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

The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid is perhaps one of the most fascinating tales I have ever read. With accolades and awards from several festivals and contests, anyone who loves high fantasy stories will want to pick up this fast-paced adventure. I could make comparisons to Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia, but I feel The Crystilleries of Echoland is in a class of its own. I will play my hand early and say I give this book 4 out of 4 stars.

Will Cleary is an unusual twelve-year-old boy who lives in Alaska. He and his twin sister, Emily, disappeared when they were two. Their names joined countless others in a book called The Gravestone Book that listed everyone that has vanquished. Will inexplicably reappears with a wolf and a falcon as companions. With determination, Will sets out to find Emily and realizes he has to enter Echoland. Echoes, the residents of Echoland, are reflections of Sounds, those that live in Will’s domain. “Life begins twice. You see the Sounds. But you don‘t see their see-through reflections. They float away at birth.” After birth, the Echoes find their way to an underground place called Echoland. An eleven-day journey begins with Will partnering up with peculiar characters and dodging evil creatures called Fate Sealers. There is more at stake than Emily’s life, a kingdom is also in jeopardy.

Dew Pellucid took twelve years to conceptualize the world of Echoland. This is evident in the intricacies and details that are given throughout the story. She depicts a snowy land where crystal balls adorn every place imaginable, ice fairies floating around, sparkling streets, and buildings made of ice. There are beautiful illustrations throughout the book that aid in the visualization. I enjoyed exploring this whimsical, frigid world. The quirky personalities that Will engages with were even more entertaining. One of my favorites introduces himself this way: “Peter Patrick Peterson. Tongue twister by name, magician by fame. And this gorgeous mutt is Poudini. Houdini with a P…after the greatest magician ever. And after me. P for Peter Patrick Peterson. Get it?”

Amidst the epic adventure, Pellucid weaves in a moral lesson on diversity and acceptance. In Echoland, Sounds and Echoes don‘t mix. They forbid unions between the two and their children are called “mongrels.” The ones discriminated against realistically show anger and hopelessness. Expressed also is the pain and pressures that a mixed-race family has to endure. This was my favorite aspect of the story and I thought the author covered the subject creatively.

There was only one tiny error with a quotation mark. Otherwise, the editing was perfect. Pellucid delivers on an imaginative story full of mystery and intrigue. The elements of adventure and fantasy would appeal to the young and old who like to get lost in a new world.

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The Crystilleries of Echoland
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I could make comparisons to Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia, but I feel The Crystilleries of Echoland is in a class of its own.

Wow! It seems that the author has created a beautiful world which will immerse the readers completely. I am pinning it to my TR list. I do hope that the crystal balls are put to an imaginative use and not just delivered as a trite prop. Thanks for the review!

It sounds like the world building was well done. I'm glad you enjoyed it so much.

The story seems intense, it reminded me of book called, Atlantis which has the same flow as this read. Thank you for your review!

Quite unique and totally different from my youngest son's book written when he was eleven is a lengthy and ever-evolving story he conceptualised with his older brother. I already couldn't help but be impressed with the level of detail they've been coming up with since around four years ago. Now, the author's twelve years' worth of work would definitely be something more than that, and it's evident that it paid off through all the accolades she garnered. Thank you for your interesting review of her piece.

i like this read, looks like a very captivating read. I love books that stimulate the mind and get my imagination pumping .

I could make comparisons to Harry Potter and Chronicles of Narnia, but I feel The Crystilleries of Echoland is in a class of its own.

I loved reading Harry Potter, this book sounds magical and captivating, I can't wait to get started on it

A good review. Thanks!

I started this book yesterday and fired through it quickly. Now I have to read it again to see if I can link up some of the themes you are highlighting. Thanks, so much, for getting me to notice that it has a deeper message.

I would like to get lost in a new world full of adventure and fantasy. Your review portrays a very interesting story. I can discern Dew pellucid's intriguing writing style and the never-ending imagination. I can't wait to read the book.

Interesting!

It would be fun to read about the origin of the title of the book.

Besides, the Grave stone is another feature I would like to know about.

Thank you this review.

Intriguing concept! Somehow the word shadow hunters come to mind. Being one to enjoy these genres I see this captivating me. Will be starting soon!