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Echo #2
The Taste of Ashes
Most of us change gradually-over the course of decades. For Crusader Atriya, it will happen in a single, agonizing day. On the edge of a decaying cityscape, Atriya struggles to hold onto his identity as he faces death from both enemies and allies alike. In the process, his old self is torn away, and he catches a glimpse of what he may one day become.
Twelve hundred years ago, humanity left Earth to settle on Echo. Despite hopes for a golden age, an era of darkness fell. Government and corporations merged into the Regime. The military and police merged into the Department of Enforcement. Over half the planet is covered by crumbling cityscapes and the elite live high above, removed and remote from the greater populace on the moon-city of Ascension. Hope lies in Atriya, but before he can break the cycle of darkness and ignorance on Echo, he has to do it within himself.
Twelve hundred years ago, humanity left Earth to settle on Echo. Despite hopes for a golden age, an era of darkness fell. Government and corporations merged into the Regime. The military and police merged into the Department of Enforcement. Over half the planet is covered by crumbling cityscapes and the elite live high above, removed and remote from the greater populace on the moon-city of Ascension. Hope lies in Atriya, but before he can break the cycle of darkness and ignorance on Echo, he has to do it within himself.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2016
14 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 15, 2017
My previous review of Echo Volume 1: Approaching Shatter
SYNOPSIS:
When mankind resettled on Echo over 1200 years ago, they were led into darkness by the Regime. Enforcing the Regime’s policies is the job of the Department of Enforcement. As part of this department, it is the job of Kish Atriya and his elite unit of Enforcers to take down any Dissidents that have fled the Regime’s policies.
In this volume, Kish and his team have been sent into one of the areas known as the Wastes. The Wastes are made up of the less savory types in society such as rapists, cannibals and gangs. An assignment to the Wastes is a life-threatening escapade and they will face danger at every turn. As if this assignment weren’t dangerous enough, Atriya knows that he has pissed off some powerful people in the Regime. Most likely the higher-ups have fixed it so that he won’t make it out alive. But Atriya was born to be a warrior and when the going gets tough the tough get going. Even with the knowledge that his partner and his team are against him, Atriya must be true to who and what he is. While logic tells him to do one thing, his instincts dictate another. In the process of this one harrowing day, Atriya will have to make some life-altering decisions and he will find out what kind of man he really is.
MY THOUGHTS:
Volume 2 takes off with a bang! Atriya hits the ground running and the entire volume continues along at full speed. Atriya’s every thought and maneuver is described in minute detail. This is not a bad thing! We are in Atriya’s head as he goes into a hyper-alert state and blazes away at enemies left and right. Add in some really cool enhanced technological weaponry and armor, a terrifying Enhancile and lots of tension between the main characters and…oh man, this is getting good!
The author states that he loves to thread everything with hidden significance so pay attention! Although it wasn’t yet out when I finished, I am so far behind on my reviews that the next volume has now been released. It’s called Echo Volume 3: The Dialectic of Agony and I’ve snatched it up!
Warning: Contains language and violence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I discovered this author through his blog on Wordpress and I recommend you check it out. Kent Wayne can be found at dirtyscifibuddha.com
SYNOPSIS:
When mankind resettled on Echo over 1200 years ago, they were led into darkness by the Regime. Enforcing the Regime’s policies is the job of the Department of Enforcement. As part of this department, it is the job of Kish Atriya and his elite unit of Enforcers to take down any Dissidents that have fled the Regime’s policies.
In this volume, Kish and his team have been sent into one of the areas known as the Wastes. The Wastes are made up of the less savory types in society such as rapists, cannibals and gangs. An assignment to the Wastes is a life-threatening escapade and they will face danger at every turn. As if this assignment weren’t dangerous enough, Atriya knows that he has pissed off some powerful people in the Regime. Most likely the higher-ups have fixed it so that he won’t make it out alive. But Atriya was born to be a warrior and when the going gets tough the tough get going. Even with the knowledge that his partner and his team are against him, Atriya must be true to who and what he is. While logic tells him to do one thing, his instincts dictate another. In the process of this one harrowing day, Atriya will have to make some life-altering decisions and he will find out what kind of man he really is.
MY THOUGHTS:
Volume 2 takes off with a bang! Atriya hits the ground running and the entire volume continues along at full speed. Atriya’s every thought and maneuver is described in minute detail. This is not a bad thing! We are in Atriya’s head as he goes into a hyper-alert state and blazes away at enemies left and right. Add in some really cool enhanced technological weaponry and armor, a terrifying Enhancile and lots of tension between the main characters and…oh man, this is getting good!
The author states that he loves to thread everything with hidden significance so pay attention! Although it wasn’t yet out when I finished, I am so far behind on my reviews that the next volume has now been released. It’s called Echo Volume 3: The Dialectic of Agony and I’ve snatched it up!
Warning: Contains language and violence.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I discovered this author through his blog on Wordpress and I recommend you check it out. Kent Wayne can be found at dirtyscifibuddha.com
May 23, 2018
Action packed story with stunning visuals! Can't wait for volume 3!
Read my full review
Read my full review
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December 7, 2020🎁 The complete Echo Series (4 Book Series) is FREE on Amazon today (12/7/2020)! 🎁
August 9, 2017
Two things. First - WHAT A RIDE!! :-)
Second, I wish I wrote this well. If you're a sci-fi / visceral battle scene fan (neither of which I would have considered myself), then this is a series you'll want to check out. The only other sci-fi indie author I've enjoyed this much is John Scott who authored the book that introduced me to my first literary crush, the time traveling space marine, Adam Caine.
Kent Wayne's lead character, Kish Atriya may be my next lit crush; the character is so well written. sigh.
Anyway, enough of my gushing. I'm loving the Echo series and can't wait to dive into Vol. 3.
Second, I wish I wrote this well. If you're a sci-fi / visceral battle scene fan (neither of which I would have considered myself), then this is a series you'll want to check out. The only other sci-fi indie author I've enjoyed this much is John Scott who authored the book that introduced me to my first literary crush, the time traveling space marine, Adam Caine.
Kent Wayne's lead character, Kish Atriya may be my next lit crush; the character is so well written. sigh.
Anyway, enough of my gushing. I'm loving the Echo series and can't wait to dive into Vol. 3.
February 1, 2021
This is my review of The Taste of Ashes, (Echo 2) by Kent Wayne.
Overview.
I would first warn people that this book details a battle. As a result there is a lot of violence and swearing in it. This is not a criticism, though. In a battle such as the one Atriya and his collegues are in there would be both violence and swearing. The book takes place over one day, and has a profound effect on Atriya.
Blurb
Most of us change gradually—over the course of decades. For Crusader Atriya, it will happen in a single, agonizing day. On the edge of a decaying cityscape, Atriya struggles to hold onto his identity as he faces death from both enemies and allies alike. In the process, his old self is torn away, and he catches a glimpse of what he may one day become.
Twelve hundred years ago, humanity left Earth to settle on Echo. Despite hopes for a golden age, an era of darkness fell. Government and corporations merged into the Regime. The military and police merged into the Department of Enforcement. Over half the planet is covered by crumbling cityscapes and the elite live high above, removed and remote from the greater populace on the moon-city of Ascension. Hope lies in Atriya, but before he can break the cycle of darkness and ignorance on Echo, he has to do it within himself.
Story
During book 1, Approaching Shatter, Atriya has fallen foul of the Jury, a religious organisation. Now he is sent on this mission to be killed. If he does not get killed during the mission, his superior officers have orders to shoot him. He performs some amazing deeds during the battle, saving his comrades many times. Will his deeds persuade then to override their orders and allow him to live?
Characters
Wayne has built a cast of believable characters. Atriya is a man with many demons, good points and bad. He wrestles with these throughout the book during the battle. And he changes gradually during this encounter.
Clement is a thoroughly unpleasant character whom Wayne has built into a believable person. A bully and a coward. I hated him! I did like the retrieval office, Liber, though. He had not lost all semblance of humanity as many others had. He does have some sympathy for others.
Writing
The writing is, on the whole, good. Mr Wayne builds the tension throughout the story. There were one or two places that grammar could have been improved, but, unless, like me, you are a member of the Grammar Police, I don’t think you’d notice. It’s not enough to warrant removing a star. The descriptions of the battle are vivid (including the injuries and people being blown to bits). The story moves at a fast pace, as it should in such a time.
Conclusion
An excellent read for anyone who enjoys fast-action and adventure stories. Having said that, don’t read it before reading Book 1, Approaching Shatter.
I have awarded this book 5*
Overview.
I would first warn people that this book details a battle. As a result there is a lot of violence and swearing in it. This is not a criticism, though. In a battle such as the one Atriya and his collegues are in there would be both violence and swearing. The book takes place over one day, and has a profound effect on Atriya.
Blurb
Most of us change gradually—over the course of decades. For Crusader Atriya, it will happen in a single, agonizing day. On the edge of a decaying cityscape, Atriya struggles to hold onto his identity as he faces death from both enemies and allies alike. In the process, his old self is torn away, and he catches a glimpse of what he may one day become.
Twelve hundred years ago, humanity left Earth to settle on Echo. Despite hopes for a golden age, an era of darkness fell. Government and corporations merged into the Regime. The military and police merged into the Department of Enforcement. Over half the planet is covered by crumbling cityscapes and the elite live high above, removed and remote from the greater populace on the moon-city of Ascension. Hope lies in Atriya, but before he can break the cycle of darkness and ignorance on Echo, he has to do it within himself.
Story
During book 1, Approaching Shatter, Atriya has fallen foul of the Jury, a religious organisation. Now he is sent on this mission to be killed. If he does not get killed during the mission, his superior officers have orders to shoot him. He performs some amazing deeds during the battle, saving his comrades many times. Will his deeds persuade then to override their orders and allow him to live?
Characters
Wayne has built a cast of believable characters. Atriya is a man with many demons, good points and bad. He wrestles with these throughout the book during the battle. And he changes gradually during this encounter.
Clement is a thoroughly unpleasant character whom Wayne has built into a believable person. A bully and a coward. I hated him! I did like the retrieval office, Liber, though. He had not lost all semblance of humanity as many others had. He does have some sympathy for others.
Writing
The writing is, on the whole, good. Mr Wayne builds the tension throughout the story. There were one or two places that grammar could have been improved, but, unless, like me, you are a member of the Grammar Police, I don’t think you’d notice. It’s not enough to warrant removing a star. The descriptions of the battle are vivid (including the injuries and people being blown to bits). The story moves at a fast pace, as it should in such a time.
Conclusion
An excellent read for anyone who enjoys fast-action and adventure stories. Having said that, don’t read it before reading Book 1, Approaching Shatter.
I have awarded this book 5*
July 26, 2019
Echo Volume 2: The Taste of Ashes (2016) by Kent Wayne is the second installment in the Echo trilogy. It is a slightly more introspective book with more focus given to the action but is just as intriguing as the first outing.
Now first thing’s first, you will need to have read the first book in the trilogy before this one to understand what is happening in this book so that’s definitely something I’d recommend because otherwise you might be lost. Our protagonist Atriya continues his introspective, spiritual journey as he heads into the Wastes which is a dangerous area where murderers, rapists, gangs and cannibals are lurking around. The book is very detailed and gives the reader a real sense of what war must be like. It’s a very visual book.
One of the scenes which sticks with me is the murder of the homeless man near the beginning of the book. It’s very horrifying and shows the dangers of been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The book very much shows the good and evil in society throughout in a very real way. The reader also gets a great inside into Atrya’s mind through his introspection and all the conflicts he faces in the various situations he finds himself in.
The entire book is set in one day. From a writer’s perspective, I have to say that it shows remarkable talent to be able to fill so much detail and scenes into just 24 hours. Kent does an excellent job of that in this book. The writing has a great sense of cohesiveness. This book is very gritty and violent and it shows how fragile life is and how to some people other peoples’ lives aren’t worth much. And this is one of the many things that cause Atriya so much conflict in his head. From someone who has never been to war, and has no plans to go, it gives you a sense of what it must be like from afar and instills in the reader even more admiration for the people who do go to war in real-life because there’s a lot of braveness in that even if one’s a pacifist.
Yet again, another stunningly crafted book. Lots of action and yet lots of drama and human aspects too. Loved it and looking forward to book 3!
Now first thing’s first, you will need to have read the first book in the trilogy before this one to understand what is happening in this book so that’s definitely something I’d recommend because otherwise you might be lost. Our protagonist Atriya continues his introspective, spiritual journey as he heads into the Wastes which is a dangerous area where murderers, rapists, gangs and cannibals are lurking around. The book is very detailed and gives the reader a real sense of what war must be like. It’s a very visual book.
One of the scenes which sticks with me is the murder of the homeless man near the beginning of the book. It’s very horrifying and shows the dangers of been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The book very much shows the good and evil in society throughout in a very real way. The reader also gets a great inside into Atrya’s mind through his introspection and all the conflicts he faces in the various situations he finds himself in.
The entire book is set in one day. From a writer’s perspective, I have to say that it shows remarkable talent to be able to fill so much detail and scenes into just 24 hours. Kent does an excellent job of that in this book. The writing has a great sense of cohesiveness. This book is very gritty and violent and it shows how fragile life is and how to some people other peoples’ lives aren’t worth much. And this is one of the many things that cause Atriya so much conflict in his head. From someone who has never been to war, and has no plans to go, it gives you a sense of what it must be like from afar and instills in the reader even more admiration for the people who do go to war in real-life because there’s a lot of braveness in that even if one’s a pacifist.
Yet again, another stunningly crafted book. Lots of action and yet lots of drama and human aspects too. Loved it and looking forward to book 3!
January 8, 2022
Brilliant
Wow. I found this book absolutely mind blowing. What a fascinating Page Turner and an absolute thriller! I congratulate Author Kent Wayne for coming up with such an excellent sci-fi thriller. In fact, I was so deeply engrossed in reading it that my husband had to actually drag me out of the comfort of my chair.
Atriya, the protagonist, is a member of the Crusader, a part of The Enforcement team on the planet Echo, which is similar to the Earth. The story is set 1200 years from now on Echo.
Atriya and his teammate Clement are a part of The Battalion consisting of The Enforcers and The Retrieval Specialists (who want Atriya Dead after their mission is accomplished) to launch an attack on the Dissidents residing in The Wastes Area and destroy their autoguns stored in the warehouse. While leading their mission, Atriya watches an Ascensioner, Leat Water attacking a drug addict and killing him. He watches him feasting upon the dead body. He is riled up and acting on the orders of the Retrieval Team Leader, he kills Leat.
What follows next is an absolute thriller! I felt as if I was watching a Hollywood blockbuster. A chain of events occur triggering a variety of emotions. I could actually visualize those scenes playing in my mind's eye. Awesome book! I wouldn't ruin the suspense by revealing what happens next.
This is one of the most gripping sci-fi thriller. Hats off to Mr. Wayne for such an outstanding book that surpassed it's predecessor. Brilliant. Highly recommended for reading. I have to say I am getting hooked up to this fascinating series.
Wow. I found this book absolutely mind blowing. What a fascinating Page Turner and an absolute thriller! I congratulate Author Kent Wayne for coming up with such an excellent sci-fi thriller. In fact, I was so deeply engrossed in reading it that my husband had to actually drag me out of the comfort of my chair.
Atriya, the protagonist, is a member of the Crusader, a part of The Enforcement team on the planet Echo, which is similar to the Earth. The story is set 1200 years from now on Echo.
Atriya and his teammate Clement are a part of The Battalion consisting of The Enforcers and The Retrieval Specialists (who want Atriya Dead after their mission is accomplished) to launch an attack on the Dissidents residing in The Wastes Area and destroy their autoguns stored in the warehouse. While leading their mission, Atriya watches an Ascensioner, Leat Water attacking a drug addict and killing him. He watches him feasting upon the dead body. He is riled up and acting on the orders of the Retrieval Team Leader, he kills Leat.
What follows next is an absolute thriller! I felt as if I was watching a Hollywood blockbuster. A chain of events occur triggering a variety of emotions. I could actually visualize those scenes playing in my mind's eye. Awesome book! I wouldn't ruin the suspense by revealing what happens next.
This is one of the most gripping sci-fi thriller. Hats off to Mr. Wayne for such an outstanding book that surpassed it's predecessor. Brilliant. Highly recommended for reading. I have to say I am getting hooked up to this fascinating series.
March 20, 2025
An action-packed ride for Atriya!
If Wayne built a world for his war-weary hero in book one, he uses book two not so much to explore it, but blow chunks out of it (and pretty much everything else!) The First 120 pages is basically one huge Warhammer 40K meets Halo action scene with added buckets of blood, but boy is it well-written. Wayne puts his real-life military experience to expert use as he immerses us in his hero's bleak world.
Just when I was begging for things to let up for the sake of variety and a bit of dialogue and character development, they did. We get another glimpse of Atriya's humanity beneath the grime of the battlefield and also some truly terrifying adversaries too.
Of course, Wayne is well aware that book two is a little overboard on the action, but I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to book three.
If Wayne built a world for his war-weary hero in book one, he uses book two not so much to explore it, but blow chunks out of it (and pretty much everything else!) The First 120 pages is basically one huge Warhammer 40K meets Halo action scene with added buckets of blood, but boy is it well-written. Wayne puts his real-life military experience to expert use as he immerses us in his hero's bleak world.
Just when I was begging for things to let up for the sake of variety and a bit of dialogue and character development, they did. We get another glimpse of Atriya's humanity beneath the grime of the battlefield and also some truly terrifying adversaries too.
Of course, Wayne is well aware that book two is a little overboard on the action, but I really enjoyed this and am looking forward to book three.
December 22, 2018
This is a real all-action read. Just one day in the life of protagonist warrior Atriya and it's a huge, brutal and exhausting killing fest. I did enjoy reading it, but I have to say I was looking for more than wall-to-wall fighting. It was well done though; no doubt about that. If you love this kind of fast-paced agony and triumph, you will enjoy this!
In the notes at the end of the book, the author anticipates this reaction, which is interesting. He explains why he has written the second book as he has. Fair enough.
This is volume 2 of 4. It clearly sets up the main character, and the reader, for what will happen next. There's some interesting foreshadowing in both volumes 1 and 2. We just have to carry on to see whether the promise of these will be fulfilled.
In the notes at the end of the book, the author anticipates this reaction, which is interesting. He explains why he has written the second book as he has. Fair enough.
This is volume 2 of 4. It clearly sets up the main character, and the reader, for what will happen next. There's some interesting foreshadowing in both volumes 1 and 2. We just have to carry on to see whether the promise of these will be fulfilled.
May 4, 2017
Another life threatening adventure four the hero and crusader, Atriya. This book was certainly full of action - a whirlwind of battles and enemies to the protagonist, but the craziest thing - it takes place in a 24 hour period. Kent was brilliant to pull this one off. He shoved Atriya into some hard situations and locations, such as the waste; then he threw in more enemies, powerful and meek. When Atriya has to face so many hardships in such a short period of time, you know it's going to be good and fast paced. On top of the story and the action, there's the technology and weapons. Oh man do I love futuristic technology. Great job again Mr. Wayne!
May 25, 2019
Loved this volume.
Yes, I rated this volume lower than the first. The action was great. Was it all necessary for the furtherance of the main character? I don't think it was. Kent mentions it was to break down the main character but, I get the feeling that the character was stronger coming out of it. He was very tight and stuffy at the beginning of book one. At the end of two, he is confident and making decisions rather than thinking about it to no avail.
In the end, though, I love the characters. The author brings them to life on the page and you are there in their plight with them.
Yes, I rated this volume lower than the first. The action was great. Was it all necessary for the furtherance of the main character? I don't think it was. Kent mentions it was to break down the main character but, I get the feeling that the character was stronger coming out of it. He was very tight and stuffy at the beginning of book one. At the end of two, he is confident and making decisions rather than thinking about it to no avail.
In the end, though, I love the characters. The author brings them to life on the page and you are there in their plight with them.
October 23, 2017
This is the second book I have read by the author. Why am I just now finding him!?! Amazing author. It's like he appeared out of thin air!
Atriya (the main character) definitely brings the heat (action wise). This book is action-packed from cover to cover. You get to see the transformations of him throughout the book. Another reason I like the author and this book is that even though I read Volume 1, I could have still followed this book if I hadn't. However, I recommend that you read Volume 1, also.
Atriya (the main character) definitely brings the heat (action wise). This book is action-packed from cover to cover. You get to see the transformations of him throughout the book. Another reason I like the author and this book is that even though I read Volume 1, I could have still followed this book if I hadn't. However, I recommend that you read Volume 1, also.
May 3, 2019
A KW. SYFY. Novel (EV.- 2)/The Second Earth Begins to Fail
KW. has penned a SYFY. Novel of the future and of humanities escapes from a ruined planet, Earth, to a new existance, Echo. The answer to humanities prayers. The problem was the humans bought their inherent affinity to destroy with them. Humanity, at it's level best is beginning to fail again. The establishment is beginning to fail and as the infrastructure fails the outward side begins to collapse from within. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
KW. has penned a SYFY. Novel of the future and of humanities escapes from a ruined planet, Earth, to a new existance, Echo. The answer to humanities prayers. The problem was the humans bought their inherent affinity to destroy with them. Humanity, at it's level best is beginning to fail again. The establishment is beginning to fail and as the infrastructure fails the outward side begins to collapse from within. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
March 25, 2023
Picking up where Volume One left off, with Atriya in a world of trouble, The Taste of Ashes goes a long way in cementing Atriya's status as a BAMF. This volume is action heavy and graphically violent with a purpose. We see just what the Crusader is capable of and what he's able to endure, as well as the strength of his character. I'm still fully on board this wild ride, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
September 28, 2018
Atriya is back and dealing with things crazier than before. After leaving Echo: Volume 1 with a cliff hanger, our hero. Well, anti-hero in my opinion is about to take on the wildest chapter of his life. Much more action than before and this story makes you want to continue follow the series of Echo Volume 3 and soon to be # 4.
January 20, 2019
Whew! I actually finished this right after reading the first book (Echo Volume I: Approaching Shatter) and it actually felt like a complete package like that. In any case, this entire second book is action packed and such a thrill to read, from start to finish. Can’t wait to read the next installment! Hang in there, Atriya!
December 23, 2020
This was a good end to part 1, and I felt like they were the start and finish of one story- one book. This one had a lot more action and purpose to the character overall. There was a completion to the growth that was begun in the first book and some additional information about the universe that makes for a compelling reason to stay and see what happens. I’m looking forward to book 3.
April 13, 2023
Fast Paced and Hard Hitting
After finishing book 1, I'm happy to have finished book 2 and now be moving onto the third. This second instalment packs all the action that the first didn't have with just as much sense of threat, if not more.
Would definitely recommend this series for sci-fi fans.
After finishing book 1, I'm happy to have finished book 2 and now be moving onto the third. This second instalment packs all the action that the first didn't have with just as much sense of threat, if not more.
Would definitely recommend this series for sci-fi fans.
June 23, 2024
Relentless
Wow what an installment. Pure action, very exciting, with great main character progression. Excellent depiction of high tech warfare, with very interesting additions (don't want to write any spoilers) Loved it. I'm very intrigued with the direction the story is taking. Onto volume 3
Wow what an installment. Pure action, very exciting, with great main character progression. Excellent depiction of high tech warfare, with very interesting additions (don't want to write any spoilers) Loved it. I'm very intrigued with the direction the story is taking. Onto volume 3
January 25, 2018
Lots of action, woven in with intriguing character development. I didn't want to put it down! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
April 12, 2020
The continuation to Echo Volume 1. This one is like 200 pages of an action sequence non-stop. Very military and action packed.
April 18, 2020
Wow. What on earth did I just read? Echo Volume 2: The Taste of Ashes was one heart-pounding, nail-biting adventure that had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page…and sorely tempted me to skip work just so I could race to the end.
The story takes up where Echo Volume 1: Approaching Shatter left off, with main character Atriya deploying into a rebel-infested cityscape. The mission was supposed to be straightforward, but from the moment his boots hit the ground things go pear-shaped, and Atriya soon finds himself plunged into the battle of his life.
Once again, I felt connected with Atriya right from the very beginning. Despite the intensity of the on-page action, his thoughts and emotions shone through in a way I’ve rarely encountered in a third-person narrative. His mindset—that of a soldier fighting desperately for survival—also seemed refreshingly authentic.
What was the point of trudging through life after knowing those fine, electric moments found only in battle? After tasting that rarefied keenness, the barest comfort in the Wastes could beat any bloated luxury that Ascension had to offer.
The catch was, the feeling didn’t last. It was why Atriya kept coming back for more.
But this book isn’t only about the battle, or the blood, or the gore (of which there was PLENTY). It has strong philosophical undertones, exploring good and evil, right and wrong, and the murky grey areas in between.
Thus, we see Atriya grapple with his beliefs, and with how to stay true to himself as the fragile line between friend and foe begins to blur. His “contemplative side” really comes to the fore as he searches for meaning amidst the unfolding chaos.
“Why. Do. You. Fight?”
Atriya’s mouth stayed shut in a tight, sealed line. Because I want to kill others. Because I want to feel the shadow of death grow long on my back, and I want to outrun it just one more time. Because there is nothing purer, nothing more respectful, than two people doing their damnest to stay alive by trying to erase each other.
Because it’s the last thing that makes any damned sense.
The beauty of this approach is that it makes Atriya’s journey seem so utterly believable and real, in spite of the futuristic setting and technology in play. Finally, I found the ending much more satisfying than the previous volume; the moment I closed the book, I hopped onto the Kindle Store to buy the next one!
I would highly recommend Echo Volume 2: The Taste of Ashes, and indeed the whole series, to anyone who enjoys fast-paced sci-fi, has a strong stomach, believes that “hero” is a subjective term, and appreciates a story that delves into the complexity of human nature.
Review also available on Amazon.com.au.
The story takes up where Echo Volume 1: Approaching Shatter left off, with main character Atriya deploying into a rebel-infested cityscape. The mission was supposed to be straightforward, but from the moment his boots hit the ground things go pear-shaped, and Atriya soon finds himself plunged into the battle of his life.
Once again, I felt connected with Atriya right from the very beginning. Despite the intensity of the on-page action, his thoughts and emotions shone through in a way I’ve rarely encountered in a third-person narrative. His mindset—that of a soldier fighting desperately for survival—also seemed refreshingly authentic.
What was the point of trudging through life after knowing those fine, electric moments found only in battle? After tasting that rarefied keenness, the barest comfort in the Wastes could beat any bloated luxury that Ascension had to offer.
The catch was, the feeling didn’t last. It was why Atriya kept coming back for more.
But this book isn’t only about the battle, or the blood, or the gore (of which there was PLENTY). It has strong philosophical undertones, exploring good and evil, right and wrong, and the murky grey areas in between.
Thus, we see Atriya grapple with his beliefs, and with how to stay true to himself as the fragile line between friend and foe begins to blur. His “contemplative side” really comes to the fore as he searches for meaning amidst the unfolding chaos.
“Why. Do. You. Fight?”
Atriya’s mouth stayed shut in a tight, sealed line. Because I want to kill others. Because I want to feel the shadow of death grow long on my back, and I want to outrun it just one more time. Because there is nothing purer, nothing more respectful, than two people doing their damnest to stay alive by trying to erase each other.
Because it’s the last thing that makes any damned sense.
The beauty of this approach is that it makes Atriya’s journey seem so utterly believable and real, in spite of the futuristic setting and technology in play. Finally, I found the ending much more satisfying than the previous volume; the moment I closed the book, I hopped onto the Kindle Store to buy the next one!
I would highly recommend Echo Volume 2: The Taste of Ashes, and indeed the whole series, to anyone who enjoys fast-paced sci-fi, has a strong stomach, believes that “hero” is a subjective term, and appreciates a story that delves into the complexity of human nature.
Review also available on Amazon.com.au.
January 9, 2017
After that cliff-hanger of an ending with Volume 1, I jumped right into Volume 2. There were questions I was waiting to have answered, that were masterfully avoided (Volume 3 is on it's way)!
This book is a non-stop whirlwind of life-or-death fighting, every second waiting for the knife to come from the dark as Atriya faces the enemies in front. If we were unsure of Atriya's character from his adventures in Volume 1, they've all been put to rest. This man is on a mission I'm not sure he even realizes he's on. Apparently to save the world, or at least every one cursed enough to live on it.
Like stated in the afterword: "Good God Kent, this book happened over the course of a day. One day!"
I'm not typically that big of a fan of pages and pages of fighting, but here, it all worked. It wasn't incessant, or forced. It simply was a really bad day that needed telling.
Of course, this bad day got in the way of answering my questions on other topics, but Atriya was almost dead, over and over and over.
Not to be read before Volume One, Echo Volume 2 promises a thrill of action and death defying soldier conflicts. There may even be some mutant enemy soldiers to worry about.
This book is a non-stop whirlwind of life-or-death fighting, every second waiting for the knife to come from the dark as Atriya faces the enemies in front. If we were unsure of Atriya's character from his adventures in Volume 1, they've all been put to rest. This man is on a mission I'm not sure he even realizes he's on. Apparently to save the world, or at least every one cursed enough to live on it.
Like stated in the afterword: "Good God Kent, this book happened over the course of a day. One day!"
I'm not typically that big of a fan of pages and pages of fighting, but here, it all worked. It wasn't incessant, or forced. It simply was a really bad day that needed telling.
Of course, this bad day got in the way of answering my questions on other topics, but Atriya was almost dead, over and over and over.
Not to be read before Volume One, Echo Volume 2 promises a thrill of action and death defying soldier conflicts. There may even be some mutant enemy soldiers to worry about.
April 20, 2016
Echo Volume 1: Approaching Shatter, introduced an elite soldier named Atriya, a hero par excellence who lands into a bad situation in which he's facing an impending battle with insurgents in a rough part of town, the Machiavellian collusion of his employers, and a growing sense of mental instability that comes with being basically sane in an insane world.
The Taste of Ashes picks up where that left off, on the brink of battle. And then it gets serious. Fascinatingly, this entire story takes place in one day. Tricked out with this author's impressive, detailed array of speculative military technology, this book explodes into a long, intense rush of action, violence, gore and spectacular tech-enhanced feats that I found mesmerizing to the point of saturation. However, in addition to Atriya's entertaining combination of confidence, honor and cynicism, there's a clear goal with a lot at stake as he fights against impossible odds, a whiny partner, and commanders with plans to zero him the moment he outlives his usefulness.
Fortunately, Atriya is ultimately useful. This story takes some interesting and unexpected turns that reveal his character further and set the stage for the next book, in which he plans to embark on the most dangerous and challenging of the few thorny paths laid out for him. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with that.
The Taste of Ashes picks up where that left off, on the brink of battle. And then it gets serious. Fascinatingly, this entire story takes place in one day. Tricked out with this author's impressive, detailed array of speculative military technology, this book explodes into a long, intense rush of action, violence, gore and spectacular tech-enhanced feats that I found mesmerizing to the point of saturation. However, in addition to Atriya's entertaining combination of confidence, honor and cynicism, there's a clear goal with a lot at stake as he fights against impossible odds, a whiny partner, and commanders with plans to zero him the moment he outlives his usefulness.
Fortunately, Atriya is ultimately useful. This story takes some interesting and unexpected turns that reveal his character further and set the stage for the next book, in which he plans to embark on the most dangerous and challenging of the few thorny paths laid out for him. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does with that.
March 22, 2016
Before you start this volume, you must read Echo Volume 1. If you enjoy fast moving sci-fi, this is a very richly written book. The first book introduces you to the main character where the second book covers only one day in his life but the action makes you doubt he could see another day. It was a fast read, great detail and somewhat gory.
April 18, 2016
Impatient for #3
January 29, 2017
Great book.
October 17, 2025
Interesting concept, unsure of the execution.
May 2, 2017
Action packed and not left wanting!
I knew before I read this book that it would be mostly action and it didn't disappoint there. Even if you are not big into most of a book being action packed, lost hope and pinned down; the story is wonderfully written to keep you interested. More impotently, if you love the character Atriya, it's a must read because you can really start to read between the lines of his personality of what Mr. Wayne is building too.
I knew before I read this book that it would be mostly action and it didn't disappoint there. Even if you are not big into most of a book being action packed, lost hope and pinned down; the story is wonderfully written to keep you interested. More impotently, if you love the character Atriya, it's a must read because you can really start to read between the lines of his personality of what Mr. Wayne is building too.
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