This is quite different from Winter's Orbit (which I also loved), but once again a compelling science fiction story able to stand on its own paired with an emotionally hard-hitting romantic connection between the two main characters.

I love the world building behind Maxwell's sci-fi universe and cannot wait to read more books in this world. The two instalments so far are set in different sectors of space - so they take place cosmic distances away from each other - and consequently the planets, cultures and structures of government are different, but Maxwell has done a really good job in making her universe recognisable and distinct nonetheless. I think showing the readers a different (inter-)planetary society in a common universe is a great move!

Overall, Ocean's Echo is emotionally harder hitting, grittier and more complex than the first book in the series, so it does feel like a real evolution.
Romance readers should be aware that while the personal relationship between the main characters is absolutely at the centre of the plot, and imo very well done, the characters are constantly surrounded by and dragged into dramatic outside events, so while I find their growing trust in each other and eventual deep attachment intensely romantic (and definitely sexy in parts), it is not sexual on the page.