Book Review: The Kingdom

The Kingdom (The Graveyard Queen #2)

By: Amanda Stevens

Published By: Mira

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

Page Count: 400

Buy it at Amazon or IndieBound

Source: Provided by Publisher via NetGalley

Audience: Adult - Paranormal Mystery

You can also check out my review of book #1, The Restorer.

I need to start by saying I LOVE this series. I have tried to keep my inner fangirl at bay while I write this review, but there may be a few moments where she makes an appearance. 

Since the moment I finished The Restorer, I craved more time in Amelia Gray's world. Amelia is a cemetery restorer. She spends her days researching the original layout and decoration of historical graveyards so she can restore them to their former glory when they fall into disrepair. I have to admit that part of the appeal of this series is I want Amelia's job. As a history nut, I love the mystery surrounding old cemeteries. However, I think that's where I stop coveting Amelia's life. Would you want to have to be inside your home on hallowed ground every night before dusk to avoid ghosts? I didn't think so. 

The Kingdom is the second installment in this series and I have to admit that I think its even better than the first book. Amanda Stevens has delivered another story that will have your heart pumping, your blood racing, and your mind trying to piece together all the clues. I love that The Graveyard Queen books combine paranormal aspects and mystery elements. Each book has left me anxious for more. 

In this installment, Amelia heads to Asher Falls, South Carolina – a dying town located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. For anyone who has family in this region or has ever visited, you are well aware that mountain folk are a superstitious lot. My family has so many stories, sayings, and odd beliefs. It didn't surprise me at all that Amelia ran into these things at every turn in Asher Falls. Also, southerners can often be mistrustful of newcomers. Amelia must seek to gain the favor of the town's residents as she seeks to restore the local cemetery, Thorngate. However, Amelia soon learns that the mountains hide sinister secrets and they just might hold the key to her birth parents. Can she solve the mystery in time or will a killer find her before she gains the answers she seeks? 

Amelia Gray is quickly becoming one of my favorite heroines. She is smart, nerdy, loyal, tenacious and courageous (even though she is a self proclaimed chicken). I can't imagine going through some of the things she experiences. She is also so real and down to earth; Amelia is the type of woman who would make a great friend. I would love to sit down and pick her brain about history and cemetery restoration. She is truly a girl after my own heart. 

I also love the way Stevens writes these stories. She places the reader right in the midst of the action alongside Amelia. I have to admit that I found myself freaked out several times while reading this the past two days. We were without power due to a winter storm and I saw all kinds of odd things lurking in the dark. This book is creepy and so darkly delicious. If you haven't started this series, what are you waiting for? 

The Kingdom is a must for mystery lovers and paranormal junkies. There is also a bit of romance in every book. I never imagined a graveyard could be a romantic location, but there is one scene in this book that will have me looking at statues in cemeteries and blushing. I do, however, love that while there is always a bit of romance in these books that there is more to the story than just that. The stories are driven more by the mystery than the hookups.

One Last Gripe: Why can't Amanda Stevens write faster? I need the next book NOW.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: Everything - I loved the setting, plot, characters!

First Sentence: The breeze off the water carried a slight chill even though the sun had barely begun its western slide.

Favorite Character: Amelia

Least Favorite Character: Hugh

Summary:

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.