Children of Echoes by A.J. Stopani follows Ayla Beyz, her sister Corala, and their friend Justin as they are transported from Earth to their birth planet, Karanik, through a mysterious rift. On Karanik, they wade through clan politics, ceremonial rites, and the awakening of powerful artifacts and abilities linked to the House Beyz lineage. Ayla trains with her sentient sword Malliger, Corala discovers her bell’s capabilities, and Justin learns to wield a soul-resonant weapon. The siblings are up against hostile creatures called Olmayan and Soul Drinkers, and attempt to understand and manipulate “stitching”—a form of interdimensional travel. As the invasion spreads to Earth, they coordinate defenses and recruit allies through aedeth rituals in a desperate attempt to strategize, combining magic, weaponry, and tactical planning in the hope of protecting civilians and stopping the creatures’ advance.

“Ayla Beyz is an alien... I just can’t wrap my head around it. She seemed so normal, you know, nerdy-normal but normal.” Children of Echoes by A.J. Stopani went in a direction that I was not anticipating at all. This story takes some time to get into and to get a hold of who is who, and what exactly is happening. Fortunately, once that happens, it really is full steam ahead. Stopani does an excellent job of walking the line between intense action and genuinely imaginative world-building, especially when it comes to Karanik, the detailed ceremonies, and the strategic use of Malliger and Heartbreaker. Stopani’s writing is simple and straightforward, letting the characters do most of the heavy lifting. Overall, this is a fantastic epic that is worth the patience and time investment, and a must-read for fans of inventive science fiction sagas. Very highly recommended.

Children of Echoes by A.J. Stopani opens from a child’s view of fear as young Ayla witnesses her family’s desperate attempt to flee an unseen enemy through a rift of light and darkness. Fast forward to her teenage years, and the trauma still echoes, but she now sits beneath harsh interrogation lights, haunted by memories of blood, lightning, and loss. Readers will discover a story that bridges worlds, from a teenager hiding behind dark sunglasses, to a quiet boy who becomes Ayla’s anchor, and a father whose secrets tear open the boundaries between science and magic. Soon, Ayla is pulled into a “stitch,” taking her to her ancestral planet, Karanik, a world of bioluminescent skies, ancient clans, and monsters called Soul Drinkers, where she has to face her past and her inheritance. But can Ayla trust the truth her family kept buried, or will those echoes of love and betrayal destroy what’s left of her world?

Author A.J. Stopani did a wonderful job of building a world that is both cinematic and emotional. I really enjoyed the fusion of magical realism, Young Adult sci-fi, and family saga. The writing balances the cosmic energy with humor, grief, and awkward tenderness. Readers will most definitely appreciate the complex world-building, how real the characters feel, and the moral tension. Fans who enjoyed Neal Shusterman’s Arc of a Scythe series or Maggie Stiefvater’s The Raven Cycle would equally enjoy Children of Echoes, because of its rich atmosphere and emotional resonance. The novel portrays fantasy but also explores themes of identity, legacy, and the cost of belonging. Highly recommended.

Children of Echoes by A.J. Stopani follows Ayla Beyz, a girl who feels out of place. She is sensitive to sunlight, resembles an albino, and her father teaches her and her sister, Corala, an unusual language and combat skills. One day, Ayla discovers the truth about herself when she, her sister, their father, and her friend Justin travel through a mysterious portal to a different galaxy. She learns that she is an alien from the planet Karanik and that her strict grandmother hopes Ayla will take her place as the leader of their clan. Although Ayla is not optimistic about this prospect, her sister finds it exciting that they are aliens with powers. Things take a dangerous turn when a request is made for Justin to return to Earth. Ayla realizes that her grandmother may not be a kind lady, but rather a cunning leader seeking ultimate control. As a result, Ayla begins to plot her escape from Karanik, but she soon discovers that the Earth she longs to return to is not as safe as she once believed.

Children of Echoes is a detailed story with captivating lore and intriguing characters. A.J. Stopani’s creativity shines through as he introduces readers to a new planet with clans organized by social classes and ranks, including sorcerers, stitchers who create portals known as stitches, and the Black, who are leaders. My favorite aspect of the story is the Soul Echo weapons that communicate with their wielders. The author also includes real-world locations, such as Colorado Springs and Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, which was originally built as a bomb shelter. This inclusion reflects the author’s thorough research and dedication to the narrative. Additionally, a mix of comic book references and scientific elements is a great bonding point for Justin and Ayla. The novel has action, teen romance, sibling rivalry, and suspense, and addresses relatable themes of survival, belonging, and freedom. These themes are highlighted in Ayla’s journey of self-discovery as she grapples with choosing between Earth and Karanik, all while resisting the temptation to emulate her scheming grandmother. Overall, this is a wonderful read with a compelling plot, and I highly recommend it to fans of imaginative sci-fi adventures with emotional depth.

Children of Echoes by A.J. Stopani is a captivating story about Ayla Beyz, an ordinary girl who loves comic books and believes she is originally from Estonia. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers that she is actually an alien from Karanik, a planet in another galaxy. She learns that her father hid her and her sister, Corala, on Earth after a fierce battle broke out on their planet. Their arrival in Karanik is not what she expects. Her grandmother shows disdain for Justin, her friend who accidentally came with them, making Ayla realize she might not want to stay on Karanik. Ayla and Corala are taught about their unique abilities, which causes Corala to become jealous of Ayla, especially when Ayla is proclaimed as their grandmother's heir. When Justin goes missing, Ayla decides she must find him and return to Earth, even though she will have to work with her annoying sister to accomplish this. What she doesn't know is that her grandmother has a contingency plan that ensures Earth is not an option for her return.

Children of Echoes is the first book chronicling Ayla's remarkable journey. It features intriguing characters and relatable themes of family, self-acceptance, and purpose. The story is action-packed, with comic book references that make the narrative engaging. It combines elements of science fiction and fantasy, broadening its appeal to a wider audience. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with suspenseful moments that keep readers glued to the pages. From the very first scene, A.J. Stopani raises questions about Ayla’s family history, leaving readers curious about what happened to them. The descriptions, particularly of Karanik, are mesmerizing and spark the reader's imagination. The characters are truly the heart of the story. Witnessing the growth of Ayla and Justin, along with Corala’s redemption, adds depth. This installment mainly covers Ayla's battle to save her home, Earth, but other conflicts on Karanik are mentioned. This is just the beginning of their adventures, with more to come. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to exploring more about these characters and discovering what the author has in store for them.