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Rockstar: Echoes
Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six, The Final Revival of Opal & Nev, and Almost Famous, this novel offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at two up-and-coming rock stars chasing fame, money, and something far more elusive than success.
A RAW, SOUL-SPLITTING NOVEL ABOUT GRIEF, AMBITION, AND THE BRUTAL COST OF BEING HEARD.
Lloyd Brannon, Aberdeen’s legendary frontman, is dead. The industry mourns, but the machine keeps moving.
Kline Thomas sings grunge covers in Alabama dive bars, until one night he sings something else, and the world hears the echo of a dead man’s voice.
Meanwhile, Rayne Harlow is broke, selling her body online to keep her all-girl punk band, The Painted Queens, alive. No labels. No deals. Just underground gigs for crowds who don’t listen.
Watching from the shadows is Clara Cowley, a jaded music journalist haunted by secrets she knows connect them all. As she chronicles the collision between power and punk, legacy and survival, she begins to ask, "Am I just a witness . . . or part of the fire?"
Echoes isn’t about glamour, groupies, or Grammys. It’s about legacies. Some inherited. Some stolen. And some set on fire.
" Echoes isn’t just about the splendid stage - it’s about the fury, deceit, and ruthlessness behind it. Where every brutality has its own tragic backstory - and even stronger companionship."
— Fiza Abbas, Author & Poet
"Legacy, Grief, Taking Chances, & a Bristling Addition to the Music Genre, like DAISY JONES & THE SIX, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, & GIRLS IN THE MOON"
— Reedsy Discovery
"The prose is confident and borderline experimental, the formatting is genuinely innovative, and the music references make it a love letter of sorts to rock. The characters you will grow to love, even with their flaws. Overall, a very accomplished debut novel from Zach Taylor."
— Bookshelfie
A RAW, SOUL-SPLITTING NOVEL ABOUT GRIEF, AMBITION, AND THE BRUTAL COST OF BEING HEARD.
Lloyd Brannon, Aberdeen’s legendary frontman, is dead. The industry mourns, but the machine keeps moving.
Kline Thomas sings grunge covers in Alabama dive bars, until one night he sings something else, and the world hears the echo of a dead man’s voice.
Meanwhile, Rayne Harlow is broke, selling her body online to keep her all-girl punk band, The Painted Queens, alive. No labels. No deals. Just underground gigs for crowds who don’t listen.
Watching from the shadows is Clara Cowley, a jaded music journalist haunted by secrets she knows connect them all. As she chronicles the collision between power and punk, legacy and survival, she begins to ask, "Am I just a witness . . . or part of the fire?"
Echoes isn’t about glamour, groupies, or Grammys. It’s about legacies. Some inherited. Some stolen. And some set on fire.
" Echoes isn’t just about the splendid stage - it’s about the fury, deceit, and ruthlessness behind it. Where every brutality has its own tragic backstory - and even stronger companionship."
— Fiza Abbas, Author & Poet
"Legacy, Grief, Taking Chances, & a Bristling Addition to the Music Genre, like DAISY JONES & THE SIX, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, & GIRLS IN THE MOON"
— Reedsy Discovery
"The prose is confident and borderline experimental, the formatting is genuinely innovative, and the music references make it a love letter of sorts to rock. The characters you will grow to love, even with their flaws. Overall, a very accomplished debut novel from Zach Taylor."
— Bookshelfie
Kindle Edition
Published January 13, 2026
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Zach Taylor
1 book2 followersFrom a multigenerational family advancing spaceflight, Zach Taylor is the 2015 recipient of NASA’s ‘Silver Snoopy’ award for outstanding achievement related to human flight safety. A resident of Huntsville, AL, the author is a proud University of Alabama, Huntsville graduate, a husband, and the father of three. A writer since his Granny caught him Xeroxing and selling musings to schoolmates, Taylor has written a sprawling number of books in the ever-evolving Rockstar series to be released in the next two years.
Contact
Email: zach.taylor@yahoo.com
Facebook: Zach Taylor, Author
Instagram: @zachtaylorbooks
TikTok: @zachtaylorbooks
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/zachtaylor
Contact
Email: zach.taylor@yahoo.com
Facebook: Zach Taylor, Author
Instagram: @zachtaylorbooks
TikTok: @zachtaylorbooks
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/author/zachtaylor
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an ARC for Rockstar: Echoes by Zach Taylor from Netgalley and Reedsy Discovery in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to Zach Taylor, Netgalley, and Reedsy Discovery for the opportunity and the ARC.
Legacy, Grief, Taking Chances, & a Bristling Addition to the Music Genre, like DAISY JONES & THE SIX, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, & GIRLS IN THE MOON
Freddie Mercury. Kurt Cobain. Amy Winehouse. The 27 Club. Chester Bennington. Ozzy. When powerhouse singers are lost, the whole music industry feels it, but their bandmates? Their fans? They're rocked with grief, the weight of it.
That's the world we step into when we read Rockstar: Echoes by Zach Taylor, the world still reeling from the loss of Lloyd Brannon, lead singer of the legendary rock band, Aberdeen. Trying to stay relevent and not lose their contract, the rest of the band agrees to do the impossible, but inevitable: look for a new possible lead to fill Lloyd's impossible-to-fill shoes.
One possible contender is Kline Thomas, picked up after performing impressive grunge covers in Alabama dive bars and garages and one chilling song that emulates Lloyd Brannon's voice and style so well, even the most diehard fans cannot deny hearing it. But is the, albeit incredibly talented, background singer ready to step into the limelight, and for the sake of such an insurmountable fandom as that of Aberdeen?
Of course, the music industry being the fast-paced space that it is, it can't have one concern at a time. While Kline is getting his feet wet onstage, Rayne Harlow is doing whatever it takes to keep her girl punk band, The Painted Queens, alive, even if it means putting more of herself online than she ever might have dreamed.
Meanwhile, there's the bitter and contemplative Clara Cowley, a music journalist who knows more about the secrets that lie in the shadows of the industry than many of its performers do, and she looks on at performers like Kline and Rayne, not only knowing what they're going through but also seeing the greater web of the industry that they're tangled in, how they're all connected, and what could change to really make a difference for them all, herself included.
I loved the story of Rockstar: Echoes, and I also enjoyed how the story switched points of view between Clara's clipped commentary pieces and how the music world was unfolding for Kline and Rayne. It's an interesting story and offers a unique perspective on the hardships of the industry, processing grief and social pressure, and what it costs to rise to the occasion (or worse, ...not).
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but I would have loved to have seen the novel structured, in the sense of foreshadowing, a little differently. I say "foreshadowing," because from the beginning, Clara is obviously very clued in on what's going on around her, what she expects to happen, and how she's seen stories like this unfold, time and time again. It feels a little like when a friend is recounting something that happened, and it helps when they give you a quick spoiler at the beginning, so you can piece all the details together as your friend gives the deets. I think this book would have benefitted from letting the reader in on the "spoilers" a bit at the beginning, letting us have a taste of those industry secrets that Clara knows so well, so we could focus less on trying to guess how all of this fits together and instead enjoy the story more. There were many instances in this story, starting in the prologue, of hinting at what was to come, and instead of feeling intrigued, I felt impatient and misguided. I wanted to immerse myself in the story and enjoy the ride, not worry about what this character knew that I didn't. It's something that wouldn't require a lot of work on the author's part but which might make the reader's experience much more life-like and enjoyable.
That all said, when I looked beyond my impatience, I enjoyed the story itself, the characters, and how they were challenged and grew over the course of the book. I'd even go so far as to compare it to Daisy Jones & the Six, the storytelling of Bohemian Rhapsody, and the character development points of Girls in the Moon. While the pacing was questionable, the story, the characters, and the other writing elements were not, and it was a nice, creative start to 2026.
Legacy, Grief, Taking Chances, & a Bristling Addition to the Music Genre, like DAISY JONES & THE SIX, BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, & GIRLS IN THE MOON
Freddie Mercury. Kurt Cobain. Amy Winehouse. The 27 Club. Chester Bennington. Ozzy. When powerhouse singers are lost, the whole music industry feels it, but their bandmates? Their fans? They're rocked with grief, the weight of it.
That's the world we step into when we read Rockstar: Echoes by Zach Taylor, the world still reeling from the loss of Lloyd Brannon, lead singer of the legendary rock band, Aberdeen. Trying to stay relevent and not lose their contract, the rest of the band agrees to do the impossible, but inevitable: look for a new possible lead to fill Lloyd's impossible-to-fill shoes.
One possible contender is Kline Thomas, picked up after performing impressive grunge covers in Alabama dive bars and garages and one chilling song that emulates Lloyd Brannon's voice and style so well, even the most diehard fans cannot deny hearing it. But is the, albeit incredibly talented, background singer ready to step into the limelight, and for the sake of such an insurmountable fandom as that of Aberdeen?
Of course, the music industry being the fast-paced space that it is, it can't have one concern at a time. While Kline is getting his feet wet onstage, Rayne Harlow is doing whatever it takes to keep her girl punk band, The Painted Queens, alive, even if it means putting more of herself online than she ever might have dreamed.
Meanwhile, there's the bitter and contemplative Clara Cowley, a music journalist who knows more about the secrets that lie in the shadows of the industry than many of its performers do, and she looks on at performers like Kline and Rayne, not only knowing what they're going through but also seeing the greater web of the industry that they're tangled in, how they're all connected, and what could change to really make a difference for them all, herself included.
I loved the story of Rockstar: Echoes, and I also enjoyed how the story switched points of view between Clara's clipped commentary pieces and how the music world was unfolding for Kline and Rayne. It's an interesting story and offers a unique perspective on the hardships of the industry, processing grief and social pressure, and what it costs to rise to the occasion (or worse, ...not).
I thoroughly enjoyed the story, but I would have loved to have seen the novel structured, in the sense of foreshadowing, a little differently. I say "foreshadowing," because from the beginning, Clara is obviously very clued in on what's going on around her, what she expects to happen, and how she's seen stories like this unfold, time and time again. It feels a little like when a friend is recounting something that happened, and it helps when they give you a quick spoiler at the beginning, so you can piece all the details together as your friend gives the deets. I think this book would have benefitted from letting the reader in on the "spoilers" a bit at the beginning, letting us have a taste of those industry secrets that Clara knows so well, so we could focus less on trying to guess how all of this fits together and instead enjoy the story more. There were many instances in this story, starting in the prologue, of hinting at what was to come, and instead of feeling intrigued, I felt impatient and misguided. I wanted to immerse myself in the story and enjoy the ride, not worry about what this character knew that I didn't. It's something that wouldn't require a lot of work on the author's part but which might make the reader's experience much more life-like and enjoyable.
That all said, when I looked beyond my impatience, I enjoyed the story itself, the characters, and how they were challenged and grew over the course of the book. I'd even go so far as to compare it to Daisy Jones & the Six, the storytelling of Bohemian Rhapsody, and the character development points of Girls in the Moon. While the pacing was questionable, the story, the characters, and the other writing elements were not, and it was a nice, creative start to 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went into this book hoping for a good story and an easy pass of time sitting in my comfy chair. This book was beyond that and really made think situationally about how we all are multifaceted and have many stories and identities going on simultaneously.
The book does a great job of bringing you into the character's mindsets and emotions - raw emotions and real struggles. The book illustrates how the interconnectedness of the music industry, the artists, the writers (of both music and critique) can set off a domino effect. This book lets you 'watch' the domino effect occur simultaneously while you are still getting to know the characters.
The writer obviously has a love for music, the feelings and the space music can create for an individual, and how various songs converge to create the soundtrack of a life and tell a story.
I personally cannot wait to read more about how Rayne and The Painted Queens follow through with their plans, how Kline manages the change he created in Aberdeen, and how Clara is going to narrate it through her excerpts woven into the chapters.
The book does a great job of bringing you into the character's mindsets and emotions - raw emotions and real struggles. The book illustrates how the interconnectedness of the music industry, the artists, the writers (of both music and critique) can set off a domino effect. This book lets you 'watch' the domino effect occur simultaneously while you are still getting to know the characters.
The writer obviously has a love for music, the feelings and the space music can create for an individual, and how various songs converge to create the soundtrack of a life and tell a story.
I personally cannot wait to read more about how Rayne and The Painted Queens follow through with their plans, how Kline manages the change he created in Aberdeen, and how Clara is going to narrate it through her excerpts woven into the chapters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Rockstar-Echoes is a captivating read that grabs you from the very first page and refuses to let go. The pacing is impeccable every chapter leaves you eager to discover what happens next. The author’s ability to create an immersive atmosphere is remarkable; I felt as though I were front row at a concert, experiencing every emotion alongside the characters.
The characters themselves are vividly drawn and authentic, making them feel like old friends rather than fictional creations. This depth of characterization, combined with the engaging storyline, transforms the book from a simple read into a full-fledged experience.
Rockstar-Echoes isn’t just a novel it’s a journey you’ll want to take again and again. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories that resonate long after the last page.
The characters themselves are vividly drawn and authentic, making them feel like old friends rather than fictional creations. This depth of characterization, combined with the engaging storyline, transforms the book from a simple read into a full-fledged experience.
Rockstar-Echoes isn’t just a novel it’s a journey you’ll want to take again and again. Highly recommended for anyone who loves stories that resonate long after the last page.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was my first dive into musical fiction in quite a while. It was a powerful one that pulls back the curtain on fame, grief, and ambition.
While the music is at its center, it is full of emotion, industry politics, and the mess of humanity and relationships as well.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. I'm intrigued by Rayne and The Painted Queens and I hope to see more of them in future Rockstar books. I also particularly liked Clara's viewpoint and the journalistic bits woven in between each chapter. This was a unique read for me and I definitely recommend it to any rock music lovers or for any fiction reader looking for a change of tune.
While the music is at its center, it is full of emotion, industry politics, and the mess of humanity and relationships as well.
I really enjoyed the characters in this story. I'm intrigued by Rayne and The Painted Queens and I hope to see more of them in future Rockstar books. I also particularly liked Clara's viewpoint and the journalistic bits woven in between each chapter. This was a unique read for me and I definitely recommend it to any rock music lovers or for any fiction reader looking for a change of tune.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had the privilege to Advance Reader Copy Rockstar- Echo's
Talk about tripping down a lyrical memory lane of rock through the ages. As aGen X'er this story took these characters on an ebb and flow through struggles and adversities for musicians, especially female musicians that they encountered.
How bad do you want the dream and what are you willing to put to get it?
For the love of a good musical story Rockstar echo's has it all.
Talk about tripping down a lyrical memory lane of rock through the ages. As aGen X'er this story took these characters on an ebb and flow through struggles and adversities for musicians, especially female musicians that they encountered.
How bad do you want the dream and what are you willing to put to get it?
For the love of a good musical story Rockstar echo's has it all.
November 20, 2025
ROCKSTAR: ECHOES is a really fun read, and is essentially a book within a book! Both music and book lovers alike should check it out as the work is very unusual and essentially contains a book of non-fiction layered within an exciting work of fiction!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review:
This was a very unique storyline. It had a lot of real life references. In a way it was life a non-fiction book inside of a fiction book. It definitely was an interesting read.
This was a very unique storyline. It had a lot of real life references. In a way it was life a non-fiction book inside of a fiction book. It definitely was an interesting read.
January 21, 2026
I have received this book as an arc reader. Slowerly reading. Normally don't read books around music. But it's a good unique story so far. I'm enjoying the book. This was my first arc book too.
November 24, 2025
Rockstar: Echoes is an emotionally charged, structurally inventive, and narratively rich novel that blends the grittiness of music journalism, the weight of identity and legacy, and the desperation of underrepresented voices. At its core, it’s a dual character study—Kline Thomas and Rayne Harlow—told with raw authenticity, alternating perspectives, and meta-commentary via fictional journalist Clara Cowley.
December 31, 2025
ARC review:
This is not my typical genre to read; to be honest I have never read this type of book ever. BUT I am hooked!
I had a bit of a hard time at first getting into/understanding the story line. Once I hit my groove I did NOT want to stop. It’s so hard to not give any spoilers, because the ending has me reeling for more! I am excited for future books from Zach.
This is not my typical genre to read; to be honest I have never read this type of book ever. BUT I am hooked!
I had a bit of a hard time at first getting into/understanding the story line. Once I hit my groove I did NOT want to stop. It’s so hard to not give any spoilers, because the ending has me reeling for more! I am excited for future books from Zach.
January 22, 2026
This is the first book in the series, RockStar Echoes. I have been lucky enough to read an advance copy and let me tell you, it's great! The characters' draw you in and the hook at the end already has me anticipating the 2nd book in the series!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews