A compulsive read - who's the manipulator really, where does the real power lie? This could run to world domination or a sticky mess

In order to enjoy this book to its fullest potential, I strongly recommend reading the first book in this series: Bone Music. I had not initially read the first book and I felt I needed some of that background info in order to really grasp everything that was going on in this story—not everything in this book. Clearly this has new issues the characters are facing and dealing with, but the background info on how some of them were related or acquainted and why this story exists is clearly only gained from reading the first book. Once I realized this, I did read the first book then cane back to this book. This second book was better than the first one, in my opinion. The background info did help the happenings and flow of this book more smooth to read through. I liked the overall character development and the storyline, even though it’s not a type of book I typically gravitate too. I enjoyed this book.

I love this series. The characters are well written and the plot is great. Christopher Rice has always written novels that grab my attention and hold on to it..

Full review to be published online in late February.

BLOOD ECHO is the second book in Christopher Rice's "Burning Girl" series; and begins right where the previous book left off. If you haven't read Bone Music, this book is not the place to start the series. It is absolutely not a standalone read. That being said, BLOOD ECHO is a different kind of read from the preceding book, but in a good way. The story here is more character driven than ever before, and Cole is featured. Cole and his characterization. The plotline delves into Cole's character, and his perspective, which is refreshing because we didn't get too much into detail about his life in Bone Music.

The first half or so of the storyline is fast-paced and almost frenetic. Later on the pacing slows dramatically, and become more character driven; with internalized perspective not shown earlier in the story. This serves to set the stage for the next book; which looks to be an interesting read based on the buildup towards the end of this one.

Thanks to #NetGalley for this ARC of #BloodEcho

This is the second book in the Burning Girls series and it is highly recommended that you read the first book, Bone Music prior to attempting the second, Blood Echo. While Rice attempts to catalogue prior events and characterization, it was far too in depth to provide the reader all that they need. In fact, without the plethora of knowledge that the first book provides, I feel it would be difficult to follow the storyline. I feel that Rice could have replaced one of the many opportunities he took hinting at his current political unrest and provided some necessary details regarding Charlotte. As other’s have stated in their reviews, this book is character driven and we do get to see more development of others, such as Cole. And while the beginning and the ending of this book were fantastic, I became lost in the middle with overanalytical details and unnerving comments regarding current events. 3 stars.

One of my favorite novels this year was Christopher Rice's Bone Music. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the realistic vibes of the supernatural that I've never seen before. This review will not be about Bone Music, but I just needed to make that disclaimer before I move on. If you haven't picked up Bone Music yet, do not read Blood Echo .

Blood Echo picks up right where we've left off. Charlotte (aka Charley—sometimes I will go back and forth with the naming of this character, because I'm lazy) has aligned herself with Cole and his pharmaceutical company in hopes to continue working with them on her Zypraxon-induced abilities. Zypraxon is a drug that has been created by Cole's company that has allowed Charley to gain superhuman strength and regenerative properties. Charley is the only person that this drug has ever worked for, and will continue to use it in hopes of creating a better society. Charley will team up with Cole, using Zypraxon, and preemptively strike serial killers and criminals before they attack. With one serial killer already taken into custody, the team decides to go after more.

As Charley and Cole continue with their experiments, the town that Charley and her boyfriend Luke call home—Altamira, California, has a problem of their own. When one of the richest developers in town's girlfriend comes to Luke's precinct to report criminal activity, Luke only scratches the surface of what's at stake here. Altamira needs Charlotte, and Charlotte needs Altamira. Will Cole allow Charlotte to pause on her experiments, in order to protect her home?

Blood Echo is rather different than it's predecessor, but still just as intoxicating. This time around, the story is more character driven than ever before. In fact, this time around, Cole takes the center stage. Blood Echo is more about Cole and his characterization, rather than any of the other characters. We do a deep dive into Cole's perspective, which is refreshing because we didn't get too much into detail about his life in Bone Music. Although I gave this story five stars, that does not mean that this novel isn't flawed. The first part of Blood Echo is astounding! Like hold onto your weaves, bitches, because we are moving fast! However, the second part changes course, and it's pacing dramatically. It really caught me off guard, but it sets the stage for the bigger, more important action in part three. Don't let frustrate you or put you off about continuing the story. The final 25% of the book reigns supreme, and really sets the series up for an unbelievable storyline. PS Christopher Rice, if you're reading this... I want more Dylan! Go into this book, and do not hold it up against Bone Music, because this story is more transitional than the first, but equally just as important to read if you're interested in continuing with the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Blood Echo will be released on February 19, 2019.