What do you think?
Rate this book
Sons of the Sand #1
Days of Hunger
The girl should’ve screamed.
But she didn’t.
Instead she threw a shoe at me after I showed up in her room. She summoned me but didn’t realize it.
She commanded me to leave and so I had to obey.
But the need to see her again is powerful and I’m not sure I can resist. She will come easily, like the others. Three thousand years may have passed, but women always stay the same.
They fell for pretty words and gave up their lives willingly.
This girl would be no different. She’d make her wishes and her soul will be mine. And if she resists a little, well then, the end will be all the sweeter…
But she didn’t.
Instead she threw a shoe at me after I showed up in her room. She summoned me but didn’t realize it.
She commanded me to leave and so I had to obey.
But the need to see her again is powerful and I’m not sure I can resist. She will come easily, like the others. Three thousand years may have passed, but women always stay the same.
They fell for pretty words and gave up their lives willingly.
This girl would be no different. She’d make her wishes and her soul will be mine. And if she resists a little, well then, the end will be all the sweeter…
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2017
900 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Loth
94 books988 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 102 reviews
September 1, 2017
An intriguing start to Kimberly Loth's the new series. It quickly captures the imagination and easily draws you into this new world. The story moves along at a nice pace and the plot twists and turns leaving you dying to find out how the story will unfold. The characters are great and you are can not help but be drawn to Liv and Gabe. My only drawback is the cliffhanger ending but that is because I'm inpatient and hate waiting to see how things work out. This is a great first book in the series and I can't wait to read the next one.
October 22, 2018
She would not be dying from wishing someone dead or even saving the life of a loved one. She would die loving me. --Gabe, a Jinn
Guys, this book! When I first came across this book on Amazon, I was completely engrossed. In all my years, I had never come across a book that dealt with genies--their magic, their myth, their vessels--and I was absolutely enraptured by its potential greatness. However, my main problem with this novel is that I feel like the author waited TOO LONG to give us essential information--mainly what all the terminology means and the "rules" to being a Jinn. Yes, I understand wanting to create suspense and not giving everything away in the first chapter, but I felt like I was swimming with one arm trying to wade through the terminology on my own. So I will clear up a few terms and list the basic rules (minor spoilers but nothing that will ruin the plot, I promise).
-Jinn = a "genie", has no age and has been around since the beginning of time; exists in his true form of smoke and fire inside of his vessel until a mistress awakens him; typically male
-Mistress/Master = person who finds the Jinn's vessel and whose wishes the Jinn must grant; also the life force the Jinn must absorb (and eventually steal completely) in order for the Jinn to survive (more on this later)
-Djinn = sort of a "master Jinn"; able to command other Jinn, use their magic without a mistress making wishes, and take the life force of any girl he wants in order to survive; in order to have this power, he must bind himself to a goddess
-Goddess = I'm still not entirely clear on goddesses; from what I could gather so far, they are evil and possibly want to destroy all Djinn/Jinn? They also have magical powers and in order for a Jinn to become a Djinn he must bind himself to a goddess which is considered a betrayal by the other Jinn
The taste of life force from granting those two small wishes sated my thirst like water to a man lost in the desert. --Gabe
Rules:
-Every Jinn is bound to his mistress/master and must do as she/he commands. Any command beginning with "I wish" must be granted. Jinn may grant implied wishes (ie. "I want") but they must be spoken out loud.
-Energy for granting wishes comes from the mistress and transfers to the Jinn. Once outside their vessel, Jinn need the life force of their mistress in order to survive. Every wish they grant gives them more and more strength and also increases their desire for more life force.
-The ultimate goal for a Jinn is to encourage their mistress to make a "death wish". A "death wish" is a wish that takes all of the mistress's energy to grant and results in her death, and ultimately allows the Jinn to steal all of her energy/life force.
-There are three guaranteed death wishes: she could wish to save the life of another, take the life of another, or have sex with her Jinn (this one threw me a bit but whatever).
-Once the mistress dies and her life force is taken, the Jinn returns to his vessel to await a new mistress. If the vessel is found and opened by another mistress before a death wish is made, the Jinn is transferred to the new mistress, and he can't take the life force of his previous mistress.
I was certain her life force would be the most incredible I'd ever obtained, but I also knew I'd regret taking it. --Gabe
As you can see, this book and series has so much potential! It's so unique in its mythology and possibilities for future storylines, but I feel like the author kept it safe and didn't give her characters full freedom. I like my heroes tortured and angsty, and I feel like with the conflict that Gabe faces (needing Liv's life force to survive vs. wanting her to survive him) he wasn't as brooding and tortured as he could have been. The characters could have been so much more, and I'm sorry they weren't. However, the story does center around high school characters, so it's full of high school drama and childish worries and stupid mistakes. Blagh. Overall, I was intrigued and couldn't stop reading and trying to decipher all the terms and players in the novel. I'm excited to see if the series gets better as we chug along!
My Gabriel, gorgeous Jinn and amazing guitarist..
July 28, 2018
With a couple of exceptions, every time I finish a book I checked out with Prime I ask myself why I just don’t get a magazine. Unfortunately, this is definitely one of those times.
Had a good premise. I don’t read, or see, too many genie, jinn, whatever you want to call them, books and this one seemed really interesting. However, the writing was a bit lackluster. There were a few moments where I thought it might turn a little bit of a corner, and there were flashes of, wow, interesting move by the author, but those moments were way too few and far between and didn’t last long.
I found the main character, Liv, to be immature (I knew she was only 16, but I had a guess where the maturity level was going to be when I kept seeing BFF) and annoying, prone to mini-temper tantrums, mostly by herself as she’s getting worked up and vacillating on her feelings about everything. One of these things was Kole, her ex-boyfriend (this happens right at the beginning of the book). She loved him so much, they were going to move to New York City after school and she was going to open an art studio and he was going to join a band (an 18 year old with no money and a high school education renting an apartment and opening an art studio in New York City is utterly laughable) and he made her feel so special one second, then the next she made it sound like he always pressured her for sex and was practically a rapist.
Another thing both she and Gabe did was say one thing, then in the next sentence, say the opposite or contradict that sentence: “Perhaps I should simply kill her and take my chances with the vessel getting into the hands of someone else. After what happened with Bast, I didn’t want to take risk anything” (typo was by the author) and: “…wasn’t sure I wanted to spend time with my perpetual rescuer. Then again, maybe I did.”. I wanted to be a trooper and finish this book. Then again, maybe I didn’t. Good lord, it was tedious.
I also found it creepy, weird and unnecessary how much she talked about how hot her brother was: Ty sat in the kitchen, nursing a cup of coffee. Even in that simple act, he looked majestic. What, now?
And what was with her parents getting murdered, and the way they did. The whole thing was weird. I don’t know if it was to make her afraid to be alone, afraid of everyone and everything, or what, but it felt over the top.
Gabe, the love interest, was okay, but I didn’t get his fascination with Liv. At one point he said she was such an enigma and he never felt about anyone like he felt for her. The question is: Why?! He was thousands of years old and she was whiny and like every other generic chick, with less smarts and personality. It made no sense.
Finally, Penny and Scarlet. The whole, every year they pick a “fandom” and wear clothes from it, be obsessed with it, etc. was sooooo juvenile and annoying. Also, as a twin, there was no way in hell, as a high schooler, I was dressing like my sister. Especially every day.
I could go on about the typos and odd way of phrasing things (and, is geesh even a word?), but I’m tired of spending any more time on this book. Cool covers, great premise, but there’s no way I’ll be reading the next one in this series. I just hope there’s a good magazine available for Prime reading in August.
Had a good premise. I don’t read, or see, too many genie, jinn, whatever you want to call them, books and this one seemed really interesting. However, the writing was a bit lackluster. There were a few moments where I thought it might turn a little bit of a corner, and there were flashes of, wow, interesting move by the author, but those moments were way too few and far between and didn’t last long.
I found the main character, Liv, to be immature (I knew she was only 16, but I had a guess where the maturity level was going to be when I kept seeing BFF) and annoying, prone to mini-temper tantrums, mostly by herself as she’s getting worked up and vacillating on her feelings about everything. One of these things was Kole, her ex-boyfriend (this happens right at the beginning of the book). She loved him so much, they were going to move to New York City after school and she was going to open an art studio and he was going to join a band (an 18 year old with no money and a high school education renting an apartment and opening an art studio in New York City is utterly laughable) and he made her feel so special one second, then the next she made it sound like he always pressured her for sex and was practically a rapist.
Another thing both she and Gabe did was say one thing, then in the next sentence, say the opposite or contradict that sentence: “Perhaps I should simply kill her and take my chances with the vessel getting into the hands of someone else. After what happened with Bast, I didn’t want to take risk anything” (typo was by the author) and: “…wasn’t sure I wanted to spend time with my perpetual rescuer. Then again, maybe I did.”. I wanted to be a trooper and finish this book. Then again, maybe I didn’t. Good lord, it was tedious.
I also found it creepy, weird and unnecessary how much she talked about how hot her brother was: Ty sat in the kitchen, nursing a cup of coffee. Even in that simple act, he looked majestic. What, now?
And what was with her parents getting murdered, and the way they did. The whole thing was weird. I don’t know if it was to make her afraid to be alone, afraid of everyone and everything, or what, but it felt over the top.
Gabe, the love interest, was okay, but I didn’t get his fascination with Liv. At one point he said she was such an enigma and he never felt about anyone like he felt for her. The question is: Why?! He was thousands of years old and she was whiny and like every other generic chick, with less smarts and personality. It made no sense.
Finally, Penny and Scarlet. The whole, every year they pick a “fandom” and wear clothes from it, be obsessed with it, etc. was sooooo juvenile and annoying. Also, as a twin, there was no way in hell, as a high schooler, I was dressing like my sister. Especially every day.
I could go on about the typos and odd way of phrasing things (and, is geesh even a word?), but I’m tired of spending any more time on this book. Cool covers, great premise, but there’s no way I’ll be reading the next one in this series. I just hope there’s a good magazine available for Prime reading in August.
September 6, 2017
Another great book by Kimberly Loth! I love the way that Ms. Loth writes; she really draws you into the story with her wonderful character development.
This is great start to what I think will be an amazing series! The idea of a genie in a modern world is very unique (except for maybe I Dream of Jeannie, which I loved as a kid!).
Liv is visiting Egypt with her brother & wants to pick up some souvenirs for her friends back home. She wanders into a shop & finds an intriguing bunch of small bottles which she thinks will be perfect. Little does she know that by giving these bottles to her friends, she is unleashing magic into her world. In fact, these bottles bring death to her community; will Liv be next?
My only complaint: What a cliffhanger! How long do I have to wait before I can know what happens next!
This is great start to what I think will be an amazing series! The idea of a genie in a modern world is very unique (except for maybe I Dream of Jeannie, which I loved as a kid!).
Liv is visiting Egypt with her brother & wants to pick up some souvenirs for her friends back home. She wanders into a shop & finds an intriguing bunch of small bottles which she thinks will be perfect. Little does she know that by giving these bottles to her friends, she is unleashing magic into her world. In fact, these bottles bring death to her community; will Liv be next?
My only complaint: What a cliffhanger! How long do I have to wait before I can know what happens next!
November 25, 2017
An intriguing start to Kimberly Loth's the new series. It quickly captures the imagination and easily draws you into this new world. The story moves along at a nice pace and the plot twists and turns leaving you dying to find out how the story will unfold. The characters are great and you are can not help but be drawn to Liv and Gabe. My only drawback is the cliffhanger ending but that is because I'm inpatient and hate waiting to see how things work out. This is a great first book in the series and I can't wait to read the next one
May 7, 2018
Here comes another one from the master storyteller. I don't know where Kimberly Loth get her stories from but it seems that there is no way they are running out. Congratulations on this new series!
This story is definitely smoking hot! Not just the genie but the story is really out-of-this-world amazing. A totally new take on the genie-in-a-bottle tales. I think it's time we outgrow Aladdin and meet new genies. Yey!
As you may have noticed, I have reviewed quite a few of Kimberly Loth's books. Since I first stumbled upon one of her books, the first one was Skye, since then, I have always looked forward to reading a new book from her. Her stories just have a way of making me remember how I fell in love with books, stories and reading, in the first place. Her stories always take me to a different, new and magical world where I can take part and get swallowed in it. A world where I could step into the shoes of the heroes and feel like them. It is a world of endless possibilities where I am not constrained by anything. Worries or anything else.
This new story unlike the others takes the old and brought it out into the modern world. A genie was freed from his bottle-prison in modern-day America and was as lost and confused as expected. Luckily for him, he has someone like him who has been in America for a few years who can orient him about this new culture and new world. And that things are different now and the rules may have changed from about a thousand years ago.
I know I just met Liv, Ty and their ever-silent grandmother but I already liked them. Ty has my dream job. A travel photographer. Liv is her younger sister who sometimes tags along on his international travels. This story started in Egypt when Liv bought ten pretty bottles from an Egyptian souvenir shop as a gift for her friends in the US. And the rest of the story will smoke you out of your senses.
A main character that is in her most vulnerable because a boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. A very loving and adorable brother who has the coolest job ever. A mute and mysterious grandmother who cooks very delicious food and pastries. Twin best friends who have an obsession with books and fictional characters. A genie who has been imprisoned in his bottle for far too long and there could be more of them. This is easily the mix of curious and interesting characters and adventure that you are looking for. What are you waiting for? Don't just stand there wishing, get the book now!
I give this story 5/5 old perfume bottles. I really enjoyed the story. It's far from Disney's Aladdin story we know. The genie here is not really that nice like Aladdin's genie but may actually kill his master. Scary right? Really, be careful what you wish for. I don't think I would wish for anything, if in exchange my life would be drained out of me. This is definitely a series to watch out for and follow. Well, I am on the author's ARC team already, if you want to join us, then join the Facebook group now! Don't miss out on this new and amazing story or your wish just won't be granted.
Everything was better with cinnamon.
- Kimberly Loth, The Smoking Lamp -
This story is definitely smoking hot! Not just the genie but the story is really out-of-this-world amazing. A totally new take on the genie-in-a-bottle tales. I think it's time we outgrow Aladdin and meet new genies. Yey!
As you may have noticed, I have reviewed quite a few of Kimberly Loth's books. Since I first stumbled upon one of her books, the first one was Skye, since then, I have always looked forward to reading a new book from her. Her stories just have a way of making me remember how I fell in love with books, stories and reading, in the first place. Her stories always take me to a different, new and magical world where I can take part and get swallowed in it. A world where I could step into the shoes of the heroes and feel like them. It is a world of endless possibilities where I am not constrained by anything. Worries or anything else.
This new story unlike the others takes the old and brought it out into the modern world. A genie was freed from his bottle-prison in modern-day America and was as lost and confused as expected. Luckily for him, he has someone like him who has been in America for a few years who can orient him about this new culture and new world. And that things are different now and the rules may have changed from about a thousand years ago.
I know I just met Liv, Ty and their ever-silent grandmother but I already liked them. Ty has my dream job. A travel photographer. Liv is her younger sister who sometimes tags along on his international travels. This story started in Egypt when Liv bought ten pretty bottles from an Egyptian souvenir shop as a gift for her friends in the US. And the rest of the story will smoke you out of your senses.
A main character that is in her most vulnerable because a boyfriend cheated on her with her best friend. A very loving and adorable brother who has the coolest job ever. A mute and mysterious grandmother who cooks very delicious food and pastries. Twin best friends who have an obsession with books and fictional characters. A genie who has been imprisoned in his bottle for far too long and there could be more of them. This is easily the mix of curious and interesting characters and adventure that you are looking for. What are you waiting for? Don't just stand there wishing, get the book now!
I give this story 5/5 old perfume bottles. I really enjoyed the story. It's far from Disney's Aladdin story we know. The genie here is not really that nice like Aladdin's genie but may actually kill his master. Scary right? Really, be careful what you wish for. I don't think I would wish for anything, if in exchange my life would be drained out of me. This is definitely a series to watch out for and follow. Well, I am on the author's ARC team already, if you want to join us, then join the Facebook group now! Don't miss out on this new and amazing story or your wish just won't be granted.
Everything was better with cinnamon.
- Kimberly Loth, The Smoking Lamp -
May 24, 2018
**3.5 Stars**
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?
This might be my favorite series by Kimberly Loth. It’s about a girl who unknowingly brings 10 genie bottles from Egypt. She opens one and now has a jinn granting her every wish and taking her life force in the process.
It was in first person point of view with dual perspective. All the other books that I had read from this author previously were in the third person and I can say that enjoy the first person far better. I just connect more when I’m in the character’s head.
It was a quick read which I’ve found that most of her books are. I can read them in a couple hours.
The characters were likable and diverse. The jinns were middle eastern and the twins were half Korean and half Irish. Liv was quite mature and she handled her cheating ex-boyfriend quite well. I felt like she should have gotten a closure or something from her ex-best friend though. Things just ended there. But I guess that's what you do when your best friend’s cheating on you.
The romance was kinda slow burn which I really liked. I also really like the supporting characters. Especially, the twins. The fandom thing was totally cool. They better do kpop next year.
Gabe… Well, with how things ended in this book I’m excited to see where things go.
** I received an ARC of this book for an honest review**
WHAT WAS THAT ENDING?
This might be my favorite series by Kimberly Loth. It’s about a girl who unknowingly brings 10 genie bottles from Egypt. She opens one and now has a jinn granting her every wish and taking her life force in the process.
It was in first person point of view with dual perspective. All the other books that I had read from this author previously were in the third person and I can say that enjoy the first person far better. I just connect more when I’m in the character’s head.
It was a quick read which I’ve found that most of her books are. I can read them in a couple hours.
The characters were likable and diverse. The jinns were middle eastern and the twins were half Korean and half Irish. Liv was quite mature and she handled her cheating ex-boyfriend quite well. I felt like she should have gotten a closure or something from her ex-best friend though. Things just ended there. But I guess that's what you do when your best friend’s cheating on you.
The romance was kinda slow burn which I really liked. I also really like the supporting characters. Especially, the twins. The fandom thing was totally cool. They better do kpop next year.
Gabe… Well, with how things ended in this book I’m excited to see where things go.
** I received an ARC of this book for an honest review**
November 24, 2019
DNF at 50%
****Spoilers****
This one just wasn't for me. Even though Liv was betrayed by her best friend and her boyfriend, I was unable to feel any sympathy for her and couldn't quite like her. It was annoying how she would run away from certain situations instead of facing them or discussing them or even standing up for herself.
Gabe seemed nice but was not believable as a thousands year old jinn who then starts going to high school. I would think he'd look older than a high school age person to get by with that but I guess not.
This book just couldn't hold my interest. The dialogue and story were too simplistic and we're given information about the jinn in bits and pieces. The story jumps around unexpectedly leaving me confused as to how we got from one place to another, this was especially true after Gabe was released from his vessel. After that, he's suddenly visiting his jinn friend Ali somewhere then they move conveniently next door to Liv. Tyler isn't like any older brother I'm familiar with in that he encourages his high school age sister to go out and date. And Gran is weird. She doesn't speak but I kept wondering what's wrong with her hands? Writing to express her wants and needs would be sufficient so it makes no sense why she doesn't communicate in that way.
****Spoilers****
This one just wasn't for me. Even though Liv was betrayed by her best friend and her boyfriend, I was unable to feel any sympathy for her and couldn't quite like her. It was annoying how she would run away from certain situations instead of facing them or discussing them or even standing up for herself.
Gabe seemed nice but was not believable as a thousands year old jinn who then starts going to high school. I would think he'd look older than a high school age person to get by with that but I guess not.
This book just couldn't hold my interest. The dialogue and story were too simplistic and we're given information about the jinn in bits and pieces. The story jumps around unexpectedly leaving me confused as to how we got from one place to another, this was especially true after Gabe was released from his vessel. After that, he's suddenly visiting his jinn friend Ali somewhere then they move conveniently next door to Liv. Tyler isn't like any older brother I'm familiar with in that he encourages his high school age sister to go out and date. And Gran is weird. She doesn't speak but I kept wondering what's wrong with her hands? Writing to express her wants and needs would be sufficient so it makes no sense why she doesn't communicate in that way.
September 28, 2021
I couldn’t finish this. I couldn’t even START it. When I tell you I tried I mean I REALLY tried guys. I closed this and then drug myself back to it at least three times, and I just couldn’t do it.
An absolutely overwhelming load of exposition gets dropped on your shoulders from the first sentence, and it just doesn’t stop. No emotions, no experiences, just short stilted sentences consisting mostly of statements of fact. I would have loved to be eased into literally anything at all. Anything. All I got was so much information bombed at me that I can’t tell the main character from the supporting ones. Seriously, I heard more about how hot and moody her brother was than anything about her.
I couldn’t do it, I’m sorry.
An absolutely overwhelming load of exposition gets dropped on your shoulders from the first sentence, and it just doesn’t stop. No emotions, no experiences, just short stilted sentences consisting mostly of statements of fact. I would have loved to be eased into literally anything at all. Anything. All I got was so much information bombed at me that I can’t tell the main character from the supporting ones. Seriously, I heard more about how hot and moody her brother was than anything about her.
I couldn’t do it, I’m sorry.
January 2, 2024
I had to DNF this book. I couldn't make it past 21% and really give the rest of the story a chance because the book reads like a Wattpad story from 2016 and I couldn't stomach the FMC anymore. The whole thing felt super juvenile, and I am definitely the wrong target audience for this book. Maybe if I was 14 again this would resonate more?
July 17, 2018
Good but...
Good story but really slow for the action to happen. It dragged and I nearly stopped reading at one point but I’m glad I didn’t give up on the story. Cliffhanger ending, which makes me want to read the next book now.
Good story but really slow for the action to happen. It dragged and I nearly stopped reading at one point but I’m glad I didn’t give up on the story. Cliffhanger ending, which makes me want to read the next book now.
October 20, 2017
I received this free eARC novel from the author and Red Coat Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
Liv has just come back from Egypt, where her older brother was there to take photos for his work, when she found her best friend and her boyfriend in bed together. That's not a great welcome back for her at all. And now she has to go to school after a great spring break trip, to know that everyone in the school will be watching how she reacts when Nora and Kole are together.
But Liv will suck it up and deal with it. And it doesn't hurt that there is a new boy in school: Gabe. Though she is too embarassed to look at him since he saw her in her underwear. How he got in her bedroom, she doesn't know, but now she can't look at the smoking hot guy whenever he is around.
And Gabe is constantly around because he needs to hear the wishes that Liv is making. Because when Liv was in Egypt, she found his vessel and opened it, releasing Gabe from 3,000 years trapped in their not able to do his genie or Jinn duties. So he has a lot of time to make up. And he is bidding his time on making the death wish because, as much as he wants Liv's life source to fill him up, he is liking the time he has been spending with her. But Gabe realizes that he may be liking LIV more than her life source, which is what all jinn live for.
Liv is liking the way that Gabe makes Kole jealous, so she's warming up to the idea of playing games with Gabe. But the more she is around him, the more she realizes that she might be falling for him, which is way too soon for her broken heart after what Nora and Kole did to her.
But when Liv brought Gabe to the states after her trip in Egypt, she didn't realize that she brought back 10 more jinns! And those guys don't care if the kill an innocent girl, as long as they get their life source fix.
Now girls in a small town of Michigan are dying for no apparent reason, and Liv is the next in line to die in order to hurt Gabe and make him suffer for something he did 3,000 years ago.
This was such a great book! Wow! I don't know if I have read a genie/jinn book, but if I had, it definitely isn't that memorable like this book is! I flew through this book so fast - I got it today and started reading it at 2pm during lunch, and I had to work until 6pm, so you know a book is good when it only took about 3-4 hours to read!
I love the details that Kimberly Loth gave us for the background story, but left just enough secrets to reveal at the right time. The only thing that was lacking was at the very end when the big stuff was happening. It seemed like she was rushing and glossed over a few things that would have been nice to have had to explain things further. But other than that - no complaints here!
Liv is an interesting girl. She says she is shy but she doesn't like to be alone because of what happened to her parents. And speaking of her parents, I could never in a million years know what Liv went through during that terrible nightmare. To wake up like that? No, it's just awful. So I get her sense of never wanting to be alone, but Liv is not shy. I get that she doesn't like to be embarrassed, because who does, but Liv has her moments where she is very outspoken and draws attention to herself.
And the thing with Nora and Kole is just stupid - to have people like that in your life who you trusted without a doubt and have that happen? I would have gotten revenge if I was Liv... Just saying...
Gabe is so yummy. I just can't even with him. And the way he was always trying to get Liv's attention? I don't know how that girl ignored him for so long, because I would have been like "heck yeah! let's do this!" But Liv is a much stronger girl than me, and I give her props for that.
I loved the backstory of the jinn world, and I am now debating if I need to go find more genie/jinn books in my life :) Nah, I have other books that are backed up, but I know what to look for in the future!
I am so glad I got this as an advanced reader copy, and I cannot wait for the second book in this series because I HAVE GOT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!
This is why I usually wait to read the books until all novels in the series are released...just saying.
I am definitely going to be recommending this book to YA readers because it was a great book!
Liv has just come back from Egypt, where her older brother was there to take photos for his work, when she found her best friend and her boyfriend in bed together. That's not a great welcome back for her at all. And now she has to go to school after a great spring break trip, to know that everyone in the school will be watching how she reacts when Nora and Kole are together.
But Liv will suck it up and deal with it. And it doesn't hurt that there is a new boy in school: Gabe. Though she is too embarassed to look at him since he saw her in her underwear. How he got in her bedroom, she doesn't know, but now she can't look at the smoking hot guy whenever he is around.
And Gabe is constantly around because he needs to hear the wishes that Liv is making. Because when Liv was in Egypt, she found his vessel and opened it, releasing Gabe from 3,000 years trapped in their not able to do his genie or Jinn duties. So he has a lot of time to make up. And he is bidding his time on making the death wish because, as much as he wants Liv's life source to fill him up, he is liking the time he has been spending with her. But Gabe realizes that he may be liking LIV more than her life source, which is what all jinn live for.
Liv is liking the way that Gabe makes Kole jealous, so she's warming up to the idea of playing games with Gabe. But the more she is around him, the more she realizes that she might be falling for him, which is way too soon for her broken heart after what Nora and Kole did to her.
But when Liv brought Gabe to the states after her trip in Egypt, she didn't realize that she brought back 10 more jinns! And those guys don't care if the kill an innocent girl, as long as they get their life source fix.
Now girls in a small town of Michigan are dying for no apparent reason, and Liv is the next in line to die in order to hurt Gabe and make him suffer for something he did 3,000 years ago.
This was such a great book! Wow! I don't know if I have read a genie/jinn book, but if I had, it definitely isn't that memorable like this book is! I flew through this book so fast - I got it today and started reading it at 2pm during lunch, and I had to work until 6pm, so you know a book is good when it only took about 3-4 hours to read!
I love the details that Kimberly Loth gave us for the background story, but left just enough secrets to reveal at the right time. The only thing that was lacking was at the very end when the big stuff was happening. It seemed like she was rushing and glossed over a few things that would have been nice to have had to explain things further. But other than that - no complaints here!
Liv is an interesting girl. She says she is shy but she doesn't like to be alone because of what happened to her parents. And speaking of her parents, I could never in a million years know what Liv went through during that terrible nightmare. To wake up like that? No, it's just awful. So I get her sense of never wanting to be alone, but Liv is not shy. I get that she doesn't like to be embarrassed, because who does, but Liv has her moments where she is very outspoken and draws attention to herself.
And the thing with Nora and Kole is just stupid - to have people like that in your life who you trusted without a doubt and have that happen? I would have gotten revenge if I was Liv... Just saying...
Gabe is so yummy. I just can't even with him. And the way he was always trying to get Liv's attention? I don't know how that girl ignored him for so long, because I would have been like "heck yeah! let's do this!" But Liv is a much stronger girl than me, and I give her props for that.
I loved the backstory of the jinn world, and I am now debating if I need to go find more genie/jinn books in my life :) Nah, I have other books that are backed up, but I know what to look for in the future!
I am so glad I got this as an advanced reader copy, and I cannot wait for the second book in this series because I HAVE GOT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!!!
This is why I usually wait to read the books until all novels in the series are released...just saying.
I am definitely going to be recommending this book to YA readers because it was a great book!
September 12, 2017
I cannot remember how I found Kimberly Loth but I thank the Egyptians gods because I did. For obvious reasons, I check the BOOKS tab of every author's website I visit. How do I decide if I will try and read an author's work? Guilty as charged, I look at their book covers. That's what they are for, right? I mean, come on, look at that cover. I was torn between yes and no but I'm more inclined towards yes-try-and-read-her-book option. She has free books available, I got them of course. But I didn't read them, they just sat there as part of my never-ending TBR pile. Before I left her website, I signed up for her newsletter. I want a reminder to check her books out and receiving a newsletter is as good as any notification I could set up.
I was torn between yes and no but I'm more inclined towards yes-try-and-read-her-book option. She has free books available, I got them of course. But I didn't read them, they just sat there as part of my never-ending TBR pile. Before I left her website, I signed up for her newsletter. I want a reminder to check her books out and receiving a newsletter is as good as any notification I could set up.
Before I left her website, I signed up for her newsletter. I want a reminder to check her books out and receiving a newsletter is as good as any notification I could set up. You know the drill, an email subscription confirmation was sent blah blah blah. However, hers included an option to sign-up for her Book Launch Team. And I'm not one to pass an opportunity to be a part of an author's promotions team. After a couple of days, I received an email saying her new book will be out in 2 days. Oh, how my luck works.
I downloaded its ARC and...Why do I always read ARCs before I go to sleep???
My observation is Loth writes in book series, mostly fantasy. Her work Sons of the Sand is no different. I'd say it's more of an urban fantasy than a paranormal romance. Which is a-okay for me. Romance is bound to happen in every book but I'd rather it's not the main plot of a story. Yes, The Smoking Lamp explores the theme on genies. I can't compare it to any book since this is the first one I read working around that theme. But I like it, I like how she built that world and the way she explained how it works. No info-dump. You learn about everything the same way you do if it happened in real life: you get curious, you pick up hints, ideas are planted in your head, and finally, you get the chance to interrogate the hell out of someone who knows every answer to your questions.
We are inside both main characters' heads: Gabe - the genie and Liv - his mistress. From what I understood, genies are all male and the 'masters' can only be females. Thanks to Aladdin, we call them 'master' but the genie-and-human storyline is the only similarity of Loth's work to Disney's. This is a whole new world. And this world ends in a cliffhanger! Just when the story is getting better, it stops. It rudely stops! You turn to the next page and there is no next page! WHY??? To be clear, there is no dull chapter. For someone like me who stopped reading fantasy for more than a year now, this is a page-turner. I enjoyed every page and I am pissed when it ended the way it did.
I will go find other genie-themed stories. I need to see how this topic is tackled. Preferably, genie-themed stand-alone books. Yes, I should do some research while killing time until Book 2 arrives. If you want to suffer waiting like me, The Smoking Lamp will be out tomorrow. Good, read it so I can have people to talk with.
I give this book five out of five smoking hot lamps.
I was torn between yes and no but I'm more inclined towards yes-try-and-read-her-book option. She has free books available, I got them of course. But I didn't read them, they just sat there as part of my never-ending TBR pile. Before I left her website, I signed up for her newsletter. I want a reminder to check her books out and receiving a newsletter is as good as any notification I could set up.
Before I left her website, I signed up for her newsletter. I want a reminder to check her books out and receiving a newsletter is as good as any notification I could set up. You know the drill, an email subscription confirmation was sent blah blah blah. However, hers included an option to sign-up for her Book Launch Team. And I'm not one to pass an opportunity to be a part of an author's promotions team. After a couple of days, I received an email saying her new book will be out in 2 days. Oh, how my luck works.
I downloaded its ARC and...Why do I always read ARCs before I go to sleep???
My observation is Loth writes in book series, mostly fantasy. Her work Sons of the Sand is no different. I'd say it's more of an urban fantasy than a paranormal romance. Which is a-okay for me. Romance is bound to happen in every book but I'd rather it's not the main plot of a story. Yes, The Smoking Lamp explores the theme on genies. I can't compare it to any book since this is the first one I read working around that theme. But I like it, I like how she built that world and the way she explained how it works. No info-dump. You learn about everything the same way you do if it happened in real life: you get curious, you pick up hints, ideas are planted in your head, and finally, you get the chance to interrogate the hell out of someone who knows every answer to your questions.
We are inside both main characters' heads: Gabe - the genie and Liv - his mistress. From what I understood, genies are all male and the 'masters' can only be females. Thanks to Aladdin, we call them 'master' but the genie-and-human storyline is the only similarity of Loth's work to Disney's. This is a whole new world. And this world ends in a cliffhanger! Just when the story is getting better, it stops. It rudely stops! You turn to the next page and there is no next page! WHY??? To be clear, there is no dull chapter. For someone like me who stopped reading fantasy for more than a year now, this is a page-turner. I enjoyed every page and I am pissed when it ended the way it did.
I will go find other genie-themed stories. I need to see how this topic is tackled. Preferably, genie-themed stand-alone books. Yes, I should do some research while killing time until Book 2 arrives. If you want to suffer waiting like me, The Smoking Lamp will be out tomorrow. Good, read it so I can have people to talk with.
I give this book five out of five smoking hot lamps.
September 12, 2017
The Smoking Lamp by Kimberly Loth is book one in her new fantasy series, Sons of the Sand. In this book we are introduced to a young girl named Liz. She’s a 16 year old on a trip with her brother in Egypt. While there he leaves her to her own devices for a day. Her brother has some business meetings to attend to so he leaves her a note to go buy the souvenirs she’s been wanting to acquire and that he’d meet up with her later. Liv has been through a horrific even that makes her not really want to be alone but she really wants to get some souvenirs so she pushes herself to be brave. While browsing in a shop she finds a beautiful bottle that she can’t resist. When she is told the price, she takes them all with the intent to give them as gifts to her friends, and sell the others. What she doesn’t expect is how much her world is about to change when she returns home to her family and friends. Things are about to change in a really big way.
The Smoking Lamp by Kimberly Loth engaged me right from the beginning. Liz is a teenager enjoying her time in Egypt with her brother. She’s happy and full of life. She finds these beautiful bottles that look like they are full of smoke or liquid and she thinks they’ll make great gifts or trinkets to sell. Her and her older brother, Ty, live with her grandmother after the tragic deaths of their parents. Liv, on her return home, decides to go visit her boyfriend but changes her mind. Instead she decides to go visit one of her best friends. What she finds there is heartbreaking and humiliating. Now, she’s single and one friend down. Then Gabe appears. She has no idea what he is or who he is, but not long after girls start turning up dead.
This book is such an engaging story. I dove in and before I knew it I was left with a cliff hanger and a craving for more. I love this book. When I first started this book I thought that I was going to love most of the characters. I quickly found myself not liking three. I despised Liv’s ex-boyfriend for cheating on her and Nora because she was supposed to be Liv’s best friend. I was surprised that I so quickly despised Gabe but his lust for Liv’s life force just so that he could feel that rush…yeah. I hated him for that. It was all he focused on but then he began to soften and change. I absolutely loved it. When he serenades Liv in the cafeteria I literally laugh out loud so hard. That is probably my favorite scene in the entire book.
I appreciate the way that the author takes the time to weave and create this story. It’s so well done. I go from hating so many characters to loving one as he works to in a sense redeem himself and become more. The danger is real because of his past and suspicions by others around him. It creates a lot of drama and tension but the characters seem to move through it so easily. This book is so hard to resist. I can’t wait for the next.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I literally devoured this book in a matter of hours. I didn’t want to put this book down because I wanted to know what happened next. Before I knew it I was halfway through and then at the end. I couldn’t believe it. The author may want to be careful or this will become my new favorite series by her. If you are a fan of Kimberly Loth then I recommend you pick this book up. If you like genie stories then I highly recommend you pick this book up. It is a must read and one I’m sure that many will enjoy. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this new series.
The Smoking Lamp by Kimberly Loth engaged me right from the beginning. Liz is a teenager enjoying her time in Egypt with her brother. She’s happy and full of life. She finds these beautiful bottles that look like they are full of smoke or liquid and she thinks they’ll make great gifts or trinkets to sell. Her and her older brother, Ty, live with her grandmother after the tragic deaths of their parents. Liv, on her return home, decides to go visit her boyfriend but changes her mind. Instead she decides to go visit one of her best friends. What she finds there is heartbreaking and humiliating. Now, she’s single and one friend down. Then Gabe appears. She has no idea what he is or who he is, but not long after girls start turning up dead.
This book is such an engaging story. I dove in and before I knew it I was left with a cliff hanger and a craving for more. I love this book. When I first started this book I thought that I was going to love most of the characters. I quickly found myself not liking three. I despised Liv’s ex-boyfriend for cheating on her and Nora because she was supposed to be Liv’s best friend. I was surprised that I so quickly despised Gabe but his lust for Liv’s life force just so that he could feel that rush…yeah. I hated him for that. It was all he focused on but then he began to soften and change. I absolutely loved it. When he serenades Liv in the cafeteria I literally laugh out loud so hard. That is probably my favorite scene in the entire book.
I appreciate the way that the author takes the time to weave and create this story. It’s so well done. I go from hating so many characters to loving one as he works to in a sense redeem himself and become more. The danger is real because of his past and suspicions by others around him. It creates a lot of drama and tension but the characters seem to move through it so easily. This book is so hard to resist. I can’t wait for the next.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I literally devoured this book in a matter of hours. I didn’t want to put this book down because I wanted to know what happened next. Before I knew it I was halfway through and then at the end. I couldn’t believe it. The author may want to be careful or this will become my new favorite series by her. If you are a fan of Kimberly Loth then I recommend you pick this book up. If you like genie stories then I highly recommend you pick this book up. It is a must read and one I’m sure that many will enjoy. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in this new series.
September 5, 2017
5/5 Stars
I fell in love with Kimberly Loth's writing with her Stella and Sol series. And this new series doesn't disappoint.
Liv comes back from a trip to Egypt with ten bottle of colored smoke-some for her friends and some for the shop run by her grandmother. However, it turns out every bottle is filled with a Jinn. Gabe is a Jinn that has been trapped for three thousand years, and now Liv is his mistress. He is determined to take her life force-that is, until he falls in love with her.
This novel is an interesting twist on the genie legend. Instead of only three wishes, the owner of a Jinn has unlimited wishes. However, each wish takes some of their life force which is the essence that keeps a Jinn alive. Each Jinn is determined to create a "death wish"- a wish that ends up killing their master or mistress so they can consume the entire life force. It is interesting that Kimberly created a small loophole for the Jinn. They can practically turn any statement into a wish in order to feed on their mistress' life forces.
In this novel, there is also the difference between a Jinn and a Djinn. A Jinn has a mistress and must grant the wishes of said mistress, while a Djinn (created when one drinks an elixir from the goddesses) can grant any wish and use his magic freely. But it does tie them to the goddesses, of which there are consequences.
Enough about the cool twist on a well known legend. Kimberly also creates astounding characters. I was able to love or hate each character, and a few even grew throughout the novel. Her writing style is superb, especially when showcasing Gabe's entry into this new world.
I cannot wait for the next book. I was left with a cliffhanger!!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review
I fell in love with Kimberly Loth's writing with her Stella and Sol series. And this new series doesn't disappoint.
Liv comes back from a trip to Egypt with ten bottle of colored smoke-some for her friends and some for the shop run by her grandmother. However, it turns out every bottle is filled with a Jinn. Gabe is a Jinn that has been trapped for three thousand years, and now Liv is his mistress. He is determined to take her life force-that is, until he falls in love with her.
This novel is an interesting twist on the genie legend. Instead of only three wishes, the owner of a Jinn has unlimited wishes. However, each wish takes some of their life force which is the essence that keeps a Jinn alive. Each Jinn is determined to create a "death wish"- a wish that ends up killing their master or mistress so they can consume the entire life force. It is interesting that Kimberly created a small loophole for the Jinn. They can practically turn any statement into a wish in order to feed on their mistress' life forces.
In this novel, there is also the difference between a Jinn and a Djinn. A Jinn has a mistress and must grant the wishes of said mistress, while a Djinn (created when one drinks an elixir from the goddesses) can grant any wish and use his magic freely. But it does tie them to the goddesses, of which there are consequences.
Enough about the cool twist on a well known legend. Kimberly also creates astounding characters. I was able to love or hate each character, and a few even grew throughout the novel. Her writing style is superb, especially when showcasing Gabe's entry into this new world.
I cannot wait for the next book. I was left with a cliffhanger!!
Disclaimer: I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review
September 27, 2017
I have just finished this book and I am so excited for the next book to come out, especially after the heart wrenching way that this book ended!!!!
I have been a huge fan of this author after falling in love with her Dragon Kings series, I love the way that she writes her books, although there is fantasy she writes in such a way that readers can really relate to the stories, can see themselves in each character's life, feeling everything alongside them and that's one of the things I loved the most about this book!!!
The storyline in this book is so compelling and addictive you really can't stop reading it and you will be gutted when it ends as you still want to be in that universe with all the colourful characters, with all the secrets and surprises, twists and turns that keep your heart pumping and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout this thrilling ride of a book!!!
I really loved reading about Liv’s character… she is extremely relatable and just wants the normal life of a 16 year old, even with all the struggles and pain she has been through and goes through within this book. She doesn't believe in the supernatural and has a strength of will that surprises even herself with how she is able to adapt to unknowns. As soon as I started reading about Gabe I was hooked on his character, it is so enjoyable seeing how much he changes throughout this book, seeing him learning about the world while he has been away. He is a completely different person at the end of the book than the person you read at the start and I can't wait to see where he will go from here.
I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing this book is and how people need to read this book….one chapter and readers will be hooked, not only on this book but on the author's other books and how she writes. Definitely worth 5* rating and a must read!!!!
I have been a huge fan of this author after falling in love with her Dragon Kings series, I love the way that she writes her books, although there is fantasy she writes in such a way that readers can really relate to the stories, can see themselves in each character's life, feeling everything alongside them and that's one of the things I loved the most about this book!!!
The storyline in this book is so compelling and addictive you really can't stop reading it and you will be gutted when it ends as you still want to be in that universe with all the colourful characters, with all the secrets and surprises, twists and turns that keep your heart pumping and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout this thrilling ride of a book!!!
I really loved reading about Liv’s character… she is extremely relatable and just wants the normal life of a 16 year old, even with all the struggles and pain she has been through and goes through within this book. She doesn't believe in the supernatural and has a strength of will that surprises even herself with how she is able to adapt to unknowns. As soon as I started reading about Gabe I was hooked on his character, it is so enjoyable seeing how much he changes throughout this book, seeing him learning about the world while he has been away. He is a completely different person at the end of the book than the person you read at the start and I can't wait to see where he will go from here.
I want to shout from the rooftops about how amazing this book is and how people need to read this book….one chapter and readers will be hooked, not only on this book but on the author's other books and how she writes. Definitely worth 5* rating and a must read!!!!
September 19, 2017
Well, I didn't expect that !! I don't leaver spoilers, you should enjoy the story on merit. I have become a fan of Kimberly Loth's books, and this is yet another, that doesn't let her down. This story has taken the Jinn as we know it, and twisted it on its head, There is certainly no twinkling of dust or make threee wishes with this book. There is good definition all the way through, so you will always know where you are, and can imagine all scenarios. It engaged me from the start until the unexpected ending. Not unexpected as in I didn't know, it would have a cliffhanger but unexpected as in, what ! wait ! How did I get to the end so quickly. Reason being, I was totally sucked in and didn't notice time passing me by. The story is told in the first person of the two main characters, and supported by the other characters as and when needed. Kimberly Loth has a great talent of being able to transpose others emotions into the written word, which makes you able to believe in the story and its characters as easily as breathing . The main female lead has strength and weakness running alongside herself all the way through as she battles or excepts the things happening around her. Much the same is happening to the Jinn. It has an interesting take on what the common belief a Jinn should be or what they should be able to do. This one does have strength but also finds unbelievable weaknesses in the settings it finds itself in. As a first book in a series, there is so much scope and characters that I am itching to find out how this story evolves. If the rest are going to be as good as this, then Kimberly Loth has scored again. Would I recommend this book ? Definitely
September 11, 2017
NOOOOOOOOO.....it can't end like that!!! I knew it was a cliffhanger before I started but I was so engrossed in the story, I didn't realize I was near the end. Needless to say, the ending caught me by surprise. I knew a lot had happened but the story had such a hold on me it felt like hardly any time had passed since I picked up the book. Instead, it had been hours and I hadn't put the book down even once. Dec 10 seems sooooo far away and that is when Book 2 in Sons of Sand is set to release. It can't get here fast enough.
I'd give The Smoking Lamp more than 5 Stars if they would let me. It deserves many more stars.
This is the 1st story I've read with a Jinn. WOW! I had no idea what being a Jinn meant. Or what letting a Jinn out of his bottle meant to the human. I love all the layers and details woven into this story. I've formed an idea about Gran and can't wait to see if I'm anywhere close to right. She is definitely an enigma.
It's amusing to watch Gabe understand the words but not the meanings we put on them. Just like anyone who knows a foreign language but not all the nuances he takes things literally sometimes. Liv is an unusual teenager. While her friends all care about their looks and work at looking 'perfect', Liv doesn't care about her appearance. It was refreshing.
As you've guessed by now, I LOVED this book. I strongly urge you to read it. I urge you to all books by Kimberly Loth. All of her books grab me from page one and don't let go. Find out what you've been missing if you're not reading her books.
I'd give The Smoking Lamp more than 5 Stars if they would let me. It deserves many more stars.
This is the 1st story I've read with a Jinn. WOW! I had no idea what being a Jinn meant. Or what letting a Jinn out of his bottle meant to the human. I love all the layers and details woven into this story. I've formed an idea about Gran and can't wait to see if I'm anywhere close to right. She is definitely an enigma.
It's amusing to watch Gabe understand the words but not the meanings we put on them. Just like anyone who knows a foreign language but not all the nuances he takes things literally sometimes. Liv is an unusual teenager. While her friends all care about their looks and work at looking 'perfect', Liv doesn't care about her appearance. It was refreshing.
As you've guessed by now, I LOVED this book. I strongly urge you to read it. I urge you to all books by Kimberly Loth. All of her books grab me from page one and don't let go. Find out what you've been missing if you're not reading her books.
September 11, 2017
NOOOOOOOOO.....it can't end like that!!! I knew it was a cliffhanger before I started but I was so engrossed in the story, I didn't realize I was near the end. Needless to say, the ending caught me by surprise. I knew a lot had happened but the story had such a hold on me it felt like hardly any time had passed since I picked up the book. Instead, it had been hours and I hadn't put the book down even once. Dec 10 seems sooooo far away and that is when Book 2 in Sons of Sand is set to release. It can't get here fast enough.
I'd give The Smoking Lamp more than 5 Stars if they would let me. It deserves many more stars.
This is the 1st story I've read with a Jinn. WOW! I had no idea what being a Jinn meant. Or what letting a Jinn out of his bottle meant to the human. I love all the layers and details woven into this story. I've formed an idea about Gran and can't wait to see if I'm anywhere close to right. She is definitely an enigma.
It's amusing to watch Gabe understand the words but not the meanings we put on them. Just like anyone who knows a foreign language but not all the nuances he takes things literally sometimes. Liv is an unusual teenager. While her friends all care about their looks and work at looking 'perfect', Liv doesn't care about her appearance. It was refreshing.
As you've guessed by now, I LOVED this book. I strongly urge you to read it. I urge you to all books by Kimberly Loth. All of her books grab me from page one and don't let go. Find out what you've been missing if you're not reading her books.
I'd give The Smoking Lamp more than 5 Stars if they would let me. It deserves many more stars.
This is the 1st story I've read with a Jinn. WOW! I had no idea what being a Jinn meant. Or what letting a Jinn out of his bottle meant to the human. I love all the layers and details woven into this story. I've formed an idea about Gran and can't wait to see if I'm anywhere close to right. She is definitely an enigma.
It's amusing to watch Gabe understand the words but not the meanings we put on them. Just like anyone who knows a foreign language but not all the nuances he takes things literally sometimes. Liv is an unusual teenager. While her friends all care about their looks and work at looking 'perfect', Liv doesn't care about her appearance. It was refreshing.
As you've guessed by now, I LOVED this book. I strongly urge you to read it. I urge you to all books by Kimberly Loth. All of her books grab me from page one and don't let go. Find out what you've been missing if you're not reading her books.
April 6, 2023
"The Smoking Lamp" is YA - something I hadn't figured out before reading it (memo to self - read the blurb!)
It's fine as it stands but I think it would have been better if written for adults. However, writers do what they feel suits their style and Kimberly Loth has pretty much nailed the YA element.
It does require a major investment as far as suspension of belief is concerned.
High school student Liv is on a brief vacation in Egypt with her brother, Ty. She visits a bazaar and buys 10 little smoky bottles as gifts and to sell in her grandmother's curiosity shop.
Back home in Grand Haven, Michigan, she opens one.
A Jinn (Genie), Gabe, immediately appears in her bedroom when she is half-dressed but she thinks it is a visitor for her brother who has gone into the wrong room and doesn't think much more about it except for the embarrassment factor.
And, before you know it the area has become Jinn (Genie) central
What should be a straightforward romcom is complicated by several factors:- every time Liv makes a wish it costs her a little of her life force (it restores itself) but, heaven forfend, should she wish for life or death, or have sex with Gabe she'll die and Gabe will be free to find a new mistress; Gabe, however, has been out of the Jinn loop for 3,000 years and the other Jinn in town believe he is a traitor so, in order to punish him, they want to kill Liv. He's also increasingly smitten but can't see a solution to the dead one way or another Liv conundrum.
I made it to the (cliff hanger) ending but, although it was an interesting read, it is not for me.
3 Stars
It's fine as it stands but I think it would have been better if written for adults. However, writers do what they feel suits their style and Kimberly Loth has pretty much nailed the YA element.
It does require a major investment as far as suspension of belief is concerned.
High school student Liv is on a brief vacation in Egypt with her brother, Ty. She visits a bazaar and buys 10 little smoky bottles as gifts and to sell in her grandmother's curiosity shop.
Back home in Grand Haven, Michigan, she opens one.
A Jinn (Genie), Gabe, immediately appears in her bedroom when she is half-dressed but she thinks it is a visitor for her brother who has gone into the wrong room and doesn't think much more about it except for the embarrassment factor.
And, before you know it the area has become Jinn (Genie) central
What should be a straightforward romcom is complicated by several factors:- every time Liv makes a wish it costs her a little of her life force (it restores itself) but, heaven forfend, should she wish for life or death, or have sex with Gabe she'll die and Gabe will be free to find a new mistress; Gabe, however, has been out of the Jinn loop for 3,000 years and the other Jinn in town believe he is a traitor so, in order to punish him, they want to kill Liv. He's also increasingly smitten but can't see a solution to the dead one way or another Liv conundrum.
I made it to the (cliff hanger) ending but, although it was an interesting read, it is not for me.
3 Stars
July 22, 2018
Well that was a enjoyable quick read. I personally like books with multiple POVs and this one followed the to main characters. I haven’t read a series about genies since middle school and that was children of the lamp so it’s definitely been some time.
Liv the main character was okay. She described herself as kind of weak about not wanting to be alone and avoiding confrontation early into the book, but I thought she was strong. She dumped her cheating bf and her bff at the same time and managed to hold her ground the whole book and even managed her feelings for the hot genie she unknowingly brought back from Egypt with her. Obviously Gabriel is hot and I can see why she’s attracted to him but he doesn’t put much into explaining why he fell for her so quickly. I mean she’s pretty and she does stuff he doesn’t expect but I really want to know more about his past. The author gives us little puzzle pieces about his past with some goddess and another genie Samir but I really want to know that story.
And what’s with Livs headaches? Apparently when the life force is drained they lose breath not headaches? Is she someone more? The fact that she didn’t die with that last wish right away have anything to do with it? All questions that will lead to me to read book two!
Liv the main character was okay. She described herself as kind of weak about not wanting to be alone and avoiding confrontation early into the book, but I thought she was strong. She dumped her cheating bf and her bff at the same time and managed to hold her ground the whole book and even managed her feelings for the hot genie she unknowingly brought back from Egypt with her. Obviously Gabriel is hot and I can see why she’s attracted to him but he doesn’t put much into explaining why he fell for her so quickly. I mean she’s pretty and she does stuff he doesn’t expect but I really want to know more about his past. The author gives us little puzzle pieces about his past with some goddess and another genie Samir but I really want to know that story.
And what’s with Livs headaches? Apparently when the life force is drained they lose breath not headaches? Is she someone more? The fact that she didn’t die with that last wish right away have anything to do with it? All questions that will lead to me to read book two!
July 29, 2018
Interesting!
I enjoyed this book despite how short it seemed to be. I have never read a book about a Jinn before so this was a great change. I hate that cliffhanger but good for me the 2nd book is already out so I won't have to wait!
Here's a little about the book but warning this could be a spoiler for you.
Liv is a junior in high school on spring break she goes to Egypt with her older brother. She finds ten beautiful bottles and buys them all. She goes back home to Michigan gives a few to friends and keeps one. After that Gabe shows up in her room and she assumes he's her brother's friend she sends him off and after that the story goes on. There are still a lot of unanswered questions like why her gran showed fear of Gabe and what happened to her parents. Etc. Watching Gabe who has no remorse for killing girls fall in love with Liv is ok. Thar part kinda feels a little off, but the end pulls it together. His Elixir is confusing though. He said it would tie him to an Evil Goddess and her sisters but then it says he belongs to know one. Hopefully the next book will clear up the confusion. All in all, I gave this a 4 star review because it was a nice change from Vampires, Werewolves, and Shifters.
I enjoyed this book despite how short it seemed to be. I have never read a book about a Jinn before so this was a great change. I hate that cliffhanger but good for me the 2nd book is already out so I won't have to wait!
Here's a little about the book but warning this could be a spoiler for you.
Liv is a junior in high school on spring break she goes to Egypt with her older brother. She finds ten beautiful bottles and buys them all. She goes back home to Michigan gives a few to friends and keeps one. After that Gabe shows up in her room and she assumes he's her brother's friend she sends him off and after that the story goes on. There are still a lot of unanswered questions like why her gran showed fear of Gabe and what happened to her parents. Etc. Watching Gabe who has no remorse for killing girls fall in love with Liv is ok. Thar part kinda feels a little off, but the end pulls it together. His Elixir is confusing though. He said it would tie him to an Evil Goddess and her sisters but then it says he belongs to know one. Hopefully the next book will clear up the confusion. All in all, I gave this a 4 star review because it was a nice change from Vampires, Werewolves, and Shifters.
September 7, 2017
Description: Brand New Urban Fantasy Series - Sons of Sand Book 1 - The Smoking Lamp
Liv - 16 year old girl (Mistress)
Gabriel - Genie
Jinn - Has a mistress and must grant wishes of said mistress
Djinn - (created when one drinks an elixir from the goddesses) can grant any wish and use magic freely. But, it does tie them to the goddesses, of which there are consequences.
OH MY BUDDHA! A bewitching urban fantasy series with a one-of -a-kind writing style that is zany. This author created a well crafted distinctive world with very descriptive details. The synopsis draws you in, the characters, plot & storyline, will enchant you. A divine twists on a well known old legend. A scrumptiously delicious devourable novel. My new favourite urban fantasy series. I am estatic & can't wait for book 2. This novel ends one of the best cliffhangers ever! OH MY GOLLY GOSH! OH MY STARS!
I volunteerly reviewed an advanced reading copy of this novel.
Liv - 16 year old girl (Mistress)
Gabriel - Genie
Jinn - Has a mistress and must grant wishes of said mistress
Djinn - (created when one drinks an elixir from the goddesses) can grant any wish and use magic freely. But, it does tie them to the goddesses, of which there are consequences.
OH MY BUDDHA! A bewitching urban fantasy series with a one-of -a-kind writing style that is zany. This author created a well crafted distinctive world with very descriptive details. The synopsis draws you in, the characters, plot & storyline, will enchant you. A divine twists on a well known old legend. A scrumptiously delicious devourable novel. My new favourite urban fantasy series. I am estatic & can't wait for book 2. This novel ends one of the best cliffhangers ever! OH MY GOLLY GOSH! OH MY STARS!
I volunteerly reviewed an advanced reading copy of this novel.
September 14, 2017
I received a courtesy copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Liv didn’t know what to make of Gabe, but she knew he was making her ex boyfriend jealous. Right now, that’s all that mattered. Then Gabe became much more and she wasn’t sure if she should let him into her life. Gabe didn’t want to scare Liv away so he took things slow…but when he realized he felt more for her than he thought himself capable of, he wasn’t sure what to do next…
I haven’t read a book this fun in a long while. The characters were a joy to get wrapped up in, along with an easily entrancing storyline. I adored The Smoking Lamp and when I got to the end, I gasped, knowing I’ll be a basket case waiting for more! I throughly enjoy every one of Ms. Loth’s books and look forward to many more. I’m completely addicted to her smooth and easy writing style. Don’t you dare miss The Smoking Lamp! 5 Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3JZB27...
Liv didn’t know what to make of Gabe, but she knew he was making her ex boyfriend jealous. Right now, that’s all that mattered. Then Gabe became much more and she wasn’t sure if she should let him into her life. Gabe didn’t want to scare Liv away so he took things slow…but when he realized he felt more for her than he thought himself capable of, he wasn’t sure what to do next…
I haven’t read a book this fun in a long while. The characters were a joy to get wrapped up in, along with an easily entrancing storyline. I adored The Smoking Lamp and when I got to the end, I gasped, knowing I’ll be a basket case waiting for more! I throughly enjoy every one of Ms. Loth’s books and look forward to many more. I’m completely addicted to her smooth and easy writing style. Don’t you dare miss The Smoking Lamp! 5 Stars!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3JZB27...
September 30, 2017
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this advance reader copy and was not compensated in any way.
This is the first book in Kimberly Loth’s newest series Sons of the Sand - and it is a doozy. The story bounces between the two main characters - Liv and Gabe - with each chapter dedicated to one perspective. The dual viewpoints makes it much easier to follow both characters as they get to know each other and as they have different experiences. It is hard to pull of dual perspectives in my opinion as things can get confusing fast, but Ms. Loth does it with ease and style. This is a great start to what is sure to be an amazing series. Fair warning - there is a cliff hanger so if you don't like them you might want to wait til the next book comes out - but I recommend reading this book as soon as you can and not waiting as there be Genies in there and yummy ones at that.
This is the first book in Kimberly Loth’s newest series Sons of the Sand - and it is a doozy. The story bounces between the two main characters - Liv and Gabe - with each chapter dedicated to one perspective. The dual viewpoints makes it much easier to follow both characters as they get to know each other and as they have different experiences. It is hard to pull of dual perspectives in my opinion as things can get confusing fast, but Ms. Loth does it with ease and style. This is a great start to what is sure to be an amazing series. Fair warning - there is a cliff hanger so if you don't like them you might want to wait til the next book comes out - but I recommend reading this book as soon as you can and not waiting as there be Genies in there and yummy ones at that.
September 2, 2017
This is another spectacular story from Kimberly Loth with a bit of a twist on the jinn storyline. Liv is a young woman who recently returns from a trip to Egypt with some beautiful glass bottles with smoke inside. Not thinking anything of it, she proceeds to sell some in her grandmother’s shop along with other glassworks. Gabe is the handsome genie who is unwittingly released, trying to come to grips with his new world and newfound feelings towards his “mistress.” What ensues is a compelling, vividly descriptive story whereby the reader feels as if he/she is actually in the book along with the characters. As it does end with a bit of a cliffhanger, I only hope that the next book will be released quickly. I highly recommend this book!
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
I volunteered to read an arc for a review.
September 13, 2017
This one is not usual YA read. There is a thing about sucking life force by Jinn – which in the end means death of Jinn Master. So not so lovely background.
Liv – she came back from Egypt just to find out that her BFF got together with her boyfriend! After it suddenly one boy appeared in her room. Who is he? Why is he almost always around her and rescue her when she needs it? Did I mention this stanger was handsome?
Gabe – he was stuck in his bottle for three thousand years! Everything had changed. Why his Mistress is so complicated? He needs to get close to her. Will he manage to do it? What about taking her life force?
Add to it murders in neighborhood, Jinn’s on Liv’s back.
Who is who? Join them in this great YA book.
ATTENTION: ends on big cliffhanger!
Liv – she came back from Egypt just to find out that her BFF got together with her boyfriend! After it suddenly one boy appeared in her room. Who is he? Why is he almost always around her and rescue her when she needs it? Did I mention this stanger was handsome?
Gabe – he was stuck in his bottle for three thousand years! Everything had changed. Why his Mistress is so complicated? He needs to get close to her. Will he manage to do it? What about taking her life force?
Add to it murders in neighborhood, Jinn’s on Liv’s back.
Who is who? Join them in this great YA book.
ATTENTION: ends on big cliffhanger!
November 23, 2019
Liv and Gabe are so fun.
Liv comes back from spring break with some beautiful pieces to sell, from Egypt. She has no idea what she’s just unleashed in doing so. When she gets back she finds betrayal and heartbreak and struggles to get over it. In comes Gabe.
Gabe finds Liv to be different than any mistress he’s ever had before. For some reason he doesn’t want to actually grant her a death wish. Usually he’d have no problem with it. He works to earn her trust and then tells her the truth. Can they still stay friends? Can they be more? On top of that they have to stop another genie from killing people she cares about. They’ve got their work cut out for them and time is running out.
Such a cute story and I really enjoyed reading it.
Liv comes back from spring break with some beautiful pieces to sell, from Egypt. She has no idea what she’s just unleashed in doing so. When she gets back she finds betrayal and heartbreak and struggles to get over it. In comes Gabe.
Gabe finds Liv to be different than any mistress he’s ever had before. For some reason he doesn’t want to actually grant her a death wish. Usually he’d have no problem with it. He works to earn her trust and then tells her the truth. Can they still stay friends? Can they be more? On top of that they have to stop another genie from killing people she cares about. They’ve got their work cut out for them and time is running out.
Such a cute story and I really enjoyed reading it.
April 3, 2019
Definitely a teen read.
This novel didn’t have a lot of depth, but I have no doubt that teens will like it. Typical teenage girl. Boy crazy. The jinn aspect was cool, but the story didn’t do much for me. A lot of things that that protagonist thought were contradictory. She’d say something and then a few paragraphs later she would say the opposite. I have to say Gabe is my fave character. And I like the twins. And the overall problem, which I won’t say because of spoilers, actually seems very easy to solve. Seems like a plot hole to me. Still, it was a cute story.
Reader Rated fro ages 15+ for sensuality, kissing, and mild language.
This novel didn’t have a lot of depth, but I have no doubt that teens will like it. Typical teenage girl. Boy crazy. The jinn aspect was cool, but the story didn’t do much for me. A lot of things that that protagonist thought were contradictory. She’d say something and then a few paragraphs later she would say the opposite. I have to say Gabe is my fave character. And I like the twins. And the overall problem, which I won’t say because of spoilers, actually seems very easy to solve. Seems like a plot hole to me. Still, it was a cute story.
Reader Rated fro ages 15+ for sensuality, kissing, and mild language.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews