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The Echo Archives #2
The Last Soul Among Wolves
The Last Soul Among Wolves is the brilliant second installment in Melissa Caruso's Echo Archives series, a whip-smart adventure fantasy featuring cursed relics, sapphic romance, and a magical murder mystery.
All Kembral Thorne wants is to finish her maternity leave in peace. But when her best friend asks for help, she can’t say no, even if it means a visit to a run-down mansion on an isolated island for a will reading. She arrives to find an unexpected reunion of her childhood friends—plus her once-rival, now-girlfriend Rika Nonesuch, there on a mysterious job. Then the will is read, and everything goes sideways.
Eight potential heirs, half of them Kem’s oldest friends.
Three cursed relics.
The rules: one by one, the heirs will die.
The prize for the lone survivor: A wish. And wishes are always bad business.
To save their friends, Kem and Rika must race against the clock and descend into other realities once more. But the mansion is full of old secrets and new schemes, and soon the game becomes far more dangerous—and more personal—than they could have imagined.
All Kembral Thorne wants is to finish her maternity leave in peace. But when her best friend asks for help, she can’t say no, even if it means a visit to a run-down mansion on an isolated island for a will reading. She arrives to find an unexpected reunion of her childhood friends—plus her once-rival, now-girlfriend Rika Nonesuch, there on a mysterious job. Then the will is read, and everything goes sideways.
Eight potential heirs, half of them Kem’s oldest friends.
Three cursed relics.
The rules: one by one, the heirs will die.
The prize for the lone survivor: A wish. And wishes are always bad business.
To save their friends, Kem and Rika must race against the clock and descend into other realities once more. But the mansion is full of old secrets and new schemes, and soon the game becomes far more dangerous—and more personal—than they could have imagined.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published August 19, 2025
73 people are currently reading
1986 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Caruso
10 books1,004 followersMelissa Caruso is the author of THE TETHERED MAGE, first in the Swords and Fire trilogy, out now from Orbit books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
September 7, 2025
4.5✨
« … a person who had become so integral to my life that the idea of living without them felt hollow. »
I simply CANNOT get enough of this series. It was so comforting to get back to this world and its characters! The romance between Kembral & Rika is just so sweet and tender 🥹 can’t get enough of them.
I was curious as to what could follow the events of book one but I was pleasantly surprised. I will say the ending was running around in circles for 50 pages but I still loved every second of it. I loved the set of secondary characters and I hope Jaycel is back in the next book!
« … a person who had become so integral to my life that the idea of living without them felt hollow. »
I simply CANNOT get enough of this series. It was so comforting to get back to this world and its characters! The romance between Kembral & Rika is just so sweet and tender 🥹 can’t get enough of them.
I was curious as to what could follow the events of book one but I was pleasantly surprised. I will say the ending was running around in circles for 50 pages but I still loved every second of it. I loved the set of secondary characters and I hope Jaycel is back in the next book!
August 31, 2025
just two former rivals now girlfriends finding themselves the victims of yet another locked room mystery only two months since they almost died
Bookstagram | Blog
Bookstagram | Blog
September 5, 2025
I was intrigued about what kind of story could follow the wild ride that was the first book in this series, and was pleasantly surprised to find this one is a fantasy murder mystery, a mix of genres that seems to be gaining some popularity (or at least I hope it is 😆)
Once again we follow Kembral, who this time is tasked to undo a curse set on her childhood friends. But as they gather in a secluded manor, people begin to die, suggesting a murderer might be trying to speed up the curse for their own benefit.
I loved coming back to this strange world and seeing the world building expand in this second book.
Kembral is very much the self sacrificing hero type but I really enjoy her inner monologue. She’s one part investigator, one part action hero, and one part tired mom, and I love that mix 🤣
In contrast, Rika isn’t my favorite character, I preferred their dynamic from the previous book although I think they complement each other well.
I enjoyed the investigation more than the resolution of the mystery, but there were definitely some twists I didn’t see coming.
I expect we’ll get more books in this series, and I'm looking forward to the bizarre adventures that Kembral and Rika will have next time!
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit via NetGalley for providing an eARC
Once again we follow Kembral, who this time is tasked to undo a curse set on her childhood friends. But as they gather in a secluded manor, people begin to die, suggesting a murderer might be trying to speed up the curse for their own benefit.
I loved coming back to this strange world and seeing the world building expand in this second book.
Kembral is very much the self sacrificing hero type but I really enjoy her inner monologue. She’s one part investigator, one part action hero, and one part tired mom, and I love that mix 🤣
In contrast, Rika isn’t my favorite character, I preferred their dynamic from the previous book although I think they complement each other well.
I enjoyed the investigation more than the resolution of the mystery, but there were definitely some twists I didn’t see coming.
I expect we’ll get more books in this series, and I'm looking forward to the bizarre adventures that Kembral and Rika will have next time!
Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit via NetGalley for providing an eARC
May 31, 2025
JUNE 2025? I AM SAT. So excited for this... Hopefully I can get an ARC for this like I did with the first!
August 17, 2025
I love it when an author clearly understands what it was about the first book that everyone liked so much. Melissa Caruso has stayed true to the spirit of The Last Hour Between Worlds with this sequel. Once again Kembral Thorne and Rika Nonesuch are back for a magical multiverse adventure. This time Jaycel (one of my favorite characters from the first book, if you forgot her, she’s the one who’s entire personality is challenging people to duels and making witty remarks) has dragged Kembrel to a will reading. But with Kembrel’s friends, you know this can’t be normal.
This one had most, if not all of the magic of the first entry--I admit, I did miss some of the fancy party vibes of the first one--can the third have more pretty dresses please? But it was great to see more of the city and get a sense of its history. Also if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for an opera subplot.
If you read and liked The Last Hour Between Worlds, then you should absolutely pick this one up. If you’re trying to decide if you should start the series, first, you should definitely start at the beginning, and know that the first book was written by Caruso on a dare from her editor who said “if you like party scenes so much you should write a whole book set at a party.” This series is very sparkly, very fun, and a great magical world to escape into. It’s also literally laugh out loud funny. (And text your friends screenshots funny, which is maybe a higher compliment.)
Recommended for fans of The Princess Bride, Lies of Locke Lamora, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
This one had most, if not all of the magic of the first entry--I admit, I did miss some of the fancy party vibes of the first one--can the third have more pretty dresses please? But it was great to see more of the city and get a sense of its history. Also if you know me, you know I’m a sucker for an opera subplot.
If you read and liked The Last Hour Between Worlds, then you should absolutely pick this one up. If you’re trying to decide if you should start the series, first, you should definitely start at the beginning, and know that the first book was written by Caruso on a dare from her editor who said “if you like party scenes so much you should write a whole book set at a party.” This series is very sparkly, very fun, and a great magical world to escape into. It’s also literally laugh out loud funny. (And text your friends screenshots funny, which is maybe a higher compliment.)
Recommended for fans of The Princess Bride, Lies of Locke Lamora, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
I received an ARC in exchange for this honest review.
June 20, 2025
I enjoyed the eerie vibe and the unique wolf mythology, but I missed the depth in character development that the first book handled so well. Overall, while The Last Soul Among Wolves was an entertaining enough read, it was one of those books that I’ll forget about by tomorrow.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2025
The best part of the book was the murder mystery, and going along with Kembral while she's trying to save her friends when she's on a time crunch. In that Caruso did manage to capture the feel of the first book, but I just wanted more than what it gave me.
The world building in The Last Soul Among Wolves is really flat. I felt Caruso wrote this book on the premise that readers have already read the first book. It didn't add much to the world itself, but we did get to see more of Kembral's relationship with her childhood friends, and her blossoming relationship with Rika. I did read The Last Hour Between Worlds so I do understand the significance of what was going on.
Kem and Rika's relationship was also surface level, and the only real character development was from Rika. Getting to know more about Kem's childhood friends was a delight but again, surface level stuff in my opinion.
A solid sequel in The Echo Archives, but I felt it missed a little on a lot of things so it ended up being a meh read but I was entertained.
3.25 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
The world building in The Last Soul Among Wolves is really flat. I felt Caruso wrote this book on the premise that readers have already read the first book. It didn't add much to the world itself, but we did get to see more of Kembral's relationship with her childhood friends, and her blossoming relationship with Rika. I did read The Last Hour Between Worlds so I do understand the significance of what was going on.
Kem and Rika's relationship was also surface level, and the only real character development was from Rika. Getting to know more about Kem's childhood friends was a delight but again, surface level stuff in my opinion.
A solid sequel in The Echo Archives, but I felt it missed a little on a lot of things so it ended up being a meh read but I was entertained.
3.25 stars
Thanks to NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 29, 2025
i loved this one as much as the first, and i LOVE that there is going to be a third. i really hope this becomes a series. the world is so interesting and unique and i AODRE kem as a protagonist and i ADORE rika as her love interest. it was so fun seeing them as an established couple now, though still new and figuring their dynamic out while getting into whacky echo nonsense! this is just, such a fun premise for being able to have some shenanagins that the girls get into, with the overarching emperyan arc following them. i just... really love this world and these characters, and i love getting to follow an established sapphic couple!! i wish we had more series where that happens and i really really hope this one goes beyond a third bc yeah, trilogies are fun but i feel like we hardly get longer series with sapphics at the forefront, and i adore these ones so much and it has such potential to go and explore longer. i cannot rec these two enough and i will be pre-ordering the third the second that i can same as i did with this one. i listened on audio and read along and moira quirk was as fantastic as always. i really love her voice for rika, it's so dreamy.
if you like fantasy and sapphics and shenanagians i cannot rec this enough. i want 6 and then a movie pls and thank.
if you like fantasy and sapphics and shenanagians i cannot rec this enough. i want 6 and then a movie pls and thank.
September 2, 2025
Kembral is back, along with Rika and the others, to solve another mystery involving relics and the Emperyans.
This second book of the Echoes Archive Saga really delivers everything that the first story did. There are exceptional characters and such cool magic, including the echoes of time. The relationships are deeper and the banter is wickedly sharp!
Moira Quirk is such an accomplished voice actor. She brings multiple accents, serves up all emotions and delivers the quips and curses like no one else. She narrates this book perfectly.
my rating is 4.5 rounded for GR
This second book of the Echoes Archive Saga really delivers everything that the first story did. There are exceptional characters and such cool magic, including the echoes of time. The relationships are deeper and the banter is wickedly sharp!
Moira Quirk is such an accomplished voice actor. She brings multiple accents, serves up all emotions and delivers the quips and curses like no one else. She narrates this book perfectly.
my rating is 4.5 rounded for GR
August 17, 2025
4.75
thank you to orbit for the e-ARC
I love this series! sapphic fantasy with clever and mindbending worldbuilding, a mystery plot, friends, foes, family (derogatory), and family (endearing).
this book has a lot of similar vibes to book one, but with the time loop replaced by a murder curse and hijinks.
so much fun, the most endearing characters, and then so many fun and interesting antagonists. plus a sweet continuation of the romance that I actually liked in book one! and still like here!!! anyways read this book!
thank you to orbit for the e-ARC
I love this series! sapphic fantasy with clever and mindbending worldbuilding, a mystery plot, friends, foes, family (derogatory), and family (endearing).
this book has a lot of similar vibes to book one, but with the time loop replaced by a murder curse and hijinks.
so much fun, the most endearing characters, and then so many fun and interesting antagonists. plus a sweet continuation of the romance that I actually liked in book one! and still like here!!! anyways read this book!
July 11, 2025
Thank you to Little Brown Book Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
This is the sequel to The Last Hour Between Wolds and this book starts roughly six months after the events of the previous book. We are thrown into a murder mystery, with Kem and Rika working to solve it!
I really like the worldbuilding that the author has done here to flesh out what was established in book 1. The murder mystery is a locked room one, which is one of my favourites! It's tense and fun and definitely kept me guessing.
I also really liked the secondary cast of characters here. The dynamics were playful and fun and interesting, and I liked getting a glimpse into Kem's past as these are her childhood friends. As things get more dangerous, the tension heightens and it brings a new element to the group of friends. I really liked this aspect and almost wish we could've gotten more of this, because I think it was so unique.
The only part I found slighly lacking was the relationship between Kem and Rika. I wanted to see a bit more development in their relationship. I still liked their scenes, but I just wish that there was more of them!
I'll definitely be looking to pick up the next book in this series!
This is the sequel to The Last Hour Between Wolds and this book starts roughly six months after the events of the previous book. We are thrown into a murder mystery, with Kem and Rika working to solve it!
I really like the worldbuilding that the author has done here to flesh out what was established in book 1. The murder mystery is a locked room one, which is one of my favourites! It's tense and fun and definitely kept me guessing.
I also really liked the secondary cast of characters here. The dynamics were playful and fun and interesting, and I liked getting a glimpse into Kem's past as these are her childhood friends. As things get more dangerous, the tension heightens and it brings a new element to the group of friends. I really liked this aspect and almost wish we could've gotten more of this, because I think it was so unique.
The only part I found slighly lacking was the relationship between Kem and Rika. I wanted to see a bit more development in their relationship. I still liked their scenes, but I just wish that there was more of them!
I'll definitely be looking to pick up the next book in this series!
August 22, 2025
Rating: 4.75
I really feel like there's a huge gap in trad pub sapphic romantasy and THIS was exactly the type of story I've been craving. The first book is still my favorite, but this is a great sequel with plenty of adventure, additional world building, and an added magical murder mystery to boot.
The romantic stakes are upped in this book but it's done in such a refreshing manner. The characters are in the awkward first few months of dating, they're allowed to be flawed and loved regardless, and the fact that Kem exists on the ace spectrum adds a different perspective to the typical tension found in romantasy.
I wish the third book was already here :(
I really feel like there's a huge gap in trad pub sapphic romantasy and THIS was exactly the type of story I've been craving. The first book is still my favorite, but this is a great sequel with plenty of adventure, additional world building, and an added magical murder mystery to boot.
The romantic stakes are upped in this book but it's done in such a refreshing manner. The characters are in the awkward first few months of dating, they're allowed to be flawed and loved regardless, and the fact that Kem exists on the ace spectrum adds a different perspective to the typical tension found in romantasy.
I wish the third book was already here :(
July 3, 2025
Hot take - I actually enjoyed this second installment more than the first. Melissa Caruso expands on the world she created in The Last Hour Between Worlds; the world building is more detailed and we are introduced to new settings, echoes and side characters all which help make this a more vibrant story than its predecessor. Ken and Rika set out on yet another quest to save their friends lives but this time we get to learn more about Kem’s relationship with not only her friends, but past versions of herself. I was super excited to get more Kem and Rika and this book did not disappoint.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Orbit books for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2025
Even better than the first one!! My biggest issues with book one was how oblivious Kembral could be, but she was way more on top of things this time around! I am obsessed with the world building in this series, it’s so unique and fascinating!! I can’t wait to see where the story goes from here, as long as I get more of Kem and Rika then I’m happy!!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
July 17, 2025
A decent sequel to the Last Hour Between Worlds. There continues to be lots of beautiful imagination and world building. I love the concept of Echos, mortals and Empyreans. The naming of the Empyreans continues to be a little nugget of joy for a fantasy fan.
I found Kembral to be more engaging this time, perhaps because the reference to her out of scene daughter were fewer and I loved the scenes with her and Rika Nonesuch, who continues to be fabulous.
But, there was still something missing for me. Rika continues to be a far more engaging character and I think I would have preferred her POV. Her character and her background are so fascinating, especially her relationship to her mother.
So much context and key information is told to us. A big character point for Kembral is that she works this insanely adventurous and dangerous job while having an infant daughter at home. Yet we never much time at all with her or in Kembral’s alluded to world outside of her current heist. It is hard to care about things we are not shown. I feel this book tells us a lot about where we should care and how we should feel (such as how scary the echoes are) but doesn’t quite deliver.
I think overall if you were a big fan of book 1, you’ll also love this.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
I found Kembral to be more engaging this time, perhaps because the reference to her out of scene daughter were fewer and I loved the scenes with her and Rika Nonesuch, who continues to be fabulous.
But, there was still something missing for me. Rika continues to be a far more engaging character and I think I would have preferred her POV. Her character and her background are so fascinating, especially her relationship to her mother.
So much context and key information is told to us. A big character point for Kembral is that she works this insanely adventurous and dangerous job while having an infant daughter at home. Yet we never much time at all with her or in Kembral’s alluded to world outside of her current heist. It is hard to care about things we are not shown. I feel this book tells us a lot about where we should care and how we should feel (such as how scary the echoes are) but doesn’t quite deliver.
I think overall if you were a big fan of book 1, you’ll also love this.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
(Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. This has not impacted my review which is unbiased and honest.)
The Last Soul Among Wolves feels a bit like a Knives Out meets school reunion story. There's very much this sense of a ticking clock as friends start dropping like flies, but there's this added component of friends of Kem. We get to know these side characters and they give Kem a chance to confront her past versions of herself. Who were they all before life gets rolling? Not only that, but in order to save them, she must be even more clever than ever before. Let's get this straight, I was reading to see more Kem and Rika. And I was rewarded.
The Last Soul Among Wolves feels a bit like a Knives Out meets school reunion story. There's very much this sense of a ticking clock as friends start dropping like flies, but there's this added component of friends of Kem. We get to know these side characters and they give Kem a chance to confront her past versions of herself. Who were they all before life gets rolling? Not only that, but in order to save them, she must be even more clever than ever before. Let's get this straight, I was reading to see more Kem and Rika. And I was rewarded.
August 11, 2025
Murder mystery. Death curses. Stuck on an island. Impending doom….. unpopular opinion but dare I say I like this book more than the first!
Kembral was actually really funny - in a witty, sarcastic way, which I love. It was fun to see her and Rika team up again whilst also watching their relationship grow (we love the sapphic dream team). I also really loved the expansion of the different guild not just the hounds and cats - I would love for novellas focusing on different characters from the various guilds!
The plot did wrap up quite conveniently and outlined the premise for the next instalment. Was it a tad predictable? Yes. But ultimately I enjoyed this book with this ensemble of characters, and am looking forward to continuing with the series!
Thanks NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for this arc.
Kembral was actually really funny - in a witty, sarcastic way, which I love. It was fun to see her and Rika team up again whilst also watching their relationship grow (we love the sapphic dream team). I also really loved the expansion of the different guild not just the hounds and cats - I would love for novellas focusing on different characters from the various guilds!
The plot did wrap up quite conveniently and outlined the premise for the next instalment. Was it a tad predictable? Yes. But ultimately I enjoyed this book with this ensemble of characters, and am looking forward to continuing with the series!
Thanks NetGalley and Little Brown Book Group UK for this arc.
August 5, 2025
Earlier this year I read The Last Hour Between Worlds (The Echos Archives #1) and the sequel - this book, The Last Soul Among Wolves - quickly became one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Needless to say, I had some pretty high expectations and I'm delighted to report that I enjoyed reading this one just as much as the first.
I was excited to dive back into this strange world and see what type of chaos these characters were presented with. Like with the first book, I was hooked from the very beginning and didn't want to put it down until the very end. I'm not always a fan of a slow burn but I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Kem and Rika, and can't wait to see what happens next in book #3!
Thanks to Orbit & NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy to read!
I was excited to dive back into this strange world and see what type of chaos these characters were presented with. Like with the first book, I was hooked from the very beginning and didn't want to put it down until the very end. I'm not always a fan of a slow burn but I enjoyed seeing the development of the relationship between Kem and Rika, and can't wait to see what happens next in book #3!
Thanks to Orbit & NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy to read!
June 20, 2025
While not quite as strong as The Last Hour Between Worlds (though I definitely think that Moira Quirk’s narration will elevate the audiobook immensely), The Last Soul Among Wolves was engaging, clever, witty, and built upon the characters and world(s) introduced in book one. Rika especially got to shine in this one; I liked seeing beyond her role as the mysterious will-they-won’t-they who seems to defy expectations and logic and show up where you least expect her. We got to see her vulnerable and scared and fucking up, and that did a whole lot to cement her and her relationship with Kembral in my mind.
The timeline was a little wonky to me. A whole heck of a lot of things happened in less than two days, to the point where I kind of wanted a little bit more rigidity as far as the passage of time (like maybe each chapter header included what time it was or a countdown to the next scheduled character death) because I definitely thought it was like a week but then it all happened in less than two days and I was like “wait what?”
Sign me up for book 3!
{Thank you Orbit Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review}
The timeline was a little wonky to me. A whole heck of a lot of things happened in less than two days, to the point where I kind of wanted a little bit more rigidity as far as the passage of time (like maybe each chapter header included what time it was or a countdown to the next scheduled character death) because I definitely thought it was like a week but then it all happened in less than two days and I was like “wait what?”
Sign me up for book 3!
{Thank you Orbit Books for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review}
August 23, 2025
Kembral Thorne hasn't exactly had the quietest of maternity leaves.... two months ago she saved the world, and now she has a sneaking suspicion she's going to be called on again. Her best friend Jaycel Morningray ("Like so many things, it was Jaycel's fault," the book opens) asks her to come to their old neighborhood, where it turns out her childhood friends, many of whom she hasn't seen in nearly twenty years, have gathered for a reading of a will at a magical house. The ever practical Kem is appalled that they'd dabble in the magic that got them here, especially since only one of them will make it out of the house alive per the rules of inheritance. Trying to set worries about her 4-month-old daughter aside, Kem rolls up her sleeves, leaves Emmy with the most interesting babysitter, and partners with her girlfriend Rika (from an opposing guild) to jump several echoes down to figure out how to save her friends.
Melissa Caruso approaches the craft of storytelling with intentionality and care. The Last Soul Among Wolves has a lot going on plot and character-wise, and yet it's all essential to the story Caruso gives us here. We have a locked room mystery, except the room isn't totally locked because Kembral has the ability to traverse down the echoes, into the same place but where the rules of Prime (Kem's world) don't all apply. We get an expanded world from book one, seeing more of the guilds and the physical world around them.
The most interesting part of Last Soul is the relationship between Kem and Rika. These rivals from different guilds cross each other in book one, and by the end of it have forged a very tentative romantic relationship. Now in book two, they've intertwined in each other's lives outside of work, but haven't yet worked a job together and now have to negotiate a professional partnership alongside their romantic one. It's challenging for two women who are used to projecting the appearance of composure but are messy beneath the facade to navigate their relationship in the face of disaster, and that combination is oh so fun to read. They needle each other, but also care deeply for one another, and ... also don't know how to express that yet.
This is an incredible follow-up to what was one of my favorite books of 2025. I had the pleasure of attending the launch party, and loved hearing Caruso speak about her work, her process, and especially her approach to character building. I'm so excited to hear what she has in store for Kem and Rika in book three!
Thank you to Orbit for an eARC. The Last Soul Among Wolves is out 8/19/2025.
Melissa Caruso approaches the craft of storytelling with intentionality and care. The Last Soul Among Wolves has a lot going on plot and character-wise, and yet it's all essential to the story Caruso gives us here. We have a locked room mystery, except the room isn't totally locked because Kembral has the ability to traverse down the echoes, into the same place but where the rules of Prime (Kem's world) don't all apply. We get an expanded world from book one, seeing more of the guilds and the physical world around them.
The most interesting part of Last Soul is the relationship between Kem and Rika. These rivals from different guilds cross each other in book one, and by the end of it have forged a very tentative romantic relationship. Now in book two, they've intertwined in each other's lives outside of work, but haven't yet worked a job together and now have to negotiate a professional partnership alongside their romantic one. It's challenging for two women who are used to projecting the appearance of composure but are messy beneath the facade to navigate their relationship in the face of disaster, and that combination is oh so fun to read. They needle each other, but also care deeply for one another, and ... also don't know how to express that yet.
This is an incredible follow-up to what was one of my favorite books of 2025. I had the pleasure of attending the launch party, and loved hearing Caruso speak about her work, her process, and especially her approach to character building. I'm so excited to hear what she has in store for Kem and Rika in book three!
Thank you to Orbit for an eARC. The Last Soul Among Wolves is out 8/19/2025.
August 7, 2025
Thank you Little, Brown Book Group/Orbit for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Kembral Thorne has not had much time to rest and recover from the tumultuous year naming ceremony when she is called by a friend to a mysterious event in an isolated haunted house they used to play in as kids. Nothing is ever simple, and she should have predicted that Echoes would be causing havoc - and their masters too. She's thrown into a murder mystery plot, running against an ever ticking clock to save her friends’ souls before they become food in yet another Empyrean game. Fortunately, Rika Nonesuch is on the case, hired by a participant in the game, and has some vested interest in keeping Kembral alive.
I did enjoy this second entry into the Echo Archives, though a murder mystery plot wouldn't have been where I'd guess it would go after book one. There is a short time skip between installments, during which Kem and Rika have progressed their relationship, to the extent that Rika is now spending most of her time at Kem's, and they're close to crossing that final emotional barrier (the fateful L word!). It's a bit of a shame we didn't get to see their relationship develop, given it was such a key aspect of book 1.
My favourite part of book 1 was also the Echo delving, and all the delightful creatures and characters that were depicted as they worked their way through the levels. Unfortunately in this book, they don't even venture into the alternate world until 50% in, and it's very short lived. Everything they do within the Echoes is overshadowed by warring Empyreans, and it felt like something was missing versus what I enjoyed in the earlier installment.
That said, the wider cast of characters are very fun. I really enjoyed Petras and Mareth especially, as well as a later character I won't name for fear of spoilers. The murder mystery itself was vaguely intriguing, although overshadowed by the wider complex machinations of the Echo game coming together.
It was cosy without stakes too high, and with the familiar characters and setting we already enjoyed, but it just didn't fully hit the mark for me. I’ll still pick up the next installment but it won’t be a priority read.
Kembral Thorne has not had much time to rest and recover from the tumultuous year naming ceremony when she is called by a friend to a mysterious event in an isolated haunted house they used to play in as kids. Nothing is ever simple, and she should have predicted that Echoes would be causing havoc - and their masters too. She's thrown into a murder mystery plot, running against an ever ticking clock to save her friends’ souls before they become food in yet another Empyrean game. Fortunately, Rika Nonesuch is on the case, hired by a participant in the game, and has some vested interest in keeping Kembral alive.
I did enjoy this second entry into the Echo Archives, though a murder mystery plot wouldn't have been where I'd guess it would go after book one. There is a short time skip between installments, during which Kem and Rika have progressed their relationship, to the extent that Rika is now spending most of her time at Kem's, and they're close to crossing that final emotional barrier (the fateful L word!). It's a bit of a shame we didn't get to see their relationship develop, given it was such a key aspect of book 1.
My favourite part of book 1 was also the Echo delving, and all the delightful creatures and characters that were depicted as they worked their way through the levels. Unfortunately in this book, they don't even venture into the alternate world until 50% in, and it's very short lived. Everything they do within the Echoes is overshadowed by warring Empyreans, and it felt like something was missing versus what I enjoyed in the earlier installment.
That said, the wider cast of characters are very fun. I really enjoyed Petras and Mareth especially, as well as a later character I won't name for fear of spoilers. The murder mystery itself was vaguely intriguing, although overshadowed by the wider complex machinations of the Echo game coming together.
It was cosy without stakes too high, and with the familiar characters and setting we already enjoyed, but it just didn't fully hit the mark for me. I’ll still pick up the next installment but it won’t be a priority read.
July 29, 2025
“Someone has to worry about you. You’re not going to do it yourself, infuriating creature.”
It was a pleasure to come back to this world after The Last Hour Between World. If you liked this first book, you’ll for sure will love the Last Soul Among Wolves. This is a follow-up of the story, even though you can expect a few differences.
First, there is less world building, which is logical as all the settings have been exposed in the first book. That allows this sequel to be more fast paced, but it’s also a bit less immersive IMO. But what you lose in WB, you gain in the plot. In this one, the plot is centered around a murder mystery, that if it’s not completely closed doors brings totally the vibes (with the addition of the fantasy). That makes it very addictive —even more than book 1— and as a consequence I’ve read it in almost only one go.
But what I might have enjoyed the most was that in this one Kembral and Rika are in an established relationship, even though it’s still green. It allows to explore different things than what we are used to, especially as it creates more tensions and conflicts, exposing them to different dangers in their adventures. I also loved Kembral’s evolution. As she is a bit more installed in her role as a mother, she realizes how much she ALSO wants to work. I loved this duality, and I can’t wait to know more about this, and about the romance in the next book.
The found family aspect, with Kembral’s childhood friends, is also a nice one. I loved the resulting feelings, mixing nostalgia, regrets and hope (!) for the future.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to the author and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
It was a pleasure to come back to this world after The Last Hour Between World. If you liked this first book, you’ll for sure will love the Last Soul Among Wolves. This is a follow-up of the story, even though you can expect a few differences.
First, there is less world building, which is logical as all the settings have been exposed in the first book. That allows this sequel to be more fast paced, but it’s also a bit less immersive IMO. But what you lose in WB, you gain in the plot. In this one, the plot is centered around a murder mystery, that if it’s not completely closed doors brings totally the vibes (with the addition of the fantasy). That makes it very addictive —even more than book 1— and as a consequence I’ve read it in almost only one go.
But what I might have enjoyed the most was that in this one Kembral and Rika are in an established relationship, even though it’s still green. It allows to explore different things than what we are used to, especially as it creates more tensions and conflicts, exposing them to different dangers in their adventures. I also loved Kembral’s evolution. As she is a bit more installed in her role as a mother, she realizes how much she ALSO wants to work. I loved this duality, and I can’t wait to know more about this, and about the romance in the next book.
The found family aspect, with Kembral’s childhood friends, is also a nice one. I loved the resulting feelings, mixing nostalgia, regrets and hope (!) for the future.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
Thank you to the author and Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit for the access to the eARC on NetGalley. My opinions are my own.
September 8, 2025
I had some issues with the first book in this series, but I liked it enough to give the second one a try. In this installment, I feel like I have a better handle on the world – or at least the parts of it that enter into this story – and as a result I am enjoying everything a lot more: the worldbuilding, the story and the writing style. One of the things I like best about the author’s writing style is the dialogue. It feels very organic, never feels forced. I also felt like the worldbuilding was explained a little better and fleshed out by showing what the “real” world and society are like beyond the single house and single night we saw in the last book. Though I’m still a little confused by the echoes and Empyreans tbh. I’ll get there eventually! Maybe I need to reread the first with the context of the second and it’ll stick better.
The characters continued to show growth over the course of this second novel. Kembral and Rika are trying to navigate their new relationship, while also solving a mystery and saving innocent lives, but undisclosed secrets keep getting in the way of both. We also learn more about both their backgrounds, which helped to make them feel more complete and multifaceted as people. The plot also felt a little more propulsive in this book as well, with twists and some great action scenes to keep the pace up.
I knew the first book was a promising start to a new series, even though I struggled with it a bit – and I’m glad I stuck with it! Four stars.
Representation: Queer characters, trans character, POC characters
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters continued to show growth over the course of this second novel. Kembral and Rika are trying to navigate their new relationship, while also solving a mystery and saving innocent lives, but undisclosed secrets keep getting in the way of both. We also learn more about both their backgrounds, which helped to make them feel more complete and multifaceted as people. The plot also felt a little more propulsive in this book as well, with twists and some great action scenes to keep the pace up.
I knew the first book was a promising start to a new series, even though I struggled with it a bit – and I’m glad I stuck with it! Four stars.
Representation: Queer characters, trans character, POC characters
I received an advance copy of this ebook from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2025
Rare case where I think I enjoyed the sequel more than the original! Where The Last Hour Between Worlds got a bit clunky in how many characters it wanted to introduce quickly, this gives us a breadth of new people each with very defined personalities that felt much smoother. I'm very intrigued by the Deep Echoes, which I imagine is the drawing point for most readers, so I was excited to return to this setting for some grotesque horror combined expect comedic weirdness. I did expected this to just be another Kembral and Rika have to explore echoes in an unrelated situation type book but I really enjoyed how threads from the first book are developing instead of just plopping the characters into a separate situation. Plus, I love a locked room mystery so much; fantasy mystery, you are everything to me. I do wish we got more deaths one by one because I think that's so fun especially with the idea of the clock ticking down, but then I think we'd need more characters and this was the perfect amount. I do continue to find Jaycel annoying (sorry!) but I loved the addition of Vy to Kem's Friend Gang. Less "revolution is bad" ideology in this book too, which was annoying enough to me that I docked the rating of the first book; here, there's one line about hoping the revolution to remove a king doesn't get violent, and that's it, thank goodness. Definitely recommend to other who enjoyed the first book but were hesitant about picking this one up, as was the case with me, as I think this instalment is stronger! (3.75)
Thank you to Orbit, NetGalley, and Caruso for an e-ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Orbit, NetGalley, and Caruso for an e-ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2025
A different murder, mystery, romance, magic filled fantasy series. Lots of snarky banter.
A dragon baby sitter. (Don’t make a big thing of it. And if you are up to no good, well, expect to be eaten crunchy or not.)
A baby, mainly off scene. (Very important in a doting, loving, working mum way.)
Childhood friends. (Our maybe childhood sweetened memories. They grow up, they change, and maybe they were never who we thought they were, or really friendly at all. But there are some keepers.)
Kembral Thorne, Hound and Echo expert. (There are many layers of Echo. Each step down more mixed up, scarier and deadlier than the previous.) She likes her job. She’s good at her job. But she also wants to be alive at the end of the day to go home and cuddle her baby.
As the murders build up, who’s telling the truth? Secrets keep come bludgeoning out. Kembral has her work cut out for her again. Can she solve the murder mystery and bring the culprit bang to rights. Can she solve the ever present mess of her emotions and feelings. She doesn’t know which is the worse problem to have, her work or love.
Oh, and her love’s mother, she’s a real doozy.
Read book one first. It’s equally good, and you will be up to speed in characters and setting.
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
A dragon baby sitter. (Don’t make a big thing of it. And if you are up to no good, well, expect to be eaten crunchy or not.)
A baby, mainly off scene. (Very important in a doting, loving, working mum way.)
Childhood friends. (Our maybe childhood sweetened memories. They grow up, they change, and maybe they were never who we thought they were, or really friendly at all. But there are some keepers.)
Kembral Thorne, Hound and Echo expert. (There are many layers of Echo. Each step down more mixed up, scarier and deadlier than the previous.) She likes her job. She’s good at her job. But she also wants to be alive at the end of the day to go home and cuddle her baby.
As the murders build up, who’s telling the truth? Secrets keep come bludgeoning out. Kembral has her work cut out for her again. Can she solve the murder mystery and bring the culprit bang to rights. Can she solve the ever present mess of her emotions and feelings. She doesn’t know which is the worse problem to have, her work or love.
Oh, and her love’s mother, she’s a real doozy.
Read book one first. It’s equally good, and you will be up to speed in characters and setting.
Thank you to Little, Brown Book Group UK and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.
August 17, 2025
I have to admit that I already requested this digital review copy through Netgalley before I finished the first book. However, I loved loved loved the first book, so I was really glad that Orbit granted my request!
In a way this book follows the same concept as the first book in the series. There is a deadly game, on destined times people are killed and our heroine needs to travel into the echo-dimensions to save the lives of her friends. And just like the first book, the trial does become very very personal. And it's especially the combination, the excitement of the game and the emotions of the personal challenges, making this book amazing.
I think this book has something for everyone. There is a touch of romance, and I especially love how realistic the romance progresses. There is a lot of danger and action, and since we're already familiar with this world it's easier to follow what's going on. There is magic, there are monsters, there are epic fights, there are mind-games. There is even a little murder mystery! And yet, it never feels all over the place. Everything serves a purpose and all questions get answered eventually.
I also like that there is some overarching storyline connecting the first and this second book, eventually leading to the third book in the series. And yet, the first book felt like a whole and completed story, and this second book does too. Even though it's clear our characters are not out of the danger zone and more is coming, the book has a satisfying finale, wrapping everything up nicely. However, I still can't wait for the next book!
In a way this book follows the same concept as the first book in the series. There is a deadly game, on destined times people are killed and our heroine needs to travel into the echo-dimensions to save the lives of her friends. And just like the first book, the trial does become very very personal. And it's especially the combination, the excitement of the game and the emotions of the personal challenges, making this book amazing.
I think this book has something for everyone. There is a touch of romance, and I especially love how realistic the romance progresses. There is a lot of danger and action, and since we're already familiar with this world it's easier to follow what's going on. There is magic, there are monsters, there are epic fights, there are mind-games. There is even a little murder mystery! And yet, it never feels all over the place. Everything serves a purpose and all questions get answered eventually.
I also like that there is some overarching storyline connecting the first and this second book, eventually leading to the third book in the series. And yet, the first book felt like a whole and completed story, and this second book does too. Even though it's clear our characters are not out of the danger zone and more is coming, the book has a satisfying finale, wrapping everything up nicely. However, I still can't wait for the next book!
August 22, 2025
Last year, The Last Hour Between Worlds was my favorite read—so it’s no surprise that I’m singing the praises of its sequel, Last Soul Among Wolves, from the rooftops.
This second installment picks up with the same breakneck pace as book one, and the writing is so skillfully done that, even with all the action, you never feel like you're missing a beat. The world-building continues to impress—I’m completely fascinated by the Echoes and the different layers of reality. It feels like every time you turn a page, some wild new creature emerges from the shadows.
I especially loved the setting of the mansion. I could vividly picture how eerie and isolated it must feel beyond the sandbar—perfectly atmospheric. The characters remain some of my favorites in fantasy. Kembral is a formidable FMC, and I was thrilled to see her step up even more in this book. Her deep, intimate connections with those around her raise the emotional stakes and make her journey all the more compelling.
And then there’s Rika—I absolutely love her. Her mysterious past is so rich and layered that I’d read an entire origin story focused just on her.
Overall, this series continues to be a wildly compelling and immersive ride. I’m beyond excited that we’re getting a book three!
This second installment picks up with the same breakneck pace as book one, and the writing is so skillfully done that, even with all the action, you never feel like you're missing a beat. The world-building continues to impress—I’m completely fascinated by the Echoes and the different layers of reality. It feels like every time you turn a page, some wild new creature emerges from the shadows.
I especially loved the setting of the mansion. I could vividly picture how eerie and isolated it must feel beyond the sandbar—perfectly atmospheric. The characters remain some of my favorites in fantasy. Kembral is a formidable FMC, and I was thrilled to see her step up even more in this book. Her deep, intimate connections with those around her raise the emotional stakes and make her journey all the more compelling.
And then there’s Rika—I absolutely love her. Her mysterious past is so rich and layered that I’d read an entire origin story focused just on her.
Overall, this series continues to be a wildly compelling and immersive ride. I’m beyond excited that we’re getting a book three!
August 24, 2025
Loved it! The first book was a masterpiece, and this one manages to live up to it, being everything that a sequel should be. A mystery that is not as clear cut as it seems, more echoes and schemes, and of course plenty more development of the relationship between Kembral and Rika. Things are never going to be simple for them, especially given Rika's nature, and that Kem named the year, her blood so much more potent than most humans. And given her job and selfless tendencies... yeah ^^
Honestly, it's hard to say much, given the nature of the book, but it so well done. It hooks you in and keeps you engrossed easily, the stakes very significant. We get to learn more about Kembral and her friends and their history, more about the echoes and those who inhibit them, and the schemes of those who shouldn't be named. Oh, and the babysitter is just plain awesome.
I devoured the book far too quickly, very pleased with how it turned out, and now I have the issue of having to wait for the third book, because I definitely want to see more of them and this world. 5 stars very much deserved, and highly recommended.
Honestly, it's hard to say much, given the nature of the book, but it so well done. It hooks you in and keeps you engrossed easily, the stakes very significant. We get to learn more about Kembral and her friends and their history, more about the echoes and those who inhibit them, and the schemes of those who shouldn't be named. Oh, and the babysitter is just plain awesome.
I devoured the book far too quickly, very pleased with how it turned out, and now I have the issue of having to wait for the third book, because I definitely want to see more of them and this world. 5 stars very much deserved, and highly recommended.
July 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Last Soul Among Wolves is the second book in the Echo Archives series, and the second time we get to follow Kembral Thorne as she unravels a mysterious plot that threatens the lives of her dearest friends.
Even more so than the last book, this one is very much an Agatha Christie novel infused with fantasy elements. It's very much a locked-room mystery - everyone's confined to one run-down, gothic mansion at the edge of the docks, and someone or something is killing them off one by one. Kem and Rika (my beloved!!) must go back into the deep echoes to break the curse on their friends, but they must be careful not to fall into any Empyrian traps...
I absolutely adore Rika Nonesuch! She's so gentle and kind, but can kick-ass when the situation calls for it! And Kem is such a goofy but brave and hardheaded Hound!
This book was so fun (sounds kind of evil to say that given that PEOPLE DIE) and I can't wait to see what happens in the next.
The Last Soul Among Wolves is the second book in the Echo Archives series, and the second time we get to follow Kembral Thorne as she unravels a mysterious plot that threatens the lives of her dearest friends.
Even more so than the last book, this one is very much an Agatha Christie novel infused with fantasy elements. It's very much a locked-room mystery - everyone's confined to one run-down, gothic mansion at the edge of the docks, and someone or something is killing them off one by one. Kem and Rika (my beloved!!) must go back into the deep echoes to break the curse on their friends, but they must be careful not to fall into any Empyrian traps...
I absolutely adore Rika Nonesuch! She's so gentle and kind, but can kick-ass when the situation calls for it! And Kem is such a goofy but brave and hardheaded Hound!
This book was so fun (sounds kind of evil to say that given that PEOPLE DIE) and I can't wait to see what happens in the next.
August 30, 2025
Ok second time around amazing. What can I said . I love the set up. like it seems one thing first and then it was a whole other situation going on. Loved Kembral and her approach to this situation. Also I love that she is always complaining how tired she is from the baby because is super realistic. I really enjoyed how her relationship with Rika develops more and how we get a bit more from her past. the plot was very engaging and it keeps you quite interested . Overall Great follow up for a second book and well are we getting more , because I love this world and I would definitely not mind more.
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