Review by BearReads -- The Crystilleries of Echoland

[BearReads]

[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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For the sake of full disclosure, allow me to state that I had never listened to an audiobook, nor had any interest in doing so, prior to The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid (Tal Baldo is the author’s actual name – she likes to use pseudonyms that tie in to her self-published novels). Unfortunately for me, the bar has now been set so high, I fear I’ll have difficulty enjoying them in the future. I greatly enjoyed my time listening to this unique fantasy and became totally immersed in the experience. B.J. Harrison’s expert voice work successfully brought the author’s compelling narrative, and inspired universe, to life.

The Crystilleries of Echoland tells the story of a boy by the name of Will Cleary. Will exists in a world not unlike our own. However, his world faces a large mystery – children keep disappearing. They vanish without a trace by the thousands. That is, except for Will. As toddlers, Will and his twin sister are abducted. Only Will returns, oddly accompanied by a wolf and a falcon who become the boy’s pets and guardians. The story picks up on Will Cleary’s 13th birthday when he learns there is more to his pets than meets than eye. In fact, he learns there’s a whole world that he never knew existed, right beneath his very feet. Furthermore, this hidden world may hold the answer to the question of where all the disappearing children have gone. In fact, his own sister may still be alive and well, but trapped in this alternate plane known as Echoland.

One of the greatest strengths of the plot is that the author does not shy away from the inherent darkness and fear inspired by the idea of child abduction. This is a murder mystery with a teenage protagonist. The story is both mature and innocent all at once. The blending of those themes keeps you interested throughout the narrative. Murder and magic are never too far removed from one another as you travel through Echoland with Will and his companions. Will’s mission becomes yours. As Will traverses through this familiar, yet wholly unbelievable and fearsome place, you will be intrigued by Echoland’s society. As a world, it lives and breathes with its own customs, politics, and economy. It is easy to believe that this place has always existed and will continue to exist when all is said and done.

To be brief, Tal Baldo has created a high concept YA novel that is accessible to both children and adults. Echoland is a mirror universe to ours. Its residents are Echos and we are Sounds. Echoland is an absurd reflection meant to mirror our world. This setting allows for a well composed blend of whimsy, humor, tension, magic, and high stakes. I’ve never read any of the author’s other works, but what I have experienced in The Crystilleries of Echoland is that she is an expert world builder. This novel exists in the same vein and is of the same caliber as more famous fare such as, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series or Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials Trilogy. I can easily imagine this story being adapted into a big budget feature film.

I can wholeheartedly grant this title a 4 out of 4 stars. I intend on picking up a physical copy of the novel for the sake of reading the words myself, as well as, having a chance to enjoy the illustrations. I cannot sing B.J. Harrison’s praises enough. Harrison’s skillful narration has made me a fan of the audiobook format and I look forward to familiarizing myself with more of his work as soon as possible.

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The Crystilleries of Echoland
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[Erin Painter Baker]

I am glad you enjoyed your first audio book experience so much. I do recommend you give a few other audio books a try. Harrison is very good, but so are most of the professional narrators.
I also listened to this book and enjoyed it very much. I agree the world building was excellent.