The Witches of Echo Park

By: Amber Benson

Narrated by: Amber Benson

From beloved author, director, and actress, Amber Benson...

Unbeknownst to most of humankind, a powerful network of witches thrives within the shadows of society, using their magic to keep the world in balance. But they are being eliminated - and we will all pay if their power falls... When Elyse MacAllister's great-aunt Eleanora, the woman who raised her, becomes deathly ill, Lyse puts her comfortable life in Georgia on hold to rush back to Los Angeles. And once she returns to Echo Park, Lyse discovers her great-aunt has been keeping secrets - extraordinary secrets - from her. Not only is Lyse heir to Eleanora's Victorian estate; she is also expected to take her great-aunt's place in the Echo Park coven of witches. But to accept her destiny means to place herself in deadly peril - for the world of magic is under siege, and the battle the witches now fight may be their last...

©2015 Benson Entertainment, Inc. (P)2014 Audible Inc.

"The Flood is coming, Lyse. Prepare yourself."

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. This is the start to a great series.

What other book might you compare The Witches of Echo Park to and why?

Lyse is your very typical Amber Benson heroine; quirky, a little neurotic, sweet and absolutely no clue about what is in store for her. I can picture her sitting down with Calliope (from her Daughter of Death series) over coffee and talking about who had it worse. But also like Calliope, Lyse has a hidden reserve of will and power and hopefully we will see more of it.

Have you listened to any of Amber Benson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I fist have to say that it is a real treat to hear Amber Benson reading her own books. I feel I am getting something extra that I would not get from another reader. Amber gets better with each book. Having her read her writing is a treat.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

"The Flood is coming, Lyse. Prepare yourself."

Any additional comments?

I picked it up as both an audio book and as an ebook.

The Witches of Echo Park is the first book of a series and thus we are hit with a lot of characters at once and the plot builds. We meet Lyse and her great-aunt Eleanora first and they are focal characters of this book. We are also in turn introduced to the other members of the Echo Park Coven. Devandra, the tarot card reader and mother of two. I am expecting her daughters also have some power. Arrabelle, the second in charge (behind Eleanora) and the herbalist of the group. Daniela, a powerful empath and equally forward flirt. She has a lot of secrets. And lastly Lizbeth. She is the mystery here. 17, mute, and a terrible childhood.
Now it would be easy to complain that this is only a set up and by the time the book gets going it is over. But no, this book is the set up, but there is a reason why this book does what it does and ends where it does. The plot is about to be turned up to 11 and our witches are in for a wild ride.
Amber has really honed her craft here. I like the switching narrators (the various members of the coven) to give a different point of view. The pacing is good and I feel like I am in for a great ride here.
By the end of the book I did want more, and that is a good thing. The next book can pick up where this left off or a couple months down the line; either way I am excited and looking forward to the next one.

Predicted this

It was Too predictable, it was boring as ever and to slow to climax then echo park fizzles out. Won't read this one again

Great start!

This is the first book in a trilogy, so expect for things to be built but carried on in the next installments. I liked the characters in the coven and Eleanora’s backstory brought to light little by little. Excited to see what happens next!

Enjoyable Light Story

This book introduces us to the Echo Park coven in Los Angeles, focusing mostly on its newest (and somewhat reluctant) member. The supernatural elements are mostly kept to a minimum, which strengthens the story itself.

Unfortunately, this is the only book of the series available from Audible (at this time), but the sequels would certainly make good airplane reading.

As a narrator, Benson is quite good with character voices and narrative voice. (I know this is true from works that she herself didn't write, as well.)

Hope the next one is packed with action!

Over all this was a good book. But i felt that maybe the book could have had more action. I liked the details but Im still hungry for more info on the witches and there capabilities. Definitely interested to see how this pulls together in the next book. Narration was pretty good!!! Easy lot listen to.

So good

I love this book and Amber does a great job narrating! The story is captivating and kept me on my toes. Plus, I was in echo park and could imagine this happening.

Good twists and turns

Started off slow but the more the story went on, the more interesting it got.

Good character driver listening!

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I found the pace of the book to move a little slow for my liking.

If you’ve listened to books by Amber Benson before, how does this one compare?

This was my first by this author.

What does Amber Benson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I love it when an author narrates their own book! Amber can bring a very real voice to the story because it is in fact, her story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Very character driven, Witches of Echo Park has everything I enjoy in a good listen. I thought the characters were well-developed and interesting. Inheriting a coven of witches? Brilliant and unique! I also absolutely loved that the author Amber Benson narrated this audiobook as well. AND did an excellent job.

*Note I found come of the connect to be a little strong for a YA read, I would say this is more New Adult.

Get ready to be thoroughly captivated...

Where does The Witches of Echo Park rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book ranks in the top three audiobooks to which I've listened.

What other book might you compare The Witches of Echo Park to and why?

I really haven't drawn a comparison to any other book I've read, especially in this genre. The story is unique and engaging, and I'm looking forward to reading or listening to the next book in the series.

Which character – as performed by Amber Benson – was your favorite?

Actually it is a toss up between two characters: Mimi and Eleanora. Both characters sounded so convincingly distinctive, I was often amazed. The sound of Mimi's voice could evoke a sense of dread, while Eleanora's was more welcoming with many traces of Benson's signature sense of humor shining through.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I listened to the first half of this book over the course of several days and the last half of the book during a four hour road trip. For the things in life I most enjoy, I try to extend the experience, but I would say yes, it was nice to listen to the last half of the story wholly uninterrupted.

Any additional comments?

I read the paperback edition of this book first and really enjoyed it. However, there was something very special about hearing the author narrate her own words. The flow and cadence of the narration was as good as I've ever heard in an audiobook, which made the experience of being read to very similar to reading it oneself. For this reason, I'm inclined to watch for other audiobooks she's done.

Loved It !

What made the experience of listening to The Witches of Echo Park the most enjoyable?

While it took a little while to get into the story, once it started, I really loved it! I can't wait for the next chapter of the adventures of the Echo Park Witches!

Amber is a wonderful narrator, in part because as also the author, she really understands not only the characters but the theme as a while!

What did you like best about this story?

The depth of characterization of all the fully rounded people that inhabit Echo Park.

What about Amber Benson’s performance did you like?

Great Voice!

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for the next one!