What do you think?
Rate this book
Circus of the Dead #3
Circus of the Dead: Book 3
"Congratulations Callie, you're the puppet now."What the devil does that mean? I've finally succeeded in doing away with Samuel, but I'm not really in charge of the island at all. In fact the treachery runs deeper than I ever thought possible and if I'm not careful every soul on the island-both living and dead-will want to kill me for what I've done unless I discover who is really in charge. Do I have the ability to overcome myself and do what I need to do or will I have to stand by and watch everyone I love die?
234 pages, Paperback
Published February 4, 2020
433 people are currently reading
877 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Loth
94 books989 followersKimberly Loth can’t decide where she wants to settle down. She’s lived in Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Utah, California, Oregon, and South Carolina. She finally decided to make the leap and leave the U.S. behind for a few years. Currently, she lives in Cairo, Egypt with her husband and two kids.
She is a high school math teacher by day (please don’t hold that against her) and YA author by night. She loves romantic movies, chocolate, roses, and crazy adventures. Kissed is her first novel.
She is a high school math teacher by day (please don’t hold that against her) and YA author by night. She loves romantic movies, chocolate, roses, and crazy adventures. Kissed is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
September 10, 2020
So in this third instalment and we finally get to see Callie and Benny grow much closer as she at last stops keeping him at arm's length.
Also after the shocking revelations of the previous book, Callie is now dealing with the fallout while also trying to grow into her new role.
Secrets are finally revealed including the what’s and the whys of it all as Callie finally learns just why she is here on this island.
Add in Callie’s younger sister’s unexpected appearance and then that dramatic finale and I’m now ready for the final piece of the puzzle.
Also with the truth revealed of Samuels puppet status I actually started to feel some sympathy for his plight although I still wanted him to pay I now kind of understood how he had become who he was.
I again enjoyed this though I’m now ready to finish the journey wherever it goes.
This one is quite the unique series.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
April 17, 2021
Whoa! What a cliffhanger. By the way, I totally called it. I've suspected the villain from the beginning and I was right. I really love when that happens. There was actually a couple of interesting reveals in this book. I'm excited to see how it all wraps up in the fourth and final book.
June 5, 2021
I had so many lingering questions and concerns after Book Two. This one picked right up where that one left off and with a very determined Callie trying to get a handle on all that had transpired.
And just when the reader thinks she has things on the right track, another big surprise happens that changes everything! This book was full of twists and surprises! I am dying to finish this series and know how it all ends!
And just when the reader thinks she has things on the right track, another big surprise happens that changes everything! This book was full of twists and surprises! I am dying to finish this series and know how it all ends!
September 4, 2021
I really hope that Callie has a redemption arc in the final book because she is the most unlikable character. Not that she was ever that great, but she became such a heinous bitch in this one. And it honestly doesn't seem caused by her new extra special magic, but just that she's an asshole who thinks she's this super great person. This is by FAR the worst of the books in this series. I only made it through book 3 because the narrator is so easy to listen to.
Updates as I read:
I do like that no one is really safe from being offed in this series, even though it's done in a cop-out way.
Updates as I read:
I do like that no one is really safe from being offed in this series, even though it's done in a cop-out way.
May 8, 2021
Uhhhggg... that was rough. It’s getting such low stars because she was just too dumb in this... I couldn’t!! And the writing made her seem even more dumb which I guess wasn’t on her 😅
I think there’s a part someone says no one mistakes how smart u are or something. I laughed! What a joke. The whole time I’m thinking of how dumb she is.
I think there’s a part someone says no one mistakes how smart u are or something. I laughed! What a joke. The whole time I’m thinking of how dumb she is.
March 1, 2020
Circus of the Dead book three is the continuation of Kimberly Loth’s Circus of the Dead series that unfolds Callie’s story a page at a time as the truth behind her summons to the mysterious island and its dead circus. This book picks up where book two left off and now Callie must navigate the new powers that she has acquired, the meaning behind Samuel’s last words, and the dangers that now lie ahead of her.
Circus of the Dead book two was a riveting story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. While book three kept me engaged and eager to learn what was going to happen next I felt conflicted when it comes to Callie and her continued progression as a character. The overall storyline is well done and kept me eager to learn what was going to happen next. Callie now “controls” the ghosts on the island, but does she really? I approve of the fact that Callie learns…somewhat…from her past mistakes of keeping secrets and lying to the people around her, so that helps improve some things around the island for her. The romance continues to build between Callie and Benny, but there are times where it seems like it’s rushed. Benny…I can see him actually believing that he’s “in love” with Callie since he basically watches her all the time. But for Callie to start saying that she “loves” or is “in love” with a guy that she only sees for a few hours at a time twice a month, and really doesn’t know much about…is a stretch at times for me. The mystery element of this book is well done as the author weaves this story to cause readers to question “who is the real power behind the island”.
I wish I could say that this book was an improvement on the second book in this series, but it’s about the same. I was disappointed that all of a sudden now Callie’s hormones seem to be in control and that she now wants to be all over Benny. I feel that this ends up clouding her judgment when tragedy strikes again, because she refuses to believe that he could have had a hand in it. She seems more focused on him this book, making another who should be more important a secondary if not third in her attentions and heart. I also didn’t like how she wants to play victim in certain places of the book. She’s quick to dismiss her own wrongdoings, but clings to when others BULLIED (sorry, but “tortured” is a stretch) her behind the lies and deceptions she did to them. The ending of this book falls flat for me as well. It seems phoned in. Am I curious to know what happens next? Yes. Am I streaking off to snatch it up like I was with the first two? No.
All in all, I’m rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The storyline itself, once again, is good. It kept me engaged, but not as much as the first two books in the series did. Book two I struggled with Callie’s attitude and selfishness, and in this book I felt that her focus shifted towards Benny and her “feelings” towards him. There are some mild interesting surprises, but this book didn’t have any epic moments so it feels a bit flat. I’m hopeful that the next book punches things up a bit so that there are more thrills, twists, and intensity to the story. If you have read the series to this point then I encourage you to read this book. I suggest going in with moderate expectations though.
Circus of the Dead book two was a riveting story that kept me engaged from beginning to end. While book three kept me engaged and eager to learn what was going to happen next I felt conflicted when it comes to Callie and her continued progression as a character. The overall storyline is well done and kept me eager to learn what was going to happen next. Callie now “controls” the ghosts on the island, but does she really? I approve of the fact that Callie learns…somewhat…from her past mistakes of keeping secrets and lying to the people around her, so that helps improve some things around the island for her. The romance continues to build between Callie and Benny, but there are times where it seems like it’s rushed. Benny…I can see him actually believing that he’s “in love” with Callie since he basically watches her all the time. But for Callie to start saying that she “loves” or is “in love” with a guy that she only sees for a few hours at a time twice a month, and really doesn’t know much about…is a stretch at times for me. The mystery element of this book is well done as the author weaves this story to cause readers to question “who is the real power behind the island”.
I wish I could say that this book was an improvement on the second book in this series, but it’s about the same. I was disappointed that all of a sudden now Callie’s hormones seem to be in control and that she now wants to be all over Benny. I feel that this ends up clouding her judgment when tragedy strikes again, because she refuses to believe that he could have had a hand in it. She seems more focused on him this book, making another who should be more important a secondary if not third in her attentions and heart. I also didn’t like how she wants to play victim in certain places of the book. She’s quick to dismiss her own wrongdoings, but clings to when others BULLIED (sorry, but “tortured” is a stretch) her behind the lies and deceptions she did to them. The ending of this book falls flat for me as well. It seems phoned in. Am I curious to know what happens next? Yes. Am I streaking off to snatch it up like I was with the first two? No.
All in all, I’m rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. The storyline itself, once again, is good. It kept me engaged, but not as much as the first two books in the series did. Book two I struggled with Callie’s attitude and selfishness, and in this book I felt that her focus shifted towards Benny and her “feelings” towards him. There are some mild interesting surprises, but this book didn’t have any epic moments so it feels a bit flat. I’m hopeful that the next book punches things up a bit so that there are more thrills, twists, and intensity to the story. If you have read the series to this point then I encourage you to read this book. I suggest going in with moderate expectations though.
February 7, 2020
5/5 Stars
I can't even form coherent thoughts, that's how phenomenal this book was. The twists were shocking but fantastic. I really need the next one now!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
I can't even form coherent thoughts, that's how phenomenal this book was. The twists were shocking but fantastic. I really need the next one now!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review
May 4, 2020
Wow this one had so many surprises! Callie keeps getting better and better with each book. I didn't really like her in book one but now I am totally invested in her. I can't wait to see what she does next. These cliff hanger endings are killing me lol. I'm excited for Book 4!
Read
March 18, 2025Circus of the Dead (Book 3)
Callie sits there a minute trying to process. What did Samuel mean by “Congrats, Callie, you’re the puppet now?” Now, she’s starting to hear the whispers. Callie figures it’s the ghosts. She knows that the souls are connected to her. Benny asks her can she hear what he’s thinking. She finds him. He’s thinking he’s worried about her. Callie’s thoughts start to get chaotic. First she starts to think she just needs a shower and some quiet time to think. Then her thoughts turn to really wanting Benny. But she also thinks of how she needs to focus or someone will die in a few short hours.
Callie tries to command Benny to kiss her with her thoughts but nothing happens. She decides to talk to Lorena. So she won’t focus on the ghost’s thoughts about their victims (and upcoming kills) Callie asks Benny to think about her so she can see if she can block his thoughts. Despite his distracting thoughts of wanting to kiss her-and other gush- she’s able to mentally push him and the other voices out.
At her tent, they run into Gissele-who makes it clear she doesn’t like Callie (but who does like Benny), “Lice Girl” (Rose)-who apologizes for attacking her at the airport- and Tommy. Lorena isn’t there so they go check her boat. She’s not there either. To kill time, Callie practices getting Benny to do something. They spend the next hour doing this but nothing she tells him to do is something she really wants him to do. She can tho ignite a fire with her hands and levitate books from a shelf. But right now that doesn’t help. Callie hears again in Benny’s thoughts the desire to kiss her and she gives in. Unfortunately, Lorena shows up and demands to know what the hell they’re doing. She kicks her out and won’t hear any questions. She’s pissed because Samuel didn’t start the circus and she has to.
The sun comes up. Benny disappears. Callie knows someone has died and its all her fault. The next day, Callie goes through Samel’s spell books to find a spell that gets ghosts to do a Obeah’s bidding. She decides that if she’s going to find a way to kill the ghosts she’ll have to move in. She goes back to Lorena and drops the news on her that she killed Samuel and now she has his powers.
She tells her she doesn’t have any idea how to control the ghosts. She’s a light witch. Callie asks her to help her. She says she doesn’t know much about dark magic but she can help her focus her power. Callie says she’s also going to read all of Samuel’s books. Lorena agrees that’s a good idea and wants to know what she’ll tell the others. Callie says maybe the truth. Lorena suggests calling a meeting. Callie says she just doesn’t want to be hated like Samuel was. Callie says she wanted to do it one on one but a meeting would be best. Lorena tells her whenever she’s ready.
Callie spends the next few days at Samuels but doesn’t learn how to control the ghosts. Lorena says people are starting to talk so Callie immediately calls a meeting and explains everything. They want to know about the contracts. She tells them they should all still be safe. Also, if anyone wants to leave she’ll find a way to make it possible. She promises them the island will be run differently. Callie is relived that none of the islanders seem angry and that they seem to be on her side.
Her first night as the Ring Master, Callie outdoes Samuel with an amazing show using her fire abilities. Afterwards, Callie talks to a bunch of ghosts but they don’t know anything. Juliette surprises Callie with her sister Maddie who’se shown up on the island without their parents knowing. Maddie says she’s come to rescue Callie and won’t let her rot there. So, Callie plays along. She gets Maddie on the boat and tells Elias to take her back to the mainland while she makes up an excuse to “go back for some clothes and stuff”. But the next day, Elias shows up at her door with Maddie.
Maddie comes around to see the truth when Callie shows her she really does have magic. She decides as soon as the new moon comes, she’s getting Maddie off the island before the ghosts kill her. Luke puts the idea in her head that maybe someone else is pulling the strings since the ghosts don’t respond to her. For the next 10 days she stays holed up in Samuel’s boat studying. One the night of the new moon, Maddie disappears and doesn’t get on the boat. When they finally do find her she says she went to say goodbye to Bob and started to get dizzy. She thinks she passed out and when she woke up she was in a storage building behind some boxes.
As the ferry gets closer, Callie and Maddie are surrounded by the ghosts being lead by Benny and Juliet. Callie makes a plan to run through the ghosts but Maddie falls and the ghost disappear. She’s been stabbed in the chest with Benny’s silver knife and dies. She comes back as a zombie for a minute and she and Callie struggle (as Maddie tries to pull her under) but Callie gets free and kicks her into the water.
Callie starts to think about who’s been pulling the strings and why they’re coming after her. First on her list as Ruth and Lorena, but Ruth helped stitch her up when the tiger scratched her and Lorena has always helped her. She also thinks of Benny, Julliet (to get revenge), Elias, and Luke. She tells Lorena everything. Lorena tells her the story of how when she first came to the island she was married and in love. She had tuberculosis and was promised that she’d be healed if they stayed there. Only as soon as she signed the contract her husband dropped dead. That’s the sacrifice. One life can’t be saved without the sacrifice of another. Lorena tells her don’t let the grief change her. She’s a good person and their best bet to turn the island into something good again.
Lorena and Callie talk about her theory. Lorena tells her Ruth is weak but she’s been asking her to help her grow her magic. Callie tells her she thinks someone has it out for her and they’re going after the people she loves. Lorena gets her to call another meeting. If the islanders know of something they can help. Callie remembers something Elias said about a skull controlling the island but when she goes to him he says he just knows there’s a legend that says there’s a green light in the middle of the island and there’s a skull there that controls the island.
At the meeting, Luke says Benny was Samuel’s right-hand man. Callie says she’ll be staying in Samuel’s boat if anyone wants to talk. Even if they think it’s irrelevant. After the meeting, Callie finds out someone set Samuel’s boat on fire. Two men untie the boat and let it sink in the middle of the swamp; Luke knew the boat was on fire but just says he followed the scent. He says it’s happened before and they can’t risk losing the rest of the boats. This makes Luke the number one suspect in Callie’s book. What doesn’t he want her to see. Callie knows she hasn’t been in the kitchen or left a curling iron over. She never moved her stuff in (like Luke suggested as causes).
Callie wants a list of everyone who wasn’t at the meeting. Amy and Lorena (like Luke) think it could just be “an accident”. Lorena says if it was deliberate they knew she wouldn’t be there. Callie says but they had to know she needed the books, but Lorena was the only one that knew that. Lorena says whoever is in charge would have known it. Amy wonders if the contracts got destroyed. Lorena says not if they were magical. So, Amy, Lorena, Luke, Ruth, and Callie make a list of all the circus performes. They come up with five names who weren’t at the meeting (John Bridger, Elise Mayes, Marcus Patterson, Lee Crow, and Oakley French).
They each take a person to question. Lee was sick, Oakley and John were together, Elise was said to be have seen at the meeting, was found hanging in his cabin. It’s brought up if someone could have started the fire remotely-meaning they might have started it *from* the meeting. Callie now realizes she can’t really trust any of these people. Three days later, she’s no closer finding out answers and decides to stay with Lorena.
Jeffrey shows up and tells Callie, Ruth wants her. When she comes to her tent, it’s a call from her parents who haven’t seen Maddie since she went to cheer camp. Callie lies and tells her she hasn’t seen her but she’s probably rebelling because they wouldn’t let her come out there with her. She tells them to keep her updated.
While cleaning, Callie finds a book of Samuel’s she didn’t remember borrowing called “Advanced Obeah Magic”. There’s a spell that commends the Zombies to bring the other Obeah to their master. When she performs the spell, Zombie Benny says there aren’t any other Obeah on the island. Luke shows up the next day pissed because one of his lions (Shrek) is missing. When Callie goes to help him look, in Ruth’s tent strange symbols are scribbled all over the walls and the buzz of magic is strong. Luke finds Shrek on the dock at Amy’s.
Jeffrey was in Ruth’s tent, heard the screams, saw the zombies, and let the cats loose (which is why their cages were open). One hug from Benny is enough to convince Callie it wasn’t him. Maddie is apologetic and says she should have listened. She teases about it sounding easy enough to make 13 kills and go back to being human. Juliet confesses that she was the one that killed Maddie because the impulse was just too strong to fight and Callie kicks her out. Benny tells her to apologize because Juliet is still new to it and doesn’t have the willpower yet. Benny comes up with a good idea to get the contracts and find out who didn’t have one. They should still be intact.
Zombie Benny retrieves the contracts and all 117 are fine. On the way back to her boat, she over hears Luke and Lorena arguing about telling her something. Lorena says she’s too unstable. She gets the disturbing news from Elias -who she also bumps into- that not only was Lorena with Samuel, she was with Luke and him. When reading the contracts, she discovers Luke has a daughter that he wanted sent off the island. At first, she misses it but then she notices the contract missing is Lorena’s.
Callie doesn’t waste time going to Luke at 2am and finds out he’s, her father. He sent her to his sister because he didn’t want her growing up on the island. She also finds out Lorena is her mother. He says Lorena is a powerful witch and she wanted to raise her on the island. But he didn’t. Then he saw what she wasn’t good with kids. Luke says she’s her magic is a different kind. He says she’s wicked but he doesn’t see her wanting to kill Callie. Lorena didn’t know Samuel and Luke had Callie sent away and Luke didn’t interfere when Callie came back of them knowing each other without the baggage.
Callie convinces Luke to go talk to Lorena. She reveals to her that she knows she’s controlling the island. Lorena denies this and that Callie is her daughter. She and Luke’s daughter died. Luke tells her he knows she knows he faked Callie’s death and found out a year ago. But he didn’t know Samuel was her puppet. Though he did manage to hide Callie’s disappearance. Also, the contract he signed with Callie she also probably had no idea about. Callie tells her either she works with them or tell the islanders who really controls the island. She then kicks them out her house and lets loose an alligator attack. Callie falls into the swamp and is saved by Zombie Benny.
Luke takes Callie to Ruth and she finds out that Lorena is an ancestral witch (meaning she uses the spirits of her ancestors). Ruth is a hedge witch. When she goes back to her boat, there are snakes everywhere. With a sweeping motion, Callie sends them all flying off the boat. Lorena pays Callie a visit on the New Moon. She finds out what she’s after is freedom and Maddie is her “insurance plan”. It’s clear when Callie sees Maddie, she’s miserable. She states she wishes she never came out there and is no good to anyone. Benny tells Callie not to feel guilty. Maddie will get use to it in some months, but Callie says she shouldn’t have to. Callie lets her join the show that night. After this there’s a meeting in Ruth’s tent.
Juliette offers to-with the rest of the ghosts- see if they can find books on how to defeat other kinds of witches. Callie says when she talked to her she said she wanted freedom but she’ll try to talk to her again-alone-. After the meeting, while hanging out, Benny, Juliette, Maddie, and Callie see all the ghost rushing toward the tent with the big cats. They rush to the tent but as too late. Fiona is standing over Luke (one of the lions) who’s dead.
Callie goes to Lorena’s who has no shame in admitting she killed Luke. Callie finds out she found her by putting a tracing spell on some old baby things Luke had. Luke accused her of bringing Callie there but she played dumb. She says she needs Callie dead. She was pregnant when her husband died and trapped there. She gave birth to a boy but she didn’t have any maternal qualities. She was changed by Sieas’s death. She says it made her stronger and really embrace her magic. She wanted revenge on Samuel so she found a spell that required she take the life of her own child to take control of the island.
Now there’s another spell that requires the life of her first-born daughter. But she has to be a ghost. That’s part of the spell. She’s an ancestral with and a Obeah. She’ll be able to control the island after she dies. With no one left to hang with, Callie starts to hang with Ruth. Callie finds out Ruth came to the island because her son died in the war. She heard there was a magic man there that could bring him back to life. He didn’t. Instead, he brought back a woman named Jocelyn. So, Callie goes to Lorena and tells her she’ll take her place willingly if she brings Maddie back from the dead and sends her back to California. This was what Lorena was waiting for all along. But the island has to know that she REALLY wants it.
The downside is she has to let the ghost kill, but she influences them to kill a certain person. She agrees to this. Lorena will train her to tap into her ancestral side and she’ll teach her how to control the ghost. Benny doesn’t approve of the deal. Callie signs the contract. Right after she gives Maddie the good news, Benny stabs Callie through the chest.
My Thoughts
REPETITIVE but A LOT BETTER! Possibly the best one yet. Benny was mostly gone so the romance was kept to a minimum and when they were together Callie has other things on her mind. This worked for me! I LOVE THE COVER! The only thing I kinda of contradict is if this *is* Callie, Callie really wasn’t the puppet. She wasn’t exactly being controlled by anyone. Unless you wanna say Lorena was controlling her future. This time I didn’t really have a guess who the puppet master was. I kind of just didn’t trust any of em so it wasn’t a surprise that it was Lorena. Nor was I surprised that Benny was the one to stab Callie (well not *that* much. Maybe for a couple seconds). What was unexpected tho was I wasn’t expecting Maddie to come to the island. I wasn’t expecting Luke to be Callie’s father. I’ve been slow with this series but I actually am looking forward to the next book to see what happens next.
Rating: 6 and a half
Callie sits there a minute trying to process. What did Samuel mean by “Congrats, Callie, you’re the puppet now?” Now, she’s starting to hear the whispers. Callie figures it’s the ghosts. She knows that the souls are connected to her. Benny asks her can she hear what he’s thinking. She finds him. He’s thinking he’s worried about her. Callie’s thoughts start to get chaotic. First she starts to think she just needs a shower and some quiet time to think. Then her thoughts turn to really wanting Benny. But she also thinks of how she needs to focus or someone will die in a few short hours.
Callie tries to command Benny to kiss her with her thoughts but nothing happens. She decides to talk to Lorena. So she won’t focus on the ghost’s thoughts about their victims (and upcoming kills) Callie asks Benny to think about her so she can see if she can block his thoughts. Despite his distracting thoughts of wanting to kiss her-and other gush- she’s able to mentally push him and the other voices out.
At her tent, they run into Gissele-who makes it clear she doesn’t like Callie (but who does like Benny), “Lice Girl” (Rose)-who apologizes for attacking her at the airport- and Tommy. Lorena isn’t there so they go check her boat. She’s not there either. To kill time, Callie practices getting Benny to do something. They spend the next hour doing this but nothing she tells him to do is something she really wants him to do. She can tho ignite a fire with her hands and levitate books from a shelf. But right now that doesn’t help. Callie hears again in Benny’s thoughts the desire to kiss her and she gives in. Unfortunately, Lorena shows up and demands to know what the hell they’re doing. She kicks her out and won’t hear any questions. She’s pissed because Samuel didn’t start the circus and she has to.
The sun comes up. Benny disappears. Callie knows someone has died and its all her fault. The next day, Callie goes through Samel’s spell books to find a spell that gets ghosts to do a Obeah’s bidding. She decides that if she’s going to find a way to kill the ghosts she’ll have to move in. She goes back to Lorena and drops the news on her that she killed Samuel and now she has his powers.
She tells her she doesn’t have any idea how to control the ghosts. She’s a light witch. Callie asks her to help her. She says she doesn’t know much about dark magic but she can help her focus her power. Callie says she’s also going to read all of Samuel’s books. Lorena agrees that’s a good idea and wants to know what she’ll tell the others. Callie says maybe the truth. Lorena suggests calling a meeting. Callie says she just doesn’t want to be hated like Samuel was. Callie says she wanted to do it one on one but a meeting would be best. Lorena tells her whenever she’s ready.
Callie spends the next few days at Samuels but doesn’t learn how to control the ghosts. Lorena says people are starting to talk so Callie immediately calls a meeting and explains everything. They want to know about the contracts. She tells them they should all still be safe. Also, if anyone wants to leave she’ll find a way to make it possible. She promises them the island will be run differently. Callie is relived that none of the islanders seem angry and that they seem to be on her side.
Her first night as the Ring Master, Callie outdoes Samuel with an amazing show using her fire abilities. Afterwards, Callie talks to a bunch of ghosts but they don’t know anything. Juliette surprises Callie with her sister Maddie who’se shown up on the island without their parents knowing. Maddie says she’s come to rescue Callie and won’t let her rot there. So, Callie plays along. She gets Maddie on the boat and tells Elias to take her back to the mainland while she makes up an excuse to “go back for some clothes and stuff”. But the next day, Elias shows up at her door with Maddie.
Maddie comes around to see the truth when Callie shows her she really does have magic. She decides as soon as the new moon comes, she’s getting Maddie off the island before the ghosts kill her. Luke puts the idea in her head that maybe someone else is pulling the strings since the ghosts don’t respond to her. For the next 10 days she stays holed up in Samuel’s boat studying. One the night of the new moon, Maddie disappears and doesn’t get on the boat. When they finally do find her she says she went to say goodbye to Bob and started to get dizzy. She thinks she passed out and when she woke up she was in a storage building behind some boxes.
As the ferry gets closer, Callie and Maddie are surrounded by the ghosts being lead by Benny and Juliet. Callie makes a plan to run through the ghosts but Maddie falls and the ghost disappear. She’s been stabbed in the chest with Benny’s silver knife and dies. She comes back as a zombie for a minute and she and Callie struggle (as Maddie tries to pull her under) but Callie gets free and kicks her into the water.
Callie starts to think about who’s been pulling the strings and why they’re coming after her. First on her list as Ruth and Lorena, but Ruth helped stitch her up when the tiger scratched her and Lorena has always helped her. She also thinks of Benny, Julliet (to get revenge), Elias, and Luke. She tells Lorena everything. Lorena tells her the story of how when she first came to the island she was married and in love. She had tuberculosis and was promised that she’d be healed if they stayed there. Only as soon as she signed the contract her husband dropped dead. That’s the sacrifice. One life can’t be saved without the sacrifice of another. Lorena tells her don’t let the grief change her. She’s a good person and their best bet to turn the island into something good again.
Lorena and Callie talk about her theory. Lorena tells her Ruth is weak but she’s been asking her to help her grow her magic. Callie tells her she thinks someone has it out for her and they’re going after the people she loves. Lorena gets her to call another meeting. If the islanders know of something they can help. Callie remembers something Elias said about a skull controlling the island but when she goes to him he says he just knows there’s a legend that says there’s a green light in the middle of the island and there’s a skull there that controls the island.
At the meeting, Luke says Benny was Samuel’s right-hand man. Callie says she’ll be staying in Samuel’s boat if anyone wants to talk. Even if they think it’s irrelevant. After the meeting, Callie finds out someone set Samuel’s boat on fire. Two men untie the boat and let it sink in the middle of the swamp; Luke knew the boat was on fire but just says he followed the scent. He says it’s happened before and they can’t risk losing the rest of the boats. This makes Luke the number one suspect in Callie’s book. What doesn’t he want her to see. Callie knows she hasn’t been in the kitchen or left a curling iron over. She never moved her stuff in (like Luke suggested as causes).
Callie wants a list of everyone who wasn’t at the meeting. Amy and Lorena (like Luke) think it could just be “an accident”. Lorena says if it was deliberate they knew she wouldn’t be there. Callie says but they had to know she needed the books, but Lorena was the only one that knew that. Lorena says whoever is in charge would have known it. Amy wonders if the contracts got destroyed. Lorena says not if they were magical. So, Amy, Lorena, Luke, Ruth, and Callie make a list of all the circus performes. They come up with five names who weren’t at the meeting (John Bridger, Elise Mayes, Marcus Patterson, Lee Crow, and Oakley French).
They each take a person to question. Lee was sick, Oakley and John were together, Elise was said to be have seen at the meeting, was found hanging in his cabin. It’s brought up if someone could have started the fire remotely-meaning they might have started it *from* the meeting. Callie now realizes she can’t really trust any of these people. Three days later, she’s no closer finding out answers and decides to stay with Lorena.
Jeffrey shows up and tells Callie, Ruth wants her. When she comes to her tent, it’s a call from her parents who haven’t seen Maddie since she went to cheer camp. Callie lies and tells her she hasn’t seen her but she’s probably rebelling because they wouldn’t let her come out there with her. She tells them to keep her updated.
While cleaning, Callie finds a book of Samuel’s she didn’t remember borrowing called “Advanced Obeah Magic”. There’s a spell that commends the Zombies to bring the other Obeah to their master. When she performs the spell, Zombie Benny says there aren’t any other Obeah on the island. Luke shows up the next day pissed because one of his lions (Shrek) is missing. When Callie goes to help him look, in Ruth’s tent strange symbols are scribbled all over the walls and the buzz of magic is strong. Luke finds Shrek on the dock at Amy’s.
Jeffrey was in Ruth’s tent, heard the screams, saw the zombies, and let the cats loose (which is why their cages were open). One hug from Benny is enough to convince Callie it wasn’t him. Maddie is apologetic and says she should have listened. She teases about it sounding easy enough to make 13 kills and go back to being human. Juliet confesses that she was the one that killed Maddie because the impulse was just too strong to fight and Callie kicks her out. Benny tells her to apologize because Juliet is still new to it and doesn’t have the willpower yet. Benny comes up with a good idea to get the contracts and find out who didn’t have one. They should still be intact.
Zombie Benny retrieves the contracts and all 117 are fine. On the way back to her boat, she over hears Luke and Lorena arguing about telling her something. Lorena says she’s too unstable. She gets the disturbing news from Elias -who she also bumps into- that not only was Lorena with Samuel, she was with Luke and him. When reading the contracts, she discovers Luke has a daughter that he wanted sent off the island. At first, she misses it but then she notices the contract missing is Lorena’s.
Callie doesn’t waste time going to Luke at 2am and finds out he’s, her father. He sent her to his sister because he didn’t want her growing up on the island. She also finds out Lorena is her mother. He says Lorena is a powerful witch and she wanted to raise her on the island. But he didn’t. Then he saw what she wasn’t good with kids. Luke says she’s her magic is a different kind. He says she’s wicked but he doesn’t see her wanting to kill Callie. Lorena didn’t know Samuel and Luke had Callie sent away and Luke didn’t interfere when Callie came back of them knowing each other without the baggage.
Callie convinces Luke to go talk to Lorena. She reveals to her that she knows she’s controlling the island. Lorena denies this and that Callie is her daughter. She and Luke’s daughter died. Luke tells her he knows she knows he faked Callie’s death and found out a year ago. But he didn’t know Samuel was her puppet. Though he did manage to hide Callie’s disappearance. Also, the contract he signed with Callie she also probably had no idea about. Callie tells her either she works with them or tell the islanders who really controls the island. She then kicks them out her house and lets loose an alligator attack. Callie falls into the swamp and is saved by Zombie Benny.
Luke takes Callie to Ruth and she finds out that Lorena is an ancestral witch (meaning she uses the spirits of her ancestors). Ruth is a hedge witch. When she goes back to her boat, there are snakes everywhere. With a sweeping motion, Callie sends them all flying off the boat. Lorena pays Callie a visit on the New Moon. She finds out what she’s after is freedom and Maddie is her “insurance plan”. It’s clear when Callie sees Maddie, she’s miserable. She states she wishes she never came out there and is no good to anyone. Benny tells Callie not to feel guilty. Maddie will get use to it in some months, but Callie says she shouldn’t have to. Callie lets her join the show that night. After this there’s a meeting in Ruth’s tent.
Juliette offers to-with the rest of the ghosts- see if they can find books on how to defeat other kinds of witches. Callie says when she talked to her she said she wanted freedom but she’ll try to talk to her again-alone-. After the meeting, while hanging out, Benny, Juliette, Maddie, and Callie see all the ghost rushing toward the tent with the big cats. They rush to the tent but as too late. Fiona is standing over Luke (one of the lions) who’s dead.
Callie goes to Lorena’s who has no shame in admitting she killed Luke. Callie finds out she found her by putting a tracing spell on some old baby things Luke had. Luke accused her of bringing Callie there but she played dumb. She says she needs Callie dead. She was pregnant when her husband died and trapped there. She gave birth to a boy but she didn’t have any maternal qualities. She was changed by Sieas’s death. She says it made her stronger and really embrace her magic. She wanted revenge on Samuel so she found a spell that required she take the life of her own child to take control of the island.
Now there’s another spell that requires the life of her first-born daughter. But she has to be a ghost. That’s part of the spell. She’s an ancestral with and a Obeah. She’ll be able to control the island after she dies. With no one left to hang with, Callie starts to hang with Ruth. Callie finds out Ruth came to the island because her son died in the war. She heard there was a magic man there that could bring him back to life. He didn’t. Instead, he brought back a woman named Jocelyn. So, Callie goes to Lorena and tells her she’ll take her place willingly if she brings Maddie back from the dead and sends her back to California. This was what Lorena was waiting for all along. But the island has to know that she REALLY wants it.
The downside is she has to let the ghost kill, but she influences them to kill a certain person. She agrees to this. Lorena will train her to tap into her ancestral side and she’ll teach her how to control the ghost. Benny doesn’t approve of the deal. Callie signs the contract. Right after she gives Maddie the good news, Benny stabs Callie through the chest.
My Thoughts
REPETITIVE but A LOT BETTER! Possibly the best one yet. Benny was mostly gone so the romance was kept to a minimum and when they were together Callie has other things on her mind. This worked for me! I LOVE THE COVER! The only thing I kinda of contradict is if this *is* Callie, Callie really wasn’t the puppet. She wasn’t exactly being controlled by anyone. Unless you wanna say Lorena was controlling her future. This time I didn’t really have a guess who the puppet master was. I kind of just didn’t trust any of em so it wasn’t a surprise that it was Lorena. Nor was I surprised that Benny was the one to stab Callie (well not *that* much. Maybe for a couple seconds). What was unexpected tho was I wasn’t expecting Maddie to come to the island. I wasn’t expecting Luke to be Callie’s father. I’ve been slow with this series but I actually am looking forward to the next book to see what happens next.
Rating: 6 and a half
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2020
Thrilling! An exciting continuation that threw me for a loop! I really enjoyed the unpredictable twists and turns the story took I never knew what would happen next. I can’t wait to read what happens next!
February 21, 2023
This one picks up right where book 2 left off and does a good job at answering some of the questions I was left with. I found the pace to be on point, the characters to be interesting, and the storyline to be intriguing. This installment was definitely very dark and intense and I loved it. There were so many surprising twists in this one and I can’t wait to continue the series and see where the story goes. I appreciated the ending, but now I’m left needing book 4 immediately!
January 25, 2020
So much more is going on! Betrayal, intrigue, secrets, loss and a huge cliffhanger.
Just when Callie thinks she's figured something out some thing else blindsides her and throws her back.
Secrets come out that changes everything about her and a surprise visit doesn't end well.
Just when I think I might know where things are headed Loth puts in a twist that sends it in a totally different way. I can't wait to read more and would highly recommend this book and series.
Just when Callie thinks she's figured something out some thing else blindsides her and throws her back.
Secrets come out that changes everything about her and a surprise visit doesn't end well.
Just when I think I might know where things are headed Loth puts in a twist that sends it in a totally different way. I can't wait to read more and would highly recommend this book and series.
February 11, 2020
ENGLISH:
Thank you so much to the author for the book!
I received this ebook in exchange of a honest review.
When Callie takes Samuel's powers and becomes the Obeah woman, she believes that everything is resolved. But when she realizes that the ghosts won't obey her and continue killing each new moon, she starts to think that the warning of her greatest enemy was real. Someone else is controlling the island and therefore, her too. She needs to discover the true identity of this villain hidden in the shadows, especially when the danger lurks not only around the visitors of the circus, but also around her loved ones. Callie has to learn to strengthen her powers and finally defeat the greatest evil on the island... before it's too late.
Callie goes through a lot of pain in this book. But despite that, she keeps fighting again and again to try to protect the people of the circus, her friends, and her family. She will do anything for them, which made her a very strong and brave protagonist. Although some of her decisions bothered me a lot because it was obvious that it would only bring her more problems. Nevertheless, I still like her character very much. I love how she and her powers have grown.
I also loved the way Benny helps her all the time and joins her mission. He is very sweet and the romance in this book was so intense and beautiful. There are really hot scenes and also beautiful scenes that made me sigh because they are so adorable together. I love this couple, I just can't get enough of them. On the other hand, we know the past and motivations of some other characters, which was amazing, and we also have very interesting new characters.
The plot of this book was captivating. It hooked me from the first page to the last one with all the mystery and suspense it has. The intrigue is built in an impressive way, making me devour this story and wanting to discover who the real villain was, who was lying. I think that game of loyalty was incredible. The amount of absolutely shocking twists and turns in this book was amazing. Each revelation blew my mind and left me without being able to believe what I was reading because WOW. Just... WOW. All the discoveries surprised me so much, I loved this whole search for truth. It made the reading captivating and absolutely addictive.
There are tons of drama in this book, some scenes that broke my heart. But there are also a few fun parts that made me smile or even laugh out loud. In addition, the story is full of adventures and adrenaline. One of the things I liked the most was all the darkness in this book. It gave a grim and creepy touch to the story, something that I loved. And of course, all the magic was fascinating, there is a great display of powers in this book that left me amazed. I love the author's creativity in creating this original and special world. Her descriptions are full of imagination.
And the end was unforgivable. It broke my heart and at the same time left me desperate to read the next book. I really liked Circus of the Dead: Book 3. I'm dying to know how this beautiful story continues.
ESPAÑOL:
¡Muchísimas gracias a la autora por el libro! Recibí este ebook a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Cuando Callie toma los poderes de Samuel y se convierte en la mujer Obeah de la isla, ella cree que todo está resuelto. Pero al darse cuenta que los fantasmas no la obedecen y siguen matando en cada Luna nueva, Callie comienza a pensar que la advertencia de su mayor enemigo era real. Alguien más está controlando la isla y por lo tanto, a ella también. Necesita con urgencia descubrir la verdadera identidad de este villano oculto en las sombras, especialmente cuando el peligro acecha no sólo a los visitantes del circo, sino también a sus seres queridos. Callie tiene que aprender a fortalecer sus poderes para finalmente derrotar al mayor mal de la isla… antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Callie pasa por mucho dolor en este libro. Pero a pesar de eso, ella sigue luchando una y otra vez para tratar de proteger a la gente del circo, a sus amigos, a su familia. Hará lo que sea por ellos, lo cual la convirtió en una protagonista muy fuerte y valiente. Aunque algunas de sus decisiones me molestaron bastante porque era evidente que sólo le traerían más problemas. Pero más allá de eso, me sigue gustando mucho su personaje. Me encanta cómo ha crecido y la forma en que sus poderes se van fortaleciendo cada vez más.
También me encantó la forma en que Benny la ayuda todo el tiempo y la acompaña en su misión. Él es muy dulce y el romance en este libro fue tan intenso y hermoso. Hay escenas realmente calientes y otras bellísimas que me dejaron suspirando. Me encanta esta pareja, no puedo tener suficiente de ellos. Por otra parte, conocemos el pasado y las motivaciones de algunos personajes y también tenemos nuevos personajes muy interesantes.
La trama de este libro fue atrapante. Me enganchó desde la primera hasta la última página con todo el misterio y el suspenso que tiene. La intriga se va construyendo de una manera impresionante, haciendo que devorara de manera adictiva esta historia queriendo descubrir quién era el verdadero villano, quién estaba mintiendo. Ese juego de lealtades me pareció increíble. La cantidad de giros absolutamente impactantes que tiene este libro es alucinante. Cada revelación voló mi mente y me dejó con la boca abierta sin poder creer lo que estaba leyendo porque WOW. Sólo… WOW. Todas las revelaciones me sorprendieron por completo, me encantó toda esta búsqueda de la verdad. Hizo que la lectura fuese atrapante y absolutamente adictiva.
Hay toneladas de drama en este libro, escenas que rompieron mi corazón por completo. Pero también hay unas cuantas partes divertidas que me hicieron sonreír o incluso reír en voz alta. Además, la historia está llena de aventuras y adrenalina. Una de las cosas que más me gustaron fue toda la oscuridad que hay en este libro. Le otorgó un toque tétrico y espeluznante a la historia, un elemento que me gustó muchísimo. Y claro que también toda la magia fue fascinante, hay un gran despliegue de poderes en este libro que me dejó maravillada. Me encanta la creatividad de la autora en la creación de este mundo tan original y especial. Sus descripciones están repletas de imaginación.
Y el final fue imperdonable. Me rompió el corazón y al mismo tiempo me dejó desesperada por leer el siguiente libro. Me gustó mucho Circus of the Dead: Libro 3. Ya quiero saber cómo continúa esta hermosa historia.
Reseña completa
Thank you so much to the author for the book!
I received this ebook in exchange of a honest review.
When Callie takes Samuel's powers and becomes the Obeah woman, she believes that everything is resolved. But when she realizes that the ghosts won't obey her and continue killing each new moon, she starts to think that the warning of her greatest enemy was real. Someone else is controlling the island and therefore, her too. She needs to discover the true identity of this villain hidden in the shadows, especially when the danger lurks not only around the visitors of the circus, but also around her loved ones. Callie has to learn to strengthen her powers and finally defeat the greatest evil on the island... before it's too late.
Callie goes through a lot of pain in this book. But despite that, she keeps fighting again and again to try to protect the people of the circus, her friends, and her family. She will do anything for them, which made her a very strong and brave protagonist. Although some of her decisions bothered me a lot because it was obvious that it would only bring her more problems. Nevertheless, I still like her character very much. I love how she and her powers have grown.
I also loved the way Benny helps her all the time and joins her mission. He is very sweet and the romance in this book was so intense and beautiful. There are really hot scenes and also beautiful scenes that made me sigh because they are so adorable together. I love this couple, I just can't get enough of them. On the other hand, we know the past and motivations of some other characters, which was amazing, and we also have very interesting new characters.
The plot of this book was captivating. It hooked me from the first page to the last one with all the mystery and suspense it has. The intrigue is built in an impressive way, making me devour this story and wanting to discover who the real villain was, who was lying. I think that game of loyalty was incredible. The amount of absolutely shocking twists and turns in this book was amazing. Each revelation blew my mind and left me without being able to believe what I was reading because WOW. Just... WOW. All the discoveries surprised me so much, I loved this whole search for truth. It made the reading captivating and absolutely addictive.
There are tons of drama in this book, some scenes that broke my heart. But there are also a few fun parts that made me smile or even laugh out loud. In addition, the story is full of adventures and adrenaline. One of the things I liked the most was all the darkness in this book. It gave a grim and creepy touch to the story, something that I loved. And of course, all the magic was fascinating, there is a great display of powers in this book that left me amazed. I love the author's creativity in creating this original and special world. Her descriptions are full of imagination.
And the end was unforgivable. It broke my heart and at the same time left me desperate to read the next book. I really liked Circus of the Dead: Book 3. I'm dying to know how this beautiful story continues.
ESPAÑOL:
¡Muchísimas gracias a la autora por el libro! Recibí este ebook a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Cuando Callie toma los poderes de Samuel y se convierte en la mujer Obeah de la isla, ella cree que todo está resuelto. Pero al darse cuenta que los fantasmas no la obedecen y siguen matando en cada Luna nueva, Callie comienza a pensar que la advertencia de su mayor enemigo era real. Alguien más está controlando la isla y por lo tanto, a ella también. Necesita con urgencia descubrir la verdadera identidad de este villano oculto en las sombras, especialmente cuando el peligro acecha no sólo a los visitantes del circo, sino también a sus seres queridos. Callie tiene que aprender a fortalecer sus poderes para finalmente derrotar al mayor mal de la isla… antes de que sea demasiado tarde.
Callie pasa por mucho dolor en este libro. Pero a pesar de eso, ella sigue luchando una y otra vez para tratar de proteger a la gente del circo, a sus amigos, a su familia. Hará lo que sea por ellos, lo cual la convirtió en una protagonista muy fuerte y valiente. Aunque algunas de sus decisiones me molestaron bastante porque era evidente que sólo le traerían más problemas. Pero más allá de eso, me sigue gustando mucho su personaje. Me encanta cómo ha crecido y la forma en que sus poderes se van fortaleciendo cada vez más.
También me encantó la forma en que Benny la ayuda todo el tiempo y la acompaña en su misión. Él es muy dulce y el romance en este libro fue tan intenso y hermoso. Hay escenas realmente calientes y otras bellísimas que me dejaron suspirando. Me encanta esta pareja, no puedo tener suficiente de ellos. Por otra parte, conocemos el pasado y las motivaciones de algunos personajes y también tenemos nuevos personajes muy interesantes.
La trama de este libro fue atrapante. Me enganchó desde la primera hasta la última página con todo el misterio y el suspenso que tiene. La intriga se va construyendo de una manera impresionante, haciendo que devorara de manera adictiva esta historia queriendo descubrir quién era el verdadero villano, quién estaba mintiendo. Ese juego de lealtades me pareció increíble. La cantidad de giros absolutamente impactantes que tiene este libro es alucinante. Cada revelación voló mi mente y me dejó con la boca abierta sin poder creer lo que estaba leyendo porque WOW. Sólo… WOW. Todas las revelaciones me sorprendieron por completo, me encantó toda esta búsqueda de la verdad. Hizo que la lectura fuese atrapante y absolutamente adictiva.
Hay toneladas de drama en este libro, escenas que rompieron mi corazón por completo. Pero también hay unas cuantas partes divertidas que me hicieron sonreír o incluso reír en voz alta. Además, la historia está llena de aventuras y adrenalina. Una de las cosas que más me gustaron fue toda la oscuridad que hay en este libro. Le otorgó un toque tétrico y espeluznante a la historia, un elemento que me gustó muchísimo. Y claro que también toda la magia fue fascinante, hay un gran despliegue de poderes en este libro que me dejó maravillada. Me encanta la creatividad de la autora en la creación de este mundo tan original y especial. Sus descripciones están repletas de imaginación.
Y el final fue imperdonable. Me rompió el corazón y al mismo tiempo me dejó desesperada por leer el siguiente libro. Me gustó mucho Circus of the Dead: Libro 3. Ya quiero saber cómo continúa esta hermosa historia.
Reseña completa
February 6, 2025
🤦🏻♀️ every time I think Callie could not be anymore dense or gullible, she surprises me more with her idiocy. Why does this girl think she’s always one step ahead of everyone else when she miles behind? I’m over her thinking she’s gods gift to the island. Additionally, she jumps back and forth from wanting to protect everyone on the island to being willing to live with the needed deaths on the island so long as she can save her sister. She has no backbone whatsoever for her own convictions. I suppose maybe that’s because she so young. She’s also incredibly selfish and judgmental of everyone. Don’t kill poeple, unless it’s Elias (he smells and he’s a creeper), don’t kill prople, but it would be ok if we did so long as Maddie can live again. Pick a lane and stay in it.
As the third installment of my “pot committed” crap purchase, at least I can say that this series is consistently disappointing. Each book continues to have a good premise but terrible execution. Each book I still find myself thinking Callie would be better if she were an adult. This role is just not for a 16 year old. She’s doing too many adult things that just aren’t believable for the age that the author made her. She’s leading an island full of adults who suddenly defer to her? They hang on her every whim and idea? Please.
Also, while her relationship with Benny is cute from time to time - we must continue to remember he’s old as dirt and she a literal minor. In the words of Callie “ew.” In many ways her thoughts about Benny are the only thing that match her being 16 - the childish obsession…… yuck.
On to the last of my “required” readings, then I’ll be free of this series, albeit, far from the end of what is available. I can totally sympathize with Lorena’s pursuit of freedom.
As the third installment of my “pot committed” crap purchase, at least I can say that this series is consistently disappointing. Each book continues to have a good premise but terrible execution. Each book I still find myself thinking Callie would be better if she were an adult. This role is just not for a 16 year old. She’s doing too many adult things that just aren’t believable for the age that the author made her. She’s leading an island full of adults who suddenly defer to her? They hang on her every whim and idea? Please.
Also, while her relationship with Benny is cute from time to time - we must continue to remember he’s old as dirt and she a literal minor. In the words of Callie “ew.” In many ways her thoughts about Benny are the only thing that match her being 16 - the childish obsession…… yuck.
On to the last of my “required” readings, then I’ll be free of this series, albeit, far from the end of what is available. I can totally sympathize with Lorena’s pursuit of freedom.
February 24, 2020
Poor Callie, All she wanted was the best for her and the residents of the Island both alive and dead, however all she keeps achieving is more and more problems. What she would just give for a night in curled up with Benny. Kimberly Loth’s creativity continues us on a journey with so many twists and turns you will get neck ache !!. Now Callie is Obeah Woman of the Island her search for answers takes over everything with a vengeance, but with something or someone is still controlling the island is more than perplexing. Every time she is near the slightest bit of clarity it is taken away from under her. More secrets & lies & family connections, including the real reason she ended up on the island shocks her to the core including a surprise visitor resulting in consequences that rips her heart & life apart. Accepting the only way to rectify this problem she resigns herself to the only way she can see to help, leaving us with another shocking cliffhanger. Kimberly Loth has this amazing ability to re-create others emotions you can feel down to your core. When they are sad so are you etc etc. This was an emotional part for Callie living in a world that has the most weirdest of magic. A world you take to your heart. I am waiting with bated breath for book.4. But worried Callie will never find the freedom and love she deserves.
March 11, 2020
"All the people I love end up dead." This seems to be the mantra for Callie as her story continues to unfold in this wonderful series! What's not to love when you have a Circus where someone is killed every month, zombies inhabit the swamps along with the alligators and snakes, and ghosts come back to life every time the Circus opens?
Callie has managed to rid the island of Samuel and has taken his place, but she really doesn't have a clue what that means. There doesn't seem to be anyone who can help her figure out how to control the ghosts, zombies and other creatures that threaten her and the rest of the islanders. "Loneliness might be worse than death."
Without giving away too much of the plot, Ms. Loth has managed once again to rip out her reader's hearts and throw them against the wall in this book. Be prepared to have a couple of good cries as you read this one! And, be prepared for some unexpected twists in this one as well. Ms. Loth really caught me off guard this time!
I can't wait to see what happens next since this book ends on a huge cliffhanger!
Callie has managed to rid the island of Samuel and has taken his place, but she really doesn't have a clue what that means. There doesn't seem to be anyone who can help her figure out how to control the ghosts, zombies and other creatures that threaten her and the rest of the islanders. "Loneliness might be worse than death."
Without giving away too much of the plot, Ms. Loth has managed once again to rip out her reader's hearts and throw them against the wall in this book. Be prepared to have a couple of good cries as you read this one! And, be prepared for some unexpected twists in this one as well. Ms. Loth really caught me off guard this time!
I can't wait to see what happens next since this book ends on a huge cliffhanger!
March 10, 2020
What fresh insanity is this? Callie did what it took to become Obeah, but things did not turn out the way she thought they would, not the way they were supposed to. Nothing is as it seems. Everything becomes more muddled and complicated, and there are characters behind the scenes she never would have expected to turn against her. She was told early on that there was no one on the island she could trust, and that is turning out to be the truth. How she's going to find anyone she can confide in is beyond me because the island may just have other, more devious plans for her.
The action is nonstop. The characters are colorful and vivid. the story is in constant flux, so the reader has no idea how things are going to turn out. It is absolutely amazing that this played out in the author's mind, and I am thrilled that she got it down on paper for the rest of us to read. I am on the edge of my seat and can't wait to read the final book in the series.
The action is nonstop. The characters are colorful and vivid. the story is in constant flux, so the reader has no idea how things are going to turn out. It is absolutely amazing that this played out in the author's mind, and I am thrilled that she got it down on paper for the rest of us to read. I am on the edge of my seat and can't wait to read the final book in the series.
May 20, 2020
If a book/series could receive more than five stars then this would be the one. It is not a standalone and the books must be read in order.
As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer but who is the true enemy in this story? Callie is trying to learn everything she can about her new position but things are not as they seem. In some ways it is like taking two steps forward and three steps back. When a major complication arrives to the island, it forces Callie to go into protection mode - but will it be enough? Kimberly Loth has designed a world as flawless as her writing style that will fascinate readers. There is so much going on in this storyline that at times it feels like whiplash. There are secrets, betrayals, and twists and turns to make you go OMG. You have to read it to believe it. Do not wait and one click this book! I highly recommend! I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
As the saying goes, keep your friends close and your enemies closer but who is the true enemy in this story? Callie is trying to learn everything she can about her new position but things are not as they seem. In some ways it is like taking two steps forward and three steps back. When a major complication arrives to the island, it forces Callie to go into protection mode - but will it be enough? Kimberly Loth has designed a world as flawless as her writing style that will fascinate readers. There is so much going on in this storyline that at times it feels like whiplash. There are secrets, betrayals, and twists and turns to make you go OMG. You have to read it to believe it. Do not wait and one click this book! I highly recommend! I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.
September 23, 2024
DNF ...
Book 1 was rough. (See my reviews for 1 and 2)
Book 2, I found myself more interested and following the story line easier.
Book 3? I stopped at chapter 21. I found myself so exhausted from the constant drama and the authors nonstop attempts to keep it going whether it pertained to the plot or was random and just adding to the imagery. Callie's juvenile mentality and immaturity does not match someone that was given the power she obtained in the book. Her taking over the circus of the dead but doing nothing but day dreaming about kissing Benny, the ghost, was annoying. It's literally about a circus full of the dead, on a mission to kill .... with a plot as dark as that is, the rest of the book should be equally mature and mesh in all aspects. Teenagers shouldn't read it simply due to the murder/death through it but it is almost as if a teenager wrote the entire series. I tried to get through but simply couldn't.
Book 1 was rough. (See my reviews for 1 and 2)
Book 2, I found myself more interested and following the story line easier.
Book 3? I stopped at chapter 21. I found myself so exhausted from the constant drama and the authors nonstop attempts to keep it going whether it pertained to the plot or was random and just adding to the imagery. Callie's juvenile mentality and immaturity does not match someone that was given the power she obtained in the book. Her taking over the circus of the dead but doing nothing but day dreaming about kissing Benny, the ghost, was annoying. It's literally about a circus full of the dead, on a mission to kill .... with a plot as dark as that is, the rest of the book should be equally mature and mesh in all aspects. Teenagers shouldn't read it simply due to the murder/death through it but it is almost as if a teenager wrote the entire series. I tried to get through but simply couldn't.
April 17, 2025
interesting
I had such high hopes going into this book considering how book 2 ended. This book was such a letdown compared to the past two books. I will say I almost did not finish it around 41%. I put it down and was thinking of DNFing it but chose to pick it up and push through since this is only about a 200+ page book.
Spoilers
I was really put off by how many people were murdered in this book. Well overall just died. Literally, we learned about Luke and his relationship to our main character. Then all of a sudden murdered. Little sister murdered. I don’t really feel like the murders added anything to the story especially Luke’s. The sister’s murder kind of worked in the plot twist, but overall made no sense to the fact our main character ends up dying anyway.. I’m just disappointed because book 3 had such potential and I felt it was just a huge letdown. Resting on the fact that it had so many deaths and for Shock Value.
I had such high hopes going into this book considering how book 2 ended. This book was such a letdown compared to the past two books. I will say I almost did not finish it around 41%. I put it down and was thinking of DNFing it but chose to pick it up and push through since this is only about a 200+ page book.
Spoilers
I was really put off by how many people were murdered in this book. Well overall just died. Literally, we learned about Luke and his relationship to our main character. Then all of a sudden murdered. Little sister murdered. I don’t really feel like the murders added anything to the story especially Luke’s. The sister’s murder kind of worked in the plot twist, but overall made no sense to the fact our main character ends up dying anyway.. I’m just disappointed because book 3 had such potential and I felt it was just a huge letdown. Resting on the fact that it had so many deaths and for Shock Value.
February 8, 2020
Becoming the Obeah woman of the island had not brought the changes Callie had expected. Her magic was not enough and the people she had to take care of was not protected. With Samuel's words still in her mind she knew she had to find the puppet master and fight for the lives and freedom of them all, ghosts included. When things got more complicated Callie didn’t know who to trust and how to dwell with her magic. The enemy had an ace up his sleeve and for Callie, the game had changed. Action, suspense, deceit, mysteries, surprises, ghosts making havoc and even the zombies were in arms. At last, some romance and an end that left me with mouth wide open. Could not believe it. Loved this story that kept me interested all the time with the strange situations and characters. Eager for the next book.
March 7, 2022
Fantastic, just when you think things can't get any worse. You'd be wrong because they absolutely do, Book 3 is really dark and intense. So much happens in this that it leaves your head spinning, I don't think there's any words that could do this series justice. Circus of the dead is by far one of the most unique and interesting series's, it makes me wonder how Kimberly Loth came up with the storyline for it. If you like creepy circuses with gruesome deaths, then this series is one you do not want to miss out on. The world is beautifully written, the characters are all interesting and each one brings something different to the story. The storyline is so good that once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down. Be prepared to have your world turned upside down, and your emotions torn to shreds.
July 9, 2024
Fantastic, just when you think things can't get any worse. You'd be wrong because they absolutely do, Book 3 is really dark and intense. So much happens in this that it leaves your head spinning, I don't think there's any words that could do this series justice. Circus of the dead is by far one of the most unique and interesting series's, it makes me wonder how Kimberly Loth came up with the storyline for it. If you like creepy circuses with gruesome deaths, then this series is one you do not want to miss out on. The world is beautifully written, the characters are all interesting and each one brings something different to the story. The storyline is so good that once you start reading, you won't be able to put it down. Be prepared to have your world turned upside down, and your emotions torn to shreds.
January 24, 2020
Overall rating: 5
Once again this author has blindsided me! For new readers looking for their next series to get hooked into, this one needs to come with a warning.....this series is for readers who can survive brutal shockers and cliffhangers. I know that sounds funny, but there are some readers that really don’t consider that entertaining and take it out on the author with their ratings. For me, this is a definite ‘bring it on’ scenario! I am invested, I am utterly upset yet devoted, and book 4 is truly a must read. The best thing I can say now that this is book 3, is that this is not a series to pick up out of order! Start at book one and get the full effect! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
Once again this author has blindsided me! For new readers looking for their next series to get hooked into, this one needs to come with a warning.....this series is for readers who can survive brutal shockers and cliffhangers. I know that sounds funny, but there are some readers that really don’t consider that entertaining and take it out on the author with their ratings. For me, this is a definite ‘bring it on’ scenario! I am invested, I am utterly upset yet devoted, and book 4 is truly a must read. The best thing I can say now that this is book 3, is that this is not a series to pick up out of order! Start at book one and get the full effect! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.
February 12, 2020
This 3rd book in the series continues on from the dramatic ending of book two, and what a ride this story is. Callie has become the Obeah Woman but things were not as she thought, and when events become more complicated, she doesn’t know who she can trust or where to turn. Callie has to find who the puppet master is and fight to protect those she cares for, and for the lives and freedom of everyone. This is a thrilling story that has your heart breaking for what Callie has to endure. There are plenty of exciting twists, action, magic, secrets, betrayal, surprises and loss in this story, as well as some long-awaited romance. It is a well written, fast paced enthralling story with a jaw dropping cliff hanger at the end. I can not wait for book 4
April 12, 2020
Wow, this series keeps getting better and better. The twists and turns are mind blowing and I'm literally on the edge of my seat reading it. Maddie and Luke totally broke my heart, Lorena wasn't too much of a surprise, there was always something not quite square there, and Benny, poor Benny. Callie in the first book was annoying for me, she's growing with each book though and I like that. Always rushing into things though, it's a thing about youth and also the most annoying thing about our protagonist. But the plot is amazing, I can't predict most of what's going to happen and I love that. I genuinely turn pages to be shocked at every turn and I want to find out how it all ends. Next please!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2020
Speechless!!!!
I inhaled books 1 & 2 in rapid succession, but I had to wait for book 3 to release. That was THE LONGEST MONTH OF MY LIFE!
With that said, I'm dead. I'm literally dead, this book killed MY SOUL! I read it so fast, I had to go back and read it again to make sure I'd understood what really happened.
Like the first two, Callie tries to keep her wits about her as she's always one step behind the bad guy. Well, she comes nose-to-nose with the villain, and OH MY GOSH!
Filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance, and guaranteed to raise your blood pressure, Circus of the Dead is THE best book series of 2020.
I inhaled books 1 & 2 in rapid succession, but I had to wait for book 3 to release. That was THE LONGEST MONTH OF MY LIFE!
With that said, I'm dead. I'm literally dead, this book killed MY SOUL! I read it so fast, I had to go back and read it again to make sure I'd understood what really happened.
Like the first two, Callie tries to keep her wits about her as she's always one step behind the bad guy. Well, she comes nose-to-nose with the villain, and OH MY GOSH!
Filled with action, adventure, suspense, romance, and guaranteed to raise your blood pressure, Circus of the Dead is THE best book series of 2020.
March 2, 2020
Wow! Jest WOW. Book three gets even better and more unexpected than previous books. I had devoured it and I need to know what is about to come as soon as I can.
The story picks up right after book two and throw is into the middle of the action, with the main enemy gone Callie thinks that she had it worked out as the Obeah woman, but... Nothing of that sort! Things will get even more tangled and what you expected will be blown away with one sentence!
What will happen in that book? Will Callie survive when danger is right across the corner?
The story picks up right after book two and throw is into the middle of the action, with the main enemy gone Callie thinks that she had it worked out as the Obeah woman, but... Nothing of that sort! Things will get even more tangled and what you expected will be blown away with one sentence!
What will happen in that book? Will Callie survive when danger is right across the corner?
March 29, 2021
Spoilers
I had a hard time finishing this book. Maddie ends up at the circus and that has a crappy ending. Callie finds out that she isn't who she thought she was her whole life. She also finds out who is running the circus and who takes out all the people who get in the way. Samuel is gone and Callie is supposed to be the ring master, but he was literally just the puppet he said he was and now Callie figures everything else out too. The ending is definitely not what I expected, but in the circus of the dead things rarely ever are.
I had a hard time finishing this book. Maddie ends up at the circus and that has a crappy ending. Callie finds out that she isn't who she thought she was her whole life. She also finds out who is running the circus and who takes out all the people who get in the way. Samuel is gone and Callie is supposed to be the ring master, but he was literally just the puppet he said he was and now Callie figures everything else out too. The ending is definitely not what I expected, but in the circus of the dead things rarely ever are.
July 13, 2021
This was an okay read. The previous two books were much better. I feel like Callie just rushes into everything with no thought of what the consequences are every single time. I understand she is 16 but for Pete's sake use your brain. I had figured out who was in charge a while ago so that wasn't too much of a surprise but we finally get to know how she ended up there. Quite an interesting surprise that was. Going to continue on and hope the story and the characters get over this angst they seem to have
Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews