Song of Echoes (Book 1 - Epic Fantasy Series)

Loved this tale, slowly drawing you in, in what promises to be an epic tale, onward to the next book

Interesting characters and a good nice linked storyline across several different themes looking forward to the rest of the series

Thoroughly enjoyed this epic fantasy, similar in style and scale to a David Eddings or David Gemmell. Great main characters with lots of depth and a unique world to explore, can't wait to get cracking on the next in the series.

A promising first book in a fantasy series for those who enjoy the stories and writing of Tolkien's Middle Earth and Brandon Sanderson's style of writing.I think the author has a really good handle on the world he's created which always makes the reader feel like they're in capable hands as far as world building goes. The reader was made to feel like an insider to the world so while not every battle and historical event that was mentioned was fully explained I think it gave the reader a sense that this world has an extensive history. I especially liked that we come into the story years after a huge battle for power and peace has already taken place and to a certain extent the current leaders (namely the Archon) are still dealing with the fallout of that battle. There has already been loss and sacrifice therefore the leaders in charge almost don't want to accept the fact that a dark power could be rising again. Therefore creating great conflict between the main characters and the powers in charge.This gives us the seed of slight distrust in the Archon and the governing heads as the reader is on the side of the main characters, Elodi and Toryn, who are more in tune with the everyday happenings for the people of the realm and can clearly see there is something wrong. More raids and the presence of dark beasts to name a few.Speaking of the beasts I really liked the lore and myth behind such creatures described in the book. I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of them in the second instalment, however I think they lent an air of mystery and impending danger for the characters.I do definitely feel that this was a more plot driven novel as compared to being driven by the characters. I ended up liking Toryn's chapters a little more as out of the two POVs he read as the more fleshed out one. The only real problem I had with this book was Lady Elodi's character.Unfortunately, she read as a very unrealistic female leader. Which is a shame as I really wanted to feel for her as a character and think she has a lot of potential.We are told that she has been pretty much raised to be in a ruling position of her realm, from learning swordsmanship and military theory/history mainly from her father. But in her speaking and actions she's too often being questioned and undermined by the men around her.Some of this can be down to the fact that she's a young woman who's had to take over this title earlier than planned after her fathers unexpected and suspicious death. Clearly she would find comfort in relying on her father's counsellors and aids when making decisions and acclimating to her role. However, this happened too consistently for me and became quite condescending. Very often in her speaking or actions are overshadowed by the men around her. Or she's being told what is or isn't accepted as a young lady, from it being frowned upon who she talks to after a certain time of night because god forbid she get a reputation to being scolded for riding her own horse and not sitting in a carriage. She's supposed to be the holder of a title and land, not to be scolded like a child by people she outranks. Coupled with the fact that she's one of only 4 female characters in the novel, I think her character deserved a little more. Her being told to sit down and have a glass of water while battle is about to start on her doorstep... I just found really insulting. This is her land that she's defending. She doesn't deserve to be told to go sit and calm down so battle won't overwhelm her delicate sensibilities.Her POV read more as just a way for the reader to have a window into what was going on with the Archon and the political manoeuvrings as opposed to her having her own fleshed out personality and motivations. And the odd mooning over a legendary knight like a schoolgirl crush. In the last quarter of the book during the battle, Elodi did seem to come into her own power and confidence a little more. She believed in her own decisions and acted. However after the battle she seemed to very quickly go back to questioning herself. I hope to see her continue to grow into herself more and that her character arc becomes more fleshed out in the next book.The female characters in this book were limited to the mother of Toryn who was really only in the first few scenes before he leaves on his journey. Lady Elodi, one of the main villains, who sometimes appears beautiful and sometimes a hag and Hope. Who is depicted as out of her mind most of the time.I don't think this was done in a conscious way but at the same time I think it's important to be aware of subconscious prejudices that we all can have. Writing a coming of age tale about a female character coming into power is obviously not going to be a male author's lived experience, but I think some beta readers could be a tool to help flesh out the female characters in future.Some other aspects that I did enjoy however, were the writing style. Which I think is very accessible and digestible. Not too dissimilar from Brandon Sanderson. It's descriptive yet not convoluted so the reader can keep a clear sense of the goings on and yet still be drawn into the imagery, especially during the battle scenes.I think this would be a good start for readers new to the genre because of this reason. Also I think there was a good mix of political intrigue and elements of the classic epic journey fantasy, without either of them overpowering the other.A small thing perhaps in regards to the story as a whole but I really enjoyed the basis of the world creation story and that it was rooted in a song. It reminded me of classic mythology without being too similar to any particular retelling.The magical system was interesting to me, too. And I hope to find out more about it. There was an element of mystery brewing as only parts of the lore were revealed in this first book and we have the stirrings of power that Toryn is learning about with discovering his own personal history.We are left with some questions at the ending of this book like ...What really happened to Elodi's father? Who was Toryn's father and will he have the same abilities? Who is Hope and what part will she play in the upcoming book? And can we really trust the Archon's version of history and his intentions? I think this leaves the reader in a good position to make them want to jump into the next book to find out more.Overall, I think this was a good start to the series and a book I would recommend to those interested in getting into the fantasy genre or those who enjoy political intrigue or a coming of age journey akin to The Fellowship of the Ring. Also for anyone who enjoys fantasy but prefers there to be minimal romance subplots.

I tried this fantasy offering from R E Palmer an Indie author and have to say I found the book enjoyable and easy to read.It is a family-friendly fantasy with no gratuitous violence, the fight scenes being non too graphic but enough to convey the threat and horror required, there is no profane language and both protagonists are engaging and likeable.The story centres around Elodi the Lady of Harlyn, whose father died in tragic and dubious circumstances in the capital of the five kingdoms Archonholm, and Toryn, a farmers son who dreams of more, seeing more of being more, who suddenly finds he is more than he thought he was, that his past, his origin, is shrouded in mystery.Underpinning both Elodi and Toryn’s story is the Archon, ruler and grand protector of the Five Realms, whose word is law, even to the rulers of the Five Kingdoms for he guards against the growing enemy in the south. The Archon makes more and more demands on the people and resources of the Five Kingdoms, his farsight showing him that the enemy attack is imminent. But the Archon is not all he seems and against this threat in the south, Elodi must find a way to counter the Nordruuk clans of the north who threaten the borders of Harlyn.The premise holds much promise and delivers on most. The story is well-written and constructed, and fast-paced enough that it kept me engaged. It can be tricky sometimes for an author to balance the story with two main characters, often I find one is more engaging than the other but I felt here that both protagonists held their own and I enjoyed each shift in narrative.Overall, the story built nicely, epic battles were fought and mystery and magic grew with each chapter reaching a suitable finale with the promise that the story had only just begun. I tend to prefer my fantasy a bit grittier and darker than this tale and grander in plot and scope but that doesn’t take away that this story was a good read and it is suitable for young adults and adults alike.

Song of Echoes tells the story of a time long ago when mystical beings roamed the earth and humanity fought a battle against dark evil to preserve the realms. The battle to save the five realms falls on a young inexperienced ruler Elodi, Lady Harlyn, and a farmhand Toryn.Elodi finds herself at the front of the biggest battle that the five realms as seen for hundreds of years. Naive in the battlefield Elodi has to channel her inner warrior and self-belief to save her people.As a farmhand. Toryn spent his days on the farm feeling the pull and desire to explore the world beyond the fence of his village. His dreams do come true but not in a way he hoped. When war threatens his village, he is called to war by Archon, the ruler of the five realms, but his mysterious past prevents the route of joining the army to save the Realms. As Toryn journeys across the realms he uncovers experiences that he only heard of. Is he the key to saving the five realms?I found the storyline of Song of Echoes to be faultless, with all the elements of a great fantasy. I did find similarities to other well-known fantasy series; however, this did not diminish my enjoyment. R.E. Palmer‘s writing is clear and crisp which makes it easy to visualise the characters and story as it unfolds. I really did not want the story to end – looking forward to the 2nd book in the series.I would definitely recommend this book to those who love a good fantasy.

Took a bit to get into it but after a couple of chapters I was engrossed. Cannot wait to read Book 2.

A great story with interesting characters and plots. The story is told in a way that takes hold of you and transports your imagination!

What a wonderful story line.

The author has created a world that is plausible, consistent, realistic, imaginative, and stirring, some of the characters' names aside. There is a central mystery that draws you in and adds a layer to the narrative that if lacking, would render this just another D and D tale.

The author sent me a free e-book copy of this novel to read, but this review is my honest opinion. I also purchased the novel to show my support of the author.I love reading epic fantasy and this book certainly delivered. The cover speaks so much to that quality, with the huge mountains and grand scope presented there. The mountains actually played heavily into the plot. My favorite aspect of this story was the atmosphere of intrigue. As a reader, that's what really hooks me and keeps me excited about reading a story. There was a lingering mystery about events of the past, the magic, the enemy, and even from the leader of the side represented in the novel.I enjoyed how the point of view focused on two main characters: Toryn and Elodi. Toryn started out as a young man who was a wannabe soldier, only to have him find out he had a mysterious origin. He ended up on an unexpected journey filled with lessons about the harshness of war. With the wise retired soldier Hamar at his side, it was especially fascinating. Elodi was a young lady gaining experience in politics as a community leader. She had to learn the difficulties involved with the court, spies, loyalties, etc.Readers of fantasy and coming of age stories, especially epic fantasy and war stories should love this novel. I'm glad I read it and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series when it comes out.

The cover of this book is what drew me to read it. The first half I was very much into it. With one complaint......if you write fantasy and you make up your own races and creatures and monsters, it would be immensely helpful if you described them. One of the reasons I love fantasy is picturing the lands, people, creatures in my head. Not sure if I will continue series. I just felt in was reading a book in the middle of a series.