Review by Momiji1987 -- The Crystilleries of Echoland

[Chelsy Scherba]

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

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4 out of 4 stars

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The Crystilleries of Echoland, read by B.J. Harrison, is an audiobook written by Dew Pellucid. Will Cleary and his twin sister vanished when they were small children. Only Will returned from the strange land he’d disappeared to and had no memory of the event. Ten years later, his parents still haven’t stopped looking for the portal that trapped his sibling. One day, Will dives into the pond and wakes up to find himself and his pets, a wolf and a falcon, in a place that looks like the backyard of his house. The only thing is, his pets are no longer animals. They’ve turned into echoes that appear to be a see-through boy and girl. Has Will rediscovered Echoland and will he be able to find his lost sister before encountering life-threatening dangers himself?

This is my first time reviewing an audiobook and it was a pleasant experience. Harrison’s voice is calm and soothing, but not boring. His accent is lightly British and not overpowering. His tone has just enough personality to hold your attention. He slips easily into a variety of different voices and accents to tell the story convincingly. Whether the character is male or female, young or old, he brings them to life with elegance. Perhaps the best parts of the book are when he’s simply narrating in his native accent, drawing you into the story and environments through his descriptions. The author couldn’t have chosen a better narrator to record this novel, since Harrison brings it to life vividly.

As far as the actual content of the book, I found it extremely original. The overall story arc is familiar, but in a good way. The plot is basically the archetypal battle between good and evil with a boy-hero at its center. Will is forced into hiding and is charged with helping his echo, a prince, assume power before he is murdered too. The characters are a unique mix of “sounds” and “echoes” that inhabit a separate, yet similar world. Every person has a twin in this other world (except in special circumstances) and each needs the other in order to survive. I found the mythology and depth of originality very impressive for this type of genre. Despite being a little “wonderland” in some respects, this book makes perfect sense. Everything fantastical is also logical, something I really enjoyed about the story.

The writing style reminded me of a mixture of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. Even though the characters are quite young, some of the scenes are pretty violent and disturbing. I would caution younger readers against reading this book since children do face mortal dangers. This book is best suited for older teens and young adults.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The writing is very descriptive, the worlds are clearly developed, and the mythology is captivating. This audiobook is professionally acted and highly entertaining. I can’t recommend it enough.

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The Crystilleries of Echoland
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Like Momiji1987's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Intuitive Catalyst]

Love this! It's a must read for my bookshelves! Thanks!

[Erin Painter Baker]

I agree that Harrison was an excellent choice for narrator for this book. I found him incredibly easy to listen to, and he managed to convey the story in such a way so that I didn't want to stop "reading". I often stood outside my house at the end of my commute to finish a chapter before entering to the cacophony of my dogs.

[maggi3]

I was thinking about reading this for the BOTM discussion. It sounds fascinating. I like how the author is able to make a plot that’s been done so many times unique. I don’t usually read audiobooks, but I might make an exception here. Thanks for the review!

[ReneeBrown]

I recently finished this book and also thought it was very well-written. I have never read anything like this book before, so I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks for the review!

[Bambiears]

As momiji1987 rightly says the violence scenes are in my opinion pretty graphic.

However the story line is an interesting one, and I think the book can do very well.

[sarmaya]

i recently read this book and this is very well written book.author potray a very unique plot.i like this book and i think this book can do very well.i loved it.

[Brian1996]

I really want to read this book

[Granofeni]

I think the reviews suggest I look for the book as a gift for my grandson. It sounds as ifar it has character development with a fantasy theme that may lure him from his games.

[Mr Benj]

Wow!

What an amazing book to read?

It would be entertaining to follow the story about the two children.

Thank you for such a review.

[Phikim]

Through the review, the book sounds one to look out for. Intricacy mixed with suspense is evident. The cover page also is not cartoony; it's realistic.

[BookPower9]

Fascinating story. I wonder, did Will were able to find her sister? Maybe I should read this book. Thanks for he review!

[Sunday diamond]

the book must be an interesting one. I love this kind of book- its one of those that do interest me. your review shows that the book is interesting indeed. good job on your review

[Giselle abg]

Thanks for the review! this book seems to be creative. I think that it is the type of story that keep you reading until the end, nonstop.

[Laura Lee]

This sounds like something I'd really enjoy listening to as well. Thanks for such a well-written review. I enjoyed reading it.