Review: Bloomed into a Great Novel
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 16, 2014
Solid 4.5 stars.  I really enjoyed this book. I thought Naomi, Ginny, Alejandro, Puck, and, Rikki were very well developed characters. I think this is where Kimberly Loth shines as an author. Her plot was well developed, but even if you have a good plot, who cares if you don’t like the characters?!  Naomi’s life had my stomach clenching during the first part of the book. Even though the synopsis made it clear her future was elsewhere I hated the cult, the mentality, and pretty much everyone in the small area in Arkansas. Sorry Arkansas!!I loved watching Naomi transition from the shy girl always wanting to please everyone (essentially because that’s what she was taught) to the feisty girl who was determined to fight for what and who she believed in. I had a hunch about the Master Destroyer, and was not surprised when I was right. Yea me! Just kidding!!  I thought it was interesting that the Guardians basically used their powers to make the world feel good or normal and did some battling of the Destroyers. However, their “magic” or power seemed defensive not offensive in it’s use. While Ale explained this somewhat by going into the choices each Guardian has to make and what that entails in terms of using their gifts, it really didn’t add up to me. A war is being waged on earth and both Destroyers, Shades, and Guardians have to pick a side and fight. Making people “feel good” is important but not nearly as important as protecting them. Even when the “rules” where enforced for Master Destroyers years ago and they used people to obtain who or what they wanted/needed the bottom line is the same-people are being exploited. That was the only real issue I had with the book. If I was Naomi I would want to remain a Shade to fight offensively against evil as long as I could before giving it all up and choosing to be a Guardian. :)I liked how Loth used the metaphor or analogy for each person in Naomi’s life originally to correspond with a rose. It added a layer that I truly enjoyed and also showed how isolated Naomi truly was with her horrific parents.  Granted, I know nothing of Botany, so that could be made up as well but I have a feeling that Loth either loves roses or did extensive research for this book. Either way, it added to the story as well as to Naomi’s character.I will be stalking Loth’s page to see when the next story is out!  To anyone who enjoys paranormal books (or even light paranormal) I would highly recommend this book. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star is because those of you who know my reviews know how rarely I give those out. This was definitely a solid 4.5 stars though!!!  Excellent writing, Kimberly!I was provided a free copy of this book by LoP in exchange for a brutally honest opinion.