Review: Kingdom of the Sun by Ariffa Bevin

Kingdom of the Sun
written by Ariffa Bevin
published by Ariffa Bevin

find it here: (affiliate links) Barnes & Noble, Amazon, iBooks, Smashwords, Goodreads

Why did I pick this book: I was asked by the author to review this book. (I received a copy of this book for review purposes.)

Did I enjoy this book: I found parts of it interesting.

Mrs. Bevin definitely gets points for creativity. I love the imagination she puts into creating Sooryan’s kingdom. And it’s beautifully edited which is something self-published books often lack.

But I’m going to have to play the role of old school marm here. While this story has potential, it’s too simple. I would have enjoyed it more if there were sub-plots, plot twists, and more in depth descriptions.

For example, the author tells us the people of Sooryan are suffering. But we see no descriptions of it. I say this all the time:  It’s not enough to simply tell your story. You have to allow the reader to experience your story.

Would I recommend it: Not yet.

Will I read it again: I hope this story gets re-packaged, jazzed up, and re-released. Throw in a few twists and turns, maybe a love story sub-plot, and background music (okay, maybe I’ve gone too far on that one) and yes, I’d like to see it again.

About the book – from Goodreads: Truth. Hope. Honor. Happiness…In the modern-day Kingdom of Sooryan the meaning of these four words fade as light leaves the sky during sunset…But as reassuring and as promising that the sun will rise again each day, Helena will fight for something that most want, but are not brave enough to make: Change.

Kingdom of the Sun reflects the desire that most of us have to make a change, whether it be in the world or in our own lives, and how we may lack the strength or the courage to do it. The novella highlights the significance of what it truly means to be educated as well as the power that one possesses when they are. It questions what we may value as important and necessary, and challenges several societal conventions.