The Echo of Broken Dreams

After the Rift #2

by C.J. Archer

When a palace maid is attacked, Josie and the captain of the guards investigate together. Since one of the suspects is a foreign diplomat and magic expert, they use the opportunity to learn more about sorcery. But it soon becomes clear that he is using them to get to the truth about the palace and the servants' origins.

With unrest in the village, and servants growing impatient for answers, an undercurrent of danger pervades the air. But the most dangerous man of all may prove to be the king himself, because every clue points to him knowing more than he lets on.

As tensions both in and out of the glittering Glancian court rise, the heat between the captain and Josie is a distraction. But is it a welcome one?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery, Audiobook, Magic, Fiction, Young Adult

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 4, 2018

About the author

C.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.

She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.

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Reviews

[Carol (StarAngel's Reviews) Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

****4.25 Mysterious Stars****

We still don't get answers in this 2nd book of the series and it kills me each time the Captain has second thoughts about Josie and we have to start their growing relationship all over again.

With this book we still have the current story of the Palace and it's inhabitants but we have a new mystery unfolding. So, in reality you are getting a story inside of a bigger story.

Can't wait till the next book is released next month!

[Alexandra G. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

*Happy sigh.
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. The story is intriguing and full of mystery, the world-building is amazing and the characters! . I freaking love them. Even the ones that I'm supposed to hate. How weird is that?

Since this is the third series by this author that I absolutely adore, it's safe to say that I will pretty much read anything she'll write.

So, why not full five stars? Because, while the book was good and I enjoyed the hell out of it, it felt like the story was kinda' dragging along. Like it was filler until the big finale. And that makes me a little sad because I know that there is only one more book and I was expecting something a little more epic in this one. Oh, well.
Still awesome though.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is so good! Where has it been hiding?????

The story is about Josie, a midwife who is the daughter of a village doctor. A few months ago a huge palace was built near her small village in just a few weeks without anyone seeing any builders. Some say it was magic, but Josie is skeptical. This second book takes off right from the previous one, sending Josie on more adventures and mystery all tied to the palace.

SPOILERS >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Okay, I did like the first one a little bit better. The entire mystery of the people and magic really brought it out. This focuses more on hunting down a rapist somewhere in the village or palace. While this is interesting, I wanted to focus more on the mystery in the first book. Who were all the palace workers before it was built? I want Hammer to get his memory back! Especially after that ending. I mean the whole time im just like come on you like her she likes you, just get together man. But then Hammer had to act all Chivalrous and say he can't be with anyone without knowing if he already has someone.

My heart broke! They better find their memories in the next one! And they better get together!

Overall though it was still super good. Josie is always doing the opposite of what everyone tells her to do. It is like the answers just get thrown at her feet! She always ends up at the right place at the exact right time! (I mean get attacked isn't necessarily the right place at the right time, but the Hammer turned up at exactly the right time so....).

I guess I just wanted more magic. I thought the rapist would have ended up being tied to magic somehow. Oh well. Also, so glad that it seems Miranda is not falling for that creepy guy anymore. I was definitely worried about that!

Can't wait to read the next one!

[Adrienne Varner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drags on with little resolution..disappointed, again

This series is another example of CJ Archer’s writing where its fun to read at first but the further you get you realize very little actually happens. Archer is a good writer in that she develops the characters enough to get the reader interested but nothing exciting really happens. The characters spend more time talking about things that supposedly happened rather than allowing the reader to “experience“ those events through storytelling. I gave up halfway through her Glass and Steele series and Ministry of Curiosities series for the same reason. You keep buying the books and reading in hopes the character’s romantic relationship will progress and answers to the story will be given but it just never happens. The author needs to learn how to give more than just drag it out. It seems most of her series should be half as many books and develop much quicker.

[Bo0kSLoth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up multiple times, which is very unusual for me. When I start a book, I really try hard to finish it, usually on one, if not two sittings. There really has to be something that keeps me from connecting with the characters to prevent me from so this, which was the case in this book. It started in the first book. I felt like the h was almost silly with her crush on the captain. Her demands that he share everything about himself, all his secrets, was just ridiculous. She was really nothing to him but she insinuated herself into his life and the life of the others at the palace, then was upset when he kept himself formal. It was baffling how delusional she was.

I decided to continue on with this book because the mystery of the palace's lost past won out, but the way h once again desperately pushed her way into the captain's life without asking and demanding that he feel for her like she does him is so painful at times.

I like other books by the author but I really dislike the h in the story which is sad because I really want to know how the story ends but really have no desire to keep reading about the pathetic girl

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I probably wouldn't have even finished if I were reading this book but the audio narrator is very soothing to listen to. I promise - you can skip right over the book and miss NOTHING!!! There is literally no information about the mystery given, just a little extra tension in the village. Of course she keeps coming up with random reasons to visit the palace all the time but she's not any closer to being able to be a doctor either. I plan to read the reviews first for book 3 to see if I can skip THAT one too because ultimately, I like it enough to want to know how it ends.

Edited from 3 to 2 stars because I'm giving up on the series. After reading reviews of the next TWO books (that's FOUR books with NO ANSWERS?!) I had decided to pick up with book 5 knowing that I literally wouldn't miss anything. Does that tell you anything? Luckily I read THAT review too and not only is there ANOTHER BOOK people are waiting for, it was just easier to read a few spoilers from book 5 and drop it.

[Mari · Rating 4 out of 5]

A maid has been raped and Josie and Dane begin to investigate. During the investigation others are attacked. Josie spent a lot of time going from the village to the palace and back again. She does quite a bit of eaves dropping. No real progress was made on the mystery of the palace or the people who lost their memories. I thought it was a bit slow at times. It also seemed unrealistic that Josie is consistently in the right place to overhear pertinent gossip. I hope that the next book reveals more about the palace origins and less of Josie's internal ramblings about Dane.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Midwife Josie is called to the palace when one of the maids is assaulted. Nobleman and servants are suspect as she investigates along with the Captain of the Guard. She’s still trying to help Captain Hammer determine what made the inhabitants lose their memories. They suspect the king is involved and that he may be using magic with the help of a sorcerer. While the first mystery is solved, the story continues as the king’s secrets are still unknown. The final answers won’t come until volume six.

[Sherry · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know there are at least three books in this series so far. this is the second and takes up literally days after the first story ends. I'm a little put out that this series could be one book....I don't understand why it's split. It is a mystery and I want to find out the answer so I keep reading (already started the third book but I'm afraid it's not the last).
I like the story but I'm not entranced with the love interest/tension between the two main characters. There is too much of it and it is beginning to get in the way of the story, feels like it's bogging it down.

[Deena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Everyone in this book needs corporate sexual harassment training.

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.50 / 4 Stars

***HOOPLA audio***

MC's: Jolie and Hammer (aka Dane, aka Captain)

I do enjoy CJA's writing and have come to like her characters. The pace of this story was pretty slow and mundane. A lot of daily life, back and forth from the palace to Jolie's town and the town' unrest. The secondary mystery was the rapist. The first mystery (the Palace and loss of memory) really doesn't have much traction yet. They're still questioning what the gem in the cabinet is all about....still haven't moved much past that.

Hammer is interested in Jolie, but he's not moving forward with his feelings. He doesn't know who he was previously...was a decent guy, or not. Was he married or not. There's a honor within him that doesn't want to give Jolie any false hope just incase he's spoken for. He feels it would hurt her in the end.

[L.J. Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series as much as I love CJ Archer. She's made another great cast of characters that you question, adore, and want to fight for. She has the romance burning slowly. She has magic and social commentary. The covers of the books in this series kind of speak to the books themselves. Regal yet moody. Beautiful yet lonely. Soulful and creative. Fantastical yet real.

I'm a teeny, tiny bit disappointed that it ended where it did. Thank goodness there is a book three coming in the near future. Well...I guess June will be here before we know it, right?

Anticipation....is making me wait.

[Wonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

AHHHH! I am becoming obsessed!!! Solving crimes, while trying to figure out the mystery of a castle full of people with no recollection of their past...Hello, Storybrooke...And our resident midwife, straight out of Outlander...And I am EATING it up! Slow burns kill me...

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middling. And sometimes a slow burn is too slow.

[heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it

[TJ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Still a great magical mystery set in historic times! While the secondary plot-line, that of who is attacking women, is wrapped up by the end of the book - the overall arc of the main magic mystery, as well as the romance, went absolutely no where. Both are much the same when the last page turns as they were when the first page opened.

I’ll keep reading because the characters are wonderfully engaging and the storyline really is intriguing. BUT, there needs to be some progress in the main points of the plot in the next book or I’m out.

[Nadia Vriendt · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars...

I still like Ms Archer's voice and writing style, and I enjoyed this story. So why only 3.5 stars, and not the full 4 (or even more)? Well, very simply, because again, Josie unmasks the culprit by chance more than cunning. If he hadn't grabbed her, and tried to rape her, then there were still multiple suspects, with no clues pointing towards the actual rapist. So she was almost "lucky" to have been attacked.

Is this a big flaw? Not if it's just a single event. It bothers me mostly because the same thing happened in the first book in this series. You cannot pull that kind of trick twice in a row. (I sort of predicted it already whilst reading, and when it actually happened, it really was a disappointment)

I will most likely continue reading the series, but I do hope that this was the last time the culprit was unmasked like that. Otherwise I might still quit reading it altogether. :-(

[Carmen · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK. That's it, just OK.

I was entertained enough to want to finish. And a small part of me is contemplating reading the next book. But I'm not sure I like the characters enough to want to keep reading about them.

The slow burn of the main story arch is driving me crazy. And from the other series of CJ's that I started to read, this seems to be a common theme (confirmed after reading reviews of the other books). I haven't finished that series, and I'm not sure I will finish this one. While I am very interested in the main story, I do not think I have the patience to sit through four more books.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook. Second book of Josie helping with the mysterious palace.

[Sara Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got a little frustrated with this book in places, and had to kind of force myself to continue a time or two. Also, it is worth mentioning that a central theme in this book is rape and how characters deal with rapists.

1) Josie is really big on telling the Captain who to trust. And who not to. But she is LITERALLY insisting on trusting people she doesn't even like that much because she knows them. She genuinely gets involved in a protest and THE GUY SHE KEEPS SAYING SHE TRUSTS SO MUCH starts trying to turn the protest into an angry mob attacking the poorest part of town. I think he said they were going to burn them out. And she keeps insisting that it is nothing. And nothing will come of it in the future either. Even though the situation was only barely kept in check the first time.

2) Josie talks about (possibly in book 1, or both books) how she is excellent at keeping secrets of patients. And she bumbles around people's secrets quite badly in this book. And doesn't even seem to realize it somehow.

3) Josie got really stupid at some point. I get that the author wants this to be a romance-y book, but it just feels unrequited and like Josie is so focused on what might be that she is otherwise stupid to what IS a several points in this book.

4) I feel like this book is asking how much physical force and coercion of women is 'the right amount'. The acceptable amount. Rape is too far for most of the characters, but you kind of get the sense that there is an acceptable amount for everyone. That's not a great feeling.

5) I kind of felt like the final discovery of who the rapist was was very anticlimactic. It also felt like it wasn't a proper ending for this book. Other parts of the story, which were seemingly given more care by the author, weren't cleared up or anything. Those things feel very much like we are still in the middle of them, so the story arc for this book feels kind of anemic.

6) The people who keep insisting that people clearly doing bad things are good people in this book got grating. This is a separate point from my #1 because it includes things like the king being absolutely awful on multiple occasions and people talking about him being a good person deep down and wanting to be a good king, when he has done VERY LITTLE in either book to seem like he is either a good person or trying to be a good king. I feel like the characters are trying to gaslight each other about the other characters. I don't care for it, and I hope it doesn't continue much longer.

This felt like nothing we cared about from the previous book had any progress made on it, not really. And I didn't care for that. AND when I checked out how the reviews for book 3 went, it was getting called out for nothing happening AND it feeling a lot like book one. I couldn't accept that, so I won't be reading any more of this series.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really on a C.J. Archer kick this year. But Book 2 of the After the Rift series didn’t really grab me like Book 1. That’s often the case in series. The Echo of Broken Dreams tells us more about the most probably enchanted castle and the king, whose character seems progressively weaker. Visiting lords and ladies attempt to manipulate king and kingdom, and things don’t look good for our protagonist, who is continually grabbed and threatened by lords, staff, and village men. Feisty as she is, the Captain of the Guards must bail her out frequently. I didn’t care for that. She really ought to learn from her mistakes and be more careful.

The crime involves rape of a maid at the castle. And a rape in the village, possibly related. No shortage of threatening men, among village folk, amongst staff at the castle, and of course amongst the nobles, who are above reproach.

There are a few fun and memorable moments of friendship and connection between Josie and nature-girl noble Miranda, whose life Josie saved in Book 1. And Kitty, Miranda’s duchess friend, who simply cannot grasp how the other 90% live, much as she tries. And, as usual in Archer books, romance blooms but cannot bloom between the protagonist and her man.

[Suzanne Hare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A palace maid is raped and Josie is called in to check on her. Dane and Josie get together to solve the crime. With magic in play, unrest in the village and their personal feelings, it is not so easy to solve the crime.

This is the second book in the paranormal magical series called me the After the Rift. This is a wonderful series in a whole new world built out of the creative imaginative mind of C. J. Archer. The characters are quirky, intelligent and complex, complete with strengths and weakness. The story is told from Josie’s point of view and gives insights into her hopes and dreams, her motivations and her actions. There is excellent descriptions allowing for the reader to visualize the setting. The storyline flows smoothly and quickly as it is filled with so much action, surprises, plenty of suspects, lots of interesting clues, twists, turns, romance danger and suspense. It is a wonderful well written series and I cannot wait until I get to find out more about these amazing characters.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the After The Rift series and it is wonderful, I couldn't put it down.
In this installment, you really get to know the characters, their personalities start to come through and they come alive, of course this is enhanced by C.J's witt, humour, compassion and emotion which seeps into every conversation in this fabulous book. This is an engrossing tale, and the pace picks up as this book unfolds. There are a few different plot lines moving fluidly through this adventure, but it is the love story between Hammer and Josie, which is so intriguing. They both want each other, but Dane has to find his answers before he can trust himself to open up his heart, and Josie has to try to soothe her aching and lonely heart while she waits.
Villains abound, backstabbing is rife and questions pop up in each of the chapters.
I loved it and can't wait for the third is this glorious series....

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The entire gang is back. Most of the original mysteries are still in place. We still have no idea why none of the palace staff have a memory, but now there is a sexual predator on the loose. One of the maids has been attacked and the only person she will trust is the local midwife Josie. And Josie is still smitten with the Captain of the Guard and her father is still leary of the palace. This story picks up right where the last one left off. The main mystery of the story was not as interesting, but how it connects to the overarching mystery of the palace is great. Once again the narrator does a fantastic job of putting the listener in the middle of the action. If you are listening while driving, you don’t want to stop. Have book three on hand because you are going to want it immediately.

[Caprice Alizah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reread this series because I always enjoy C.J.‘s writing and couldn’t really find anything I was interested in reading at the time. I love this series and the little bit of magic that enters into C.J.‘s normally historical-only worlds (which I love just the same without magic). I loved the female lead in this (Josie) who was strong and desired to be independent. She was quirky and had a sense of humor that I loved. I loved the male lead, too (Hammer/Dane) who was noble, just, and so caring. Their journey of becoming a couple is beautifully written and believable, a slow burn across the series. And with a very happy ending 💕 There is some strong language from a select few characters. You know when to prepare for it when a certain character enters the scene. But it’s not an overwhelming amount throughout the whole series, so I can stand it for the story even if it makes me cringe.

[Ally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lets keep on keeping on through this series.

Book 2 started a bit stronger I think than the first book. There were more immediate set backs and I feel like there was a sense of character discovery that was lacking in the first book. This book had a lot more plot development and finally some characters that do not like our main heroine.

I also liked Josie MUCH MUCH more in this book than I did in the first. There was more substance to her and with adversity her character grew. This book also treads on a complicated issue of economy and home land which I find interesting for this book as well as the added air of mystery and magic.

If you are not sure whether to read this series I say go for it! The first book you may need to push yourself through but after reading the second book I am hopeful for the rest of the series!

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josie and Hammer are back and the intrigue has changed gears. With more and more suspecting magic has been applied, things are getting more invloved and more hetic with everyone looking for clues. Josie finds herself right in the middle of plotting lords, criminal types and ladies that require her time. We see a closeness between Josie and Dane which ebbs and flows. I so want to see some of the minor characters find love. I cannot wait for the next book to release!! This is one magical mystery that I've thoroughly enjoyed!! Ms. Archer is the master at sustainability! Her series will draw you in and keep you hanging on until the very end. She beautifully tells these complex tales that engage your senses and tug upon your heart. This series has such gorgeous covers 😍😍😍

[Lyric Kali · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the audio version of the first book on one of my services. I enjoyed it thoroughly and then spent a weekend binging on the entire series. The writing is well done. The characters are likeable or not, but it isn't just brashness for those that should be unlikeable. . . there are reasons. It is an interesting take on "sorcery" and to be honest I've never read anything like it. I recommend if you want a fun and interesting romp with some romance, because there is definitely romance. I also like the sex-positive and consent-positive feel to the book. . . it is set in a fantasy world with the long gowns and swords and what not. . . so I found the positivity to be refreshing. Enjoy it!

[lalalandreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This time there is a rapist to catch. The politics of immigration are raised, Josie isn’t doing great financially, but she keeps getting called back to the palace for her medical skills, and does a little sleuthing about magic. Josie and he captain grow closer, but both decide the should remain friends only. Well, he decides. The rapist is caught, and there is more talk of the red gem that has now be hidden away from the king. Could the sorcerer be imprisoned in it? Or connected to the palace and its inhabitants in some way? Enjoyable, but I would have liked more action in the hunt for magic. These are detective novels really. Just like all of C. J. Archer’s books. I feel like this series is really being drawn out.

[Kyla C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I rate this 5 ⭐️ I really like this book and the books series. There are so many twisted turns like it’s so entertaining that you can never get bored of this book which is one thing you really like if it’s a boring book it’s hard to read, but this book made it so it’s hard to stop reading. but this book also made me mad, because Josie and Dane should be together. Josie helps with Dane anger and Dane helps keep her safe. And you can tell in this book that they like each other. In the part I’m mad about is, how they are not together. I understand why Dane doesn’t want to be together yet. But it is still sad. Out of that I really like this book. It was so intense, and entertain. can’t wait to read the next book love this book series so far.