Circus of the Dead: Book 4

Circus of the Dead #4

by Kimberly Loth

Being dead definitely has its disadvantages.

Number one being that I have to wait until the full moon to kick Benny’s ass. What right did he have to kill me?

None.

Not only that, I was his thirteenth kill, so he’s alive instead. Not for long, if I have my way.

With Lorena gone, the island has taken on a life of its own and it’s up to me to destroy it. But doing so will require massive sacrifices.

Sacrifices I’m not sure I’m willing to give.

But the fate of everyone on the island rests in my hands.

Who will live and who will be gone forever?

Genres: Horror, Paranormal, Ghosts, Young Adult, Romance, Magic, Supernatural

222 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2020

About the author

Kimberly 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.

Reviews

[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final book in this unusual dark young-adult series and this started right where we left off previously with that shocking act of violence at the hands of someone Callie had grown to trust.
And no matter how my much she tries to tell herself otherwise Callie just can’t forgive or give a certain someone the benefit of the doubt.
All her bitterness and hurt pushed in that particular direction.
She’s also now in the unique position of having the tables turned on her and she’s not handling it very well emotionally.
So I do think it’s a massive flaw in Callie’s character that she has a tendency to react without thinking things through to there logical conclusion.
She’s Passionate and hence follows her feelings a lot of the times but usually quite rashly and mostly consequences be damned.
She never takes the time to just take stock of the entire situation always running before she can walk.
She is also pretty low on the trust factor though I can’t necessarily blame her in that regard as she has been betrayed constantly throughout this series by those she had begun to rely on.
With her, it tends to be black and white and she struggles to see the grey in between.
This was action-packed especially the second half and again there are some major curveballs thrown in Callie’s direction that I didn’t expect.
This series is at its heart a clean young-adult romance with some dark undertones and thankfully it does have a HEA for Callie and Benny which I’m ever so pleased about.
On a sidenote that unexpected reveal at the end of this threw me for a loop.
I thought it was a brilliant touch and definitely want to know more.
This series is unusual and imaginative and very different and though Callie could get a tad annoying and judgy at times a page-turner.
But considering Callie’s young age that was only to be expected really.
My favourite out of this series was definitely the first book but the rest of these did make compelling reading also.
Book 4 finally closed the curtain and left me satisfied with the end result for Benny and Callie’s future together.


Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Amber J (Thereadingwitch) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the series. It was definitely an interesting story, though not exactly what I was expecting. It helped me through a book slump though so for that it will forever be a great series in my mind. It's full of ghosts, witches, magic, and voodoo. Oh, and lots and lots of death of course.

[Agustina Zanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

ENGLISH:

When Callie wakes up turned into a ghost after Benny killed her, she would never have imagined that adapting to her new existence would be so complicated. Now that she's finally in charge of the island, she must learn the rules of magic that keeps so many people captive, discovering how to control the other ghosts. While dealing with the betrayal of her boyfriend Benny, Callie plans a revenge against her mother Lorena, the real responsible behind her death. But first she needs to protect the islanders and free the ghosts, finding a way to do it before she destroys the island forever.

I really loved the characters of this story. Each one of them was so special and unique! Callie is a strong protagonist who has to face the most difficult challenge: keep fighting after her own death. The author did an excellent job creating that uncertain and spooky atmosphere during her first moments as a ghost. Also, the amazing display of her magic blew my mind, I loved the whole fantasy of this book.

And it’s just that the plot of this story is so captivating. The intrigue and suspense were built in an impressive way, leaving me absolutely hooked in an addictive reading. There were new places and new creatures, all of them completely creepy and mysterious. Everything was so epic and original, and of course it had that dark element that I like so much. The author created an amazing game of loyalties, making us discover the truth with each page and generating really impressive plot twists.

I devoured this story from beginning to end because EVERYTHING happens in this book. It has a fast pace, it’s full of action and adrenaline, with some really amazing fight scenes. Although there is also a lot of drama and some parts that broke my heart, in addition to a very beautiful romance. I kept trusting Benny despite his supposed betrayal, I couldn't believe he was the bad guy. And it’s just that Benny is a character that I love so much, he’s so sweet and beautiful, so protective and special with Callie. Their love story is epic, it is tragic and at the same time beautiful, each of their meetings left me sighing and wishing they could finally be together.

On the other hand, I have to say that I loved the setting of this series, the author's creativity is impressive in describing every detail so full of imagination and with that touch of darkness that made it even more fascinating. And the end was so shocking! It had so much magic and tons of action. It was the perfect ending and even more because it had a very shocking revelation that was mind blowing. I loved this book so much and I think it's the best series Kimberly has written so far. It’s definitely a new favorite!







ESPAÑOL:

Cuando Callie despierta convertida en fantasma tras morir a manos de Benny, jamás se hubiese imaginado que adaptarse a su nueva existencia sería tan complicado. Ahora que finalmente está a cargo de la isla, ella deberá aprender las reglas de la magia que mantiene cautiva a tantas personas, descubriendo cómo controlar a los demás fantasmas. Mientras lidia con la traición de su novio Benny, Callie planea una venganza contra su madre Lorena, la verdadera responsable detrás de su muerte. Pero primero necesita rescatar a los habitantes del circo y liberar a sus fantasmas, poniéndolos a salvo antes de destruir la isla para siempre.

Me gustaron muchísimo los personajes de esta historia. ¡Cada uno de ellos fue tan especial y único! Callie es una protagonista fuerte que le toca enfrentarse a la prueba más difícil: seguir luchando después de su propia muerte. La autora hizo un excelente trabajo creando esa atmósfera tan incierta y espeluznante durante sus primeros momentos como un fantasma. Además, el despliegue alucinante de su magia voló por completo mi mente, me encantó toda la parte fantástica de este libro.

Y es que la trama de esta historia es atrapante. La intriga y el suspenso se van construyendo de una manera impresionante, dejándome absolutamente enganchada en una lectura adictiva. Aparecen nuevos lugares y nuevas criaturas completamente escalofriantes y misteriosas. Todo me resultó tan épico y original, además que por supuesto tiene ese toque tétrico y oscuro que tanto me gusta. Se va creando un juego de lealtades genial, descubriendo lentamente la verdad y generando unos giros argumentales realmente impactantes.

Devoré este libro de principio a fin porque pasa DE TODO, tiene un ritmo ágil y rápido, está repleto de acción y adrenalina, con algunas batallas realmente asombrosas. Aunque también hay bastante drama y escenas que me rompieron el corazón, además de un romance muy bonito. Seguí confiando en Benny a pesar de su supuesta traición, no pude creer que él era el villano. Y es que Benny es un personaje al que le tengo mucho cariño, es tan dulce y hermoso, tan protector y especial con Callie. Su amor es épico, es trágico y al mismo tiempo bellísimo, cada uno de sus encuentros me dejaron suspirando de amor y deseando que por fin pudieran estar juntos.

Por otra parte, tengo que decir que me encantó la ambientación de esta saga, la creatividad de la autora es impresionante al describir cada detalle repleto de imaginación y con ese toque de oscuridad que lo hizo aún más fascinante. ¡Y el final fue de infarto! Estuvo repleto de magia y toneladas de acción. Fue el final perfecto e incluso más porque tuvo una revelación muy impactante que me pareció alucinante. Me encantó demasiado este libro y pienso que es la mejor saga que haya escrito Kimberly hasta ahora. ¡Es un nuevo favorito!

Reseña completa

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Circus of the Dead gives us the final installment of this series by Kimberly Loth. The author brings this series with a conclusion with Callie, Benny, and those who have called the island home. The author left the last book with Callie agreeing to take the place of Lorena on the island, but there was a small catch and it demanded that Callie give up her life. Now, she's dead and Benny (her killer) is alive. Lorena is gone, but now Callie wants revenge.
When I first started reading this series I was excited and hooked. As the series progresses though it begins to waffle for me. The storyline is engaging and kept me page-turning, but the cliffhangers became more...meh than anything. The back and forth fits the teen angst, but it's also disappointing. Callie flip flops between being so in love with Benny and then vowing to hate him for the rest of her life...er...existence. There are some twists and turns in the book, but they are the typical twists that you honestly expect. There is one twist that I will say totally shocked me and my jaw hit the floor because it comes so far out of left field. Haha! But it's a good twist.
The author gives readers a happy ending more or less with this book. The characters expected to eventually sacrifice themselves do, and those the author wants to come back and live a happy life do. The "climactic" battle is a bit disappointing in my opinion. Things don't go "perfectly" smooth but let me just say this...they go pretty smooth all in all and it makes that part of the story disappointing. I wanted more drama, danger, and thrills with this book as the finale, but it just falls flat for me.
I'm rating this book 4 out of 5 stars. This book is more suitable for teens as it borderlines certain subjects (sex, romance, relationships) without getting down into the nitty-gritty. The author hints at Callie and Benny hooking up but never makes it completely obvious. The back and forth of love/hate is throughout the book, but things just resolve themselves too quickly, even for teens in my opinion. I've come to have high expectations of this author and so I feel a bit let down with this book. I'm sure that fans of this author will enjoy this book as the author closes this series, but potentially hints at a spin-off with the end.

[BlueBug · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blockbuster ending! With Callie now a ghost, she can do so little until the full moon except to contemplate what she wants to do. And Benny is on her target list. Lorena left the island, so Callie is stuck with figuring out how to stop the cycle that has taken so many lives and left so many in limbo. She's slowly discovering who she can trust and who will do anything to make sure she never leaves the island or finds the happiness she dreamed could be hers. Still heartbroken that her mother would do something like this, that the man she loves killed her, and that she knows little of the power she has at her fingertips, Callie has to wade through the mire to figure out what she can do to get the only woman who can free her back to the island before everything is lost to her.

Each of the characters plays an integral part in the motion of the plot, and this author conducted them like an orchestra to bring about an amazing and unpredictable ending. The characters were fascinating. The story was exhilarating. And the ending was extraordinary. From the first moment of the first book, I wanted to see Callie find her way off the island and find love at the same time. Yet, when it all ended, I wasn't ready for it to be over. I look forward to whatever the author has in mind to write next.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spoilers

Ok, so there Is a HEA in here. Most plots were buttoned up, but a major one wasnt, how does Callie turn human again? That is never made clear. Also, what's up with the Samuel sighting? Overall though, if you can ignore that plot hole, then you should be happy with how it turned out.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooh my...

What a fantastic ending like oohmygosh! I didn't want it to end, I mean I got my heart broken with Luke and to say that Samuel could be back on the scene!? What is that all about!? I need more! That cant be the end surely!?

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth reading!

Exhilarating and fantastic imagination by the author. Magical with a twist of suspense. Callie is a tenacious and fearless character. I am glad she and Benny had their HEA. While she was not able to save all the people she loved she was able to defeat Lorena. It was a satisfying ending after all.

[Christina Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this ending! Such a fun series and I'm sad.of all over but so happy I got to enjoy each and every book.

[Sarah Fancher · Rating 5 out of 5]

all four books left me wanting more! it was dark, creepy and downright gruesome at times. loved it.

[Tiffany Spencer]

Circus of the Dead (Book 4
There’s pain and darkness at first. Then Callie’s memories start to come back. She goes to Amy’s boat but there’s no one there. So then she goes to Lorena’s boat. On the table is a letter. It basically says sorry not sorry for what I did to you, but if she learns how to work with the island her life will be easier.

Callie goes down to the docks but ends up returning to Lorena’s boat. There’s a bright glow coming off Lorena’s boat now and the ones around it. The circus tents are also glowing even more intensely that Lorena’s boat. Elias’s isn’t. Hers glows the brightest of all. Callie thinks about what Elias once told her about the legend of the glowing green skull. So, she decides to explore. In the middle of the island she finds a massive, glowing, skull.

The skull opens its mouth and lets out a bight, green, light that hits Callie like fire. She then starts to hear voices in her head. Then a distinct one Juliette’s. Then she notices her hands have dozens of strings of light that disappear into the forest. She touches one of the strings and the others disappear.

Callie realizes she can use the strings to lead her to specific ghosts. She asks to see Maddie but all the strings disappear. Then she asks to see Juliette. They decide to go back to Lorena’s. Juliette teaches her how to handle physical objects by concentrating on what’s on the other side or underneath or on the back of the object.

Some of the other things are they have speed, they never get tired, they can go inside any house or building. They can’t touch the living tho. They can make things move but they have to be super emotionally charged. She warns her that not all the ghosts will be nice and she should stay away from the giants. Callie learns that the skull’s name is Reken.

Juliette says they should go have some fun. The ghost can just think of a place and appear there. Callie wants to go check on Mattie but when she tries to leave she realizes the contract she signed won’t allow her to leave the island. So, Juliette says she’ll do it. She finally finds Benny living in her boat and… HE’S ALIVE! After leaving her former boat, she goes back to Lorena’s to look at the contract again and think things over. Benny must have been a part of Lorena’s plan all along and she’ll *never* forgive him. No matter how much she’s seen him acting regretful and saying he misses her. She wonders If there’s anyone, she *can* trust.

She then finds Luke and he apologizes and says he did everything he could to prevent this. Callie wonders aloud how to fix this if she can’t even get to her, but Luke tells her maybe she should just get used to living on the island, get to know the ghosts, and see what she can do to help the islanders. Callie tho says that’s not how she operates. Luke warns her Lorena will be tough to defeat, but Callie says she’s going to make her regret everything she’s done.

Juliette says Maddie is fine. It’s not known if she remembers anything. She sat in on a dinner with Maddie and her parents and they didn’t mention anything about her being gone and Callie’s name never came up. On the night of the full moon, Callie randomly picks a ghost to move on (and is glad it’s not Luke or Juliette). She then does her show and afterwards runs into Benny. Benny tries to explain that a strong force that he couldn’t fight made him kill Callie, but she isn’t hearing this. He then tries to kiss her to prove he still loves her but she slaps him in the face and tells him to stay the hell away from her.

She ends up back in front of Reken and starts to yell at him about all the things that she wishes she could forget and how he’s to blame. When the sun comes up he greets her by name and says he’s been waiting to talk to her. She finds o ut he was Lorena’s creation. He keeps the circus running and the island together. Callie asks if he can release the ghost and the people. He says no. The magic has restrictions. He can however make the island disappear but the ghost will all disappear and the people will die. Callie says she won’t do that without making sure everyone is protected. He says Lorena’s spells won’t allow it. She says just have to create her own then.

Cassie starts to talk to Reken every day. She also starts to study different islanders every few days so she’ll know who to release. It becomes clear to her instantly that everyone on the island is deeply depressed. Callie decides the only way to save them is to get them off the island. When she returns to Reken, Callie asks can they get Lorena back to the island. Reken asks what would she do with her. She decides to tell him the truth and says she wants to kill her. The skull says he doesn’t have the answers right now. He has to sift through the things she taught him. He says give him a few days. There might be a combination of spells.

Reken tells her she might want to figure out how she’ll kill her first. Callie thinks the best answer is to make the island disappear even if it kills everyone else. Callie decides she has to figure out a way to save Amy’s family before she destroys the island (and Luke). She goes to Lorena’s but none of the books tell her how to bring a ghost back. She goes back to Reken and he says all the spells require Lorena to come back of her own free will (which will never happen). She says she needs to save Juliett’s family but two members are ghost.

She asks how to bring a ghost back, but he says someone would have to sacrifice themselves. She doesn’t know anyone would die for their family. Amy *might* to bring back her husband and daughter. Or she could ask around. She thinks about it and realizes the humans are only there because of the contracts and asks Reken if the contracts can be voided. He says if she can find a clause to make the contract void. He wants to know why but Callie tells him she can’t trust him. He says he wants to prove to her that she can trust him but as yet he can’t think of how.

Callie learns from a boy hanging outside her boat that Benny must have made a deal with Lorena. None of the ghosts make it past 10 kills without moving on. Also, they can’t talk about Reken to the islanders. Callie finds the contacts with the clause that if the ghosts try to kill her it’ll void all the contracts. But she’s already dead. Callie decides to focus on saving the islanders first. Benny comes back. Callie thinks that if Juliette and her dad do what Benny did they can come back, but she doesn’t think they’ll do that without persuasion. Which she *can* do.

Callie asks Reken to summon the ghosts. When they’re gathered, she asks if there’s anyone who wants to move on during the full moon. Half the ghosts raise their hands. A tiny ghost named Cecelia gets choosen. She says she wants to bring them all back or let them move on. She admits she doesn’t know how she’s going to save everyone. She wants to free the islanders but if they choose to stay on the island, they run the risk of them (the ghosts) killing them. She tells Tyson if she finds a way to free everyone, his family will want to stay there with him.

She says she won’t do it unless she can guarantee their safety but she might have to bind them to another contract. Callie says she doesn’t want to do things like Lorena but she’ll do what she has to prevent the ghosts from killing the islanders. She says she’ll help them but they have to help her help them by finding a spell.

Cecelia says she’s an ancestral witch and she’s studied the voodoo arts and she thinks she can help her. She says the contracts can be destroyed. Cecelia first shows her how to get her magic back. By the end of the night, Callie can conjure fire, water, and wind. She teaches her about voodoo magic and tells her it’s easier to create a new spell than trying to block one. The next day, she teaches Callie to tap into the most powerful side of her magic by looking in her belly. Callie can’t quite get the hang of it and sets the circus’s tent on fire. Juliette advises she picture Lorena living in her belly. The fire whooshes into her belly and explodes!

Cecelia tells her to destroy the contracts she needs the blood of an enemy, the blood of a family member, and the blood of a lover. Put then in a bone chalice and set them on fire. She tells Callie she can also start and stop hearts, heal gushing wounds (or create them), and crush or mend bones. Then Cecelia moves on. One of the birds finds the bone chalice. Luke easily gives his blood (and she heals him). Elias, she has to take it from. Benny gives it after hesitating that she’ll use his blood for revenge. The contracts are destroyed and Callie tells Benny he can tell the islanders they’re free and so is he. Benny tho asks why he’d leave when the only thing he cares about is there. Benny says he regrets what he did or maybe he doesn’t. It brought Maddie back. He holds Callie’s hand and she doesn’t pull away. Then she disappears. He says I love you. She doesn’t repeat it.

The islanders tho are skeptical. When Benny tells Amy she can leave she gets angry. How can she protect her family from the ghosts on the new moon. She tells Benny to tell Callie she’s not welcomed there anymore and to stop messing with their lives. She goes back and tells Reken. He tells her he needs another spell to keep the ghosts away from those that need protecting. She needs a voodoo spell. She asks how and he says to cast a spell on a boat, building, or tent and make sure everyone that needs protection is in it.

Callie finds the books she needs to ward off ghost on her boat. Ruth and Amy and a few of the others stay behind. Callie decides to give Benny another chance after hearing him talk to her every night and reveal things about his past. She cast the spell to keep the islanders and those who remained safe from the ghosts. Callie gets paid a visit by Gisselle who says she has a message from Lorena. Lorena says she knows what Callie’s doing and demands she stop. If she doesn’t she’ll come back. Callie then sends Giselle flying. Then a (physical) fight takes place. Callie gets the feeling Giselle isn’t quite human. She then transforms into a were-wolf.

Callie has a thought that Lorena’s immortality is tied to the island. If she destroys the island that’s the end of her. Benny gets the birds to attack Giselle. She transforms back into a human and then back into the werewolf and runs into the forest -to “have a snack- Benny and Callie chase after her. They find her on the dock hovering over something. She jumps into the water and swims away. It’s Amy’s son Jeffery.

Thankfully there’s a spell to undo the damage but Callie needs the blood of the were-wolf. Callie can’t go after her tho. Callie ends up getting Benny to call his birds to see if any have Giselle’s blood on their beaks. They find one and Callie makes the concoction that will heal Jeffery. Callie gathers the others and warns them about Giselle and Lorana. Callie promises Amy she’ll find a solution to all this.

When Callie goes to Reken she questions him about telling Lorena about her plans, but he says it wasn’t him. He says he knows how to destroy the island. He had to reach out to other iterations like himself. Through his connections Lorena might have found out. He says she has to find Lorena’s first victim’s body and fill it with salt. The spirit will move on and the island will collapse.
All of a sudden, the grounds are covered with alligators. The islanders gather in Ruth’s tent for safety. They all climb on high spaces. Callie makes them sail away from the tent. Callie tells them they have to get off the island. Callie has to keep sweeping them away while Benny ushers the others to the boat. Only the boat is sabotaged So, Amy invites them to go to her boat. Elias takes them to Amy’s boat. Luckily, the alligators can’t get past the barrier Callie’s sent up. .

Callie has a idea that the first victim would be Lorena’s husband Sileas. As she’s looking through spells something rocks the boat. Callie with the help of Reken finds a spell that will let her be corporeal on nights apart from the full moon. Now she can get Juliet and Tyson back and destroy the island. The ghosts turn murderous and Callie thinks the only way to save the islanders is to get them on the boat. Only when the boat comes back, Gisselle steps off. Callie sends Gisselle (in were form) into the water and commands the zombies to keep her there, but they don’t for long. Callie finds out Lorena needs Gisselle alive so she can take Callie’s place.

Giselle gets stabbed through the heart by Callie and kicked into the water. When she gets back to the tent all the others are on the floor with horrified expressions on their faces. Luckily tho they’re not dead (just comatose). Benny and Callie leave them there and leave the birds to protect them. Back at the tent they come face to face with Lorena. Callie immediately tries to use her fire magic to end Lorena but she deflects all her blows. She sends Benny to bring Callie to her and he obeys. Lorena then ties Callie up. It’s reveled that Benny -the Shark- is … Reken.

He made an agreement with Samuel to hold the island’s magic-which Lorena was having difficulties with-. He’s not completely the skull but he’s connected to it. Still, thinking destroying the island is her best bet, Callie asks who Lorena’s husband is and finds out it was Elias. She killed him but missed him and brought him back in another form. Callie thinks of something Elias said and knows where his body was buried. With the destruction of the ghosts and zombies fighting, Callie finds Elias’s body. She starts the spell but Lorena catches up with her and makes her fall into the grave. Callie is able to still perform the spell and Lorena turns into dust and dies.

As the island starts to come apart, Callie sends Amy and the remaining ones to the boats to get as far away as they can. She then tells the ghosts to separate themselves into groups of who wants to move on and who doesn’t. Only the number is uneven. Luke sacrifices himself and goes to the side that wants to move on with the promise Callie will save his cats. Benny and Callie are able to escape as the island and circus sinks behind them.

Rating: 7
I had my doubts about this series when I started it. I wanted more gore on the island and in the circus and less romance. But this ending wasn’t bad. The magic was cool. I liked Callie’s new powers of water and wind in addition to fire. I also liked the stopping hearts, healing and causing injuries “special extensions”. I actually wouldn’t have minded just a tad bit more magic in the story since a great deal of the book was her looking for a certain spell. But there was good stuff with these like leaning to control the zombies and the birds. So, as it progressed I grew to not mind the next book more than the last.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end to the nightmare of a circus was bittersweet. The plot was closed up all neat and tidy, which isn't always a bad thing. Luke's ending brought a tear to my eye. Benny's storyline surprised me, which is hard to do. And the twist at the end was fun! (Although I saw that one coming.) Overall, the story was good. Ghosts vs zombies. Wouldn't wanna be in the middle of that fight.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was dying to see how this terrific series would conclude.
This book continued the abundance of suspense and emotions that the previous ones had, but it also presented an exciting conclusion that was well worth all of the anxiety that the other books put me through. This was a brilliant series from start to finish. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[EPendleton · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sweet baby Jesus. I’m so glad to be done with this infernal box set that I bought. If I could get back the time I wasted reading all of them, I would…. Well, maybe not in totality. I always like to see how things play out, even if they are awfully written. I’ve only ever quit one book before and it was far worse than this one. That’s not to say this is good, it’s not.

If you want my thoughts on the writing style and execution - see my three prior reviews on books 1-3. I’ll save you all the rehashing of those details in this case.

For a brief run down of my thoughts in this book:
1) Callie dies - well in reality that whiny b@7ch deserved it. That might have been a total highlight for me. And she dies because of Benny (well, I always knew if she was going to get capped, it was going to be him). C’mon there was no way they were going to simply just be together that easily.
2) Reken - ok, spooky green skull - we knew something was going on in the middle of the island but does everything have to be Benny? He’s a Zombie, he has magic birds, he’s the skull on the island, he is the island —— next thing I know, he’s going to be Superman. Literally, this dude is everywhere.
3) Benny - alright let’s talk about Benny. I feel bad for the dude. He seems to have no control over anything he does or that happens. I mean, Lorena controls him and then Callie throws a fit because he literally couldn’t stop himself from killing her. And she knows this! Look at me, I’m Callie, I hate you because you killed me and I know you couldn’t stop yourself, but how could you betray me? This girl is something else. Tell me you’re 16 without telling me you’re 16. Gag. Also, Poor Benny, he literally just wants to be with Callie and is constantly getting blamed for something. Why would he want to subject himself to being so desperately in love with someone who constantly thinks the worst of him? Loss of cool points dude, for real.
4) Lorena - stupidity runs rampant in this family. For all the stupidity that is Callie, her mother is as equally as stupid as her daughter. First, Lorena has Callie sacrifice herself (Callie was dumb for falling for that one), but then Lorena doesn’t realize that Callie is going to be mad and try to thwart her plans to keep her on the island forever? Equally as dumb not to see that coming by Lorena. These two never think more than one step ahead of what they’re doing, but the author would have you believe otherwise. Lorena really thought she’d just leave and replace Callie and that all the while, Callie would be a good little ghost waiting on the island for that? Yeah, ok, sure. Also, I think the real reason Lorena wanted off was because she’d bumped uglies with all the men she could on the island. Alright, maybe not, but I like that motivation more.
5) “I meant well” - the books have gotten very redundant in trying to explain that Callie always means well but screws everything up. Usually people die, but that’s ok, she meant well when she did it. I just cringe each time she’s found something to try because the cycle goes like this: Oh! I have a bright idea. Does spell. Islanders suffer. Someone dies. “Oops, my bad.” Goes and find a book with new spell. Fixes problem. No harm no foul, right? Wrong. Callie is a plague and that plague is that she’s short sided and rash. I’m not sure how she manages to screw up easy things but then always manages to pull of something complicated the first time around. Like healing and inflicting pain, bringing herself back to life, and pulling off complicated spells while the island eats itself.

The only thing I’m mostly upset about and was slightly invested in…..was the damn Ibis. Where the hell is Raptor? Did he die? And was he Benny too? lol.

I will not be reading the next installments. You’ll have to kill me, trap me on an island and threaten me with the notion that all the books in the world have burned and the next set are the only thing remaining for me to read. Then, and only then, would I consider subjecting myself to this freak show of a set. Sorry.

[Topsues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie is struggling with this new way of living, especially finding changes in her role and powers. Then there’s Benny who she can never forgive for his part in it but love and hate are a very close thing. On her search for the heart of the island she finds Reken who becomes her encyclopaedia and history buff. As she continues with her original plans to fight for the islanders and ghosts alike, once again things go from bad to worse which has been her entire storyline the whole way throughout the series. This is the grand finale, the conclusion of all that heart and soul Callie put into escaping the Island. An enemy returns, battles escalated and the ultimate betrayal shocks her to her core. Find out what finally happens to the islands inhabitants, the ghosts and the Island itself. Read about those who help and give up everything for Callie and each other. Then when you think it’s all over a shocking sighting leaves an eery spine tingling shiver. Kimberly Loth has let her imagination go wild on this series creating the weirdest place and events I have ever read about, but she made it into the most compelling read I had to keep going back to. Congratulations Ms.Loth you have certainly created a unique and creative storyline that will satisfy a lot of different genres readers from fantasy to the macabre alike.

[Beverly Laude · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes it's hard to review a book without giving away spoilers, so I'll give it my best shot.

This is an absolutely amazing finale to a wonderful series. Callie has come so far in her abilities to deal with whatever the Circus of the Dead and the mysterious island throws at her, but she is still learning what she must in order to free herself and her friends from this horrid place.

Kimberly Loth has created a unique world and cast of characters and when some of these characters die (or do they?), the reader feels like they have lost a friend. The worst part about reading the last in a series is not being able to interact with the characters anymore.

This book is geared at the YA crowd, but don't let that fool you. There is plenty of magic, voodoo, zombies, witches, villains, romance and tension in this book and series. The ending was perfect and I loved the twist at the end that opens up the possibilities of more books set in this world.

The narrator, Sarah Puckett, does a great job and adds a lot to an already wonderful book. I was given the chance to listen to this book by the author and chose to review it.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callie was dispatched quickly! What about saving the people and the ghosts? A new twist! Lorena had resulted much tricky and ruthless than what Callie would have imagined. Every Callie plan was going down and Callie didn't understand what could be happening. But when it comes to dealing, Callie didn't give up despite the mistakes she made with her impetuosity. I loved that at every moment there was a question and a new mystery to solve. The twists were super with the exciting and intriguing situations that had me trying to guess the outcome of the story. Enjoyed this story where nothing was easy, there was voodoo magic and the protagonist faced strange and magic challenges all the time. Suspense, a skull, zombies, ghosts and even what seemed a nasty werewolf in training. The unexpected end left me chuckling. Good!

[Rabid Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic ending to a unique YA series. Callie managed to rid the island of Lorena, but the cost was high. Now Callie has to figure out how to destroy the island while at the same time saving both the ghosts and the rest of the islanders. That’s pretty hard to do when you happen to be a ghost yourself. Callie is a great character, things did not come easy for her, but she remained determined, strong and protective of her friends throughout everything. I loved seeing how she grew into her powers and how her relationship with Benny developed. You can’t help but love Benny, he is loyal, sweet and full of surprises. This story had lots of suspense, angst, excitement, a glowing skull, zombies, ghosts and even a nasty witch/werewolf. The story flows well, keeps you captivated and has a surprising twist right at the end, both adults and teenagers will enjoy this whole series.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is such a whirlwind of emotions. Callie is a strong heroine, but she also chooses to lead by her emotions and often times finds herself in a pickle. Thus, creating a whirlwind of emotions from other people when they find out what she did and it created a worse situation for them. But Callie seems to understand this in this book and seems to try to rectify it and work towards freeing everyone...sacrifices must be made and death is the only way out. If you enjoy reading dark paranormal books then consider this book. There’s just a lot of death and to me that’s why some consider it as “dark” but it wasn’t scary and it was full of voodoo, magical spells, zombies, ghosts, and witches. It was a fun series to read or listen. The audiobook is narrated by Sarah Puckett and she did a good job portraying Callie as well as some of the other characters.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is everything you could want in a YA series. Callie is a remarkable heroine, who finds herself on an island in New Orleans as an Obeah and ancestral witch tricked by the person who is supposed to love her. She has so many growing pains, but she never loses heart and proves that a good and just soul can persevere. Benny is constantly surprising, but unwavering in his love for Callie. I also thoroughly enjoyed the little twist at the very end. This book really has everything you could want in series finale. It has the angst, drama, resolution and surprises. I don't want to give away the plot to much or tell you to much of what happens, but pick this up and read it. You will enjoy! I volunteered to read this book.

[Nereid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacked the fear factor and intrigue

Having finished the series I wished Samuel had stayed around longer as Lorena was the typical wicked witch who acked depth and became quite predictable towards the end.There was a twist but do little focus was about the circus, it's origins snd history or the people who worked there that it was hard to care about them. I liked the birds and the zombies as they were so interactive and helpful when Callie needed assistance. Throughout most of the series the islanders seemed ungrateful after Callie risking her life to help them, typical of being isolated on the island for so long and distrustful of newcomers I liked the ending although it seemed bit too easy after everything that had happened.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an EPIC conclusion with a twist so great you will not believe it! In the final book, Callie is developing mastery over what she is able to do as a powerful ancestral witch and obeah. As always, she is looking out for the best interests of everyone involved as she is trying to undo what has been done by Lorena. Ms. Loth has truly crafted an outstanding storyline that has readers on pins and needles while the pages turn as they attempt to figure out this perplexing puzzle. This is not a standalone and the books must be read in order. Do not wait to one click your copy of this magnificent series! I highly recommend it. I volunteered to read an advance copy of this book.

[Kayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End

I have been waiting and dreading the end of this series. I fell in love with this story and I don't think that it could be ended any better. Cassie comes a long way from book one and I admit, one thing I missed most was Raptor at the end of the story. Adding Raptor to the end would've made the story perfect.

I'm sad I finished this series as fast as I did, but I loved it to the very end. Cassie is the one you root for from beginning to end and she doesn't disappoint. If the author were to add more to this series or even write a spin-off series, I would read it in a heartbeat.

Thank you Kimberly Loth for this amazing little series.

[Tutsie Kativhu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just... Wow!!! This series has been non-stop action from start to finish. Callie also grew with each book. I absolutely disliked her in the first book but I loved her by the end. You can't help but root for her and her tenacity. She's a survivor and keeps having to come back from defeat after defeat whilst looking out for her loved ones. I was blown away by how intricate everything on the island was and how it all came together. Lorena was a truly worthy and formidable foe. and that last bit at the very end, left us with just a hint of mystery😉. I'm glad it all ended with a happily ever after. Great series, absolutely fantastic!

[Inga O · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a rare thing to truly love an ending to a series but I actually did love this one. I’ve had the first three books at a solid 4 star rating but this ending for me can’t be better so it has to get top marks. It had its bittersweet moments but it just worked so well that I just couldn’t fault it! The conclusion of the series still contained all the familiar twists and turns we have come to love as well as surprises and suspense. Kimberley Loth will definitely be gracing my to read list more often after this series.

[Taylor Spalding · Rating 3 out of 5]

Again.. eh

Welp, saw all that coming. Such a shame because the first books started out so well. Callie is a moron and I'm happy that quite a few people pointed out how stupid she has been. It was basically throw a bunch of $£π√ at the wall and hope something miraculously works out well. Everything was wrapped up in a nice neat bow and now I have no reason to care why Samuel is slinking around. More chaos that she she probably NOT get herself and everyone she just saved into, but she won't.

[Kiranna Travellyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book of callie's story, and what an exciting way to finish it. From beginning to end, the fun never stops. It puts a whole new meaning to the name, circus of the dead. The big bad in this finally gets what they deserve, with several twists and unexpected surprises thrown in. Some of the mystery about Benny is revealed at last, then there's the whole did they betray Callie moments constantly. That's as much as I can say without spoiling it, but this series is so good once you start it you won't want to put it down. By far the best story to add to your collection.

[Kiranna Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the final book of callie's story, and what an exciting way to finish it. From beginning to end, the fun never stops. It puts a whole new meaning to the name, circus of the dead. The big bad in this finally gets what they deserve, with several twists and unexpected surprises thrown in. Some of the mystery about Benny is revealed at last, then there's the whole did they betray Callie moments constantly. That's as much as I can say without spoiling it, but this series is so good once you start it you won't want to put it down. By far the best story to add to your collection.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 4.6

Truly a great wrap up of a series, complete with a little teaser to make you ponder possibilities. The pages flew by quickly, taking my emotions through its paces. Of course we readers want an HEA, but it’s never a guarantee and we just don’t know what it will cost as well. Loved this entire series and would truly recommend highly! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You won't see the ending coming!

Fantastic ending. Every time you think you have the ending figured out something unexpected happens. Poor Callie has to change her plans or thinking. Callie never knows who she can trust. Anyone could be a spy or have ulterior motives. Lets face it the whole series is like this. It's why it's one of my all-time favorites. So original. I love a series that keeps you guessing!