Considering Maxwell’s debut novel Winter’s Orbit is one of my absolute favorite books in existence, I was absolutely ecstatic to be approved for an eARC for their sophomore novel, Ocean’s Echo, a stand-alone novel set in the same universe as Winter’s Orbit. I’m happy to report I absolutely loved this one as well.

Ocean’s Echo follows two young men, Surit and Tennal, who are thrown into unfortunate circumstances in the military when Tennal’s forbidden reader (basically mind-reading) powers and engagement in criminal activities are discovered. To discipline Tennal, his aunt forces him into the military and a mind-link with an architect, someone who can control minds. The architect in question happens to be Surit, who, upon realizing Tennal was forced into this situation against his will, decides together with Tennal to fake their mind sync. While they’re on a military retrieval mission in space, they stumble upon secrets that could disrupt their entire society and start an all-out war. It’s up to them to stop this from happening, of course.

My favorite thing about Maxwell’s writing is the way she manages to balance small-scale focus on the developing relationship between the two main characters and more large-scale focus on a societal conflict that has been plaguing their world for decades. The focus of this book is slightly more on the latter than on the former, which is a slight difference from Maxwell’s debut novel, but I think that also provides an opportunity for exploration of power systems and the way they’re upheld and inherited. Mind-controlling powers, like the ones the architects have, would be considered more dangerous than mind-reading powers by most people, yet readers are painted as the enemy within the world of this book. I won’t spoil how and why this is the case, but I think this book explores how systemic oppression can develop, even though in its essence it makes no sense.

I also just adored Surit and Tennal as the main characters. They’re a bit younger than the protagonists of Maxwell’s previous book, both around 20, but I still loved them all the same. Tennal really struggles with his own mind—I’m pretty sure he’d be some form of neurodivergent in our world—and his internal conflict in the book largely follows his journey as he grows to be more comfortable with himself and in bonds with other people. Surit’s life is shaken up at the start of the story once Tennal enters it and Surit is prompted to question his monotonous military life. He also struggles with the legacy of his mother, who was a military-leader-turned-rebel in a war that took place a few decades before the story’s start. I loved both protagonists’ character development so much, especially because they really encouraged each other to grow as they fell in love.

There are a million more things I feel like I could mention about this book to convey how much I loved it, but I also find it hard to put those into words, so I’ll just say I highly recommend this book if you enjoy queer science fiction with a generous side of romance. It’s slightly different from the author’s debut novel but also shares the same warm heart and a spot on my shelf of favorite books.

Guiding lights... what a story this is.


This space opera epic was a very enjoyable read and has left me looking forward to reading more books by this author. I have criticisms, but they are far outweighed by the plot, world-building and characterisation. I do love a troubled and morally grey character, they are my kryptonite, which meant Tennal ticked every single box for me. Surit was a great foil to him, I didn't quite feel that his inner monologue always matched his by-the-book persona but I loved him regardless. Best of all we got some excellent character growth throughout.


There wasn't enough romantic action for me to describe this as a romance, it is a minor part of the overall story rather than a significant focus. Surit and Tennal do develop strong feelings for one another, which I found believable given their forced proximity for a good chunk of the book. I would have enjoyed more tender moments, lingering glances and smouldering kisses. This is a very long book and we had only a couple of stolen moments to cling to.


Part of me believes this might have worked better split into two or three books. There is a lot of plot to get through and the "end objective" isn't obvious for quite a chunk of time. The author came up with an amazing premise and lots of exciting challenges for our intrepid duo to face, all of which she brilliantly converted into a wonderful storyline. It did mean that we took a very convoluted journey to get from A to B though, one where we seemed to visit every other letter of the alphabet in between. The constant rushing from one perilous situation to another meant the pace was constantly fast, but a book this length might have benefitted from some quieter, slower periods of assimilation.


I was constantly surprised by the direction taken, the story was never predictable and I loved how creative the author was. The world-building was also excellent, so rich, complex and layered. There are some amazing side characters, with good gender representation, and details. Details that made the political, military and cultural norms feel established without a ridiculous amount of exposition.

I genuinely loved Tennal and Surit so much. They are such a great focus for the story that spans literal galaxies. I couldn't wait to come home and read more and even caught myself, at the shop, wondering what they were up to. I do love Everina's writing. It is cohesive and the kind of sci fi I utterly love. It's not alienating to someone who isn't a massive sci fi reader - and that is because her characterisation is just so strong. The way she develops the mystery around Surit's mother, how both the main characters struggled to come to grips with being used and deciding to stand against it all, was genuinely heartwarming. I loved Ocean's Echo a whole lot and I am very grateful for the opportunity to read it. Thanks very much!

I loved Winter’s Orbit by Everina Maxwell, so I was so pleased to have my request to review Ocean’s Echo approved on Net Galley.I have to say I enjoyed Ocean’s Echo more than Winter’s Orbit-this had more science-fiction and action with just the right amount of romance for me.
I received a copy of this book for a free and unbiased

The book is told from the points of view of Tennal and Surit, two very different men who are both neuro-modified due to their parents being experimented on. They both have to work together to first deceive the Cavalry and then save the world. The two men start off as co-conspirators then friends with romance slowly and realistically developing between them.
Tennal was my favourite- he had some traits of my favourite anti-hero Lymond- sarcastic, flirty, questionable morals, annoying to his family but with his own moral compass. The women in the book are deliciously morally grey and complicated.
The author has built an intriguing world with a detailed military and civilian hierarchy. The political and military intrigue was gripping with plenty of twists and turns ( but at the time of writing was nowhere as twisty as the political situation in the UK). The science-fiction elements while interesting were a little confusing to start with but made a little more sense as the story went on.
The ending was perfect, tying up all loose ends but perhaps leaving enough for a sequel or another book set in this world.
Content warning
Brainwashing, control,drug use

Perfect for Fans of
Winter’s Orbit, The Amberleigh Dossiers

Perhaps I should have read the author’s warning about Ocean’s Echo. I feel sorry to compare this novel to Winter’s Orbit, but I don’t have many sci-fi stories to compare to on my read list. I personally loved Winter’s Orbit, and I didn’t mind the sci-fi part, because I was quite intrigued by the characters and I always enjoy the romance on the side. Ocean’s Echo is massively a sci-fi novel and even if there is a bit of romance, it’s not the focus of the plot.

This is the main reason why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as I expected together with other stuff.
I know the plot takes place in the same world as Winter’s Orbit, but I found the beginning and the introduction of this world massively overwhelming. I couldn’t really get my head around architects and readers. The same for politics and for everything related to the Remnants or the Sync. If all of this was already explained in Winter’s Orbit and I forgot, I apologise. I didn’t have the opportunity to do a re-read, but anyway, I found the story heavily packed with details and facts.

I thought that the ending was quick, rushed and open, I felt it didn’t solve much of what was actually going on in this world and with the characters’ lives. The little romance in the book was completely unjustified. I didn’t see it. There are a lot of mind-reading moments, and mental battles, so everything is purely descriptive and hard to grasp. The few parts I enjoyed of this story are when Surit and Tennal are actually physically interacting. and not when they are lost in their minds. At least, this is what I felt. Perhaps, this is just a personal preference, so I think readers of sci-fi will appreciate the story more than I had.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy for review.

Ocean's Echo is a great sophomore novel from Everina Maxwell, with all the same charm as their debut, Winter's Orbit. Set in the same universe, Ocean's Echo follows Tennal, a reader (someone who can read others thoughts) and Surit, a writer (someone who can control others), as they fake a soul bond in order to fool the military, and uncover what really happened to Surit's 'rebel' parent.

Tennal and Surit were fun characters to follow, and the author does a really good job of making their voices different enough to know whose POV you're reading. Tennal is sarcastic and charming, but self-deprecating and desperate to be free. Surit, on the other hand, is stubborn and law-abiding, but very sweet. I loved following their relationship as they got to know each other, became friends and eventually developed romantic feelings. Their relationship developed very authentically, which is a real testament to Everina's writing as I feel this is a core tenet of their books so far! The characters complimented each other well and supported each other throughout their journey. I also enjoyed meeting some of the secondary characters (particularly their crew in the latter half of the book!) and seeing their relationships with our main men.

Given it is set in the same universe as Winter's Orbit, the focus on political intrigue, mystery and conspiracy is not a surprise - but again, something I feel Everina Maxwell does so well. Whilst I didn't love this one quite as much as Winter's Orbit, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and was eager to keep reading to discover what was really going on. This has definitely cemented Everina Maxwell as an auto-read author for me, and I'm so excited to see what they put out next.

Thank you so much Little, Brown Book Group UK. and NetGalley for the arc of Ocean's Echo by Everina Maxwell in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Set in the same universe as Winter’s Orbit, Ocean’s Echo delivers another beautifully crafted stand alone book that delivers intrigue, civil war, full on space opera vibes and a beautiful mlm romance that I totally fell in love with.

Tennal and Surit could be described as two sides of the same coin; Surit is discipline, order and an architect, whilst Tennal is disarray, dysfunction and a reader. As an architect, Surit holds the ability to influence and control other’s minds, whist Surit as a reader can read their thoughts and emotions.

Thrown together and forced to sync to create a unification of their abilities, they definitely become a force to be reckoned with but, as you’d expect and hope there are more than just a few bumps in the road. Not to mention nefarious plans, plots and the odd civil war…all of which combine to deliver a fantastic journey in space and minds, some amazingly funny and seriously flippant conversations, and of course a great story that pulls you in, entertains and keeps you guessing as the plot unravels.

If you haven’t read Winter’s Orbit, don’t panic this book is totally stand alone and can be read and enjoyed but, I highly recommend picking up Winter’s Orbit because like Ocean’s Echo it’s a wonderful read.

I totally loved this great escapist read, it does what it says - delivers a great space opera, engaging characters, a mlm romance and prose that leave you submerged beneath the waves, with no need to surface for air!

- Note: I was approved for a review copy of both the US and UK editions of this book and am using the same review for both since the books are the same!

I loved Winter's Orbit when it came out and have been recommending it with glee to the majority of my audience and real-life friends and so I was thrilled and delighted to hear there would be another book in a similar vein by Evarina Maxwell and I dashed to read Ocean's Echo as fast as humanly possible.
I was initially somewhat nervous about this particular topic as mind control is something that I personally find quite difficult to read and it can open up a lot of questions around consent particularly in the context of a romance. However, much like her handling of the topic of abuse in Winter's Orbit, Everina Maxwell masterfully handles this topic, seamlessly making it feel like the bad thing that it could be and also a core aspect of why these two characters are thrust together.
For those looking for a MLM romance with the stickler for the rules and the rebel having to work together I don't think you'll be dissapointed. I do think the romantic aspects of the book are stronger overall than the more plot-based elements but that may be a reflection of the things I care about as opposed to an actual point about the book - I'll have to see what other people think.
Overall I had a wonderful time with this book, with these characters and I'm already anticipating what Maxwell has for us next. In the meantime I'll settle for having TWO amazing books I can throw at everyone I know!
I received a free digital review copy from the publisher via NetGalley - All opinions are my own.

I am a bit of a newbie when it comes to the fantasy and mythology genre, but, I am widening my perspectives and so far loving it. The author has done this brilliantly. The story is beautifully written, the characters come alive on the page, the settings pop and all characters have a believable voice. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

The E-Book could be improved and more user-friendly, such as links to the chapters, no gaps between sentences, and a cover for the book.

I was ecstatic to receive an eARC of one of my most anticipated releases. Huge thanks to Netgalley and the publisher! I adored Winter’s Orbit and have reread it multiple times this year alone, so it was obvious that I was going to read more from the author. I am really happy about the opportunity to read this book early.

The story is about Tennal and Surit, two very different neurologically enhanced people who find themselves conspiring against the military. Tennal is an unwilling conscript with a criminal past who can read minds and refuses to follow the orders sync himself for life to a powerful architect, a person who can control minds. Surit, the architect in question, is desperate to prove himself in the military after his mother died in disgrace but he also refuses to carry out the illegal orders to sync Tennal against his will. Unfortunately, both of them are caught in a web of military conspiracies that proves impossible to escape unless they work together.

The author’s newest space adventure left me delighted with all its secrets and power struggles and two protagonists who are forced to trust each other. The humor of the writing style helps lighten the high stakes and works wonderful, while the suspense is consistently rising in the background. When I got to the second half of the book, I constantly had to remind myself to take breaks for eating and sleeping.

I immediately took a liking to both protagonists. Tennal is an agent of chaos whose life has spiraled so far out of control that he doesn’t show fear of consequences anymore. He is driven by this fear, though, and keeps searching for an escape from his old and current life. Surit seems to be his opposite with his perfect grades and military track record and unbendable moral compass. Following the rules is his trademark, while Tennal prefers to break them. Both of them quickly create an intriguing dynamic with each other that was so fun to see unfold! Their character developments are fantastic.

The plot focuses on the military and its past and present dubious decisions. There are more than two sides, though, and every player has their own motives. It got to a point where it was confusing to keep track of everything and how it’s connected, but that is most likely on purpose, considering how the characters themselves struggle to find the right way over the metaphorical chess board. It also increased my involvement with the story and none of the political maneuvers were left unexplained, so I was able to keep up.

At the beginning, I feared that I would constantly compare this book with Winter’s Orbit. This fear was quickly set aside, however, because Ocean’s Echo is entirely its own story. There are similar aspects, for example two protagonists who are bound to each other against their will and suddenly find themselves in the midst of a great conspiracy they can only untangle if they trust one other, or a similar slightly self-depreciating humor. Meaning that anyone who liked the first book of the author is probably also going to like this one. The way Ocean’s Echo focuses less on the romance and more on the overarching plot actually makes it feel a bit more balanced than Winter’s Orbit. But that was it with my comparisons! They are both great books I enjoyed immensely and while reading, I stopped thinking of Winter’s Orbit altogether.

In conclusion, I found a new favorite book in this one. The worldbuilding with its intricate society built on its military past, the action-laden gripping plot, two characters I couldn’t not love and a generally open attitude towards queerness - those are all the reasons I loved this story. I had to read it within two days because I literally could not bring myself to stop reading. I highly recommend it!

Ocean's Echo is the second novel set in the same universe as Winter's Orbit, but with new characters and new drama. The headline of this review is that I adored it.  It is full of themes that I really got behind.  Consent, mental control, neurological modifications and the ethics surrounding them.

We are first introduced to Tennal.  He is an extroverted disaster zone.  He's contrary, rebellious, charismatic, and the nephew of the Legislator, one of Orshan's senior political figures. At the beginning of the novel, he is slumming it in a gambling den hiring himself out as a reader. Second generation of the orginal neuro-modded humans.  He can read minds and does so for fun and profit.

Surit is a Lieutenant in the Cavalry and is an 'architect'. These abilities allow him and other's like him to compel someone to do something. Although Surit has shied away from using his abilities to their fullest because of his family history. A model officer everything is by the book and he knows all of the regulations.

The novel gave me so much joy.  If Tennal was a character in a dungeons and dragons game he'd be a rogue, adept in all social circles and absolutely infuriating if he is not working with you. Surit on the other hand is a paladin, absolutely dependable and with unshakable beliefs. Forced into a situation where Surit is ordered to sync with Tennal. When Surit finds out that Tennal has not consented to this happening he has to question his own morals as well as what the military has ordered him to do.

I don't want to give any more away but this book discussed ideas of consent, control, and ethics deftly and with grace.  The relationship that develops between the two as information is received and as they learn more about each other as well as defying each other's expectations. I loved the supporting characters of Istara and Basavi who were rankings that reported to Surit and their tolerance of Tennal was just joyous.

Maxwell is fabulous at crafting relationships, odd couples that can grow into something really unique. I want more from her in this universe, the romances are light touches and gorgeous, with very much a 'you and me against the world kind of vibe'.

Ocean's Echo is Everina Maxwell's second Sci-Fi Romance and another strong and compelling read.

We meet Tennal, a young man on the run for the force of his aunt's will for him. When she does get ahold of him she forcefully conscripts him into the army with a mind melt with another officer. This officer isn't wildly happy about the forceful bit and they strike an odd partnership.

One of the aspects I liked about this book is that we got a better look about how the universe is out there. It takes places in the same universe as The Winter's Orbit but that was on just one planet. Now we get a whole lot more about this world and setting. I would love to dive further into this universe.

Another thing that I loved about this book was Surit, the officer linked to Tennal. He is one of those characters that will always do the right thing as it is within their capacity, who have their heart in the right place and who get shit on a whole lot of the time. But he is one of those that you cherish.

I did not take to Tennal quite as easy. He was an ego pig, only caring about himself. And while nobody deserves to be forced into the army, he never seemed to take responsibility for any action in his life. In the second half of the book this started to change however. He started growing up. He was forced into a sitation where he had to take responsibility one way or the other. And his feelings and connection to Surit made him go a certain way that made him into a whole man.

However I did have some issues with the plot. Certainly I found that the ending of this book dragged on. There was also a bit where Tennal and Surit connected with their powers but the explanation felt vague and I didn't feel like I had a good handle on this specific bit.

Ocean's Echo is a standalone novel based in the same universe with Winter's Orbit. I really adore it. It is action packed and has a little romance.. I loved it more than Winter's Orbit because Winter's Orbit was more romance based than Ocean's Echo. Overall is a 10 star reading for me!

I loved Ocean's Echo so much!
When I was accepted for this Arc I was so excited as I had read Winter's Orbit last year and I had loved it!
So I was really excited when it revealed that the author wrote another book set in the same world.
To be honest I think I loved Ocean's Echo more then Winter's Orbit!
I just loved the characters and story so much!
I really do recommend everyone read this book.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book!

One of the best books I have read this year, up there with A Strange and Stubborn Endurance.

I agree with other reviews, if you're looking for space romance then this probably isn't right for you, but if you're looking for a story that'll mess with your mind quite literally, that also has impeccable queer rep and one of the most honest and pure slow falling in love journey, this is perfect.

Winter's Orbit is one of my favourites, but I love this so much more. I was drawn so deeply into the writing and the world, the language had me reading paragraphs out to my partner and I was constantly squeeling at parts.

Five Stars

Since I absolutely loved her previous book (Winter's Orbit), there was no way I wasn't going to grab an ARC of this off Netgalley and run away cackling gleefully, regardless of what it was about.

The basic premise of Ocean's Echo is that it's set elsewhere in the same universe as the previous book, one which is a loose confederation of planets held together by treaties and where there are remnants of historic alien encounters liberally scattered for people to find and (usually) misuse. In the case of the Orshan system, those remnants were used two generations back to genetically modify a bunch of soldiers to either be able to 'read' people's emotions or to act as 'architects' and control people with their minds. Our protagonists are both from the next generation on, with similar powers but living in a more peaceful society where there's something of a backlash against their use.

Tennal is a 'reader', nephew of a powerful politician who has all sorts of hang-ups and whose long-suffering aunt finally forces to join up, on the basis that the best place for him is somewhere he can cause less chaos but also where he can be effectively soul-bonded with someone who'll keep him out of trouble. The only problem with this theory? She happens to have lined up someone to do this who doesn't go along with her plan - Surit has baggage of his own, mostly centering around his mother fomenting a mutiny, but he's decidedly not going to force Tennal into anything he's not consented to. Cue plan A, which is basically to lie about being bonded and pretend it's all worked as planned (with a bit of yearning on both sides for spice).

There's a lot going on in Ocean's Echo, with both the formation of some found family business with a couple of the members of Tennal and Surit's new military unit, an attempted coup that they end up getting involved with, and the gradual development of a relationship between them. The author does a really nice job of showing that growth, as the two characters change as a result of their experiences - there's a couple of 'oh no, he's hot' moments but the romance arc still feels convincing.

Works for me, 100%, even if the ending left me hanging since [it ends with Tennal about to go off-world for 6 months when it could definitely be argued that they deserve a bit of happiness together after all that's gone on. Looking forward to her next book already!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, via Netgalley. This is my honest review of the book in question.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this eARC of 'Ocean's Echo' by Everina Maxwell.

'Ocean's Echo' is one of those books that silently creeps up on you until you fall madly in love. I struggle to find good Sci-Fi books but Everina Maxwell has found a formula to write absolute perfection. The world building and all the science themes were spectacular and hooked me into this book. Adding Maxwell's neverending beautiful writing and the gay romance, this book is absolutely vital for my bookshelves.

I highly highly recommend this stunner when it publishes.

this is a strongly written sci-fi with an interesting, tightly constructed plot and vibrant characters at its center. i enjoyed tennal and surit's contrasting personalities and the burgeoning feelings between them - although it took me a while to get invested in the story, i was eventually drawn in and intrigued by the second half, which was way better than the first half.

the only reason this didn't get a higher rating is because i went in with the wrong expectations - i was hoping for more romance like in winter's orbit but the plot-to-romance ratio in ocean's echo was a lot more unbalanced than i was expecting. not entirely the book's fault but considering the plot in the first half was slow and a bit boring, i wish the author could've developed the relationship more before focusing on the plot again in the second half.

overall, i had a good enough time and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for queer plot-driven sci-fi.

The writing and world builing is solid. The two main characters have distinct voices and personalities wich is great. I really enjoyed their dynamic but I wanted to see more of it. The romance is very light, it's a plot-driven book so keep that in mind if you wanted to read this for the romance.

Ocean's Echo is a military scifi and romance crossover featuring new characters and planets in a corner of the same universe as the first book. If you have seen Everina Maxwell tweet about it along the lines of "it's not exactly Captain Carrot and Moist von Lipwig in space, but it's also not NOT that" -- well, I can only agree with that, grinning and tipping my head in respect for an idea that took over my brain from the first page. I'd also add that it's very much Carrot and Moist on Barrayar -- if you are into that kind of thing, well, you're in for a treat. The introduction scenes of both leads are chef's kiss: you have to be made of stone not to crack up at Surit speaking military corporatese at his superiors to obfuscate his stubborn kind-heartedness, and if you like chaotic world-class bullshitter Slytherin forward momentum, then Tennel has plenty of that.
Throughout, the writing style kept getting better: on the sentence/timing level, definitely, but also I think on a structural level. I can't wait what other things Everina Maxwell has in store for us, and in the meantime -- I predict many warm rereads for both of her books to date.