Thursday, November 17, 2011

Book Review: Echo Falls by Jaime McDougall

Phoebe Martin keeps running from her past. Problem is, it keeps catching up with her. She hopes Echo Falls is finally her safe haven from the secrets she holds inside.

After Phoebe is violently attacked in an alley, policeman Aidan O'Bryan finds her to be the only path to understanding why the Echo Falls pack--his pack--is being attacked. When another pack member is killed, Phoebe is forced to confront her past before she loses everything, including Aidan.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous about reviewing this one. Werewolves aren't my thing. I went through my vampire stage, but it was more television shows--Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel--than books. And any time you review a book for a friend you've known for a few years, it lends itself to some tense moments before you crack open the binding and begin reading.

Thankfully, McDougall is an excellent writer. I felt drawn in right from the moment I met Phoebe, who was running for her life. I love a book that drops me right into the action, and Echo Falls certainly did that.

I applaud an author who can create a superb villain, as it is something I struggle with as a writer. McDougall managed to make Liam despicable, yet the reader still is left with an ounce of sympathy for him. Challenging to do, yet wonderful when a storyteller creates such a character. McDougall's strength definitely resides in her ability to develop characters and bring them to life for her readers: Aidan the strong, sexy hero; Phoebe the independent, stubborn heroine who is determined to handle things herself; Will and Elle--husband and wife, leaders in the pack, who accept Phoebe and help her feel welcome; Mia, a member of the pack who isn't fond of Phoebe and Aidan's developing relationship.

I would definitely look forward to an Echo Falls sequel, perhaps a story that focuses on one of the secondary characters. If you enjoy a fast-paced paranormal romance, Echo Falls is the book for you.

Title:  Echo Falls
Author:  Jaime McDougall
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN-10: 1463664044
ISBN-13: 978-1463664046
SRP:  $10.99
Kindle version: $3.00

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I must admit that I was a little nervous, too, because I knew that you would give me a completely honest review no matter positive or negative. I am very glad you enjoyed Echo Falls and the characters.

Readers may be interested to know that I am currently writing a sequel with Charlotte when she is eighteen.

Thanks again.

Jaime
http://www.inkyblots.com

Cheryl said...

Thanks for stopping by Jaime. Yep, that's me--honest to a fault. I'm sure there are people who wish I could lie a bit. :)

Good news on the sequel. Keep me posted.