Thank you NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for this fast paced techno-thriller. The plot moves quickly and involves a shadowy, ethically corrupt pharmaceutical company. It is experimenting with some futuristic drugs, going far beyond ones which will alleviate illness. Some of its other projects seem objectionable. Charlotte is the heroine and the result of one of their experiments gave her superhuman strength when she is feeling fear and also the power to regenerate wounds. There is also a serial killer to be stopped, and a fanatical band of domestic terrorists that are endangering the town and surroundings.

The plot was filled with non-stop high octane excitement. However, since I hadn’t read the first book in the series I felt at an disadvantage. Characters and events from the first book were mentioned, but I felt there were gaps in my knowledge which prevented me from having a more enjoyable read. This was particularly true of Charlotte’s horrific early background and what led her to undergo the experiments which made her so powerful. I wanted to know how she met Luke, now a deputy sheriff in a small, isolated town. Charlotte would like to retreat there as some of her violent assignments have preyed on her conscience, but she is also tied to the company which made her superhuman.
I also found the large cast containing so many characters and names rather confusing.

I plan to read the first book in the Burning Girl series which preceded Blood Echo. I liked Charlotte and Luke and hope there will be a third book in the series, but maybe without such an abundance of characters to keep straight in my mind.

Blood Echo by Christopher Rice is the 2nd book in the Burning Girl Series and I would definitely read the 1st book Bone Music before reading the 2nd as it makes it easier having some of the background of Charlie and what went on in her childhood and led up to where this book is. That being said, Blood Echo is a highly fueled read , I had a hard time putting this down in order to get daily chores done! I like Charlotte (Charlie) and Luke's characters they are fleshed out and likeable, Cole i am still trying to figure out his intentions for the long run, a lot of action and ass kicking goes on to some very deserving people! Very good read, i am so looking forward to reading more from this author and seeing where this series takes me! Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for allowing me to read this ARC book and give my honest opinion and thank you to Christopher Rice for writing this series!

A compulsive read - who's the manipulator really, where does the real power lie? This could run to world domination or a sticky mess

In order to enjoy this book to its fullest potential, I strongly recommend reading the first book in this series: Bone Music. I had not initially read the first book and I felt I needed some of that background info in order to really grasp everything that was going on in this story—not everything in this book. Clearly this has new issues the characters are facing and dealing with, but the background info on how some of them were related or acquainted and why this story exists is clearly only gained from reading the first book. Once I realized this, I did read the first book then cane back to this book. This second book was better than the first one, in my opinion. The background info did help the happenings and flow of this book more smooth to read through. I liked the overall character development and the storyline, even though it’s not a type of book I typically gravitate too. I enjoyed this book.

I love this series. The characters are well written and the plot is great. Christopher Rice has always written novels that grab my attention and hold on to it..

Full review to be published online in late February.

BLOOD ECHO is the second book in Christopher Rice's "Burning Girl" series; and begins right where the previous book left off. If you haven't read Bone Music, this book is not the place to start the series. It is absolutely not a standalone read. That being said, BLOOD ECHO is a different kind of read from the preceding book, but in a good way. The story here is more character driven than ever before, and Cole is featured. Cole and his characterization. The plotline delves into Cole's character, and his perspective, which is refreshing because we didn't get too much into detail about his life in Bone Music.

The first half or so of the storyline is fast-paced and almost frenetic. Later on the pacing slows dramatically, and become more character driven; with internalized perspective not shown earlier in the story. This serves to set the stage for the next book; which looks to be an interesting read based on the buildup towards the end of this one.

Earlier this year, I had begun to grow weary from consuming thriller after thriller after thriller. Each action packed novel I picked up seemed less exciting and more "been there, done that, and got the t-shirt". Had I just devoured my lifetime fill of novels in that genre? Turns out, the answer is no, I just needed someone as clever is Christopher Rice to churn out a new genre bending series to re-ignite my flame for all the things that get my heart racing.

A little backstory in case you're new to these books... 1) This is book #2 in the Burning Girl series, and these books NEED to be read in order. This isn't a case of "I can read these for the varying individual plot lines and fill in character development along the way"; each book builds on the previous and it is vital that you read them in order to understand and fully appreciate the dynamics between the characters, the plot, and how it's all connected up to this point. 2) These books aren't you're typical straightforward thrillers; they do have mild sci-fi aspects, so if you're looking for a realistic, traditional thriller, this is not for you. Now, onto the good stuff!

Blood Echo takes place shortly after the events of Bone Music wrap up; Charlotte has really come into her own working for Cole and her personal life appears to be the most normal it's ever been, but of course appearances are deceiving and things don't stay that way for long. After we get an exciting view at her latest case and some unexpected twists during the finale, we jump ship to see how her boyfriend/local police officer Luke is doing. A strange case lands on his desk and, after being blocked from all angles, he realizes it might be something larger than a simple domestic violence charge. Along the way, we find that both Charlotte's endeavors and Luke's case are connected, and what follows is a slow building suspense that leads into a bang up ending that still has me shook.

I really don't want to say too much, especially since this is a sequel, but I think it's safe to say that if you loved Bone Music you'll really enjoy Blood Echo as well. The pacing and format of storytelling was a huge change up from the previous novel, but I found this to be a really good thing, as it kept me on my toes. And that ending.... WOW! Dennis and I have been chatting about it all afternoon and we've both agreed that we need book #3 now! Guess we're in for a long wait, but I'm ecstatic to have something so delectable to look forward to!

Thanks to #NetGalley for this ARC of #BloodEcho

This is the second book in the Burning Girls series and it is highly recommended that you read the first book, Bone Music prior to attempting the second, Blood Echo. While Rice attempts to catalogue prior events and characterization, it was far too in depth to provide the reader all that they need. In fact, without the plethora of knowledge that the first book provides, I feel it would be difficult to follow the storyline. I feel that Rice could have replaced one of the many opportunities he took hinting at his current political unrest and provided some necessary details regarding Charlotte. As other’s have stated in their reviews, this book is character driven and we do get to see more development of others, such as Cole. And while the beginning and the ending of this book were fantastic, I became lost in the middle with overanalytical details and unnerving comments regarding current events. 3 stars.

One of my favorite novels this year was Christopher Rice's Bone Music. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the realistic vibes of the supernatural that I've never seen before. This review will not be about Bone Music, but I just needed to make that disclaimer before I move on. If you haven't picked up Bone Music yet, do not read Blood Echo .

Blood Echo picks up right where we've left off. Charlotte (aka Charley—sometimes I will go back and forth with the naming of this character, because I'm lazy) has aligned herself with Cole and his pharmaceutical company in hopes to continue working with them on her Zypraxon-induced abilities. Zypraxon is a drug that has been created by Cole's company that has allowed Charley to gain superhuman strength and regenerative properties. Charley is the only person that this drug has ever worked for, and will continue to use it in hopes of creating a better society. Charley will team up with Cole, using Zypraxon, and preemptively strike serial killers and criminals before they attack. With one serial killer already taken into custody, the team decides to go after more.

As Charley and Cole continue with their experiments, the town that Charley and her boyfriend Luke call home—Altamira, California, has a problem of their own. When one of the richest developers in town's girlfriend comes to Luke's precinct to report criminal activity, Luke only scratches the surface of what's at stake here. Altamira needs Charlotte, and Charlotte needs Altamira. Will Cole allow Charlotte to pause on her experiments, in order to protect her home?

Blood Echo is rather different than it's predecessor, but still just as intoxicating. This time around, the story is more character driven than ever before. In fact, this time around, Cole takes the center stage. Blood Echo is more about Cole and his characterization, rather than any of the other characters. We do a deep dive into Cole's perspective, which is refreshing because we didn't get too much into detail about his life in Bone Music. Although I gave this story five stars, that does not mean that this novel isn't flawed. The first part of Blood Echo is astounding! Like hold onto your weaves, bitches, because we are moving fast! However, the second part changes course, and it's pacing dramatically. It really caught me off guard, but it sets the stage for the bigger, more important action in part three. Don't let frustrate you or put you off about continuing the story. The final 25% of the book reigns supreme, and really sets the series up for an unbelievable storyline. PS Christopher Rice, if you're reading this... I want more Dylan! Go into this book, and do not hold it up against Bone Music, because this story is more transitional than the first, but equally just as important to read if you're interested in continuing with the series.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Blood Echo will be released on February 19, 2019.