Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town…
My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I've been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I'm coming to think I have another purpose here.
Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I've discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth.
This is a great sequel to The Restorer. While I saw the first book as more of a mystery than a ghost story, this one blended the two perfectly.
The story takes place in a town which has become a world within itself. One where the rules have become a form of law and outsiders are unwelcome. Amelia finds herself drawn here not only by her job as a graveyard restorer, but by a pull she cannot explain. It is the mystery of her life and what came before she was born is the mystery begging to be solved. However, is the mystery itself a danger? Heh... you know I'm not going to spill a thing. :D *evil laugh*
The story has many twists and turns and it keeps your interest. The ghosts are both eerie and fascinating. They don't take over the story and yet enhance it well. Oh and there is an introduction of a dog, Angus, you will just love. He also becomes part of the tension. And those that crave romance, well there is a bit of that but not with Devlin... however, we get hints that she may not be done with that relationship either. ;)
I give this story 5 stars. I know I've been a bit more elusive about the story than usual, but I think those that love this series should read this book with as little information as possible. It preserves the tension. :D
PS... the third book is coming up quickly at the end of this month!! YaY!
I received this eARC from the publisher and NetGalley and no compensation for my review was given.
This is an interview by RT Book Reviews about the series.
Glad you liked this book as well! I just adore the eerie tone of this series - very different from my usual read. Yay! :-)
ReplyDeleteI really like the way she writes. I can't wait to read the next!
DeletePS - I did think of your puppy when Angus was introduced as well! :)
ReplyDeleteHm... I do think he would be as protective, but I still think I'd have to be the one protecting him from the ghosties! LOL
DeleteYEAH! YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that I took a shot at "The Restorer" and knew nothing about the book. I really liked "The Kingdom" too and there were parts of Amelia's background that I completely took me off guard. I don't know if I want to be her with all that knowledge and weird power. I'd gladly take Devlin off her hands though. ;)
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to reading his story. Thank goodness I already have it from Netgalley!
Hey, now... you know Devlin is part of the harem. I get dibs! :D
DeleteI have it too... can't wait to get to it!
Ooh, I like the sound of this. Ghosts that enhance the story rather than taking it over I can cope with.
ReplyDeleteI think you can. The first was less ghostie creepy to me, but this one just used them even more.
DeleteWow 5 stars! I need to read this! I heard the first book was amazing, I'm so glad the second book doesn't suffer from second book syndrome at all. And a huge YAY for the rapid release of book 3! Woot!
ReplyDeleteNo it doesn't suffer from it. I think it is because it became a different type of story than the first. I think you will really enjoy it!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed this books as much as I did. I totally agree with you, it was amazing! I can't wait now to read your opinion about the prophet. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read it. Thanks so much for giving me a "heads up" that it was already at NetGalley!
Deletelol it's the reason I love NetGalley!
DeleteYou read them in order? Hey that is not how it's done ;)
ReplyDeleteI just read a guest post with the author and found out that 3 more books are coming! How exciting. I still need to read book one, so thanks for the spoiler free review, even though I love spoilers. LOL
ReplyDeleteI loved the first one so I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel! YAY for Cemeteries!
ReplyDeleteI love Steven's book so off to add to my wishlist!
ReplyDeleteI so love the headers of your blog each and every month!
ReplyDeleteNice review, but I still believe this series is too scary for me.
I still have the first book to read! Glad to hear this book lives up to its hype :)
ReplyDelete