Echo by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a chilling novel that follows the story of lovers Sam and Nick in the aftermath of a climbing accident on a remote mountain in the Swiss Alps. As Nick returns from the expedition with mysterious and terrifying changes, Sam is left to unravel the dark forces that have taken hold of his boyfriend, leading to a series of gruesome events that challenge their relationship and sanity. The narrative unfolds through journal entries, emails, and alternating perspectives, creating a haunting atmosphere that delves into human fears and the supernatural.

The author, Thomas Olde Heuvelt, masterfully weaves a tale of suspense and horror that delves into deep-rooted human fears and the complexities of relationships. Through a blend of supernatural elements and psychological tension, Echo explores themes of possession, terror, and the unknown, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Sam and Nick's harrowing journey through the treacherous aftermath of the climbing accident.

Characters:

The characters are emotionally complex individuals, particularly a gay couple, navigating trauma and the supernatural.

Writing/Prose:

The writing is descriptive and atmospheric, focusing on tension but criticized for repetitiveness and pacing issues.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a mountaineering accident and its chilling aftermath, exploring themes of possession and the strain on personal relationships.

Setting:

The rural and isolated setting in the Swiss Alps significantly enhances the novel's eerie and haunting atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing is often slow, with criticisms of dragging in the middle, though it is recommended to read continuously for better flow.

But three, now, Christ, three a.m.! . . . The soul is out. The blood moves slow. . . . Sleep is a patch of death, but three in the morn, full wide-eyed staring, is living death! You dream with your ey...

Notes:

ECHO is a horror novel by Thomas Olde Heuvelt, originally published in Dutch and translated to English in 2022.

The story features two main characters, Sam and Nick, a gay couple navigating challenges after a climbing accident.

Much of the novel takes place in the Swiss Alps, notably around Mount Maudit, a real mountain with a cursed reputation.

The narrative switches between multiple first-person perspectives, mainly Sam and Nick, which some readers found confusing.

The book explores themes of possession, fear, and the darker side of nature, drawing parallels to gothic literature.

Nick suffers severe injuries from a fall and experiences strange happenings upon returning home, suggesting he may be haunted or possessed.

Readers appreciated the atmospheric writing and the deep emotional connection between the characters but noted that the story's pacing was slow and occasionally repetitive.

The opening chapter is highlighted as particularly terrifying, setting a haunting tone for the rest of the book.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book includes content related to possession, body horror, trauma, and potential death.

Has Romance?

The novel prominently features a romantic relationship between two male characters, central to the plot.

From The Publisher:

From international bestselling sensation Thomas Olde Heuvelt comes Echo, a thrilling descent into madness and obsession as one man confronts nature-and something even more ancient and evil answers back.

"A compulsive page-turner mixing supernatural survival horror and adventure." -Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts and The Pallbearers' Club

Locus Award Finalist!

Nature is calling-but they shouldn't have answered.

Travel journalist and mountaineer Nick Grevers awakes from a coma to find that his climbing buddy, Augustin, is missing and presumed dead. Nick's own injuries are as extensive as they are horrifying. His face wrapped in bandages and unable to speak, Nick claims amnesia-but he remembers everything.

He remembers how he and Augustin were mysteriously drawn to the Maudit, a remote and scarcely documented peak in the Swiss Alps.

He remembers how the slopes of Maudit were eerily quiet, and how, when they entered its valley, they got the ominous sense that they were not alone.

He remembers: something was waiting for them...

But it isn't just the memory of the accident that haunts Nick. Something has awakened inside of him, something that endangers the lives of everyone around him…

It's one thing to lose your life. It's another to lose your soul.

Also by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Hex

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Ratings (3)

Incredible (1)
Loved It (1)
It Was OK (1)

Reader Stats (26):

Read It (4)
Currently Reading (1)
Want To Read (19)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

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Echo

Thomas Olde Heuvelt