A MelanieM Review: Echoes by LA Ashton

Rating: 4.75 stars out of 5

After one thousand years of listless eternity, Oskar is used to his particular brand of loneliness. But a long walk through middle America and a few chance encounters will lead him straight to a man he’d known to be long since dead―his childhood best friend, Aranck.

Being undead hasn’t stopped Aran from living life to the fullest. He has all the money and power his charm and business savvy could earn him, and plenty of friends. Lately, though, something seems to be missing. After a millennium, perhaps the world’s shine has worn off—and that’s when Oskar stumbles back into his life, reminding him of who he used to be.

Together the two vampires remember what it felt like to live, all the while navigating a conflict with the local pack of werewolves. A lot has changed in a thousand years, and only time will tell if those changes will bring Oskar and Aranck closer together, or ensure they remain apart.

It’s rare that a story with vampires and werewolves can offer up a new narrative slant on both but Echoes by L.A. Aston does, and with a story full of jaw dropping, mind spinning, never saw that coming stunning twists. Do I love this story? Why yes I do!

“A thousand years weren’t enough to forget him.”

There are soooo many elements here to love. First off, let’s start with the two main characters. They have been separated for hundreds and hundreds of years, each thinking the other has died. One a Viking, the other an Algonquin Indian, both now over thousand years old.

Oh, my, the world building here is extraordinary. Their backstory, which will slowly be revealed throughout the novel, intense scene after scene, as we get their history together, and then their years apart is rich in detail, and incredibly emotional. This along with the ability to connect us intimately with the action and immediate reality of whatever is taking place. Whether it be wonder or more like it, horror. and loss, makes us feel so much a part of their story that we can’t bring ourselves to put down the book.

Indeed, my Kindle was clasped tightly in hand until the story was done and then sometime after as I didn’t want to let them go.

And now the longing and feeling of ‘rightness” now that they have reconnected? Just amazing. Along with a slow burn and UST because, they never got around to that first kiss no matter how deep the love each carries for the other.

Plus one, Oskar, has been a wanderer and the other, Aranck/Aran, has been tied to one place as he’s now got his own District to control and a peace between vampires, humans and weres to keep in place. An attack on a local pack threatens to undo all Aran has accomplished with his treaty. But now with Oskar returned and at his side, as a sort of second-in-command, Aranck feels settled and alive again.

Told from a few perspectives, and beautifully done, because you are only hearing from a small number of voices (no spoilers), it enhances the story, the relationships , and the atmosphere the author is going for.

The author’s characters, all of them, from the main couple, to all the various secondary and sundry other personalities are all so well done. They are all equally crafted with care, given depth, back histories, unique voices, and temperaments. Doesn’t matter whether it’s a vampire bartender that “feels” too human or a hot-headed were, you believe in them and their actions wholly for as long or as little time that they are on the page.

But the true story and power belongs to Oskar and Aranck. Their history together, what they endured, their journey back to each other, and, their love.

Oh, yes, and, for that double dose of cherry on the top? Several stunning twists as well. I really hope that all the reviewers keep these under wraps, it would be a shame to spoil them for any reader.

I could read this over and over again. And never get enough of this world and couple.

So of course, I had to write the author after I finished and ask if they had considered making this a series. Because it’s just that amazing and there are just enough open possibilities at the end to support one, and the answer is yes. Ashton is considering it. So I’m holding my breath for more. After reading this, I believe you will be too.

So yes, I highly recommend Echoes by L.A. Ashton to all lovers of supernatural romance and mystery fiction. It’s purely fantastic. You love vampires and werewolves? This is for you.

Cover art: Natasha Snow. Natasha Snow once again delivers on a gorgeous and haunting cover that’s perfect for the story within. Such an amazing artist.