile Image for Jessica Zelkovich.
843 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2015
This was a gifted read to me from a much respected author to intrigue me on my hunt for YA books to add to my kiddos' reading list. So good! The world building, the character development, the plot twists and development...this will definitely intrigue the kids (and I can't wait for book 2). In fact I emailed the author to inquire about the next one already. And Everyone needs a friend like Millie...
Ends with a cliffhanger so be warned.
Profile Image for Stephanie Erickson.
Author 33 books304 followers
April 28, 2015
Eden is an endlessly likable heroine! The storyline is unique and very creative, and the world building is vivid as Morris immerses you in her terribly harsh creation. It's a wonderful debut Morris can build on with future titles. Looking forward to reading more from this author!
Profile Image for Rachel.
25 reviews
March 26, 2015
great YA read

Interesting world building, clever character development and plot twists to keep you interested and eager to find out what is coming next.
Profile Image for Lynell Jordan.
46 reviews6 followers
January 5, 2016
I received this as a free copy from the author as a gift (: she thought I would enjoy it and I really did!! I can't wait to get the second one and read it now (:
2 reviews6 followers
March 28, 2016
One of my new favorite authors or dystopia!
Profile Image for K Fray.
Author 6 books11 followers
January 3, 2020
Rating: 2.5* - Almost Worth A Look

As I was sorting through my e-books and making sure they were downloaded onto the Kindle (so that I can just take them out when I'm done finally reading them, and be able to just sort through the 500+ books by the "downloaded" tab) this one decided to open whether I liked it or not.

That being said, I decided that was my sign to start with this one. And...well...it's not overwhelming.

First off, I can clearly tell when the book was written, or at least when it was conceived, just by reading the first chapter. It's another take on the Hunger Games/Divergent/etc variety of story. That's fine; I liked those books and have liked others similar to them. They do tend to fall into pretty extreme categories, but I'm generally willing to give them a try. It took a bit to figure out what the character was talking about; I see now that some of what was mentioned is in the blurb, which of course I didn't remember off the top of my head. Nonetheless, it's all explained fairly quickly, and we get sucked along with the story.

The problem comes with a combination of the pacing and of the plotting of the book. The pacing is incredibly rushed--and the plot is formulaic in a way that makes romance novels look...well, novel. It reads as if the author were given a list like "10 Plot Points You Won't Want To Forget In Your Dystopian YA Novel!" and just wrote through the list scene by scene. We're not given much in the way of character depth, very little about the world is ever explained at all, and relationships spring up for all the reasons you'd expect them to: fate, and the required triangle-esque complication.

As far as I can tell, the book takes place over maybe a week, if I'm generous. There is a difference between the stakes driving the story to be a race against the clock, and rushing the plot, and this book didn't figure that out. In this week, our main character falls in love with a total stranger, makes friends with--then enemies--then friends? with another girl in the groups, has at least two other men fall for her, and decides that Emotions Are Complicated with a friend from her youth. ...mmkay. I'm willing to hand-wave a lot for Fate And The Plot, but it just seemed a bit much. The "twist" at the end was telegraphed about six miles away, and we are left with a cliffhanger of sorts and only a third of a story.

Oh, did I mention I found out this is a trilogy? 

Yeah.

That being said, there's something just compelling enough to keep me reading, and I breezed through it in an evening. I like the characters despite their cardboard cut-out existence, and the lead female's treatment of the male posturing is a welcome change from the usual swooning heroine. As always, I will note that this is listed as a debut, and as such I'll give it a bit more leeway than I usually would. I don't know that I'd buy the other books, but if I found them at a library or some such, I'd think about picking them up. I have just enough curiosity to see where it all goes to warrant that.
Profile Image for Paperbacks.
378 reviews28 followers
April 19, 2018
The first thing I want to say about this is don't judge a book by it's cover. I think that the cover choice isn't great for the content - it's not a criticism of the cover at all, it just didn't match in particularly with the dystopian premise of the book!

It's fair to say that this book is fairly short at just over 200 pages but it is such an easy and enjoyable read. Whilst in this book we are left fairly in the dark with the causes of the dystopia our protagonist Eden and her friends find herself in, it's quickly paced in getting you up to speed. I think it's fair to say that there is no padding at all in this book which is actually really refreshing. That being said, it gives little time to become fully involved with the characters. This is a clear YA read and I can't criticise the characters for behaving like teenagers, yes there are a lot of instacrushes but we are talking about teens who have led pretty dire lives of near starvation so I think a little instalust is allowed!

Eden's world is controlled by the mysterious Renegades, who enjoy the spoils in their ivory tower whilst the proletariat obey and serve. However, on a still night where the stars themselves seem to disappear so do Edens family and the families of her friends. Eden finds herself caught up with a rebel gang of teens who all share the same necklace apparently passed down from earlier generations which marks them with skills an abilities. They proceed on a daring and desperate rescue plan and with trust being handed out a bit too freely, what could possibly go wrong?

This is book one in a trilogy and ends on a cliffhanger of epic proportions. There is a lot to be told in this tale and I am excited to know more about how the skills attached to the necklaces will develop alongside of how the group will find their way out of the ending predicament. I found this to be a light and fun read which has been a real antidote to more long winded fantasy. I'm going to definitely continue with the series, and hope that the characters develop a bit more and the story gathers a bit more depth to really lock in groundwork laid in this first book in the series!
Profile Image for Lindsey Anderle.
Author 1 book8 followers
August 24, 2017
So to start off, there's a huge info dump at the beginning that really could have been spread out over a few chapters. Info dumps ruin stories in that they disconnect you from the story and you're just waiting to get back to it. A little at a time is so much better.

The editing. Geez. So there were only a few spelling errors, but it was the structure that was way off. This author needs to go back to school and learn how and when to make new paragraphs. So sometimes there is a long paragraph of a full on conversation that should have been broken up. New speaker = new paragraph. Or it would be "he said...." and then a new paragraph with the dialogue and the reaction from another character. It got confusing.

The characters. Didn't love them. Eden was annoying and the way that she just fell into a relationship with Leo without it building up first.....conpletely unrealistic. She talks about not being able to fight a connection she feels to him...okay, what connection?? There's literally no connection between them.

I'm glad this book was free. It was also entirely too short (139 pages on my Nook). I refuse to pay $4 for a book that short when the writing isn't even that good. And it's probably being deleted from my library.
19 reviews
June 17, 2019
I came really close to not finishing this book. Luckily it was really short.

It honestly felt like it was written by a teenager. I felt no connection to the characters. There was no character development. Most of the characters seemed kind of interchangeable and I couldn't remember who was who. The instant love connection was just ridiculous.

The plot was rushed and the plot twists obvious. It also fell into the trap of being the first book in a YA dystopian trilogy in that the whole point seemed to be to set up the rest of the series. I will not be reading the next books.
Profile Image for Ayshla.
60 reviews
October 31, 2017
I liked the idea of the book but I didn't connect with the characters. I also dislike instant love connections, I feel like it's a cop out of character development and having to make me believe they have fallen in love.

I didn't like the female lead whose personality is all over the place. The best part of the book was the ending which made me want to read more but thinking about this book as a whole I think I'll give it a miss.
Profile Image for Ashley Poteet.
289 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2017
Neat story

This book was awesome! I loved the storyline and characters. I've never read a story like it and that's hard to do.
I gave 4 stars because it was a little slow for me sometimes. I never give up on a story no matter what and I'm glad because it got better and better. I'm excited to continue the story.
201 reviews2 followers
August 22, 2017
Disappointed

What I was able to read was extremely well-written. That being said I was very disappointed that the first page of every chapter was missing which left a lot to be inferred. My imagination is not what it used to be and I had trouble making sense of the book. I might buy the first book again so I can learn the whole story.
6 reviews
September 6, 2017
Meh

I got this book as a BookBub freebie. I wasn't sure what to expect.

It is a quick read. Plenty of teenage drama, but I found myself not really invested in the characters. There are many unanswered questions that I assume will be answered in the rest of the series, and this book ends on a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Dana Wood.
631 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2018
Rushed story line. Not enough backstory or character development. And I feel like I lost a whole section of the book to where these impoverished non supervised kids all the sudden are smart and intuitive. And the love connection was laughable. It didn’t fit. The plot was good. But the story just needed more attention to detail and character development
Profile Image for Laura.
2,495 reviews83 followers
May 31, 2018
Dropping into this dystopian world was in many ways crazy and I’m still filled with questions! It was a short book for me but I’m hoping the next book is longer and will answer several of my questions. I became to like Eden and the other characters as well! I can’t wait to dig into book #2!!
I would also recommend listening to the audible version. So good! Narrator did a good job!!
244 reviews
September 8, 2017
Excellent first in a series

I really enjoyed the world creation and character building. Great premise on a futuristic landscape with some potential mind magic. While it is a cliff hanger (not a fan) it does make me what to see where the end twist goes.
72 reviews1 follower
October 22, 2017
Hard to Get Into

The story seems to start in a world we have already seen in many other books. At the same time the author seems unsure of her endgame and wanders until deciding on a plan.
Profile Image for Necalli Calavera.
239 reviews3 followers
January 20, 2018
This book had a wonderful start; it really trapped me in its story but then it just went sour. The plot (I felt) moved way too fast and there wasn’t any character development.

It was a rushed story.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,962 reviews175 followers
September 12, 2019
I won an autographed copy of this book during a Goodreads giveaway. I am under no obligation to leave a review or rating and do so voluntarily. So that others may also enjoy this book, I am paying it forward by donating it to my local library.
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