One of the things that matters when you first release a book is what does a total stranger think of it. And as you write and release more books, the expectations grow. What do people who read a lot think of it. What do professional reviewers think of it. Kirkus, again, have written a lovely review of Echo of the Evercry and I couldn’t be more grateful;

ECHO OF THE EVERCRY

BY E.J. DAWSON ‧ RELEASE DATE: JULY 1, 2023

“A strong beginning for a promising fantasy series.

Ateenage girl faces an awakening ancient god in Dawson’s YA fantasy novel.

Once upon a time, evil god Evercry and its magic corrupted the world until it was defeated by the Fair Lady, a goddesslike guardian figure. For a thousand years since, the warrior sisters of the Fair Lady’s order in the medieval-like city of Lathore have protected the world from the lingering tendrils of the Evercry’s essence by slaying those who fall under its spell. Larissa is about to be tested by the Fair Lady, and once she passes her trial, she will one day—like her mother and countless women in their family before her—hear the call to slay her enemy. But when Larissa fails her Empirical (a sort of final graduation test), she is placed within the secretive caste of the darkkins, the only ones within their order who are allowed to study and even wield magic to face the Evercry (“They studied magic, the tool of the Evercry, to better understand and defend against their foe. Sisters warned all acolytes to steer clear of them; they bore taint for their meddling with magic”). When she is called to go on an unexpected mission, she and her friends Jyan and Valare, who are knights, embark on a dangerous journey that may change everything. The story brilliantly juxtaposes Larissa’s friends’ prowess in fighting in exciting action sequences with Larissa’s more scholarly nature. Her studies as a darkkin unveil the truth about her heritage, the history of her world, and her role in it, as she learns, “The world is not a stagnant history book. It changes all the time, with every passing day, and many of us are never aware.” Satisfying character arcs, a deeply felt sense of sisterhood between Larissa and her friends, and a bit of romance are the cherries on top.A strong beginning for a promising fantasy series.”

I’m very lucky and grateful for all the wonderful people in my life, and who don’t even know me, who’ve chosen to pick up this book. A few ARC readers have contacted me and left me with a profound sense of accomplishment because it made a difference to them.

“Dawson builds the tension slowly until it’s so heavy, the reader can barely breathe while in the throes of the action. The tale is dark and filled with equally dark magic, and the three women at the center contribute different strengths to the eventual resolution of the story. If you want to ooh and aah and gasp as you’re reading, Echo of the Everycry is for you. I highly recommend it.” – Hart, 5 star Goodreads Review

“This is a fantasy story with strong capable women in a Matriarchal society. A twisting tale of half lies and full lies. A sad tale with what ending? A tale of discovery and belief in what? A tale of friendship and maybe love? The answers can be found in this book that seems to be the beginning of a wonderful fantasy saga. Wonderful? Yes!” – Peter, 5 star Goodreads Review

“Reminiscent of more modern fantasy books like The Black Witch by Laurie Forest, this book tells the tale of a girl who feels she is meant for the path she has always been taught is wrong. Captivating and lovable, this book has you hooked from the very beginning and will have you unable to keep from turning the page to continue. Cant recommend enough.” – Sarah, 4 Stars Netgalley Review

“Magic, secrets, adventure, and a few plot twists are what you have in store with this amazing book of fantasy! Larissa, the main character, begins the story uncertain of where she belongs. She has lived her life serving the Fair Lady and has been training to be a knight but she doesn’t like to fight. When her trial to complete her training comes, it sets in motion the rest of the story. Larissa begins a new path as a darkkin, a wielder of magic, that has her hearing the call of the Evercry, the chaos of the world and it’s magic. With an adventure that gives a Wheel of Time vibe, Larissa faces danger as she uncovers parts of her past and her future while figuring out who she can trust and who is thwarting her every move. I loved being along for the ride!” – Kiley, 5 Star Negalley Review

“Larissa is an outsider in her anti-magic order, barely passing her battle test by using the very power they shun. Banished to the Darkkin, the order’s lowest caste, she discovers they hold the key to understanding magic, and the order’s enemy; a possession known as the Evercry. But when her battle-hardened mother seeks Larissa’s help against a dangerous foe, Larissa must journey with her childhood friend turned bully, Valare, to deliver a powerful orb. As they embark on a perilous quest, Larissa is drawn to using magic, while Valare’s hatred threatens to tear them apart. With their trust and lives on the line, Larissa must choose between duty and the monster she may become to save her mother and defeat the mysterious foe her mother hunts. Join Larissa in this all-female cast of fierce women on an epic fantasy adventure filled with magic, friendship, and betrayal. A good read. I did like Larissa. Wasn’t sure about Valare.” – Sue, 4 Star Booksprout Review

But it was these reviews that left me speechless, reviews that repaired the parts of my heart that didn’t realize I was writing an autistic main character in Larissa, I was putting so much of myself into her that by the end I knew that this book wasn’t just for me;

“This was such a beautiful story and I even became teary-eyed at the end of the acknowledgements: “And to every girl, teenager, and woman who felt like she didn’t belong, who wore a mask to get through the day, who was left feeling
alone. You aren’t. There are so many of us. Reach out, and we will reach back to you.”” – Jayde, 5 Stars, Goodreads Review