What do you think?
Rate this book
The Echo Series #1
The Spirit Seducer
The dream comes every A warrior clad in leather and wielding a spear, fighting off demons with the heads of jackrabbits and pumas. Defending her.
Echo Ruiz knows it’s ridiculous. There’s no one in Santa Fe less likely to need defending. Thanks to the migraines, she’s confined to her mother’s house. Her Native American Studies classes are online, and she hasn’t made a new friend in a decade.
Until her twenty-first birthday party, when trickster Coyote himself shows up. An hour later, Echo is on the run from the power-hungry god. Her headaches are gone. Her mother is a hostage, and she’s been thrust into a mirror-world of deadly loveliness to fight or die.
Her dream warrior? He’s as real as the sweat on her skin. His name is Zeke, and he remembers a lot more about Echo than she does about him. So does her best friend, Layla, who has secrets Echo’s never guessed.
But if Echo wants to defeat Coyote—if she wants to survive—she’ll have to discover the way herself. Because that’s one ending the legends have never told…
Echo Ruiz knows it’s ridiculous. There’s no one in Santa Fe less likely to need defending. Thanks to the migraines, she’s confined to her mother’s house. Her Native American Studies classes are online, and she hasn’t made a new friend in a decade.
Until her twenty-first birthday party, when trickster Coyote himself shows up. An hour later, Echo is on the run from the power-hungry god. Her headaches are gone. Her mother is a hostage, and she’s been thrust into a mirror-world of deadly loveliness to fight or die.
Her dream warrior? He’s as real as the sweat on her skin. His name is Zeke, and he remembers a lot more about Echo than she does about him. So does her best friend, Layla, who has secrets Echo’s never guessed.
But if Echo wants to defeat Coyote—if she wants to survive—she’ll have to discover the way herself. Because that’s one ending the legends have never told…
228 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 12, 2016
13 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Alexa Padgett
46 books1,337 followersWith a degree in international marketing and a varied career path that includes content management for a web firm, marketing direction for a high-profile sports agency, and a two-year stint with a renowned literary agency, award-winning author Alexa Padgett has returned to her first love: writing fiction.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.
Alexa spent a good part of her youth traveling. From Budapest to Belize, Calgary to Coober Pedy, she soaked in the myriad smells, sounds, and feels of these gorgeous places, wishing she could live in them all—at least for a while. And she does in her books.
She lives in New Mexico with her husband, children, and Great Pyrenees pup, Ash. When not writing, schlepping, or volunteering, she can be found in her tiny kitchen, channeling her inner Barefoot Contessa.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 3, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
BLURB
The dream comes every night: A warrior clad in leather and wielding a spear, fighting off demons with the heads of jackrabbits and pumas. Defending her.
Echo Ruiz knows it’s ridiculous. There’s no one in Santa Fe less likely to need defending. Thanks to the migraines, she’s confined to her mother’s house. Her Native American Studies classes are online, and she hasn’t made a new friend in a decade.
Until her twenty-first birthday party, when trickster Coyote himself shows up. An hour later, Echo is on the run from the power-hungry god. Her headaches are gone. Her mother is a hostage, and she’s been thrust into a mirror-world of deadly loveliness to fight or die.
Her dream warrior? He’s as real as the sweat on her skin. His name is Zeke, and he remembers a lot more about Echo than she does about him. So does her best friend, Layla, who has secrets Echo’s never guessed.
But if Echo wants to defeat Coyote—if she wants to survive—she’ll have to discover the way herself. Because that’s one ending the legends have never told…
CHARACTERS
I liked the fact that each character had a past..a story that influences their decisions and creates the twists in the story. That said, I don't like Echo. I certainly don't hate her but at times she can get on my nerves. I sided and agreed with her about the fact that her friends shouldn't keep secrets from her but that was just about it. I guess that could be probably because of the way she was raised, confined and controlled. I suppose being out in the world might change her. So yeah, hoping to like Echo more in the coming books.
Layla got on my nerves at times too. Her secrets and the her sometimes bossy attitude were annoying. But towards the end of the book, I certainly liked her more than I liked Echo.
Zeke is dishy!(The British meaning, not the North-American meaning!) He is sweet and to me seemed like the most realistic character.
I like how the Gods have been portrayed. They have been shown in such a way that they seem more like human beings than Gods. The reasons why the Gods are taking sides and playing a part in the war has been described well.
PLOT
The plot is pretty AWESOME! The idea of Gods and Demigods is pretty common but It's almost always Greek gods. I liked the fresh idea of Hisatsinom culture and Native-American gods. The twists are a plenty and the questions popping up in your head keeps you turning the pages. I liked how with each chapter, more of the bigger story was revealed..a little by little.
WRITING
The writing was quite even and i have no complaints except that at some points, it was hard to imagine the stuff I was reading. At certain places the imagery was a bit off but other than that the writing was pretty much clear and not confusing.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The new perspective on the Gods and Demigods plot-line
- The interesting twists
- The portrayal of the Native-American Gods
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- Echo at certain times
- The lack of imagery in some scenes
CONCLUSION
It a pretty great book for those looking for a different take on the Demigods plot-line. The spirit Seducer certainly offers that with it's refreshing story-line and well placed twists.
BLURB
The dream comes every night: A warrior clad in leather and wielding a spear, fighting off demons with the heads of jackrabbits and pumas. Defending her.
Echo Ruiz knows it’s ridiculous. There’s no one in Santa Fe less likely to need defending. Thanks to the migraines, she’s confined to her mother’s house. Her Native American Studies classes are online, and she hasn’t made a new friend in a decade.
Until her twenty-first birthday party, when trickster Coyote himself shows up. An hour later, Echo is on the run from the power-hungry god. Her headaches are gone. Her mother is a hostage, and she’s been thrust into a mirror-world of deadly loveliness to fight or die.
Her dream warrior? He’s as real as the sweat on her skin. His name is Zeke, and he remembers a lot more about Echo than she does about him. So does her best friend, Layla, who has secrets Echo’s never guessed.
But if Echo wants to defeat Coyote—if she wants to survive—she’ll have to discover the way herself. Because that’s one ending the legends have never told…
CHARACTERS
I liked the fact that each character had a past..a story that influences their decisions and creates the twists in the story. That said, I don't like Echo. I certainly don't hate her but at times she can get on my nerves. I sided and agreed with her about the fact that her friends shouldn't keep secrets from her but that was just about it. I guess that could be probably because of the way she was raised, confined and controlled. I suppose being out in the world might change her. So yeah, hoping to like Echo more in the coming books.
Layla got on my nerves at times too. Her secrets and the her sometimes bossy attitude were annoying. But towards the end of the book, I certainly liked her more than I liked Echo.
Zeke is dishy!(The British meaning, not the North-American meaning!) He is sweet and to me seemed like the most realistic character.
I like how the Gods have been portrayed. They have been shown in such a way that they seem more like human beings than Gods. The reasons why the Gods are taking sides and playing a part in the war has been described well.
PLOT
The plot is pretty AWESOME! The idea of Gods and Demigods is pretty common but It's almost always Greek gods. I liked the fresh idea of Hisatsinom culture and Native-American gods. The twists are a plenty and the questions popping up in your head keeps you turning the pages. I liked how with each chapter, more of the bigger story was revealed..a little by little.
WRITING
The writing was quite even and i have no complaints except that at some points, it was hard to imagine the stuff I was reading. At certain places the imagery was a bit off but other than that the writing was pretty much clear and not confusing.
WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE BOOK
- The new perspective on the Gods and Demigods plot-line
- The interesting twists
- The portrayal of the Native-American Gods
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE ABOUT THE BOOK
- Echo at certain times
- The lack of imagery in some scenes
CONCLUSION
It a pretty great book for those looking for a different take on the Demigods plot-line. The spirit Seducer certainly offers that with it's refreshing story-line and well placed twists.
July 17, 2016
This book was in my kindle recommendations on amazon after reading the synopsis i decided to give it a try and im glad i did. This was a very good read. This book is about a young woman name Echo, who was sheltered all of her life by her mother. On her birthday, Echo finds out that her mother has been keeping many secrets about who they are. This story is entertaining from beginning to end and it does not disappoint. I like that this book is about gods and demigods but not the greek gods you would be used to. I cant wait to read the next book to see what happens next
June 28, 2016
It seems like the YA genre has exploded in the last ten years or so. Sadly, many books in this category seem to have been thrown together, aren't well written, featuring recycled stories. Not so with the Spirit Seducer. Native American mythology serves as a backdrop for romance, fantasy, mystery, and plenty of action. (Swords, anyone?) What this book really is, though, is fun--think a kind of lighter Christopher Moore for YA. Plus, it's pretty easy to relate to Echo (the narrator) coming to terms with who she really is. (As young adults, don't we all go through such a thing?)
Spirit Warrior is a fast, fun read--well written and well crafted. Give it a try!
Spirit Warrior is a fast, fun read--well written and well crafted. Give it a try!
May 7, 2019
Echo Ruiz is an innocent. Her mother has kept her hidden away. It's made her feel isolated. Why all the secrecy? The answer is finally revealed at her 21st birthday party. Coyote, the trickster, appears and takes her mother hostage. Now she's running from a power hungry god. To protect her there is Zeke, a warrior, and her best friend, Layla. I was pulled into The Spirit Seducer by the mythology and by the non-stop action. I could understand how Echo felt. She was thrown into a world that she had no experience with. I wanted her to defeat her enemies. I was glad that she finally understood why her parents did what they did. It was amazing to see how quickly Echo adapted. I want her to help fulfill The Prophecy. I plan to be with Echo and Zeke on the next step of the journey. I enjoy the writing of Alexa Padgett.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
June 23, 2018
I read this in the Magic and Monsters anthology and as with most anthologies I started thinking I might find one new author. If that's the case I've already found her.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Echo, while untrained and new to it all, didn't act stupid all the time. She didn't always make the best decisions, but she also wasn't always making mistakes and blaming it on the fact that she didn't understand anything. She has a good and believable balance. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Echo, while untrained and new to it all, didn't act stupid all the time. She didn't always make the best decisions, but she also wasn't always making mistakes and blaming it on the fact that she didn't understand anything. She has a good and believable balance. I'm looking forward to reading the rest in the series.
May 3, 2016
I read The Spirit Seducer in two nights. It hooked me from the beginning and was completely action packed.
I was really excited when the god, Coyote, came into the story, just because I have read stories with him in it before, and I wondered what he would be like in this one. I was not disappointed! He was a giant being (literally) and still a trickster that he’s known to be.
The only thing that I wish was different was a little less action. I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but I think it would have been nice for the characters to take a breather for second and the reader could get a better feel for them. I feel like Echo was almost always in fight or flight mode that we didn’t really see any of her usual self. I just felt like the action took away from what could have been a place to contribute to character development. I wanted to hear her thoughts more, rather than always see her fighting for her life.
However, I did really enjoy the book; it was hard to put down. All in all this was a great debut in the urban fantasy world. Job well done Ms. Padgett!
I was really excited when the god, Coyote, came into the story, just because I have read stories with him in it before, and I wondered what he would be like in this one. I was not disappointed! He was a giant being (literally) and still a trickster that he’s known to be.
The only thing that I wish was different was a little less action. I know that probably sounds ridiculous, but I think it would have been nice for the characters to take a breather for second and the reader could get a better feel for them. I feel like Echo was almost always in fight or flight mode that we didn’t really see any of her usual self. I just felt like the action took away from what could have been a place to contribute to character development. I wanted to hear her thoughts more, rather than always see her fighting for her life.
However, I did really enjoy the book; it was hard to put down. All in all this was a great debut in the urban fantasy world. Job well done Ms. Padgett!
October 9, 2016
Great premise... Formulaic
I loved the premise... But I found myself constantly irritated by the way the story stayed with the standard "Stupid, selfish girl falls for hunky vampire/werewolf/demigod and recklessly endangers everyone and maybe even the world with her naivety and immaturity. Only to be transformed into an ultimate weapon by some trauma that wakes up her latent powers."
Did somebody publish a DIY manual on writing YA ? If so ... It must be a best seller. This story had so much potential but the slavish adherence to formula brings it down. I found myself predicting the story with 90% accuracy.
I bought both books in the series so I'll see what Book Two offers... But I'm not optimistic. I hope that the author doesn't stay in that lane and let's the imagination loose.
I loved the premise... But I found myself constantly irritated by the way the story stayed with the standard "Stupid, selfish girl falls for hunky vampire/werewolf/demigod and recklessly endangers everyone and maybe even the world with her naivety and immaturity. Only to be transformed into an ultimate weapon by some trauma that wakes up her latent powers."
Did somebody publish a DIY manual on writing YA ? If so ... It must be a best seller. This story had so much potential but the slavish adherence to formula brings it down. I found myself predicting the story with 90% accuracy.
I bought both books in the series so I'll see what Book Two offers... But I'm not optimistic. I hope that the author doesn't stay in that lane and let's the imagination loose.
April 27, 2016
A riveting, intriguing book with memorable characters (humans, gods and spirits) and a unique setting (part Santa Fe, part parallel universe), this book had me hooked from the start. I particularly liked the way Padgett manages to switch seamlessly from familial chit-chat between the protagonist Echo Ruiz and her mum, best friend and coterie of aunties, to huge life-and-death battle scenes played out against massive landscapes with demons and flesh-ripping monsters. Echo is a wonderful narrator - you're with her every step of the way as she struggles to accept that she possesses unique and much-coveted powers and as she deals with a deep physical attraction to the mysterious and sexy Zeke. A fun, compelling story that keeps you wanting more.
August 23, 2016
I really liked this and I like where the series is going, or at least where I think it is going. It's a little short on description, but there's plenty of action and the suggestion of more to come. The blend of Native American mythology is great and I look forward to reading the next in the series.
April 13, 2018
Wow this story is amazing! Zeke & Echo are such well written & strong characters. Alexa Padgett is a brilliant story teller. I couldn’t stop reading. I can’t wait to read the rest of this brilliant series. Recommend to all.
July 22, 2018
I really wanted to like this book, but the grammatical errors and the same fight scenes over and over ruined it for me. It really seemed like the edition I read (in Magick and Monsters) didn’t have an editor at all.
December 14, 2017
No fue que me gusto. Pudiera haber sido mejor.
June 22, 2019
I loved how Layla and Zeke are protective of Echo. Echo has a spiritual realm to kill her. Friendships and support is so important. Action and suspense await you.
September 23, 2023
Once again I have found a good book in these stories. I found it hard to put it down until the end. This was part of the Anthology 'Magic & Monsters'.
August 31, 2018
I love this story line. It’s suspenseful and quick and holds your attention! I can’t wait to read the next one! I am in love with Echo and Zeke!
December 3, 2018
Echo Ruiz has been home schooled and is confined to her home due to migraines that are so intense and painful that they put her down and out of commission when they appear.
It is Echo’s twenty-first birthday and her mother is throwing her a birthday party and the guests have been invited plus one that her mother is not aware of until the last moment. When she finds out she hits the roof. Echo and her mother argue. Her mother says no way is this guy she doesn’t even know, a guy she met online is coming to the party and Echo is like oh yeah he is arguing that her mother can’t control her life anymore as she is now an adult.
But before a real decision or the argument can be settled the god Coyote shows with all intensions of taking Echo with him but before that can happen her best friend Layla shows up to help out. Echo is like whoa who is this girl and what kind of secrets has she been keeping.
Layla is not the only one who shows up to help Echo. Guess who shows up this time? None other than her dream guy literally. Echo has been dreaming of this guy Zeke for a long time but she never dreamed that he was actually real.
Come to find out Zeke and Layla know more about Echo than she knows herself. Echo also finds out in a matter of minutes that her mother has been keeping secrets from her for a long time like her whole life and now her mother is gone. Coyote has taken her hostage and Echo must find out who she is and what she is capable of in order to find her mother.
The Spirit Seducer has been a very fast paced read that kept me glued to my chair flipping the pages wanting to more. It drew me in with all the twists and turns that show up on every page. Every time she turns around someone is there trying to take Echo so she must fight for her life. The world building and the action in The Spirit Seducer is so intense that it kept me gripping the arms of my chair and rooting for Echo, Layla and Zeke during every fight scene. And that ending just blew me out of the water so to speak I never predicted that one but it was good so good that it kept me hanging on and wanting to know more. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in The Echo Series to see where Echo, Zeke, Layla and all the other characters take us next on their journey.
If you are a fan of fantasy and the paranormal then you are going to love Echo and Zeke’s story which by the way I do recommend tremendously.
It is Echo’s twenty-first birthday and her mother is throwing her a birthday party and the guests have been invited plus one that her mother is not aware of until the last moment. When she finds out she hits the roof. Echo and her mother argue. Her mother says no way is this guy she doesn’t even know, a guy she met online is coming to the party and Echo is like oh yeah he is arguing that her mother can’t control her life anymore as she is now an adult.
But before a real decision or the argument can be settled the god Coyote shows with all intensions of taking Echo with him but before that can happen her best friend Layla shows up to help out. Echo is like whoa who is this girl and what kind of secrets has she been keeping.
Layla is not the only one who shows up to help Echo. Guess who shows up this time? None other than her dream guy literally. Echo has been dreaming of this guy Zeke for a long time but she never dreamed that he was actually real.
Come to find out Zeke and Layla know more about Echo than she knows herself. Echo also finds out in a matter of minutes that her mother has been keeping secrets from her for a long time like her whole life and now her mother is gone. Coyote has taken her hostage and Echo must find out who she is and what she is capable of in order to find her mother.
The Spirit Seducer has been a very fast paced read that kept me glued to my chair flipping the pages wanting to more. It drew me in with all the twists and turns that show up on every page. Every time she turns around someone is there trying to take Echo so she must fight for her life. The world building and the action in The Spirit Seducer is so intense that it kept me gripping the arms of my chair and rooting for Echo, Layla and Zeke during every fight scene. And that ending just blew me out of the water so to speak I never predicted that one but it was good so good that it kept me hanging on and wanting to know more. I can’t wait to dive into the next book in The Echo Series to see where Echo, Zeke, Layla and all the other characters take us next on their journey.
If you are a fan of fantasy and the paranormal then you are going to love Echo and Zeke’s story which by the way I do recommend tremendously.
October 5, 2016
I received this book in exchange for a review.
I liked it, but there was some lows I didn't like. It is a well written book but i think it needed just a little fixing, especially the beginning. It starts very sudden about a chapter in, with the villain showing up. As a result, at this point, I'm clueless. Then this guy, Zeke, shows up and saves her. This guy who she knows from her dreams. BUT we never actually see a dream with him in it. There's no introduction to him as a character, which is pretty crucial. He's part of the whole story suddenly. With the beginning, it almost feels like a sequel.
The main character Echo isn't as developed as she should be either. Her perspective reads as if it's being told from 2nd rather than the 1st it is. We just don't know enough about her as a character as we should.
The story itself was not bad. It's good enough that it kept me interested. It took me so long to read only because of work. Without work i would have finished much more quickly. At times, especially at the end I got a little confused and it was hard to follow. But other than that, it was a nice easy read. Reminds me of the books I would read in my mid teenage years.
And lastly, of course I am rooting for Zeke and Echo. (love the names) Although I wish they were given more character introductions, them together is very cute and sweet to read about. I'm definitely rooting for them.
All in all, good read. Overall I would give this a 3.5 stars and I am definitely interested enough to know what happens next so I will be reading the rest of the series.
I liked it, but there was some lows I didn't like. It is a well written book but i think it needed just a little fixing, especially the beginning. It starts very sudden about a chapter in, with the villain showing up. As a result, at this point, I'm clueless. Then this guy, Zeke, shows up and saves her. This guy who she knows from her dreams. BUT we never actually see a dream with him in it. There's no introduction to him as a character, which is pretty crucial. He's part of the whole story suddenly. With the beginning, it almost feels like a sequel.
The main character Echo isn't as developed as she should be either. Her perspective reads as if it's being told from 2nd rather than the 1st it is. We just don't know enough about her as a character as we should.
The story itself was not bad. It's good enough that it kept me interested. It took me so long to read only because of work. Without work i would have finished much more quickly. At times, especially at the end I got a little confused and it was hard to follow. But other than that, it was a nice easy read. Reminds me of the books I would read in my mid teenage years.
And lastly, of course I am rooting for Zeke and Echo. (love the names) Although I wish they were given more character introductions, them together is very cute and sweet to read about. I'm definitely rooting for them.
All in all, good read. Overall I would give this a 3.5 stars and I am definitely interested enough to know what happens next so I will be reading the rest of the series.
July 7, 2021
Echo
An enjoyable read with godly premises. Although I really enjoyed it I'm left wondering how this world fully works, but will be water to explore if more of it is revealed in the series as we do follow the main character as she is thrown headfirst into dizzying battles with the gods.
An enjoyable fantasy read.
An enjoyable read with godly premises. Although I really enjoyed it I'm left wondering how this world fully works, but will be water to explore if more of it is revealed in the series as we do follow the main character as she is thrown headfirst into dizzying battles with the gods.
An enjoyable fantasy read.
January 7, 2018
Exciting start to what is bound to be an interesting series. Echo, Layla & Zeke are fascinating characters, and while it took a bit to warm up and start making sense, once the story got underway, so many fascinating pieces start to come together. Looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
June 20, 2018
Great
I read this in an anthology, and quickly purchased the book. Love the story line. Wish the anthology had made it clear that this was the whole book, then I would've bought the second book instead. Love it anyway.
I read this in an anthology, and quickly purchased the book. Love the story line. Wish the anthology had made it clear that this was the whole book, then I would've bought the second book instead. Love it anyway.
January 18, 2018
DNF: 28%
The Native American mythology and overall premise made it interesting enough to pick up. However, the patchy way of writing, the meandering way of storytelling without any real explanation of what's happening, the either over-the-top or too bland characters, all failed to grasp my attention so I've decided to call it a day.
The Native American mythology and overall premise made it interesting enough to pick up. However, the patchy way of writing, the meandering way of storytelling without any real explanation of what's happening, the either over-the-top or too bland characters, all failed to grasp my attention so I've decided to call it a day.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews