A review by renuked
The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

5.0

I love this series like a chocaholic loves chocolate. That’s a terrible comparison, but it’s true. The suspense and the romance put together make it absolutely impossible to put down.

The Plot:

In this book (it’s the third in the series) Violet has begun working with Sara Priest’s team to help find killers with her gruesome ability. She finds dead bodies by a pull towards and a certain sensory feeling around them (a sound, smell, taste, etc.) These are what she calls echoes, and an identical imprint is left on the killer of the person (this is how she can track the killer, not just the bodies). Then comes our serial killer, the Girlfriend Collector who is absolutely beyond disturbing and he has got Violet in his sights. Of course we have Jay (the best part of the whole series haha) and Rafe, who Violet can’t but help feel a slight attraction towards (not okay).

The Characters:

Violet: The main character obviously has a fascinating and frightening ability to find the dead, but I think she has handled it well. Well, usually. She is brave and intelligent, qualities she is forced to use time and time again to get out of dangerous situations. I sometimes wish (like we all do) that characters don’t insist on keeping secrets from adults and people that could help . She makes me feel frustrated sometimes, but it’s okay because it is impossible not to root for her against impossible odds. She is awesome.

Jay: *Ahem*, where the heck do I start with this boy? He is caring, thoughtful, selfless, and so, so, so sexy. Really, the parts of the book that included him and Violet gave me shivers (of happiness, not the shivers you get from the creeper). He really is so perfect, always concerned about Violet, frustrated that he can’t help her, and so trusting. I almost wanted him to get up and punch Rafe across the face (he didn’t), but it’s okay. I still wish we had more of him in this book though, too much Rafe.

Rafe: Eh, I am sure some out there like him, but I will always be a die-hard Jay fan. Rafe saves Violet’s life a bunch of times, turns out he loves her (like we didn’t see that one coming), and you know, he has an ability like Violet’s. He is shrouded in mysteries and secrets which drives me nuts (why does he have to be so dang secretive?), but he’s a good guy, also willing to do anything for Violet.

The Collector: Umm can anyone say creepy? Like wow, is this guy messed up. The little snippets we get into his head just made me want to cower or soothe him (how crazy is that?) But he needs to be stopped no matter what and Violet is just the person to do it.

Sara Priest: Also very secretive (hint, hint), helps Violet find her place on the team. She’s a pretty kick-butt lady.

Vi’s friends and the Team: I love all of them. They are so funny and good supporting characters. I want more!

The Romance:

Oh my god. How can I get this point across? THE ROMANCE IS SMOULDERING. It’s undeniably awesome. The first two books are all her and Jay (which I loved, especially the first), while this one has some Rafe thrown I there (I am not ashamed to admit I don’t like him at all ). Anyway, the moments between Jay and Violet, and just how perfect they are together is amazing. This is one of those love triangles I know exactly who needs to win. I wish there was a Jay in real life. I would marry him (again not ashamed).

The Style:

Next to last, the style is amazing. Whenever she dunks us into the Collector’s head you feel completely there. And very, very scared. It’s so suspenseful and at times I almost fell off my chair (or I would have if I was sitting on one). It’s is (I repeat) impossible to put down and if you don’t want your day to flash by you or you have important things to do, wait to read it because you will forget everything.

Overall:

One of my favorite series ever, and I wish I could recommend it to everyone. Unfortunately, I know a lot of wussies who refuse to read it because it’s scary. So yeah, don’t read it if your bladder scares easily. But all in all, one of my favorite books and series’ ever. If you want to know why, see above review.