An Echo of Things to Come

I love the characters, world, and story, but the dependence on the memories really kills my excitement a little. It wasn't too bad in the first book but this one relied on it way too much, and it just killed the momentum of the story every time it happened, sometimes multiple times a chapter. Really hope the third book doesn't have that problem.

An awesome second act to an awesome series

A gripping story that continues from the first in the series exploring the consequences of actions driven by two sides who think they are in the right. There are so many intriguing themes to explore in this narrative, from the question of free will in a world with gods and the ability to see in the future to the choice of the individual over the greater good. I can't wait to read the final installment and go back and reread these two. I hope James never stops writing! He is definitely my new favorite fantasy author

7/10

The middle part, with the endless politics for Wirr and the seemingly meaningless “training montage” for Davian and Ishelle, didn't work for me at all.

In the 2-3 last chapters, I feel like the prose is mediocre at best. I couldn't get invested in the action as these action-packed scenes never “flowed” for me.

The epilogue pulls this up from a 3-star, 6/10 rating.

3.5 stars* This book turned out pretty good but it was by no means easy to get through for me. There was constant flashbacks which helped build a back story for Caeden but there was just so many of them it really messed with my momentum. There was several times I had to reread stuff because I couldn't remember what I just read. All that being said the ending was fantastic and it really builds tension for the war that's about to come. I was really impressed with some of the monsters that were described in the book. Very unique and creepy! There was also a lot more magic in this one which was as well. I have a feeling the last book is going to be amazing!

An Echo of Things to Come by James Islington completely hooked me. It's a masterclass in building anticipation. Unlike some sequels that info-dump revelations, Islington takes a patient approach. The story unfolds like a blooming flower, each chapter revealing a new layer of the complex world and its intriguing mysteries. This deliberate pacing might seem slow at first, but it serves a purpose. It allows the characters to truly come into their own. We witness their internal struggles, their strengths tested, and their vulnerabilities exposed. As they grapple with their pasts and the burdens they carry, their personal growth becomes deeply intertwined with the fate of the world, making them all the more relatable and their triumphs all the more satisfying.

Despite the slow reveals, Islington weaves a captivating narrative, rich in world-building and laced with suspense. Each new discovery feels like a hard-won victory, leaving you eager to delve deeper. This entire trilogy has become a favorite, and I can't wait to see where the journey takes us next. Believe me, I'm diving straight into the third book, The Light of All That Falls!