I’m sharing Rosemary’s review of Unleashing Echoes (Reconstructionist 3) because I know I focus too much on the vitriol I’m often deluged in about the Reconstructionist trilogy and I want to remind myself that not everyone tries to twist a book into what they want to see/read instead of trying to enjoy the story the author wanted (dare I say, needed?) to write.
It took a year and a half of my life to write this trilogy (after the first book sat partially written on my ‘shelf’ for two years*). I blubbered through each draft of each book (I do five). I knew how it ended when I put the first words on the page. I carefully, but intentionally, crafted the story around Wisteria and what she needed, what she so desperately needed, to heal, to move forward, to LIVE. And whether some readers believe me or not, I did exactly the same thing for Kett (and the other two major characters).
I put my heart and soul into this trilogy and way, way too much of my own childhood. And, I admit, it hurts when I get hate mail, even after all these years of getting nasty DMs, hateful reviews, and even snide remarks from my readers.
So thank you, Rosemary, for reminding me that I wrote Wisteria and Kett and Declan and Jasmine for a reason. Because I needed to heal even just a little section of my own battered soul.
💗💗💗
*note: for those interested: the Reconstructionist trilogy was originally intended to start/fall after Dowser 4 in the timeline. Eagle-eyed readers will note that Kett was in Seattle at the beginning of Dowser 4. But I lost my stepmother that spring and found I just couldn’t pick up the book and write through the grief. At least, not write Wisteria and the story I needed to tell.
Rosemary also has a way with words. Like you. I absolutely adored, cried and laughed at the Reconstructionist books – and you are so brave to have written this if it was anything like your childhood. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read these books, and every time I do, I find something new and so emotional about them.
Agree!
I am currently reading the Reconstructionist series for about the fourth time. It is such a heart wrenching story I end up crying for all four of the main characters. I have read every book you have put out and love them all but this is the crying trilogy but I would never pass it by. The story is so ………………..you know what I mean. Don’t listen to the cranks, they are just jealous of your talent.
I love the Reconstructionist series! It might be my favorite of them all but then again I don’t think I could ever pick a favorite! The ending took me by surprise for sure but just made it all the more interesting! 💜
MCD, all you books are marvelous. I loved wisteria trilogy a lot , it has definitely a different feeling too it and that makes total sense now. But for those of us who have a troubled past, it’s good to read and digest and process without its being us personally but instead a fictional character.
Please never let the trolls get you. I started your books after the birth of my daughter and they brought me so much joy in a hard time in my life (had post partum). I’m definitely a fan for life and have and will reread your work many times. Thank you for sharing. Thanks for being awesome.
Agree!❤️
The Reconstructionist series is my absolute favorite. It so, so emotionally complex and perfectly written. Don’t listen to the haters.
One of the reasons I love your books is that your characters are well thought out. I don’t always like what happens (I’m looking at you Dowser#1) but I’ve never hated a character because they are acting in stupid tropey ways that make no sense. They always have a reason and I can always understand WHY they do what they do. It makes each book so easy to connect with and it makes me feel so much emotion with such depth that it completely pulld me in every time I read them. In a world of magic there are so many realistic events and situations that it creates a world of wonder yet it’s still relatable. I always hate seeing that people have been nasty to you as it’s not deserved whatsoever. The day you stop writing, the world will have lost alot of its magic and will be lesser for it. Sorry for the long comment, it’s hard to put things into words sometimes 🤣
Dear Meghan,
You rock! Every time I read one of your books, I’m in awe of what a wonderful story you produced. Kudos also for the complete lack of spelling, grammar and continuity errors. You respect your readers and get it right. Looking forward to the next adventure.
I CANNOT understand why you would get hate mail or nasty messages about that trilogy?!?! I lose myself in every book you write. Just because a book, a series, doesn’t end how you the reader wants or expects does not mean it is bad…too often authors give readers the endings they think the readers want instead of the ending the story needs.
Please don’t ever change the way you write. The stories would not be the same and they would not be as good. I have never been more hooked on an author….Do – Not – Change!
So true for me too!❤️
I love the Reconstructionist series trilogy! But then, I love all your books haha.
I never understood why people felt the need to hate on someone for what they have written. If you don’t like it, don’t read it. Either way, I think this series was perfect. I think it ended exactly how it should of (obviously, as your the author only you can say what should and shouldn’t be but still.)
I think peoples hate of this just goes to show how much people do not understand trauma and it’s effects.
It’s sad to me that people expend energy putting hate in the world. I can’t imagine waking up with a need to spread rage.
The Reconstructionist is my favourite of your trilogies. It was perfect, it was sad, it was horrifying and it ended precisely the way I’d envisioned. We may all root for Kett, but not at the expense of anyone else. Any other ending would have destroyed Wisteria.
Kett will live a long time! Plenty of time to find his soul mate.
Absolutely!❤️
Loved this series. Love when the characters pop up in other books.
Really, if you don’t like Meghan’s books as she writes them than write your own! ( good luck with that). There are times I don’t care for a character or plot line but it’s part of the whole and each is important to the finished story. You just keep doing you Meghan and I will keep loving it!
I love this series. I have read and re-read and listened to it on audible more than once. I laughed and cried. I so appreciate the care you put into making sure your characters well developed. Thank you.
Me too! ❤️
I love all your books!! The ones where the characters overlap are brilliant, and the way you wrote the Reconstructionist series was so beautiful, you made it all come to life. I hate that people give you hate for your books but please don’t think those cretins speak for the rest of us!! You have such an amazing way of storytelling, we love everyone (well mostly everyone, you do write incredible bad guys and we really don’t love them!)
The reconstructionist series is my favorite one to go back to. I dont know if it’s seeing someone who has had a traumatic upbringing come into their own and that it provides me hope for myself, or it’s just that I love Wisteria, but it’s cemented as my favorite, by far. Which in no way meant to imply that I think the others are less valuable in any way. They all have a place in my heart, but Wisteria is special to me, exactly the way you wrote her.
I just love all of your books, I can’t say which ones I like the best as I love them all. IGNORE the petty, small minded, pathetic people who have nothing better to do than write snide comments. You are a wonderful writer and bring huge pleasure to vast numbers of people. These trolls are a minute pimple on a tiny amoeba – they are simply wasting precious oxygen by breathing it! We all love your work
I knew from the very beginning Westeria would not be joining Kett… as much as I thought it’d be cool. It was clearly not good for her character. She’d be running away, and I knew that before I knew what she was running away from. I didn’t know how it was going to end, and I was surprised and also not surprised by the end. The characters are so well formed that each decision they make and how they respond to events always makes sense for the character.
I absolutely adore every book you have written in the Adept Universe. Including the Reconstructionist.
Thank you.
Meghan all of your books are written the way they are supposed to be in the world of your Adept mind. There is never a need for me to second guess you and your character choices or the character stories. Rosemary’s review is my favorite kind! Tells me it is emotionally engaging, I’m going to fall in love with the characters and be fully invested in their lives. Yes I will need tissues. But I also will be satisfied that my author knows what her characters need to heal, survive and live a long life. ❤️❤️
I am glad I read them with the rest of the series. I loved them, but so sad. Very well written. Parts of life are sad no way around it.
I absolutely love your storytelling. I get so lost into and I am so engaged in your stories that the world disappears. Keep doing what you do. I agree with all the positive comments from above. You are my favorite author and I tell everyone to read your books.
🫂
I love all of these books and I am constantly amazed at the detail and complexity of this world! It’s definitely escapism to me and I also bake to escape 😉😋. I can only imagine the hard work that goes into each one and I thank you for writing them all! I just can’t understand the motivation of a person to complain about an ending or the wait for another book. This ain’t the McD’s drive thru window! Concentrate on the “love” mail instead of the “hate” mail! 😘💗
I agree with every person who has posted a comment here.
I love your books so very much. The fact that you can continue to surprise and delight us after all these books is the sign of a great author.
I just wish you were blessed with good health to go with your incredible talent.
Keep on writing books that YOU love, and we will keep loving you and your books.
It brings me great joy reding your books. You are a very prolific author. I have read all your books and snap up any new one as soon ad possible and just devour it .Don’t let those negative ninnies get to you ..They look for negative things to say hoping they will feel better. They need to learn to enjoy life and in turn will be a better person. Wish you good health and keep up the terrific work. We all have trials to get through and much love it sent your way💕.
I do love your characters, the fun ones, the sad ones, the ones that remind me of friends, both here and gone, and the kind of friends I wish I had. In any case, there will always people who don’t understand, and unfortunately that is part of the world we live in these days. Which is why the writing you do is important. I read all your books, and wait for the new ones to come out.
Dearest Meghan – keep believing in yourself and your writing. It’s obvious to me that hundreds of thousands of readers love you books and look forward to the next one with baited breath – as does this retired librarian. If a post starts hateful delete – don’t give them your time – just delete! Love and hugs from Yorkshire 🙂
We love your work. Some books resonate more than others, but that is NOT a reason to leave a nasty comment.
As a reader, If you find a book in your hands that is not to your taste, move on. Personally, I found them impactful and readable.
PS Still hoping to see Ember Pine take the forefront of a series, hint hint
Ember is a very versatile character. We will see her age. No plans to have her headline a series yet tho.
I have loved all the series(I have read them all). Some are different, but I would be bored if they were all the same! If you can’t say something nice don’t say it. All the books are well written. Of course I like some better than others, that’s life!
I was astonished to read that you get hate mail for your fabulous books – people can be awful. And I totally can understand it getting to you, but please don’t let it. Every book you write is appreciated. Looking forward to the next release!