Review of The Crystilleries of Echoland

[Merits Anih]

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

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Crystilleries of Echoland by Dew Pellucid tells the story of Will Cleary as he uncovers the sinister underbelly of his world. He learns of a parallel mirror universe called Echoland, where each person has an 'Echo'—a mirrored counterpart to their 'Sound' in the real world. Alarmingly, the Echo lives only as long as the Sound survives, meaning a Sound could be killed if their Echo is targeted in Echoland. Ten years ago, Will and his sister Emmy mysteriously vanished one morning, but Will returned a week later with his two pets. Emmy, however, did not return. Now 12 years old, Will is determined to find his long-lost sister by retracing his steps from that fateful day ten years prior. Will he succeed at this?

By thrusting Will into Echoland's chilling reflections and lethal links to reality, Pellucid spins a fantastical yet eerie coming-of-age tale, where the search for lost loved ones illuminates the shadows lurking within even the most familiar. The young adult fantasy The Crystilleries of Echoland explores a realm beyond our own, where our reflections reside as transparent "Echoes." In this mirror world, each Echo depends on its human counterpart, or Sound, in the real world. Will's mission highlights how solving life's problems often means confronting the darkness that accompanies even the brightest light.

I enjoyed how the author plays with language in this book. For instance, she writes herself into the story as a librarian. The most compelling aspect for me was the constant sense of mystery and suspense. The author maintains an imaginative, unpredictable story filled with twists that kept me engrossed in wondering what would happen next. The creative characters and settings truly brought Echoland to life.

I really loved this book, and I am rating it 5 out of 5 stars because there was nothing I disliked about it that would warrant me reducing the rating. I'd recommend The Crystilleries of Echoland to fantasy fans of any age craving adventure. With suspense, innovation, and visionary worldbuilding, it offers an all-ages escape that engages the senses and sparks wonder.

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The Crystilleries of Echoland
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[Ivan Kovic]

While I appreciate transportive fantasy premises, I require protagonists undergo meaningful growth and illumination rather than simply puzzle-solving the central mystery, no matter how creative. Heart matches imagination.

[Victoria Ukamaka]

The overview emphasizes imaginative ideas but leaves character development and emotional engagement vague apart from the mission-driving search for a sister. Further insight on relatability would captivate me despite creative visions.

[Salome Ogani]

I hesitate when reviewers praise books as utterly perfect with no flaws and the highest ratings. Such effusive generalized claims often lack the nuanced critique signaling truly exceptional rather than moderately enjoyable tales.

[Richard Thomasalw]

As a fantasy fan, imaginative worldbuilding and unexpected twists sustain my engagement more than relatable characters. This book promising constant suspense alongside creative locales already aligns with preferences drawing me to speculative fiction.

[William Wrightmill]

I appreciate the reviewer highlighting strong editing and construction to match the sense of innovation permeating the story. Even the most riveting content risks losing momentum when marred by easily fixed gaps.

[Brian Adamss]

The mention of the author playfully writing herself into the narrative surprises me with a meta twist I enjoy when subtly undertaken. This tells me creativity infuses not just the premise but the storytelling choices.