OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Crystilleries of Echoland" by Dew Pellucid.]

The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid is about two parallel worlds and a boy’s adventure between them. This boy’s name is Will Cleary, and there is another version of him called Peter, who is royalty in the echo’s dimension. Will’s adventure starts when his pet wolf and falcon save him after he and his sister are kidnapped. Later in his life, he finds that his pets have been possessed by echoes that are protecting him. His parents never stopped searching for his sister over the ten years since the kidnapping. The real action begins when he decides to search for his sister too. He and his echo end up wrapped up in an exhilarating mystery to find who killed the king of Echoland.

Pellucid created a very fascinating world that I always found interesting to learn more about throughout the storyline. The beginning was probably the hardest part to listen to because I had not yet learned so many details that were later uncovered. Nevertheless, it quickly became understandable. Shortly after the beginning, it was hard to stop listening because I wanted to know what was going to happen next. The rules of Echoland were explained early on, which made it easier to understand what was happening. The character’s feelings were well described, which made it easier for me to relate to the characters. I was not expecting as many twists and turns as there were. As the characters responded to ever-changing situations, it made the story that much more interesting.

While I did enjoy listening to the audiobook, there are a few things that I do not feel are great. While the author does explain important details later, I felt that the beginning was too confusing. The only other issue I have with it is the lack of complex sentences, which sometimes seemed rather blatant. Regardless of these issues, I enjoyed listening to the story unfold in what I think is a unique setting.

I give The Crystilleries of Echoland 4 out of 4 stars because I found it so easy to get caught in the fantasy world created by Dew Pellucid. It was a great audiobook because the story, as well as the reading, seeped out emotion. The mechanics of the parallel worlds were interesting, which made the story that much better as Will experienced Echoland.

You should read this if you enjoy the fantasy genre in general, but it is meant for younger readers. Be warned there are some rather graphic descriptions and plenty of violence, but only to the extent of other books in its genre. It is a great story to delve into if you enjoy anything by J. K. Rowling, Christopher Paolini, Brandon Mull, or Brandon Sanderson.

******
The Crystilleries of Echoland
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

This is a beautiful review of the book but there is a small mistake in the review. You stated that the echo of Will is Peter, which is not correct. Will's echo is William, who is the prince of Echoland. Peter is Will's friend, who helps Will with his adventure.

I've read a number of review on this book but your review was the most concise one - and I say that in a good way! I did not know this book was so action packed, I was thinking more of a The Thief Lord-style narration but it looks like I was mistaken. I think I'd like to read this with a kid, thanks for the recommendation