What do you think?
Rate this book
Graveyard Queen #0.5
Los Abandonados
A la hora de tratar con fantasmas, hay normas. Una pena que Ree Hutchins no las conozca.
Cuando su paciente preferida del psiquiátrico privado en que trabaja fallece, Ree Hutchins, estudiante de Psicología, lamenta la muerte de la anciana. Pero lo que más perturba a esta joven es un presentimiento, la sospecha de que algo antinatural la está persiguiendo.
Un cazafantasmas aficionado, Hayden Priest, está convencido de que algo acecha a Ree. Incluso Amelia Gray, conocida en Charleston como la Reina del cementerio, percibe una oscuridad extraña. Empujada por una fuerza que es incapaz de comprender, Ree destapa un viejo secreto y consigue que las almas abandonadas por fin descansen en paz, antes de que la encierren para siempre…
Cuando su paciente preferida del psiquiátrico privado en que trabaja fallece, Ree Hutchins, estudiante de Psicología, lamenta la muerte de la anciana. Pero lo que más perturba a esta joven es un presentimiento, la sospecha de que algo antinatural la está persiguiendo.
Un cazafantasmas aficionado, Hayden Priest, está convencido de que algo acecha a Ree. Incluso Amelia Gray, conocida en Charleston como la Reina del cementerio, percibe una oscuridad extraña. Empujada por una fuerza que es incapaz de comprender, Ree destapa un viejo secreto y consigue que las almas abandonadas por fin descansen en paz, antes de que la encierren para siempre…
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2011
244 people are currently reading
3122 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Stevens
265 books2,226 followersAmanda Stevens is the award-winning author of over fifty novels, including the modern gothic series, The Graveyard Queen. Her books have been described as eerie and atmospheric, “a new take on the classic ghost story.” Born and raised in the rural south, she now resides in Houston, Texas, where she enjoys binge-watching, bike riding and the occasional Horror Night with friends.
The Graveyard Queen trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrCf_e...
http://twitter.com/AmandaStevensTX
http://facebook.com/amandastevensbooks
amandastevensbooks@gmail.com
The Graveyard Queen trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrCf_e...
http://twitter.com/AmandaStevensTX
http://facebook.com/amandastevensbooks
amandastevensbooks@gmail.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews
July 3, 2016
3.5
Sólo le doy estas estrellitas porque me he quedado con ganas de más. El relato está muy bien y consigue engancharte, perooo me han faltado páginas. Creo que la historia daba para mucho más.
Sólo le doy estas estrellitas porque me he quedado con ganas de más. El relato está muy bien y consigue engancharte, perooo me han faltado páginas. Creo que la historia daba para mucho más.
January 20, 2022
“The Restorer” was a wonderful discovery in May 2016. “The Kingdom” is a favourite all time novel, for producing a personal non-crime mystery! I was annoyed Amanda Stevens had a electronic novella because I read paper. Two things I won’t pay for is air or water: no bottles, music, nor literature I cannot store on shelves. Volume #0.5 waited until a friend had the PDF in October 2021.
Normally short stories comprise an outing on the side. It is unfortunate that “The Abandoned” was a bonafide introduction in 2011. I recalled the full story well enough to retroactively glean insightful details. However, I would have been much better informed about the full novel if I had obtained this first. Authors, please always provide paper to buy, or a free web story!
It was interesting to be introduced via Ree, who attended school with Amelia. Her Grandma took Ree to visit the cemetery Amelia’s parents ran, where she sensed her otherworldly nature. In this novella, Ree sought Amelia’s advice. Ree is a university pupil, present when a lifelong resident of a mental hospital died. She overheard the dean telling secrets and feels that she should alert the police, after the man she saw him with died. I like cautious heroes who seek out police.
If this PDF weren’t empty air, I would say I could not put these 66 “pages” down. They were pulse pounding and suspenseful but with corporeal danger instead of a paranormal sort. My sole complaint, leading to a four star grade, is a cringe worthy cliché in which a killer knows the heroine has figured him out and manages to take her prisoner. Thankfully, the action goes back onto the right track. Sizzling moments were steamy to read too! I will soon resume the remaining trade paperbacks.
Normally short stories comprise an outing on the side. It is unfortunate that “The Abandoned” was a bonafide introduction in 2011. I recalled the full story well enough to retroactively glean insightful details. However, I would have been much better informed about the full novel if I had obtained this first. Authors, please always provide paper to buy, or a free web story!
It was interesting to be introduced via Ree, who attended school with Amelia. Her Grandma took Ree to visit the cemetery Amelia’s parents ran, where she sensed her otherworldly nature. In this novella, Ree sought Amelia’s advice. Ree is a university pupil, present when a lifelong resident of a mental hospital died. She overheard the dean telling secrets and feels that she should alert the police, after the man she saw him with died. I like cautious heroes who seek out police.
If this PDF weren’t empty air, I would say I could not put these 66 “pages” down. They were pulse pounding and suspenseful but with corporeal danger instead of a paranormal sort. My sole complaint, leading to a four star grade, is a cringe worthy cliché in which a killer knows the heroine has figured him out and manages to take her prisoner. Thankfully, the action goes back onto the right track. Sizzling moments were steamy to read too! I will soon resume the remaining trade paperbacks.
July 6, 2016
Libro cortito que se lee muy bien , crea una atmósfera muy buena donde se van conociendo ( de refilón) los personajes centrales de la saga .... Me ha mantenido enganchando y he desea más de esta historia ... Mi único pero es que como es un relato corto , la trama va muy rápido y las situaciones se ven muy precipitadas ..
July 3, 2016
-3.5-
Un relato corto ideal para conocer y entrar al mundo de Amelia Gray.
Me ha encantado, aunque se nota mucho que es una introducción y que lo bueno está por llegar.
Un relato corto ideal para conocer y entrar al mundo de Amelia Gray.
Me ha encantado, aunque se nota mucho que es una introducción y que lo bueno está por llegar.
August 14, 2015
Pues sinceramente, esta historia corta me ha gustado más que El Profeta. Ha sido corta pero intensa, con su buena dosis de misterio, escenas inquietantes, y ese toque "romántico/oscuro" que Amanda Stevens maneja tan bien. Si habéis leído la saga y os ha gustado, sin dudar tenéis que leer esta mini joya.
June 11, 2011
I have some mixed feelings about this story. First, let me say that I loved The Restorer and I was very excited when I found out that this prequel was available. The events take place shortly before Amelia is hired to restore the old cemetery. But she isn't the main character here. This story centers on Ree, a graduate student who is interning at a psychiatric hospital. When an old patient named Violet dies, Ree is unexpectedly drawn in to the bizarre and haunting circumstances of her life and the life of her mother, Ilsa.
One of the doctors at the hospital knows Violet's secrets. In fact, his family had a hand in her tortured past. Ree overhears a conversation that tips her off to all this, placing her in danger. She makes an ally in a paranormal investigator named Hayden and the two of them become involved, while trying to figure out what happened to Violet's mother and its connection to the mysterious Order of the Coffin and the Claw.
All of this is great. Mysterious and foreboding. But I got lost I hate that all of that is left hanging.
As for the tie-in with The Restorer... we meet a few of the main characters, but we only really see them from Ree's perspective. It sets up the series less from a character or ghostly perspective, and focuses more on laying the foundation for the Order of the Coffin and the Claw and its nefarious activities. It was a good story, but I hate feeling confusion when I finish a book. 3 stars.
One of the doctors at the hospital knows Violet's secrets. In fact, his family had a hand in her tortured past. Ree overhears a conversation that tips her off to all this, placing her in danger. She makes an ally in a paranormal investigator named Hayden and the two of them become involved, while trying to figure out what happened to Violet's mother and its connection to the mysterious Order of the Coffin and the Claw.
All of this is great. Mysterious and foreboding. But I got lost I hate that all of that is left hanging.
As for the tie-in with The Restorer... we meet a few of the main characters, but we only really see them from Ree's perspective. It sets up the series less from a character or ghostly perspective, and focuses more on laying the foundation for the Order of the Coffin and the Claw and its nefarious activities. It was a good story, but I hate feeling confusion when I finish a book. 3 stars.
April 26, 2019
I read book one and never realized there was a tantalizing prequel to the series that acted as a teaser to get folks enthused for the series. Happily, I discovered my library carried a copy when I was looking to see if they had book two. A little detour for the prequel and I am ever so glad I did.
Review:
The Abandoned introduces Ree and Hayden who meet when Ree finds herself investigating the odd circumstances of Violet Tisdale's mysterious life and death. She was in a private psych hospital and it was when Ree was dealing with the file on Violet that she overhears a dangerous conversation hinting at cover-ups and secrets that go back generations, a secret society, and a dark and creepy cemetery. She also wants to believe the cold, the haunting music and her own sleep walking venture and vivid dream from Ilsa Tisdale's past are not the ghostly manifestation that ghosthunter and buddy lawyer, Hayden says they are.
I loved the dark nature of the secrets and the general atmosphere of the writing, settings, and situations. It was fun to encounter Amelia and Devlin as side characters while meeting Dee and Hayden as the leads. The romance is rushed, but it was a shorter piece so I expected that. It helped that I enjoyed the characters and the attention to their background even while they are racing to solve an old mystery that has repercussions on the present.
It also did the job of enticing me forward with the rest of the series as it leads nicely into the first book, The Restorer.
This one is standalone and it can be skipped without a reader missing anything in book one. I think I was glad to have read book one without it so I got the full effect of that one without any hints or foreshadowing that I feel this one gives. So, its my recommendation that readers interested in the series not start with this one, but come back to it so you get all the wonder and surprise to full effect. Urban Fantasy fans who like ghostly spooky reads should definitely give this series a go.
Review:
The Abandoned introduces Ree and Hayden who meet when Ree finds herself investigating the odd circumstances of Violet Tisdale's mysterious life and death. She was in a private psych hospital and it was when Ree was dealing with the file on Violet that she overhears a dangerous conversation hinting at cover-ups and secrets that go back generations, a secret society, and a dark and creepy cemetery. She also wants to believe the cold, the haunting music and her own sleep walking venture and vivid dream from Ilsa Tisdale's past are not the ghostly manifestation that ghosthunter and buddy lawyer, Hayden says they are.
I loved the dark nature of the secrets and the general atmosphere of the writing, settings, and situations. It was fun to encounter Amelia and Devlin as side characters while meeting Dee and Hayden as the leads. The romance is rushed, but it was a shorter piece so I expected that. It helped that I enjoyed the characters and the attention to their background even while they are racing to solve an old mystery that has repercussions on the present.
It also did the job of enticing me forward with the rest of the series as it leads nicely into the first book, The Restorer.
This one is standalone and it can be skipped without a reader missing anything in book one. I think I was glad to have read book one without it so I got the full effect of that one without any hints or foreshadowing that I feel this one gives. So, its my recommendation that readers interested in the series not start with this one, but come back to it so you get all the wonder and surprise to full effect. Urban Fantasy fans who like ghostly spooky reads should definitely give this series a go.
May 24, 2016
En realidad es un 4,5*
Reseña completa -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
Reseña completa -> http://thewordsofbooks.blogspot.com.e...
April 1, 2012
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A story reflecting the consequences of opening yourself up to ghosts.
Opening Sentence: Ree Hutchins was dozing at the old woman’s bedside, a dog-eared copy of The Call of the Wild open on her lap, when Violet Tisdale passed away.
The Review:
In the past, I have been very harsh with novellas claiming to be prequel’s when the truth of that statement is in question. Yes, The Abandoned, is a prequel. It does introduce major characters in the main series, including the backdrop for the first book. The difference is that this story is not about the main characters, but two separate people who also are drawn into Amelia and Devlin’s ghostly world. I will note, however, that both Ree and Hayden are lightly mentioned in the second book, The Kingdom.
Ree Hutchins is a woman who firmly believes in things that are explainable. She is a psychology major at Emerson University and a part time employee at Farrante Psychiatric Hospital. When the passing of one of the patients leads Ree to discover a conspiracy to cover up heinous crimes, her sheltered world is forever changed. Ree begins to obsess over the mysterious disappearance of a former patient, Ilsa Tisdale. Little does she realize that Ilsa’s vengeful ghost is the one driving her to find out the truth. Can a person who does not believe in ghosts come to accept that they are being haunted by one? If you don’t know the rules on how to deal with ghosts, is there any hope to break free of them?
Hayden Priest finds the lovely Ree dancing around a graveyard in the middle of the night. He doesn’t yet realize that she is being possessed by a ghost until she wakes up in the middle of kissing him. Of course, he believes it’s possible because he happens to be a ghost investigator. So his interest with Ree is purely professional, right? It has nothing to do with how his body responds to hers, not at all. Right! Whatever the reason that brought them together, Hayden will do everything in his power to keep Ree safe. Even if that means inviting the ghost to inhabit him so that “she” can exact her revenge.
Ree and Hayden’s search for the truth of Ilsa’s past puts them in harm’s way. Not everyone wants to truth to be known, even if the death occurred so many years ago. Will the people behind Ilsa’s demise and subsequent cover-up finally pay for their crimes? Or will the unwilling helpers of the ghost be the ones to pay the ultimate price?
I read this novella first before I started on the main series. I usually try to make an effort to read series in order, including any extra stories that are available, because I am a stickler for timelines. After finishing the first book, I reread The Abandoned. I have to say that, even though I enjoyed the novella as a stand-alone, it was much better after reading The Restorer. I recognized characters and places mentioned in this novella from the main book that gave me a better understanding of the whole picture. I would recommend this to readers that are already fans of the series. If you do happen to read this novella first to see if the whole book would interest you, I recommend that you revisit it after you finish the book. Otherwise, I think that you will be missing out on many of the subtle references spread throughout the novella.
Notable Scene:
Ree knew that she should leave, but instead she lingered, inexplicably drawn to a total stranger. He was slim and attractive with an alternative edge to his demeanor and style that made her wonder if he was a musician, the kind one might see in some cool but slightly decadent after-hours club. Not someone she’d expect to find hanging out in an abandoned graveyard.
She had no reason in the world to trust him, especially considering her state of undress when she’d… awakened, for lack of a better term. But she wasn’t without memories, though hazy they might still be. She’d kissed him. He may have responded-that part was a little sketchy-but she was pretty sure she’d been the instigator. Which wasn’t like her. She was hardly a shrinking violet but she wasn’t exactly aggressive, either. Certainly not with a stranger she’d just met in a graveyard. It was all just so odd. She’d felt compelled to kiss him, as if she had no will of her own. As if she were merely a puppet in someone else’s dream.
The Graveyard Queen Series:
0.5. The Abandoned
1. The Restorer
2. The Kingdom
3. The Prophet
FTC Advisory: Harlequin/Mira provided me with a copy of The Abandoned. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payment received came in the form of hugs and kisses from my little boys.
Quick & Dirty: A story reflecting the consequences of opening yourself up to ghosts.
Opening Sentence: Ree Hutchins was dozing at the old woman’s bedside, a dog-eared copy of The Call of the Wild open on her lap, when Violet Tisdale passed away.
The Review:
In the past, I have been very harsh with novellas claiming to be prequel’s when the truth of that statement is in question. Yes, The Abandoned, is a prequel. It does introduce major characters in the main series, including the backdrop for the first book. The difference is that this story is not about the main characters, but two separate people who also are drawn into Amelia and Devlin’s ghostly world. I will note, however, that both Ree and Hayden are lightly mentioned in the second book, The Kingdom.
Ree Hutchins is a woman who firmly believes in things that are explainable. She is a psychology major at Emerson University and a part time employee at Farrante Psychiatric Hospital. When the passing of one of the patients leads Ree to discover a conspiracy to cover up heinous crimes, her sheltered world is forever changed. Ree begins to obsess over the mysterious disappearance of a former patient, Ilsa Tisdale. Little does she realize that Ilsa’s vengeful ghost is the one driving her to find out the truth. Can a person who does not believe in ghosts come to accept that they are being haunted by one? If you don’t know the rules on how to deal with ghosts, is there any hope to break free of them?
Hayden Priest finds the lovely Ree dancing around a graveyard in the middle of the night. He doesn’t yet realize that she is being possessed by a ghost until she wakes up in the middle of kissing him. Of course, he believes it’s possible because he happens to be a ghost investigator. So his interest with Ree is purely professional, right? It has nothing to do with how his body responds to hers, not at all. Right! Whatever the reason that brought them together, Hayden will do everything in his power to keep Ree safe. Even if that means inviting the ghost to inhabit him so that “she” can exact her revenge.
Ree and Hayden’s search for the truth of Ilsa’s past puts them in harm’s way. Not everyone wants to truth to be known, even if the death occurred so many years ago. Will the people behind Ilsa’s demise and subsequent cover-up finally pay for their crimes? Or will the unwilling helpers of the ghost be the ones to pay the ultimate price?
I read this novella first before I started on the main series. I usually try to make an effort to read series in order, including any extra stories that are available, because I am a stickler for timelines. After finishing the first book, I reread The Abandoned. I have to say that, even though I enjoyed the novella as a stand-alone, it was much better after reading The Restorer. I recognized characters and places mentioned in this novella from the main book that gave me a better understanding of the whole picture. I would recommend this to readers that are already fans of the series. If you do happen to read this novella first to see if the whole book would interest you, I recommend that you revisit it after you finish the book. Otherwise, I think that you will be missing out on many of the subtle references spread throughout the novella.
Notable Scene:
Ree knew that she should leave, but instead she lingered, inexplicably drawn to a total stranger. He was slim and attractive with an alternative edge to his demeanor and style that made her wonder if he was a musician, the kind one might see in some cool but slightly decadent after-hours club. Not someone she’d expect to find hanging out in an abandoned graveyard.
She had no reason in the world to trust him, especially considering her state of undress when she’d… awakened, for lack of a better term. But she wasn’t without memories, though hazy they might still be. She’d kissed him. He may have responded-that part was a little sketchy-but she was pretty sure she’d been the instigator. Which wasn’t like her. She was hardly a shrinking violet but she wasn’t exactly aggressive, either. Certainly not with a stranger she’d just met in a graveyard. It was all just so odd. She’d felt compelled to kiss him, as if she had no will of her own. As if she were merely a puppet in someone else’s dream.
The Graveyard Queen Series:
0.5. The Abandoned
1. The Restorer
2. The Kingdom
3. The Prophet
FTC Advisory: Harlequin/Mira provided me with a copy of The Abandoned. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payment received came in the form of hugs and kisses from my little boys.
November 20, 2014
I didn't get much out of this, certainly not enough to make me want to continue the series. It felt more like a draft that an actual story.
February 26, 2016
3.5 stars
November 25, 2011
Let us just say that it is a good thing I had read book number two - or is it book number one if you do not count the prequel, I always get confused when authors do this - or I would have never continued with this series.
The Abandoned comes across more of an outline for a book then an actually novel, with no real catch or lure.
Ree Hutchins is a graduate student working in a psychiatric hospital on the evening of the death of Violet Tisdal, one of their longest residing patients. Ree is curious about this woman and on the chance of returning files to the “dungeon”, Ree snoops out her patient’s records only to be attacked by an unknown assailant, a person who is determined to keep Violet’s past a secret.
Being a paranormal novel, you know that the spooky factor has to come in to play, so one evening Ree finds herself half-undressed in a cemetery in front of Hayden, a moonlighting ghost hunter. She has no idea how she got there, but was it possible that the spirit of Violet or Ilsa, Violet’s mother, entered her and was now using Ree to exact revenge.
See how convoluted this tale is? The storylines are not developed and you are left wondering, “what am I missing, what am I not being told about the past”. Sudden character comments are made and you find yourself going back a couple of pages, trying to figure out what you missed only to realize that it was never there in the first place.
My advice, skip this book and start with The Restorer you will like that installment much better.
The Abandoned comes across more of an outline for a book then an actually novel, with no real catch or lure.
Ree Hutchins is a graduate student working in a psychiatric hospital on the evening of the death of Violet Tisdal, one of their longest residing patients. Ree is curious about this woman and on the chance of returning files to the “dungeon”, Ree snoops out her patient’s records only to be attacked by an unknown assailant, a person who is determined to keep Violet’s past a secret.
Being a paranormal novel, you know that the spooky factor has to come in to play, so one evening Ree finds herself half-undressed in a cemetery in front of Hayden, a moonlighting ghost hunter. She has no idea how she got there, but was it possible that the spirit of Violet or Ilsa, Violet’s mother, entered her and was now using Ree to exact revenge.
See how convoluted this tale is? The storylines are not developed and you are left wondering, “what am I missing, what am I not being told about the past”. Sudden character comments are made and you find yourself going back a couple of pages, trying to figure out what you missed only to realize that it was never there in the first place.
My advice, skip this book and start with The Restorer you will like that installment much better.
November 13, 2016
3.5 Stars
The Abandoned is a decent prequel novella that sets up the Graveyard Queen series. I figured I would start with this one more to get a feel of Stevens writing style than the expansion of the series. I don't want a heavy Gothic romance series.
This was a decent story that worked okay in a novella format. I will start book one now.
The Abandoned is a decent prequel novella that sets up the Graveyard Queen series. I figured I would start with this one more to get a feel of Stevens writing style than the expansion of the series. I don't want a heavy Gothic romance series.
This was a decent story that worked okay in a novella format. I will start book one now.
May 31, 2012
Unpolished, unsubtle writing with meh action sequences. Not sure I will want to continue the series.
The Kindle edition has a lot of formatting errors and seems to be missing a few paragraphs.
The Kindle edition has a lot of formatting errors and seems to be missing a few paragraphs.
October 31, 2019
Psychology student Ree Hutchins is working at a private mental hospital when one of the elderly patients, Violet Tisdale, passes away. Later that night, Ree overhears one of the doctors talking to Violet's nephew about a secret they have been keeping about Violet and the Tisdale family. When Ree starts digging into the Tisdale family's history, she gets a weird feeling that someone is following her. Is it a person or is it a ghost?
This is the prequel to Amanda Stevens' Graveyard Queen series. The story introduces Amelia Gray, the heroine from the series who plays a small part in this story. I thought the story was just OK. I don't think this is required reading for anyone who wants to read the series. My rating: 3 Stars.
This is the prequel to Amanda Stevens' Graveyard Queen series. The story introduces Amelia Gray, the heroine from the series who plays a small part in this story. I thought the story was just OK. I don't think this is required reading for anyone who wants to read the series. My rating: 3 Stars.
September 8, 2018
Sehr gelungene Prequel-Kurzgeschichte.
Die kurze Geschichte beginnt interessant, man ist gleich mittendrin im Rätsel.
Es sind nicht unbedingt alle Details ausgearbeitet aber für die Kürze der Novelle passiert recht viel und der Plot ist vielseitig.
Nervenheilanstalt, Geister und der verlassene Friedhof sorgen für die übernatürlich geheimnisvolle Stimmung.
Macht auf jeden Fall neugierig auf Serie.
Die kurze Geschichte beginnt interessant, man ist gleich mittendrin im Rätsel.
Es sind nicht unbedingt alle Details ausgearbeitet aber für die Kürze der Novelle passiert recht viel und der Plot ist vielseitig.
Nervenheilanstalt, Geister und der verlassene Friedhof sorgen für die übernatürlich geheimnisvolle Stimmung.
Macht auf jeden Fall neugierig auf Serie.
July 16, 2020
Como siempre, me encanta cómo escribe. Historia corta que podría ir dentro del primer libro, con la restauración del cementerio. Por un lado te refresca la historia de La Restauradora y por otro aporta datos nuevos.
October 23, 2022
Relato corto que deja con ganas de saber más de este mundo. Comienzo la relectura de esta serie!
March 9, 2016
This is a free prequel to the Queen of the Graveyard series. Amelia Gray is a graveyard restorer who just happens to have the handy ability to see dead people. However, the prequel is about Ree and a conversation that she shouldn't have overheard about a lady that Ree just watched die. Now Ree is stuck between a mad ghost and a demented killer. Luckily she meets Hayden, who by day is a lawyer and by night he is a "ghost hunter". Even though this is a short story, I thought that Ms Stevens did a great job with giving us a complete story for Ree and Hayden.
March 29, 2015
Bizarre little short story. Authors writing style seems decent and curious how a full fledged book from her would be. Not marking as challenge because too short, but wanted to clear up some from the to-be-read shelf and had this one half-finished for awhile. Didn't fascinate me but there was something gothic about it and easy to fall into and get lost in.
March 5, 2015
Oh lord!!!!!! Amanda Stevens eres lo maximo!!! Es que amo todas sus historias, su forma de escribir es perfecta, la manera en q describe los sucesos, el ambiente, los personajes que son tan completos en fin todo es increible!! Logra atraparte desde el primer momento y no creo q pueda encontrar una serie de este genero que sea tan buena y tan completa!! Excelenteeeee!!!!!!
July 12, 2016
A prequel to the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. It was interesting for what it what. Because it was short there wasn't much time spent developing the characters or the romance. Basically, it just laid some ground work for the upcoming series.
August 4, 2012
I felt as the author gave me a piece of the puzzle but I don't know what the picture is suppose to be. I like the story but I have a few questions. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. This author has a way of sucking me into her stories.
June 16, 2016
85 páginas muy intensas. Le da tiempo a empezar lento, ponerse muy interesante y terminar el relato con demasiadas prisas.
Me encanta esta saga. Estoy deseando que salga el 4º.
Me encanta esta saga. Estoy deseando que salga el 4º.
January 24, 2021
Rating: 3/5
For fans of: Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy
The prequel to The Restorer finds us, pre-Amelia Gray, even though she does appear in the end. The Abandoned takes place shortly before Amelia starts the restoration in The Restorer. The Abandoned follows Ree, a psychology student working at a mental hospital. After the death of her favorite resident, Violet, Ree beings to experience the unexplainable. On the other hand, Hayden Priest, an amateur ghost hunter, believes Ree is haunted, much to Ree's dismay as she doesn't believe in ghosts or the after-life.
Overhearing a conversation, Ree learns there is more to Violet's story than she thought. She begins to piece things together. With the help of Hayden, they begin to uncover a conspiracy involving one of Charleston's oldest families and the secret society, The Order of the Coffin and The Claw. And when one of the Order's members is murdered, police detective John Devlin asks what Ree knows, leaving Ree to question who she can and cannot trust.
The Abandoned was a quick read, coming in just under 70 pages. If you haven't read The Restorer yet, read this one first. It'll give you a glimpse of Amanda's writing, the world, and the atmosphere of the first book. While the story follows Ree and Hayden, it quickly introduces both Amelia Gray and John Devlin, along with Emerson University's secret society, The Order of the Coffin and The Claw, which plays a role in The Restorer.
Not going to lie; I wish The Abandoned was longer. It feels like chunks were edited out that should have stayed. The Abandoned is one short story that would have better as a novella. I wanted more Ree and Hayden, more time building up the suspense, more time with the mystery, just more time for everything. For such a short story, I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing all over the place.
I'm curious to see if these two pop up again, given Hayden's connection to The Order. I'm also interested to know when, or if, we're going to get a real in-depth view of The Order.
For fans of: Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy
The prequel to The Restorer finds us, pre-Amelia Gray, even though she does appear in the end. The Abandoned takes place shortly before Amelia starts the restoration in The Restorer. The Abandoned follows Ree, a psychology student working at a mental hospital. After the death of her favorite resident, Violet, Ree beings to experience the unexplainable. On the other hand, Hayden Priest, an amateur ghost hunter, believes Ree is haunted, much to Ree's dismay as she doesn't believe in ghosts or the after-life.
Overhearing a conversation, Ree learns there is more to Violet's story than she thought. She begins to piece things together. With the help of Hayden, they begin to uncover a conspiracy involving one of Charleston's oldest families and the secret society, The Order of the Coffin and The Claw. And when one of the Order's members is murdered, police detective John Devlin asks what Ree knows, leaving Ree to question who she can and cannot trust.
The Abandoned was a quick read, coming in just under 70 pages. If you haven't read The Restorer yet, read this one first. It'll give you a glimpse of Amanda's writing, the world, and the atmosphere of the first book. While the story follows Ree and Hayden, it quickly introduces both Amelia Gray and John Devlin, along with Emerson University's secret society, The Order of the Coffin and The Claw, which plays a role in The Restorer.
Not going to lie; I wish The Abandoned was longer. It feels like chunks were edited out that should have stayed. The Abandoned is one short story that would have better as a novella. I wanted more Ree and Hayden, more time building up the suspense, more time with the mystery, just more time for everything. For such a short story, I felt like a ping pong ball bouncing all over the place.
I'm curious to see if these two pop up again, given Hayden's connection to The Order. I'm also interested to know when, or if, we're going to get a real in-depth view of The Order.
January 28, 2019
Questo è il prequel di una serie che sono curiosa di leggere ma anche una sorta di spin-off in quanto la protagonista della serie, Amelia Grey, compare come personaggio secondario.
Devo dire che se non mi avessero parlato così tanto bene della saga mi sarebbe passata la voglia di cominciarla perché questo racconto non ha stuzzicato la mia curiosità. Fantasmi, paranormale tutto gestito bene ma in maniera per me fredda, non sono riuscita ad appassionarmi.
Un racconto che fa entrare nella giusta atmosfera, che io però avrei preferito più appassionante.
Il finale però è d'effetto e rivaluta l'insieme.
Spero che la Signora dei cimiteri possa appassionarmi maggiormente.
Devo dire che se non mi avessero parlato così tanto bene della saga mi sarebbe passata la voglia di cominciarla perché questo racconto non ha stuzzicato la mia curiosità. Fantasmi, paranormale tutto gestito bene ma in maniera per me fredda, non sono riuscita ad appassionarmi.
Un racconto che fa entrare nella giusta atmosfera, che io però avrei preferito più appassionante.
Il finale però è d'effetto e rivaluta l'insieme.
Spero che la Signora dei cimiteri possa appassionarmi maggiormente.
August 16, 2020
Dit is de presquel van de trilogie van het dodenrijk van Amanda Stevens. Zelf heb ik de trilogie en er zijn er nu al meer boeken van nog niet gelezen.
Natuurlijk heeft het onderwerp "geesten" me altijd geboeid en was het verhaal dan ook in een namiddag gelezen. Telt ook maar 79 pagina's.
Laat het vervolg maar komen, ik ben er klaar voor.
Natuurlijk heeft het onderwerp "geesten" me altijd geboeid en was het verhaal dan ook in een namiddag gelezen. Telt ook maar 79 pagina's.
Laat het vervolg maar komen, ik ben er klaar voor.
December 16, 2017
I decided to finally start this book because I have the first 3 book in this series to read (and they will probably fit for Bingo). Oh my, this was good! I started and couldn't put it down!
Ree is a psychology student who overhears something she shouldn't. A ghost also attaches herself to her. A ghost hunter, Hayden, helps her. Amelia is introduced.
I am intrigued!
Ree is a psychology student who overhears something she shouldn't. A ghost also attaches herself to her. A ghost hunter, Hayden, helps her. Amelia is introduced.
I am intrigued!
April 12, 2012
I started reading The Restorer and got immediately hooked by the writing. About 40 pages in I realized that there was a prequel, and whaddayaknow, it was on my nook! hooray!
So I put The Restorer on hold and zipped through The Abandoned...or, I thought I would zip through it. It's so well-written and enticing. I read it as quickly as I could. For a prequel, I like how it stands alone. It's written in third person, but the rest of the series is in first person pov, so it's a nice change.
Ree is volunteering in a psych hospital when her favorite patient dies, a lovely old woman named Miss Violet. But with her death, many strange things occur. Ree overhears her professor being blackmailed. She sleepwalks to a cemetery and acts out the a scene from a ghostly dream. She meets an amateur ghost hunter. And someone tries to kill her.
It's much more of a suspense story than I thought I would get in just 66 pages. I'm so excited to dive back into The Restorer right now, that I can't wait! I highly recommend this novella either as a stand-alone or as part of the Graveyard Queen series.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
So I put The Restorer on hold and zipped through The Abandoned...or, I thought I would zip through it. It's so well-written and enticing. I read it as quickly as I could. For a prequel, I like how it stands alone. It's written in third person, but the rest of the series is in first person pov, so it's a nice change.
Ree is volunteering in a psych hospital when her favorite patient dies, a lovely old woman named Miss Violet. But with her death, many strange things occur. Ree overhears her professor being blackmailed. She sleepwalks to a cemetery and acts out the a scene from a ghostly dream. She meets an amateur ghost hunter. And someone tries to kill her.
It's much more of a suspense story than I thought I would get in just 66 pages. I'm so excited to dive back into The Restorer right now, that I can't wait! I highly recommend this novella either as a stand-alone or as part of the Graveyard Queen series.
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
April 27, 2012
Grade: C or 3 Stars
A mildly entertaining novella about a vengeful ghost, buried secrets, and a psychiatric ward. It has a light romance. This story reminded me a little of an 80's film titled "A Ghost Story" although "The Abandoned" is not scary, unless you find cold drafts, foggy windows , and the feeling of being watched as a source of horror.
Ree Hutchins, a university student and mental hospital volunteer, loses an elderly patient. She overhears an ominous conversation between the head pschiatrist and a town local regarding a secret involving the recently deceased woman. Ree pairs up with Hayden Priest, a ghost hunter, after strange events lead her to Oak Grove Cemetary.
The Abandoned briefly introduces Amelia Gray,"The Graveyard Queen" and detective John Devlin. I'm sure the Order of the Coffin will play a larger role in The Restorer. Hopefully, the full-length novel, which will feature the protagonist of the series, will deliver more chills, character development, and storytelling than this wee bitty story.
Buddy read with Erika Ann.
Free on Kindle
A mildly entertaining novella about a vengeful ghost, buried secrets, and a psychiatric ward. It has a light romance. This story reminded me a little of an 80's film titled "A Ghost Story" although "The Abandoned" is not scary, unless you find cold drafts, foggy windows , and the feeling of being watched as a source of horror.
Ree Hutchins, a university student and mental hospital volunteer, loses an elderly patient. She overhears an ominous conversation between the head pschiatrist and a town local regarding a secret involving the recently deceased woman. Ree pairs up with Hayden Priest, a ghost hunter, after strange events lead her to Oak Grove Cemetary.
The Abandoned briefly introduces Amelia Gray,"The Graveyard Queen" and detective John Devlin. I'm sure the Order of the Coffin will play a larger role in The Restorer. Hopefully, the full-length novel, which will feature the protagonist of the series, will deliver more chills, character development, and storytelling than this wee bitty story.
Buddy read with Erika Ann.
Free on Kindle
Displaying 1 - 30 of 471 reviews