Circus of the Dead (Circus of the Dead #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

It's been a while since I last read a Kimberly Loth. I have missed her stories. They've always been so fascinating and intriguing. Waiting for the next book in the series was a pain and a form of torture. But it always ends up all worth the effort because it's always full of surprises that come from nowhere. I will always be an avid fan of her stories. And with this new book, I was reminded of how I have always enjoyed her stories. How her characters have made me hopeful and inspired in spite of all the hardships and stresses in the world. 

Circus of the Dead is just what it says. A circus full of horrors. Nasty clowns whose goal is not to make someone happy but miserable. A real deadly circus where there's always someone who ends up dead. There are ghosts and vampires too. It's not a place of fun, not unless you're a masochist or a sadist or think that seeing blood is fun. It's a place for the morbid and people who have a death wish. How Callie ends up in this horrible place is unfortunate. What was supposed to be a fun summer vacation with his Uncle in New Orleans, turned out to be a living nightmare she might not get out alive. 

This story reminds me of Stephen King's Bazaar of Bad Dreams. The only bright spot in the whole story is Callie who is full of spunk and will never give up. I guess, if it were someone of lesser strength and personality than she is, that person would have succumb to all the temptations already just to end everything. But not Callie. I root for her. Every attempt that she tries to get out of the island, I totally want it to succeed. Unfortunately, some greater magic is at work here that Callie has yet to understand in order to beat it and get out of the island and back to the loving arms of her family. 

I think the story is a bit relevant in this current time because with the Covid-19 pandemic, we are all like Callie, trapped in an island in New Orleans and finding a way to get out back to sunny California. And like some of the visitors of the circus, sadly, some people did not know that the time they spent at the circus, whether they were there out of curiosity or due to peer pressure, is actually their last time on earth. And like Callie, we try our best to stay alive in this forsaken island while biding her time until she can think of a way to get out for good.

The Circus of the Dead, just like the current pandemic reminds us of what's important in life. Family, friends and just the basic necessities. All else are unnecessary and we can do without. We will survive if we keep our wits and take one day at a time. And just like Callie, learn about the surroundings, the people and never lose hope. For Callie, she has to stay alive to get out of the island. She can't lose sight of that goal. She has to remind herself of that every day. 

I did enjoy the story even though it's a bit morbid and gruesome. But then again, every reader is forewarned. The title itself tells you that. Read at your own risk. But even so, as I have said, Callie's character is just so strong and she's a fighter. I think she was purposely lured to this place because there's something in her. I am not sure if she has a certain special ability of supernatural kind but she is special. And I would hate to say it but Samuel would rue the day he met Callie. I have faith that Callie will beat all odds and get out of the island and maybe bring back sunshine and hope to all the cursed inhabitants there also. But that's just me looking so far ahead. 

I give the book 5/5 gutsy fire dancers. This book is not for the faint and chicken-hearted. If you are a fan of Stephen King, you'll definitely love this story. If you've been following Kimberly Loth as I have, this is another story to be excited for. This type of story coming from Loth does not surprise me at all. With her talent of coming up with incredible and fascinating tales of adventures, I, in a way have expected she will likely come up with this one. I am excited and psyched as to what other horrors and blocks Callie has to go through in order to finally be back to the real world and be with her family again. I am also sure that Callie, with her mindset and attitude, will never let anything defeat her. She will find a way. I know she will. I guess, the best thing about Loth's stories are her characters. They're simply not to be messed with. They would find a way to beat the enemy or find a way to go around the obstacle. And I have a feeling that Callie's the type who can think out of the box. With that kind of thinking, I know she will outsmart Samuel. I bet on it. Watch out Samuel!

He's got that look that is dangerous but devastatingly handsome. The kind of guy who is sure to treat you like crap and yet, you run back to him because his kisses curl your toes. 

Not very good clowns unless their mission in life is to make everyone else as grumpy as they are.  

- Kimberly Loth, Circus of the Dead #1 - 

Thank you again, Kimberly Loth for the advanced review copy. I have missed you. I'm looking forward to the next books in the series. 

The Exploding Sky (Sons of the Sand #4) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

Mother of Goddesses! I can't believe this series is over. The adventures of Gabe and Liv are over. No more running, lies, and secrets. Everything has been revealed and laid out. Anyone that has been hiding a secret has confessed. And my goodness, they were all so shocking and so jaw-dropping. Until now, I am still shaking my head in disbelief. 

True that, this book concludes the four-book series of genies and adventures. If you haven't started this series, start it now. Right at this minute. You will definitely not be disappointed. If you love magic, love stories, mythical or magical creatures, then this is the story for you. It's so enjoyable that you will find yourself stepping into the shoes of Liv and get carried away by all her experiences, worries, and adventures. A lot of characters here may seem ordinary and not note-worthy, very unassuming characters that will definitely surprise you. 

I have read this from the first book and now, this last installment. I have accompanied Liv in all her confusion, her exhilaration, her doubts, and all her fears. If I did not want to be Liv, I'm her older sister who wanted her to succeed in all the challenges that have been thrown to her throughout this story. Her character had developed beautifully as the story progressed and had come to terms with the changes and revelations that were part of her identity. She had surprised all those who wanted to hurt her and had tried so hard to protect those she loved. Here is another teen heroine who took me to various adventures, made me fear for her life, and have made me cry with her. It's sad that this story is ending but it ended with a lot of fireworks that I almost had trouble keeping up because they just came out right after the other without the chance for me to even breathe or think through them. 

Again, classic Kimberly Loth with all her surprises coming from everywhere will bombard you endlessly. I did not see these surprises, especially in this last book coming. Never ever. I have no idea. They were totally out of the blue. They just came down raining faster than you can say "What?" Yes, you will end up saying the word "What" again and again because of the numerous secrets and people owning up to secrets right after the other, literally. That was the best part of this book and I want to relive those moments again. Very priceless. I've never been hit with these multiple revelations before. Totally a first and a one-for-the-books kind of experience. 

I only expected that the book will end happily ever after and that the villain will be extinguished. Those expectations were met but what blew me entirely was it was more than I could ask for. Freaking absolutely beyond my imagination. I never ever thought of those twists to come flying right out to me like Aladdin's magic carpet. It was super fantastic. Literally and figuratively, the sky has exploded in this story. 

And with that said, I give this book 4.5/5 voodoo dolls. I love the surprises in this story and the whole series in general, but I think it's slightly not as emotional as the Stella and Sol series. This is a very good series and I did enjoy it but I just love Stella and Sol even more. I think the Stella and Sol was a more mature story than this one with a lot of depth and drew a lot of difficult and complicated emotions from me. I know where the differences lie between this and the former series and it's also because the main character of this story, Liv, is a teenager and her experiences and what's expected of were totally different from that of Zwaantie, but I just can't help but compare the two. Stella and Sol is deep and complicated and this one is loads of fun, lighter. This did not mean that this story disappoints. No, far from it. I absolutely love this, though I did point out a few things that I would have wanted to be more on this series. Nevertheless, this book ended with major fireworks which is just beyond any I could ever imagine. And fireworks are always grand.

Mother of Goddesses!

- Kimberly Loth, The Exploding Sky - 

Thanks again, Kimberly Loth for the ARC. I'm looking forward for the next series that will again take us to another adventure and get me to meet new characters and creatures. Congratulations!

Other books in the series:

The Smoking Lamp (Sons and Sand #1)

The Blazing Glass (Sons and Sand #2)

The Glowing Sands (Sons and Sand #3)

The Glowing Sands (Sons of the Sand #3) Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

I just found the tv series The Good Doctor and have binge watched it. Now, I'm caught up. I found that the series is an adaptation of the original Korean series. It's about a guy who has autism but at the same time is also savant. He has a photographic memory and is very functional that he actually became a doctor. Dr. Shaun Murphy is a very fascinating character. He has navigated his condition and is actually a smart doctor who has effectively proven that he can be more successful than most doctors who are normal. The series hits a close mark with me because I have a nephew who has mild autism. He's very functional and is actually almost normal now after a year in therapy and the dedicated support from my sister, his mom. My fervent hope is he will grew up to be really good in whatever career or field he chooses, just like Dr. Shaun Murphy who has proven everyone wrong that there's no way he can be a really good doctor. Dr. Murphy actually exceeded everyone's expectations.

The book I'm reviewing today is the third of the Sons of the Sand series. I have read books 1 and 2, so I'm very much attuned to the progress of the story. 

I actually thought that this might be the last book in the series. I should have known by now that with Kimberly Loth, no story ends with the third book. It has always been a fourth or a fifth one. With that knowledge, I should not have been surprised that this book ended again with a cliffhanger. It's a trademark of Miss Loth but I was still none-the-wiser. It still surprised me and I think she will always will. She never fails to come up with very interesting and unexpected twists to her stories. Even I, who is very familiar with her stories is still caught off guard every time. And I so love it.

So, in this installment, a new set of characters are introduced--the goddesses. And so is Liv. She is thrown into the midst of these goddesses, which she thought were just myth. She learned a lot about them and also the reason for their existence and for hiding. Liv also learned a lot about herself and the secret of her grandma. What's more fascinating is learning about her special abilities which definitely puts her above the rest of the goddesses and the goddesses-in-training.

I think this story was too short. I think I needed more. I wanted more to happen. The story just centered on the place where Liv is currently and where the goddesses are. Though, in a way, it gives the readers a better understanding of the relationship between the goddesses and the genies. It somehow explained everything and circles back to how the story started. But still, as to how the story will progress and how this will wrap up, I still have no idea. Anything can still happen and I would definitely want to be shocked and surprised as to how Liv and Gabe will end up.

I give this book 4/5 vintage rings. As I said, I felt like there should be more happening in this story. It felt short for me, but looking at it from Liv's point of view, a lot is happening. Especially, with her finding out more about her mom and her grandma and her abilities. I have no idea how this story will end up because it could go a number of ways. How this book ended presents a lot of possibilities which I am just so excited about. Now, I think with Liv's newfound abilities, it just levels the playing field. Or more likely gives her an advantage over Samir. Now, she's not a defenseless girl but rather a very formidable opponent. I would like to see Samir's face when he finds out what Liv can do. I know he will definitely prefer to hide in a bottle forever. 

Maybe this was love. Letting go when you desperately wanted to hang on.

- Kimberly Loth, The Glowing Sands - 

Thank you again, Kimberly Loth for the ARC.

Other books in the series:
The Smoking Lamp (Sons of the Sand #1)

The Blazing Glass (Sons of the Sand #2) 

The Exploding Sky (Sons of the Sand #4)

The Blazing Glass (Sons of the Sand #2) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

This is book 2 of the Sons of the Sand series. I am a member of Kimberly Loth's ARC group so I get all advance copies of her books. I really enjoyed all her stories and hopefully, I will have time to read all her other books. Like the Dragon Kings series which I only read the 4th and 5th book. I have not read the first three. And there is also another series which I have not even started yet. I haven't also read The Thorn Chronicles and the Omega Mu Alpha Brothers series. Yes, too many books, too little time.

This installment came with a lot of surprises. It was like my birthday. A lot of unexpected things and revelations were in this book. They came one after the other that I just can't help feeling bombarded by all these development. So, it was not so hard to get carried away by the events in this story. Gabe and Liv are finally together but the relationship does not promise to be all rainbows and roses. It comes with a lot of complications with Gabe being a genie and all that came with it. Liv, on the other hand, also has a secret of her own which she doesn't know at all. And, I was right on my suspicion that the bizarre fact of her grandmother not being able to talk is something. And it was. Wow! I felt like I was wiped out by a big wave and is still trying shake out the water that hit my face and head. The number of revelations and the implications that came with them are just so astounding and unbelievable. This story has just topped the ante. And it's not just about genies anymore. It's more and I love it!

Dangers and secrets. This story will make you crazy with the additional complexities poured into the mix. And the cliffhanger ending does not help, either. This story spells large O-M-G! Oh, my genie! Oh, my Goddess! I am so excited for the next book. I want to be surprised again as to how the story will go from here. I think, it can go anywhere from here and anything can happen. I think I should be prepared to be blown away, again. 

I give this book 5/5 sharp sickles. I can't wait for the next book. I have high expectations and I am sure, Miss Loth will never fail to make things absolutely even more amazing. I just can't help but say, Congratulations! This is unbelievable!

Never before had I had something that I could waste so much time on. It was a beautiful thing. Mindless yet satisfying.

- Kimberly Loth, The Blazing Glass - 

Thank you, Kimberly Loth for the ARC.

Other books in the series:
The Smoking Lamp (Sons of the Sand #1) 

The Glowing Sands(Sons of the Sand #3)

The Exploding Sky(Sons of the Sand #4)

The Smoking Lamp (Sons of the Sand #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

Here comes another one from the master storyteller. I don't know where Kimberly Loth get her stories from but it seems that there is no way they are running out. Congratulations on this new series!

This story is definitely smoking hot! Not just the genie but the story is really out-of-this-world amazing. A totally new take on the genie-in-a-bottle tales. I think it's time we outgrow Aladdin and meet new genies. Yey!

As you may have noticed, I have reviewed quite a few of Kimberly Loth's books. Since I first stumbled upon one of her books, the first one was Skye, since then, I have always looked forward to reading a new book from her. Her stories just have a way of making me remember how I fell in love with books, stories and reading, in the first place. Her stories always take me to a different, new and magical world where I can take part and get swallowed in it. A world where I could step into the shoes of the heroes and feel like them. It is a world of endless possibilities where I am not constrained by anything. Worries or anything else.

This new story unlike the others takes the old and brought it out into the modern world. A genie was freed from his bottle-prison in modern-day America and was as lost and confused as expected. Luckily for him, he has someone like him who has been in America for a few years who can orient him about this new culture and new world. And that things are different now and the rules may have changed from about a thousand years ago.

I know I just met Liv, Ty and their ever-silent grandmother but I already liked them. Ty has my dream job. A travel photographer. Liv is her younger sister who sometimes tags along on his international travels. This story started in Egypt when Liv bought ten pretty bottles from an Egyptian souvenir shop as a gift for her friends in the US. And the rest of the story will smoke you out of your senses.

A main character that is in her most vulnerable because a boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. A very loving and adorable brother who has the coolest job ever. A mute and mysterious grandmother who cooks very delicious food and pastries. Twin best friends who have an obsession with books and fictional characters. A genie who has been imprisoned in his bottle for far too long and there could be more of them. This is easily the mix of curious and interesting characters and adventure that you are looking for. What are you waiting for? Don't just stand there wishing, get the book now!

I give this story 5/5 old perfume bottles. I really enjoyed the story. It's far from Disney's Aladdin story we know. The genie here is not really that nice like Aladdin's genie but may actually kill his master. Scary right? Really, be careful what you wish for. I don't think I would wish for anything, if in exchange my life would be drained out of me. This is definitely a series to watch out for and follow. Well, I am on the author's ARC team already, if you want to join us, then join the Facebook group now! Don't miss out on this new and amazing story or your wish just won't be granted. 

Everything was better with cinnamon.

- Kimberly Loth, The Smoking Lamp -  

Other stories by Kimberly Loth--

Dragon Kings:

Skye (The Dragon Kings #4)

The Kings (The Dragon Kings #5)

Stella and Sol:

God of the Sun ( Stella and Sol #1)

Prince of the Moon (Stella and Sol #2)

King of the Stars(Stella and Sol #3)

Queen of the Dawn(Stella and Sol #4)

Sons of the Sand:

The Blazing Glass (Sons of the Sand #2)

The Glowing Sands (Sons of the Sand #3)

The Exploding Sky (Sons of the Sand #4)

Queen of the Dawn (Stella and Sol #4) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

This is the finale of the Stella and Sol series. It's incredible to finish a series within a year or within six months after the first book came out. Just like this series. I can still remember when I first got the first book-God of the Sun. It felt like it was just yesterday and now the series ends. It's a mixture of emotions. It's sad to say goodbye to the characters I have grown to love and root for and to their story. At the same time, it is a relief to finally have all their trials come to an end. That finally, the characters will have peace and live happily ever after. After all, they deserved it. With all the horrors, heartaches, betrayal and pains they have to live through. 

I don't know how the author did it. Coming up with four books, one after the other in less than a year. And most amazing of all is the creativity and the beauty of the story. No, this series felt like it took effort, strength and may be even pains for the author to write and finish. This did not in any way felt rush or was done on a whim. This was done with a well-planned out plot and thought-over characters with personalities unlike in any other stories. Being able to publish these four books like a month after the other was a feat the author did with great success. I can't wait for the next series and adventure I will embark on with Kimberly Loth at the helm.

This is a great ending to a very endearing story and set of characters. I can't think of any other fitting ending. All the bows were neatly tied and issues were resolved. I can have a good sleep knowing that I won't have to worry over Zwaantie and her friends anymore since danger is past and they don't have to fear for their lives. The kingdom is back to the way it should be and everyone, both citizens of Stella and Sol, are all happy with their new life. All is looking good and the future is bright and sunny.

I liked the King of the Stars better than this one. For the reason that it was more intense and I had a hard time getting over the events in that book. Add to that the cliffhanger ending that surprised me out of my wits. It was the most memorable scene in this whole series for me. Until now, I am still unable to believe that it happened. So, if I were asked, the best book of the series for me is definitely the King of the Stars. I guess, I was expecting a punch a lot stronger than the one in book three, but the surprises and revelations in Queen of the Dawn I think, paled a little (just a little) in comparison. I am thankful that the story ended so well. 

I give this 4.5/5 queen's crowns. It is an honor to be part of this story from start to finish. It's nostalgic yet exhilarating to witness the growth and transformation of the characters as the story progressed. I felt like I was a citizen of Stella and Sol fully invested in all the events happening between the two kingdoms. Being part of Zwaantie's journey from a strong-willed teenager to a queen responsible for the lives of two kingdoms was truly an experience that would stay with me. Fare thee well, Zwaantie, Sage, Leo and the rest of Stella and Sol. I am sure, I will visit you again. 

Thank you again, Kimberly Loth, for this wonderful story. I am so privileged to have read this great and extraordinary series with strong and beautiful characters. I hope you continue to come up with unique and amazing stories because you definitely have a great talent in creating new worlds of wonder and adventure that bring relief, if not temporary, to this mundane living. Your stories also issue a challenge, just like your characters. A challenge to see life in a different perspective. To see examine things in another angle to better understand them and in turn accept and learn from them. Your stories are full of real life lessons and scenarios, that is probably why I can mostly relate to your characters. More power to you!

Anger was a thousand times better than grief.

- Kimberly Loth, Queen of the Dawn -

The first three books in the series:

God of the Sun (Stella and Sol #1)

Prince of the Moon (Stella and Sol #2)

King of the Stars (Stella and Sol #3)

King of the Stars (Stella and Sol #3) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

This is the third installment of the Stella and Sol series. I have read the first two books. Please scroll down to the bottom of this post for the review links.

It took me a while to write a review for this story. Not because it was hard but because I had issues with getting everything ready for this post. No, I did not have any issues reading the book in time for the release. It had more to do with coming up with the picture of the book. You see, my review process involves taking an Instagram-worthy photo of the book as the main cover for the review post. Without it, my review would not be complete. Only in really extreme and absolutely necessary cases would I do that. But since, this is not a blog tour, I do not have any cover photo to put in here. And you can just imagine what a bore the post will look without the photo. I think part of the uniqueness or identity of this blog are my photos. A post just can't do without them. So, that at least sums up my review post process.

King of the Stars. This is definitely a book with a lot of surprises. Revelation after revelation is being put out. My head was dizzy with all the fuss that just kept on coming. And this book made me scream. Yes, scream really hard because I just can't believe what the author has done. By the end of this book, I was shaking my head and saying this can't be true, over and over again. This is really crazy. This can't be happening!

On my review of the last book--Prince of the Moon, I said that Zwaantie will definitely marry a prince from Stella whom she loves and that exactly happened in this book. Yes! The author hinted it and it was bound to happen the way things were going in book two. I was so happy that it turned the way as I expected it. But...there were a lot of things that I absolutely did not see coming. They were so not written in between the lines. Totally no clue as to them being part of this story. I was shocked and I was so stunned that I might have stayed glued to where I was when I was reading the last part of this book. I think I was frozen for about five minutes trying to grasp the reality that something terribly wrong happened in the story that I just finished. Everything was going well. Everyone was trying to help Zwaantie hunt down the person who was trying to kill her. How had it gone awry? Miss Loth, what have you done?

Up to now, I still can't move on from the ending of this book. I just can't believe it. I think the author is being mean to Zwaantie and to the readers. I don't think I liked how this story ended. No! No! But, having read Miss Loth's works for a while now and at least being familiar with the way her stories go. I am pretty sure that what she did in the last part of this story was for a great purpose. I would like to believe that. I really hope so. Something bigger is about to happen in the next installment and I hope my heart could take it. As I have said in my last review, this story just gets more complicated as it goes. There's no telling what other tricks and heartbreaking surprises Miss Loth has up her sleeve. 

I give the book 5/5 deadly arrows. In spite of being heartbroken after what happened in this book, this still deserved full marks. Yes, the author pulled a very neat and unexpected trick coming up with that ending for this third installment. It was a very brave stunt which implied that more stunning and dizzying tornado of events are going to unfold. Hopefully, no more heartbreaking surprises. Please...

And because of the stunt you pulled, I am now adding you to my favorite authors list. Even though I was crushed, you very much deserved it.  King of the Stars had me so involved. It was like I am a citizen of Stella or Sol and I have a stake in everything that goes in this book and in the kingdom. Whatever happened to Zwaantie seemed like had a direct effect on me. This series just gets me more and more entranced. Falling even more ensnared in its spells, politics and deceit. And I have been gloriously enjoying the journey so far, except how this book ended. I just can't stress that enough. Congratulations Miss Loth and welcome to my favorite authors list!

Everything was at a stand still. The world was holding its breath, just waiting to exhale and allow everything to fall down. The future was grimmer than ever.

- Kimberly Loth, King of the Stars -

Thank you again, Kimberly Loth for the ARC.

Other books in the series:

God of the Sun (Stella and Sol #1)

Prince of the Moon (Stella and Sol #2)

Queen of the Dawn (Stella and Sol #4)

Prince of the Moon ( Stella and Sol #2) by Kimberly Loth | An ARC | A Book Review

I just read the first book of this series last month. I was so overjoyed when I found that I have an ARC of the second book in my inbox. Thank you so much, Kimberly Loth. I am so excited to continue this adventure with Zwaantie and the rest of the characters. This book is to be released on April 5, 2017.

This second book talked about Stella. It vividly describes the lifestyle, colors, and the difference of this moonlit country from the sunny Sol. Zwaantie, at first was culture-shocked as can be expected but later on came to like and enjoy the easy-going and carefree lifestyle and attitude of the Stellans. They sure know to have fun. 

Zwaantie thought that reaching Stella, she will now be able to fulfill her wishes but she was so wrong. Oh boy! So terribly wrong. All the plans she have made were all going down the drain. There was no happy-ever-after with the man she loves. And worst of all, she thought she was safe, that her life was no longer in danger. But again, she could have never been more wrong. 

Wow! I never expected that a lot of things could happen in this book. Sinister and vicious things are happening in Stella. Deaths and missing persons are disturbing the lively and happy-go-lucky vibe of the kingdom. A lot of questions and speculations are sprouting. Who could be behind all these and it seemed like it is related to the prophecy. Zwaantie, on the other hand, got to explore Stella just like a local and was shown amazing sights and experiences that where way beyond her sheltered life in Sol. Stella had a lot more to offer her, much to her surprise, except for fresh food. She found friendships and developed a closeness to Leo's other siblings. And I am suspecting, one of those friendships will likely turn into something more. I think this great surprise will surely be in the next book. I can actually see it blowing away all the readers. And I will get to say, "I knew it." 

I have never foreseen all these interesting events happening in this story. It was all so surprising and so engaging. I felt like I too have a stake in making Zwaantie stay in Stella and make sure that the two kingdoms merge as one. But while all these things are happening, I think a lot more is going on behind all these that are yet to be revealed. It seems like this story is just getting more complicated, deeper and darker as it unravels. I am preparing myself to be shocked and surprised in the next installment. I don't know what else is going to occur but I am sure it will be like a punch in the gut that I will not see coming. I am only sure of one thing, Zwaantie will be marrying a prince from Stella whom she loves and they will combine the two kingdoms. There will be no two kingdoms but one. And the wall definitely has to go.

I give the book 5/5 beautiful constellation of stars. This series is a must-read. I am all hands down. This is absolutely entertaining and addicting. I am positive that I will be reading all the books in this series until the very end. There's no way, I am going to be left out of this adventure. I am in this with Zwaantie, wherever this story may lead. Miss Kimberly Loth, I think one more book and you are going into my favorite authors' list. While waiting for the next book to come out, I might have to get started on one of your other books --Obsidian (The Dragon Kings #1) is going to keep me busy so I won't start pulling my hair while driving myself crazy waiting for book three to arrive.

The stars were supposed to represent freedom, so why did she feel more trapped than ever?

- Kimberly Loth, Prince of the Moon -

Other Books by Kimberly Loth:

The Dragon Kings Series

Skye (The Dragon Kings #4)

The Kings (The Dragon Kings #5)

Stella and Sol Series

God of the Sun (Stella and Sol #1)

King of the Stars (Stella and Sol #3)

Queen of the Dawn (Stella and Sol #4)

God of the Sun (Stella and Sol #1) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

I am subscribed to Kimberly Loth's newsletter, so every time she has a new book I get an ARC. Thank you so much, Kimberly Loth for this story.

I first knew Loth from her The Dragon Kings series. After signing for her newsletter, I got an ARC of Skye (The Dragon Kings #4) and really enjoyed the story. I have also read the fifth and the last book in the same series which is The Kings. Though I have not gotten to read the first three books in the said series, I was looking forward to more stories from the same author. Her stories are just so unique and engaging. The characters are so relatable and often represent real people in everyday lives. It is so easy to step into the shoes of her characters. This new series - God of the Sun is exactly the same. Those elements are still present but the story is very different. 

This book took me to a different world. A world that only exists in the imagination. A world where the sun always shines throughout the day until midnight. Once the clock strikes 12, darkness sets in. A place where there is a voice in your head that keeps reminding you of what you should do and sometimes stops you from doing bad things or injuring other people. Sounds like the conscience, in this story they call it The Voice (not the popular search for singing talents). Appears like an ideal place to live, right? But after midnight, The Voice shuts down and you are left on your own. Safety is not guaranteed if you are caught outside of locked doors. There's no telling what the citizens of Sol will do.

Zwaantie, the heir to the thrown in Sol is not the typical princess. I like that the last thing she wants is to be a princess. She wants to be just normal. Not to be pressured to marry and rule their kingdom. She's not ready to marry yet and to be responsible for the lives of her people. She is smart and often does not follow what The Voice says. She often argues with The Voice. I can imagine her like Merida in the movie Brave. The strong-willed and hard-headed princess.

This story is about youth, of responsibilities, of going against the grain, of not conforming to people's expectations, of doing things out of love and to save the kingdom. A lot of people can relate to Zwaantie's character. Most of us don't want to be bound by family's expectations and of the society, of only wanting to march to our own drum. On the other hand, there's Prince Leo, from Stella. A place where there's only the moon, the twinkling stars and the night. A culture exactly opposite from Sol. A strange person and place that promises things  and possibilities that Zwaantie wants dearly in life.

I was so taken by the story. I felt a kindred spirit in Zwaantie at the same time, I also felt a connection to Prince Leo. These two new characters are admirable in their own rights. They each have their own qualities that make them protagonists that you will surely root for to find what they seek and to succeed in all their endeavors. The setting alone, already had me reeled in. There is no mistaking that exciting things are about to happen. I am looking forward to the next book already. 

I give the book 4/5 suns. My only concern was it took a while for Prince Leo and Zwaantie to meet. I was dying of anticipation and excitement of when these two would finally come face to face. Almost the whole  time, the story was about Sol, Zwaantie and their kingdom. I started to wonder when will Prince Leo and the rest of Stella make an appearance. I give it to Loth to exactly know how to make her readers fall into the story helplessly. How she lured me and drew me in. How she showed a snippet of wonderful things to come and then appear like to have forgotten about that promise. Then, when you are sure to die of the waiting and anticipation, there it was. But wait, there's more. Just when things get  so exciting and dangerous, she holds off. Ugh, deadly cliffhangers that will test your strength and patience. Slowly wilting and losing sleep waiting for the next book. I hope I don't die from the exhaustion of the prolonged anticipation before the next book comes out.

I will never get tired of reading Kimberly Loth's books. I think one or two more books and she will be added to my favorite authors' list. 

Since when did honor trump everything including her own happiness?

- Kimberly Loth, God of the Sun -

Other books by Kimberly Loth :

The Dragon Kings Series

Skye (The Dragon Kings #4)

The Kings (The Dragon Kings #5)

Stella and Sol Series

Prince of the Moon (Stella and Sol #2)

King of the Stars(Stella and Sol #3)

Queen of the Dawn(Stella and Sol #4)

The Kings (The Dragon Kings #5) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

The Kings is the last book of The Dragon Kings series by Kimberly Loth. This is only my second book of the series. I have the three first books but haven't been able to read them yet. 

After reading the book, I was actually sad that the series has ended. I will just have to make sure to read the rest of the books to remedy my separation anxiety. 

The book ended well though I think it ended prematurely. I don't want the series to end yet. I want more adventures for our heroes. I wanted the series to last longer. I wanted another book but probably that's because I have skipped the first three books. Maybe, I will feel better once I have read the whole series. I just felt that I have not really gotten to know the characters really well. But then again, it's on me. All in all, the heroes and heroines in the story had done what they were destined to do and in the process, they have grown to know each other and their individual selves more. They have stepped up to the roles that were entrusted to them, both by destiny, by choice and out of necessity to save their race. In terms of character development, the series has done amazingly based on the two books I have read.

The Kings is a good book to end the series. I will probably appreciate it more once I have completely savored all the five books. I sort of skipped the appetizers and a few main courses and have gone on to desserts so I felt that the banquet was not enough. Again, it was all my undoing. 

For now, I give the book 4/5 crowns. I still enjoyed it but I loved Skye's story more than this one. Maybe, after reading the first three books, I will be able to piece the whole tapestry and appreciate the weight and significance of the ending.

Each king has a different role to play. The leader, the coward, and the betrayed. But they could just as easily become the tyrant, the brave, and the betrayer.

- Kimberly Loth, The Kings - 

Release Date: December 31, 2016

Thank you again, Kimberly Loth, for the ARC.

Skye (The Dragon Kings #4)

Skye (The Dragon Kings #4) by Kimberly Loth | ARC | A Book Review

I got this ARC from the author. It's an advantage being subscribed to the author's newsletter. You get freebies and hear first of their books and stories. Thank you again Kimberly Loth for giving me a copy of Skye.

Skye is the fourth book of The Dragon Kings series. I have not read the first three books though I planned to read them first but I didn't have a lot of time in my hands to do that. So, against my will and nature, I normally read books in a series chronologically, I went ahead and read book four. I will just go back to those three books later. And without any regret, it was a good decision to just jumped into Skye. It was an amazing adventure. I'm looking forward to more.

Skye is a dragon who can assume a human form. She is part sea dragon and royal. There is a prophecy that there will be three Kings and a great war. A king dragon always has black scales. So far, there had been two king dragons that they know. But no one knows who the third king is except Skye. She has to try to keep that secret for a while and find the oldest dragon who can help her explain the prophecy. 

This is probably the one of most captivating and the best book I have read for the month of October. I did not expect this was how the story would go. I totally dig it. I thought this was like all the other dragon stories but I was wrong. Now, I can't wait to read all the other three books that came before this one. I'm curious what the three books would be like. So far, I know that each book is a story of each of the other characters of this great adventure. I am dying to know their own stories. I will undoubtedly find time to read those three books this November. 

I give this book 5/5 fierce black dragons. I was so riveted to the story. I love Skye's story and how Rowan became a part of it. I don't know what else to say. I had an amazing time in this adventure and I am giddy for more. What more can I say? I am afraid to say more because I might just blabber on and spoil it. All I know is I had a really great time. Like one of those unbelievable vacations I had and I am just too damn happy I can't describe how I feel. And I don't want to talk about it yet because I want to embrace and bottle up those wonderful memories to myself. I want to relive them over and over and over again until I exhaust myself. Afraid that if I spill them out to anyone they will lose their magic and diminish that satisfying feeling they were giving me. This is what it felt like with this book. You will have to experience it to know what I am saying. I highly recommend that everyone should read this. I too thought I would not enjoy this but I was mistaken. It absolutely surprised me and was just too happy that I got to read this book. 

But my birthdays are more like the daisies that grow alongside the roses. Ignored.

- Kimberly Loth, Skye - 

Release Date: October 18, 2016