An entitled socialite teams up with a criminal to rid herself of magic in this fast-paced first book of a new fantasy duology from Morgan Rhodes (the Falling Kingdoms series).
Josslyn "Joss" Drake's prime minister father was assassinated a year ago by "warlock terrorist" Lord Banyan. Joss has been taught that magic is "the root cause of all darkness, all illness, all cruelty and violence" and that anyone who possesses it or is infected by it is a threat to the Regarian Empire. When Joss accidentally ingests magic that causes her to see Banyan's memories ("echoes"), she'll do anything to rid herself of the soul-corrupting, forbidden evil, including pairing up with 19-year-old Jericho Nox, a dangerous yet alluring "Blackheart" who works for a powerful witch. As Joss learns more about the magic within her and the echoes reveal shocking truths, she starts to question if her magic-free life of "glamour and sparkle" is just lies and secrets.
Echoes and Empires is a fast-paced fantasy with an enemies-to-lovers romance, snappy dialogue and several unexpected twists and turns. But the real standout is Joss's transformation from a shallow society girl who never questions authority to someone who accepts hard truths even if they turn her world upside down. As each fact is revealed, a bit of the old Joss is sloughed away, and a more self-aware version emerges. This--paired with Joss and Jericho's witty repartee dripping with sarcasm--elevates Rhodes's YA fantasy adventure. --Lana Barnes, freelance reviewer and proofreader