What an incredible novel! Ocean's Echo was everything I wanted in my sci-fi romance and I had trouble putting it down. We have two very different characters who learn to heal through the others way of thinking and I just adored it and was glad it was a slow burn romance which had the space to breathe and move with the story. Cant wait for more from Maxwell!

5 Stars - Ebook provided by Netgalley

Gay’s in space has never failed me and it hasn’t failed me now. Ocean’s Echo followed Tennal and Surit one part of an influential family who likes to self-destruct on the regular and one a lieutenant in the military who always follows the rules.

The romance between the two was a delightful slow burn of them learning about each other and becoming great friends and allies. The plot itself was engaging with people having neuro-modifications and the variation in what people can do.

This was the perfect mix of a realistic puzzle-piece romance and a great Sci-fi plot. I recommend that everyone reads this book! I have already brought myself a special edition of it.

This is a stand-alone set in the same universe as Winter’s Orbit, and you can definitely read this one without reading the previous book, you won’t miss a thing and you would have a hell of a time out of your reading but, that said, the first one is a tad heavier on the world-building side so if you read them in order you would have a clearer idea of how things work in a general sense, especially because of the gender representation in these books. The author did a great job with it, and I appreciated it a lot, but in the first book is a bit more relevant or a bit more present than in the second one, and I think you would miss out on a special thing. But again, you don’t need to read both or follow the publication order. I just think that it would be better for nuances, but it is not a thing that you need to do.

I was a bit scared when I started this one because I feared it was in some ways a copy of the first book, with the same dynamics and characters that were just a copy of the previous ones, and okay, on one hand, it would not have been the worst possible scenario, but on the other, I enjoyed a lot of things in Winter’s Orbit, but one of the things I appreciated the most was the sense of originality and of freshness of the whole, and so I feared. But I am really glad to say that I had a blast out of it, and that I should not have feared!

Sure, some similarities are there, but we have a whole new story, full of twists, actions, a small bit of mystery to spice things up, and a whole new set of characters that are their own persona, and that are so full of life that they feel extremely real. And we have a lot of different situations, and happenings, and feelings and… oh, my! we have so much going on in there. And we have also a coup.
Tennal and Surit are amazing MCs, they are quite different (okay, okay, they are the opposite!) but they are an amazing team, once the ball starts rolling. Tennal is the one with a devil-may-care attitude, the adorable rascal with the super-power to commander the attention of a full room, but also to effortlessly annoy everyone in the room… so yeah, maybe take out the “adorable” part, but hey, he can be charming! He is chaos. In more than one sense, but even if he is self-centered his heart is in the right place (or he would be dead, one can presume, but still…), he has a wicked sense of humor and he has some wicked sense of justice, too. He is also entitled, and he can talk his way out of almost anything (but all his wit and charm do not work on auntie dearest, and so he finds himself conscripted… not one of his best moments, truth be told!).
You get the picture, right? Well, now you can just take the opposite and you would have Surit right there for you! He is serious, but make no mistake, he has some sense of humor too, he just tends to hide it better (but not really when he is with Tennal, but to be just or you use some sense of humor or you would strangle Tennal 10 minutes after meeting him so… it is a coping mechanism!). He is loyal to a fault, he is quiet, he has one of the strongest moral compasses ever, and he knows all regulations and things (sometimes he is quite creepy about it!) (okay, okay, not really creepy… but his memory and his attention to even the smallest details is truly something, trust me!). And together they are unstoppable!

One of the things I appreciated the most in there is that we get to see Tennal as Surit sees him, and Surit as Tennal sees him. And this is not really the same thing as seeing Tennal’s point of view on Surit and the other way around, it is that we really can see the how and what one of the two really sees in the other. It can seem like a subtle distinction, and to really understand what I am trying to say here you should probably read the book, but it was something special, and it was a thing that made an impression!
And to give you a bit of context, or something akin to it, I should say a bit about the plot: in this world, or system since we have different planets and space stations and whatever involved, people can be divided into three kinds of persons: the normal ones, the architects and the readers. The last two are neuro-modified people (some of them are so because of some experiments, and some of them, the younger ones, are the children of people that were neuro-modified in the past). The Architects can write people, meaning they can impose their will on other people, they can command others to do their bidding, and they can lay strong compulsions. The Readers can read what other people feel or think, up to a point. And you can also sync an architect with a reader, but this is quite a bad thing, sort of, because it is done mostly to keep readers under control. It is usually applied to readers who went rogues, that are criminals, and it is a thing done by the army, mostly because we are talking about criminals, and because the readers can also feel the chaotic space and so they can navigate the ships into dangerous places. And when two people are synced they are deeply connected, and this can give some unique takes on the people linked.

I really enjoyed the plot, and I loved the characters, even more so because Surit and Tennal are amazing, but they are surrounded by some other interesting people, like Istara and Bastavi, which are a sort of found family for the two MCs, and Zin. They all are complex characters, and I really enjoyed spending time with them. But here we are at one of my two complaints with this book: I wanted more of the secondary characters! Mind me, I loved them, and the book is not really a short one as it is, and we have so much happening, and they are portrayed in satisfying ways, I am not saying that they are plain or that they are not complex or layered people, but I would have loved to spend more time with them! And since I am talking about the complaints, let’s go with the other one: I enjoyed what we see of the world in here, and the author give us a lot of interesting things but… again, I wished for a bit more.

But my complaints are minor things. I had a great time with this book, and I devoured it. It made me laugh, it made me annoyed, it made me mad, it made me happy, sad, and everything in between. And it never bored me!

Oceans Echo is a political sci fi with a splash of romance. The novel is a companion novel to winters orbit as its set in the same universe, but it follows two new characters.

In this novel you are following Tennal a Reader, someone who can read minds, and Surit an Architect, someone who can influence minds. Tennal is being forced by his Aunt to join the Army and sync with Surit. Initially compliant Surit soon changes his mind when he finds out Tennal was an unwilling civilian. Knowing they must follow orders they decided to fake it.

I found this story fast paced and enjoyable. The romance in this novel is not the main focus so if you go into it for that you will be disappointed.

Thanks to net galley for an arc.

Set in the same universe as Winter’s Orbit, this chaotic political space drama is probably my favourite book of the year so far. After messing up one too many times, Tennal has finally been conscripted to the military by his legislator aunt. Tennal is a reader (of thoughts and emotions), and his new partner, Surit, is an architect, able to “write” commands onto other people.

Except Surit is the only person Tennal has ever been unable to read, so yes this is gay Twilight in space in which Surit is Bella Swan and Tennal is the extroverted but equally self-deprecating sci-fi version of Edward Cullen. As part of his conscription, Tennal must sync with Surit, a process where reader and architect merge into a single, connected mind. Which sounds like soulmates. Except they end up faking it. So it’s fake dating but science?? As they lie through their teeth to the army, it becomes apparent that something is afoot onboard their spaceship, something which neither of them can leave alone.

Tennal and Surit are loveable from the moment they appear. Tennal is wild and unpredictable, alive with energy and ideas, but hiding a deep well self-hatred. Surit is kind, steadfast and honourable, committed to doing the right thing no matter what. The most beautiful parts of the book are the way Surit and Tennal think about each other. Every part of himself that Tennal hates, Surit adores. Every part of of himself that Surit overlooks, Tennal cherishes. The development of their relationship is so expertly and delicately done, and they are both such exceptional characters.

Look, did I fully understand what the heck was going on in the middle? No, but it didn’t matter because I was already invested to hell and back in Tennal and Surit, and the galactic chaos of their world. As with Winter’s Orbit, there is a lot of political drama, but done in this very exciting, mysterious way where you can feel the chess pieces moving around the characters but don’t see the board until the last minute. The world-building is complex but confident, expanding on the gender exploration in Winter’s Orbit with lots of non-binary rep, and every character feels unique and fleshed-out. The plot becomes more unhinged as the book goes on but its weird and wonderful and exciting and I loved it.

Set in the same universe as Winter’s Orbit, this chaotic political space drama is probably my favourite book of the year so far. After messing up one too many times, Tennal has finally been conscripted to the military by his legislator aunt. Tennal is a reader (of thoughts and emotions), and his new partner, Surit, is an architect, able to “write” commands onto other people.

Except Surit is the only person Tennal has ever been unable to read, so yes this is gay Twilight in space in which Surit is Bella Swan and Tennal is the extroverted but equally self-deprecating sci-fi version of Edward Cullen. As part of his conscription, Tennal must sync with Surit, a process where reader and architect merge into a single, connected mind. Which sounds like soulmates. Except they end up faking it. So it’s fake dating but science?? As they lie through their teeth to the army, it becomes apparent that something is afoot onboard their spaceship, something which neither of them can leave alone.

Tennal and Surit are loveable from the moment they appear. Tennal is wild and unpredictable, alive with energy and ideas, but hiding a deep well self-hatred. Surit is kind, steadfast and honourable, committed to doing the right thing no matter what. The most beautiful parts of the book are the way Surit and Tennal think about each other. Every part of himself that Tennal hates, Surit adores. Every part of of himself that Surit overlooks, Tennal cherishes. The development of their relationship is so expertly and delicately done, and they are both such exceptional characters.

Look, did I fully understand what the heck was going on in the middle? No, but it didn’t matter because I was already invested to hell and back in Tennal and Surit, and the galactic chaos of their world. As with Winter’s Orbit, there is a lot of political drama, but done in this very exciting, mysterious way where you can feel the chess pieces moving around the characters but don’t see the board until the last minute. The world-building is complex but confident, expanding on the gender exploration in Winter’s Orbit with lots of non-binary rep, and every character feels unique and fleshed-out. The plot becomes more unhinged as the book goes on but its weird and wonderful and exciting and I loved it.

Thanks Netgalley and of course and always, Little Brown publisher for this advanced copy.

Ocean's Echo is one of my favorite queer space opera. I really love how Everina Maxwell explained all the magic system in the beginning of story. As same as Winter's Orbit, We go to see the comedy part of this book. I also love Tennal, he is definitely a walking disaster and his flirty side... Perfection.

I would like to read any book from Everina Maxwell, especially if there is another story set in the same universe again

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an arc, in exchange for this honest review.

Another amazing sci-fi novel from Maxwell, with immaculate world building, great characters and intriguing politics.

I’m honestly at a loss of words to describe how good this book was. The intricate politics had me hooked through out the entirety of this, same can be said of the civil war these politics surround. The book is quite slow, both the plot and the romance, but it’s definitely worth it.

The only thing keeping this from being a 5 star is that I’d have liked more romance, since there was less focus on that, than the politics, and on top of that it was incredibly slow burn. The protagonists also seemed a bit similar to those of Maxwell’s first novel, also set in this world, though not so much that they didn’t feel like distinct characters on their own.

Overall, this book was amazing and I definitely recommend it.

This review will be up on my Instagram (@Kratist0) before the end of the month.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC.
Ufff... I really loved this story. Even though it's set in the same universe as Winter's Orbit, this story is something completely different. And I mean that in a very positive way. Let me say that Ocean's Echo is an incredibly brilliant story. We get to see new characters and we were able to see other parts of the galaxy. The story is fast-paced and you can barely put the book away. Yep, it's very addictive.

Winter's Orbit became a new all time fave when I read last year, which was only solidified upon reread this year, so to say my expectations for this book were high could be considered an understatement. It failed to live up to them, but did it really have much of a chance?

This was incredibly slow burn both in terms of the romance and the general plot of the story, it really meanders for the first half, which I know some people will enjoy and I think I could have got more from if my expectations were in the correct place. But the second half the stakes do pick up some steam and I found that I was much more engaged from that point.

The science fiction part of this I found really interesting, I liked the concept of readers & architects. The oppression that occurs off the back of this was interesting although since Tennal was also coming from a level of privilege, we didn't get to explore the impact as fully as if we would have been following someone else.

Having the romance be so slow burn and take a back seat had me feeling that they're was a strong foundation for friendship between the two, that may progress to romantic but there wasn't enough page time to have it occur by the end of the book in the way it did. We are privy to their thoughts and witness some big grand gestures that in this space opera military setting could easily be read as any form of love/bond not necessarily a romantic kind.

Our MC's were somewhat familiar but not overly so but I'd like to see a bigger variation in the next book by this author. Surit = Jainan, but with different trauma? Tennal = Kiem, but with powers?

I’m going to tell you upfront: I loved this book. I finished it about a week ago and I still find myself thinking about it, and have been yelling about it to people at random intervals because it just struck a chord with me. If you’ve read Winter’s Orbit by Maxwell, you will recognise a lot of the elements: a spoilt, dramatic young royal is forced together with an upright and professional man from outside his circles in the hopes it will set him straight (hah) and then a political conspiracy brings them together, as they both want to solve it while the reader just cries out for the two of them to kiss already!! As a very vague premise, the author hasn’t strayed far from her first book, but she has certainly improved her craft. While I loved Winter’s Orbit it didn’t really stick with me after the fact, while – as I said – Ocean’s Echo has been on my mind ever since I finished it and I can tell it’s one I’ll want to reread in a few years.

So what is it that made me love this book? First of all, the characters. Tennal is chaos incarnate and I loved him from the moment he walked in, fashionably late to a party he wasn’t invited to. And when we meet Surit a bit later on I immediately wanted to hug this gentle giant with his childhood trauma and constant to-do lists running through his head. I couldn’t wait for the two of them to crash together spectacularly, and Maxwell did not disappoint. Let me take a step back here and explain a crucial part of the world they inhabit: due to scientific experiments with Remnants (artefacts from a long-gone civilisation) by the government a generation previously, some people gained mental abilities that allow them to either influence other people’s thoughts (architects) or read them (readers) and though the experiments were stopped those abilities were passed down through the genes so that they are now widespread. However, readers are regarded as dangerous and tend to be “recruited” by the military and bonded to architects who can control their actions.

Tennal is a reader, and though he managed to avoid detection for many years, he’s finally brought in and sent on a retrieval mission to the old lab station where the first experiments were conducted, and while there he will be synced to Lieutenant Surit, who is a powerful architect with something to prove. Surit’s parent was one of the first batch of experiment volunteers, but became notorious for siding with the Reader Rebellion and blowing up herself and the research centre in an act of sabotage. Surit, who bears her name, has been trying to make his own way, but also live up to the expectations of a parent he never met, and when he’s offered a promotion to sync a new reader he takes it. That is, until he realises that Tennal has not volunteered, and is being forced to give up his freedom. Surit is that outstanding type of character who does everything by the book and knows the entire code by heart, but won’t even hesitate to do the right thing even if it contradicts his orders. It’s endearing and entertaining both, and allowed for Maxwell to criticise institutions like the military while also showing the bravery and talent of individual soldiers.

The other thing I loved about this book was the underlying political tension; not only do Tennal and Surit have to maintain the façade of a sync even though they didn’t go through with one, but some of the details of their mission are too vague, and everyone might be in more danger than they originally thought. In some ways, the plot is just a device to throw these two characters together, but I was genuinely engaged in the mystery and wanted to solve that almost as much as I wanted to see Tennal and Surit confess their feelings to one another and just kiss already! Readers of Winter’s Orbit will be pleased to know that there is more revealed about the Remnants in this story, and it blew my mind a little.

And finally, I have to mention the writing, and in particular the beautiful imagery that Maxwell uses when talking about the way Tennal perceives reading, and the way Surit perceives Tennal’s consciousness. It’s obvious where the inspiration for the title comes from when reading these parts, as the ocean becomes a metaphor for the swirling of thoughts and the depth of one’s essence, and it has really stuck with me. Definitely one to reread, as I said! And I think this book will appeal to a wide audience: classic sci-fi fans may not be as intrigued, but if the idea of a story with a bit of politics, a slow burn romance, and an intergalactic backdrop appeals to you, then definitely give this a go! You don’t have to have read Winter’s Orbit as they are each standalone stories set on totally different planets.

BOOK REVIEW: Ocean's Echo by @everina_maxwell

4 Stars

I was really looking forward to reading this book as I loved Everina Maxwell's first book Winter's Orbit. Although I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first book, it was still a fantastic read.

This book has some incredible worldbuilding in it. I always find sci fi amazing as so much imagination is involved but this story was so complex and filled to the brim with background and intrigue.
I love that this world is so fantastic for the lgbtq+ community. The characters can choose what gender they are and wear flint to show they are female and wood to say they are male. There are also ways to show that they are non binary. I love that this is the norm and that noone questions another's pronouns, gender or sexuality.
This story was pretty complex and although I loved it, I did get a little confused at times. I would have loved to have some more romance, especially at the end and possibly an epilogue as the ending was a little abrupt.

The characters are the stars for me. I adore the two lead males! Tennal, the rich boy socialite who lives for himself and is selfish and irresponsible. Surit, a man in the army who is polished both inside and outside, never takes a step wrong and is incredibly smart and kind. I loved them both separately but loved them even more together. I loved how they both had positive influences on each other. The romance was a slow grow but so sweet.

Overall, a great second book by Everina Maxwell! I look forward to reading more of their books and really recommend any YA sci fi lovers to read Winter's Orbit and then this book.

Please note that I was #gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

Winter's Orbit was one of my top reads of 2021, so Ocean's Echo, Everina Maxwell's second queer space adventure set in the same universe, was among my highly anticipated releases for this year.

Tennal, rich socialite and an absolutely loose cannon, is conscripted into the military, where they hope to control and use his reader abilities through a soul bond. Lieutenant Surit, an architect with the ability to control minds, accepts a fast-track promotion and agrees to be bound to Tennal. When Surit realises that Tennal is an unwilling civilian conscript, he refuses to force an illegal soul bond on Tennal, and together they fake the bond and start planning for Tennal's escape.

I absolutely loved the clashing personalities of Tennal and Surit, who were thrust upon each other by circumstances. From the outset, the two endured the forced proximity of a tiny shared cabin on the spaceship. While they were complete opposites in many ways, Surit's refusal to follow military orders that went against his strong ethics made him complicit in the chaos Tennal created. I loved how they disagreed, how Tennal provoked Surit, how they eventually learnt to respect each other and opened up to each other.

There were plenty of intrigue and military politics to the plot, which kept me captivated. Even though the story is set in the same universe as Winter's Orbit, the setting for Ocean's Echo was completely different, with the characters spending a large part on a space ship travelling into chaotic space. Heavier on the sci-fi and a bit lighter on the romance than Winter's Orbit, as a lot of the intimacy came from an exploration of the soul bond between two people.

Thanks to Orbit and NetGalley for providing me with a review copy.

4.75 Stars!

Synopsis: Tennal is a troublemaking Reader, Surit is a rule abiding Architect. When the two are told they have to sync, the morality of the situation makes things all the more complex. If that wasn’t bad enough, the two find themselves embroiled in a much larger scheme.

CW/TW: Imprisonment/Mind control/Mind reading/Manipulation/Murder/ others may be present.

Rep: M/M core relationship (Bi/Pan rep)| Genderfluid rep | Nonbinary rep | queer-normative world and characters.

Heyhey, BookNerds! So I was absolutely thrilled to receive an eARC of Ocean’s Echo because I ADORED Winter’s Orbit and I was not disappointed! Ocean’s Echo was a wonderful, though semi-separate, addition to this universe – and I loved it.

Oean’s Echo by Everina Maxwell is as beautiful, clever, humorous and touching read that is charming and intriguing. The dual POV of our very different yet lovable characters works wonderfully to flesh out their personalities and move the lot along while maintaining the tense and intriguing atmosphere.

The plot of Ocean’s Echo is one of political intrigue, mind-readers (Readers) and mind-controllers (Architects). Now, this book does take place in the same universe as Winter’s Orbit but it is its own story, completely and utterly. Maxwell also weaves in clever reasons as to why this cast of characters doesn’t interact with/come into contact with the Winter’s Orbit cast very well. It felt natural and efficient given the history and world she builds in this particular book.

One of the key features of this particular part of the book’s universe is the ide of characters being Readers and Architects! I was so intrigued by the premise and Maxwell delivers it both in a beautiful and unique way. Architects can ‘write’ people – give them commands that they have no choice but to follow, while Readers can ‘read’ people – this can be surface reading or deep reading. Maxwell manages to balance these powers particularly well – the concept of these powers is very strong but Maxwell has created limits and frameworks in which they can work that make them more realistic and allow for the plot to work without ever thinking ‘oh they could just write/read their way out’. The power balance is perfect and it supports the political elements of the plot excellently. I loved the idea of these powers and the history of how they came to be – it was all constructed very well and I was thoroughly interested in ever second of it.

Now because I don’t want t o spoil the plot I will just say that the balance of the personal, political, emotional and logical was perfect. We had humour and sensitivity as well as a rich and intriguing plot that moved at a good pace. The other thing that played a particularly important role on maintaining this balance was the idea of the ‘Sync’. The plot revolves around Tennal being sent to sync to Surit and this was so much fun to read about! The tension, angst, promises!!! It worked wonderfully with the plot and the characters.

The characters! AHH I love them! Tennal is CHAOTIC! He is flirty, charming, stubborn and has absolutely ZERO self-control. But, he also cares deeply for those he loves. Tennal was an absolute delight to read about from his own, and Surit’s, perspective. Watching him make dangerous decisions, knowing he has crossed a line but keeps going anyway – it was so much fun and it made the plot all the more enjoyable to read.

On the other hand is Surit. Surit is sweet, hardworking, meticulous, and kind. He is desperate to earn back the respect lost by his parent but has a strong moral code that he is always true to. I loved Surit – the way he deals with Tennal, his stubborn righteousness, his clever mind. I loved reading about him from both perspectives two and loved how the two characters worked together despite their opposite personalities. Surit’s character was another key element that kept the plot interesting.

Of course there are MANY more characters who I adored in this book, particularly Surit’s crew and Tennal’s sister. The whole supporting class was truly remarkable and ever character left their mark – they were well built, full of personality and a delight to see on the pages! Not to mention the less than good characters that added tensions and intrigue into the plot – it was so interesting to read about because they were also very well crafted and compelling.

Overall, Ocean’s Echo, by Everina Maxwell was a delight to read. It was emotional, tense, intriguing and funny all in one! I definitely recommend this to those who enjoyed Winters Orbit, and to anyone who loves space opera fantasy/sci-fi’s!!!

*Thank you to @OrbitBooks for the eARC via #Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!*

After receiving Winters Orbit in my Illumicrate box, I was really excited to jump back into the same world. Everina Maxwell knows how to write science fiction and that’s proven in Ocean’s Echo.
Tennal is a free-spirited party animal, avoiding his politician aunt by any means necessary but this does not last long. He is dragged back home, drugged in preparation for syncing, a process that connects a Reader and an Architect mentally. He is also conscripted into the military without any training or education.
Suri is an established military lieutenant given a mission outside his normal roles.
Both meet, and their personalities clash immediately but they start noticing something does not add up in Tennal’s conscription.
Just like the first book, the tokens displaying an individual’s pronouns is a great feature and gay, non-binary and even polyamory is mentioned through the book and is a normal part of society which is fantastic to read.
This is a sci-fi space opera through and through, with a male/male relationship woven through it. Everina Maxwell is a top author in the science fiction genre and this was a great read.
The only reason it hasn’t got a higher rating is because I did feel lost at parts with discussion of technology, different processes etc and I got slightly confused.
Thank you!

I really loved Winter's Orbit, but Ocean's Echo was harder to get through. I found the world building a bit confusing and so I wasn't totally clear on the plot details. Although I loved the characters, that really made the book a bit of a drag for me. And the romance didn't really work for me! All in all, not a hit for me.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Ocean's Echo is a brilliant follow up to Winter's Orbit. While it's set in roughly the same universe, it's a very different world with a really unique societal set up.

The characters are well developed and the plot is fast paced and keeps its momentum throughout the book. I particularly liked that there is enough world building to allow the reader to immerse themselves in the world without taking over the plot and becoming overly-descriptive.

What you have to know going in:

Tennal is a gremlin and a menace, I have adopted him on the second page. He is a lot like how I imagine fey-creatures: wrecking havoc and lighting disputes just for his own amusement.
No, you don't understand. He wakes up early for this. He puts in his time, and energy, just to make others less productive. I enjoyed him immensely.

Surit is babey. I have adopted him when he reported about the goats. He is sunshine and a sweetheart, he deserves the world.

The writing is amazing. There is a POV change, and it is used really well: I loved how they saw themselves and each other. I have so many quotes saved, you have no idea. I have laughed, grinned, felt outrage.

So then why only four stars? I will be honest with you: some motifs seemed a bit repetitive after a while.
(1) Oh, you did that, how deliciously angsty, how nice. (2) Oop, he did that, which made this entirely unnecessary, okay. (3) Oh well now you are just fucking with me.

But still, I had fun, and it’s not like I don’t read 10 books with the same trope one after the other on a regular basis. I recommend.

I have been so excited for Everina Maxwell’s next book and it was as amazing as I’d hoped!

We’ve returned to the same world as Maxwell’s amazing debut, Winter’s Orbit, but in this new standalone we’re in a different part of the literal universe. I loved seeing more of Maxwell’s world as before we were on a single planet but here we do some traveling and get more of an idea of how all the systems are linked and balanced in relation to the overall governing body in the universe.

And along with the new planetary systems, we have new characters and new politics, and even new dynamics. Ocean’s Echo features characters who are the children of people who had undergone neuro-modification: readers and architects. Readers are essentially people who can feel and read other’s emotions/thoughts and architects can control and influence minds, and many are partnered up, temporarily or permanently, with the architect being in control of the reader. Some parts of the dynamics and social expectations reminded me of sentinel/guide dynamics from fandom, which was a plus for me. I am all for fandom mechanics and styles making its way into trad pub by people from and who know and appreciate fandom authentically. (If you didn’t know, Winter’s Orbit started out as original fiction on AO3!)

Tennal I can see being a difficult character to like initially. But I really liked him and especially liked how he grew and developed. Definitely a greatly flawed character and I would have liked some more backstory but was happy with what we do get. And I adored Surit. He’s got a strong moral compass and the way that works at odds with the military I thought was well done. The two seem to be almost complete opposites, and while they are with Tennal’s open chaos and self-destructive recklessness and Surit’s strict order, they are both trouble. I also loved side characters we get to know. Tennal’s sister is a gem and I loved one of the people Tennal starts at odds with from the crew he has to join.

The romance in this one is less prominent than in Winter’s Orbit, but as a subplot to the main SF arc as this is a romantic SF adventure and not a SF Romance, I was happy. I loved their relationship from start to end and going forward. The slow burn, the yearning, the disagreements, the way they learned to work and fit around one another.

The political intrigue in this was military politics. I found it to be a bit more serious and complex than the political intrigue in Winter’s Orbit, the plot also has much more going on with various subplots and plot points. It also leaned more into SF outside of just the setting with space ships and travel, the history, and the readers and architects. Lots of mindfucky elements, literally. Some of it was quite vague and if you like having all your parameters and details clearly explained, this might fall a bit short. I, however, enjoyed the surreal elements and descriptions.

I can’t wait for Maxwell’s next book. Hopefully we get to explore another sector of this universe but I’d also be glad for anything else by them.

Winter's Orbit was one of my favorite reads of last year so when I heard about this one I was incredibly exited.

Unfortunately, I didn't like it nearly as much as that first one. It's not bad in any way but I also wasn't as swept away as with Winter's Orbit. Which you can also tell by the fact that I read Winter's Orbit in one night and this one took me 20 days. I will give it the benefit of the doubt though and acknowledge that I read it in a time where I wasn't really feeling ANY book, no matter how good.
I think I give the book 3.5 or 3.75 stars (rounded up to 4 for Goodreads).

Let's start with what I liked.
The characters are quite interesting and easy to care for and I think that how their relationship progresses is realistic and well-paced. I also really appreciated the emphasis on consent in their interactions. I also just like slow burn. The overall plot was also entertaining.
Now what I didn't like.
I always thought Winter's Orbits biggest flaw was that it wasn't really good at explaining and setting up all the Sci-Fi elements. And in that book, it didn't really matter since that was mostly just set dressing. This is not the case here. The Sci-Fi elements are front and center and essential to the plot. And the writing makes it very confusing and disjointed, there’s a bunch of unnecessary back and forth, powers just suddenly show up, I was confused a lot and it didn't really make for an enjoyable read.

So yeah. Definitely not a bad book but a little disappointing after how much I loved the first one.

Review is up on all my platforms now (see links down below).