Probuzení

Graveyard Queen #6

by Amanda Stevens

Jmenuji se Amelia Grayová a povoláním jsem restaurátorka opuštěných hřbitovů, která žije s mrtvými. Anonymní dárce si mě najal, abych provedla obnovu Loubincového hřbitova, místa, kde svoje tajemství pochovávají bohatí a mocní. Před čtyřiceti lety zmizela beze stop desetiletá holčička. Její duch se nyní probudil a žádá po mně, abych zjistila pravdu o její smrti. A jedině já vím, že byla zavražděna, takže bych měla vraha vydat spravedlnosti. Avšak vodítka, která sleduji – vtíravá melodie a hrob neznámého batolete, mě vedou k několika podezřelým, z nichž opravdu nemám dobrý pocit.

Po celé generace patřila k charlestonské elitě i rodina Devlinových. John Devlin, s nímž jsem donedávna chodila, se k tradicím i očekáváním, pojícím se s jeho původem, sice kdysi obrátil zády, ale teď zjevně opět zaujal své právoplatné místo a zasnoubil se s další příslušnicí místní smetánky. Rodinná tajemství z něj činí spojence dost sporného. Když mě moje pátrání přivede k bráně honosného sídla jeho rodiny, musím si položit otázku, zda se z kdysi milovaného muže nestal můj smrtelný nepřítel…

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Horror, Ghosts, Fantasy, Romance, Urban Fantasy

344 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2017

About the author

Amanda 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

Reviews

[Mary Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Graveyard Queen Series. The series has come to an end and I am so disappointed because this series is so good. I've enjoyed all of the Graveyard Queen series and The Awakening was a wonderful addition. Creepy and Gothic in all the right ways. Big southern houses, old money and secrets.
I envy anyone who is just starting the series because they will have the joy of reading all 6 books one right after the other!

Amelia is glad to be back home in Charleston. She has taken on a new restoration job, restoring the Woodbine Cemetery. A place where the rich and powerful buried their dead and their secrets. On her first day, Amelia stumbles across a haunting grave for a two year old girl. Something draws her to the grave, and she begins seeing a ten year old ghost girl who resembles the picture on the grave. Who is this girl? As Amelia tries to solve the haunting, she finds herself facing John Devlin and the powerful Conge, who might be out to harm her. Can Amelia unbury the secrets of the past and save herself?

I love Amelia and John and am saddened by the thought that this may be their last appearance. They were both wonderful in this book. The storyline kept me riveted, and as usual, I enjoyed the luscious and atmospheric setting. Thanks to the author for such a wonderful series!

Lot's of major things happen in this and everything comes to an action packed and emotional end. I was wondering when I started the book how the author could wrap up all the dynamics and give me a conclusion I would be satisfied with but she did. I LOVED the ending. Loved it! Ghosts who want answers, bad omens and creepy graveyards. This is such a great world she created. I can feel I was there and strange things are happening.

I highly recommend this series!

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Graveyard Queen series has been a favorite since the very first book. With Stevens mesmerizing writing skills and her stories that are every bit as addicting as they are chilling, it is a series that fans and newcomers alike will instantly adore.

Saying goodbye to a beloved series, is never ever easy. In most cases it is bittersweet and almost always heartbreaking and turning the last page in The Awakening was both of those things.

This is a book that you simultaneously both want to devour and make it last forever. You will speed through the pages only to make yourself slow down as you realize that it is almost over... and this time, forever.

Steven's writing puts you right there with Amelia, until you feel like you are right there along with her. Through all of her struggles and growth and change. We saw her come into her own in every way imaginable and this last book brings everything, every secret, ever lie, every misconception into light. Everything is exposed and no one will be the same because of it.

I absolutely loved this and my only complaint is that there wasn't more. I don't want this series to be over. I don't want it to be the end and I certainly wanted more of a happily ever after, but then again, do we ever want it to be the end when it is something we have come to love?

All I can say is that while I am sad this was the end, I'm also happy with how it all came together even if I do wish there had been just a bit more. Just a bit more romance, just a bit more happily ever after and just a bit more of a conclusion. I would have loved an epilogue but I can see why, if the author ever has any chance of writing a spin off or more books down the road, that she didn't.

*ARC copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

[RachelW (BamaGal) · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off, it you haven't been keeping up with the series, this is not the book to start with. These stories are not standalone reads; some plots and the character development builds from book to book. If you are a regular reader, though, you are in for a treat, albeit an uneven one.

As always, the book is slow building, eerie, and creepily atmospheric. Amelia’s powers as a ghost seer have evolved quite a bit from the beginning of the series, where she was just a cemetery restorer who saw ghosts. It may be too slow going for some; but I found the atmosphere building to be part of the charm. Honestly, the plot of the book is fairly simplistic and the who and what of the child's death is easily discerned…it's the getting there that is so enjoyable. There was a twist about the child at the end that I did not see coming.

Also for the regular reader, Amelia’s personal situation with the Conge and Devlin is finally resolved, albeit a tad quickly and conveniently. That was no surprise. What did surprise me, however, was that I got to the very end and realized this is the last book in the series. If it's not ending here, then due to various resolutions, it will be going in a vastly different direction.

I've truly enjoyed the "Graveyard Queen" series; even though the books have been uneven reads at best, and with a few plot holes. Here, the storyline built slowly for 3/4 of the book, and then suddenly started a rather quick wrap-up of the plotline and the series. Stevens wordbuilding has always been her strength, and characterization her weakness...she sets the scene well, but her characters don't always feel or react in a realistic manner. Amelia has grown over the course of the series, however; both personally and in the growth of her supernatural powers.

I look forward to whatever Amanda Stevens comes up with next.

[Yodamom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, Love the series, love the world and characters.
Hauntingly told this last tale of Amelia the Graveyard Queen was a bitter sweet treat. I savored each beautifully laid out scene, each twist and turn. There were some serious goose-bump moments and a couple where I may have even turned on a few extra lights while curling up next to my dogs. You know just to stay warm, LOL. It didn't help that we had a severe storm things blowing against the roof. while an intense scene with wicked things landing on Amelia's roof. Double scare time, and I loved it. Ms. Stevens rocked out a BOOM BOOM ending that fit well with this reader. I want more, but I appreciate more an author that know when the end has come.
I am not going to tell you what happens. If you have been reading along with this series you should have a lot of unanswered questions. I know I did, and I wanted answers. Oh boy did Ms. Stevens answer them. Sit down and grab some calming tea ladies and gentlemen, you are in for a bumpy ride, please keep to the light. The ending was perfect.

[Carolyn F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this book. Amelia was driving me bananas with her constant second guessing, telling herself not to second guess, and then doing it anyway. And Devlin with his cryptic remarks - I just wanted to smash him in the face with my huge purse. I would have just walked away and said "Never mind asshole." But then I have a potty mouth and I get frustrated with idiots who think they're too smart.

And then the ending! What the heck! Another reviewer had said everything was wrapped up but is it? Has the relationship changed? Has the "door" really closed? For everybody or just her? I don't know! Will all of my complaining stop me from reading the next book, if there is a next book? No. But still 3 out of 5 stars.

I wrote the below complaints as I was reading the book. I love this series but, here are some things that drive me crazy:

1. Amelia keeps second guessing herself, even with her abilities and her feelings being proven right, every single book. Either she's really stupid or she's really stupid.

2. Amelia constantly stalking Devlin such as her morning walks taking her to his neighborhood and then not acting like any self-respecting woman and just looking forward like you didn't notice where you were walking. No, she stops and even shields her eyes to get a clearer view of his house. The word pathetic is at the front of my brain.

3. I hate cryptic comments and this book is chock full of them. Okay, say one thing cryptic and then move on but no, we have pages and pages of dialogue that is so cryptic I want to scream, "Just tell her!!". Whatever is not being said is important enough that if you keep cryptically commenting on it, then just say what the freak is up!

[Magdalena aka A Bookaholic Swede · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had thought to read this series from the beginning, but when I got approved for this one on NetGalley did I change my plans. Sure, there is always the risk of not getting into the story when you decide to not start from the beginning. But, I'm glad to say that I had no problems with this book.

First, I want to say that I really love the cover for this book. The ominous single gravestone speaks to me. Well, not in the way that it speaks to Amelia Gray, but then again she's a cemetery restorer who sees the dead. In this book, is it the ghost of a child that haunts her as she works to restore Woodbine Cemetery. Who is the child and who could have killed her? Amelia also has to deal with her ex-boyfriend John Devlin who earlier didn't want anything to with his family expectations, but now seems to have decided to accept his birthright. Could he now be a danger to Amelia and her secret about seeing ghosts?

The Awakening is an interesting book. Now, the case with the dead child ghost is not that mysterious or surprising. But, I enjoyed reading about how Amelia investigates the little girl's death, and the connection it seems to have to her own family. Speaking of her family, I was intrigued by the fact that Amelia's birth mother died while she was still pregnant and that it's a miracle that Amelia was born at all. I'm very curious about her family. Everything concerning her family and the past was really interesting and I seriously need to read the previous books so that I can learn more. I wonder if that's not the thing I liked the most about the book was Amelia, her gift, and her family. The case in itself was not the most interesting things, it's rather everything around it intrigued me. I liked that the ghost child case did reveal things about the past, and that through the dead child did Amelia learn more about certain things that I can't write about without spoiling the book. It's a good book, and I love the ending!

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a free copy through NetGalley for an honest review!

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Cross My Heart Writings & Reviews
*Many thanks to the publisher for an arc of this book via Netgally.

"Shush...lest she awaken..."  Four little words and just like that I have goosebumps, the ominous tone for The Awakening firmly established.  Cover to cover, the lyrical atmospheric magic I've come to expect from Amanda Stevens is prominent . . . haunting, chilling, ominous - whispering on the breeze, taking shape in the cemetery, following Amelia home.  I literally could not put this book down, reading most of it in one setting as my heart raced and my eyes flickered over the shadows lurking around the corners of the room.  Like a fine meal, it's an experience that is served best without prior knowledge of the ingredients - so please, do yourself a favor and don't let anyone tell you what happens before you read this book.  There are no spoilers in my review as I only "set the scene" - you can take it from there.

Welcoming the opportunity to sleep in her own bed at night, Amelia accepts the job of restoring Woodbine Cemetery.  Her first day there, she discovers an area of unmarked graves - a place where the powerful upper crust of Charleston society had buried their "mistakes" - illegitimate children buried without recognition or acknowledgement that their lives ever mattered to anyone...buried in graves with headstones having no names so the elite, rich families involved could remain untarnished.  As Amelia stands over an infant's grave, the ghost of a small girl startles her by lashing out in a powerful, demonstrative display of anger demanding something of Amelia.  Who was she?  How did she die?  Was one of the unmarked graves hers?  What did she want from Amelia?  One thing was crystal clear. . . A door from the dark side had been left opened allowing passage to those with evil intent, and Amelia knew she would have to find the answers to close it or risk being claimed back to the other side.  

And so the story unfolds taking Amelia down a deadly road that would see her crossing paths with her ex-lover John Devlin and his aristocratic family as well as revealing long buried secrets about her own family.  How are the two connected?  Amelia faces the realization that all is not as it seems - and the only way out is to reveal the truth - no matter who it may hurt, no matter the personal cost - which for Amelia may be everything, including her own life.

Once again, Stevens has brilliantly manipulated characters & plot lines to peel back the layers and slice to the heart of this story thus giving readers a phenomenal ending to this epic series!  Age old secrets and connections are revealed as loose threads are woven together in a twisted, shocking tapestry that will keep you on the edge of your seat.  Readers finally get answers . . . Are they ones you're hoping for?  Only one way to find out!  The Awakening is a Page Burning Must Read! I will be anxiously awaiting to see if a spin-off series develops as mentioned.  Fingers crossed!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading THE AWAKENING was bittersweet, as it's the conclusion to one of my favorite series. I didn't want it to end! Known as the Graveyard Queen, protagonist Amelia Gray has made a successful career restoring dilapidated and often forgotten cemeteries. She's also gifted with being able to see and communicate with ghosts. Her latest job restoring Woodbine Cemetery brings her face to face with the malevolent spirit of a young girl. She seems to be fixated on an unnamed baby's grave, and it's up to Amelia to figure out the connection between them and what will finally allow the child to rest in peace.

A lot more juicy secrets are revealed in this book, and Amelia's turbulent on-again, off-again relationship with John Devlin comes to a head. Though I was sad to see the story end, I was pleased with the way the author wrapped things up. Emotional! I highly recommend the Graveyard Queen series to fans of Gothic suspense and creepy ghost stories, just start at the beginning with The Restorer (#1) or The Abandoned (#0.5).

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

YASSSSSS. Good closing line twist!!!

[Lisa - (Aussie Girl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed reading this unique and beautifully written series about grave restorer Amelia Gray, her mysterious past and equally mysterious love interest the dark, brooding and delectable John Devlin. As a lover of old cemeteries what I most appreciated about this series was the way Amanda Stevens made you feel if you were there with Amelia in these historic graveyards, sometimes restful, sometimes spooky but always engaging. In this final instalment most of the unanswered questions are drawn together although I did think one element with the insidious Conge was a little underplayed . Nevertheless, a truly unique ghost series and I look forward to apparently an upcoming spin off series to once again take us into Amanda Steven's hauntingly lyrical world of historic graveyards and what may lurk in the in between.

4.5 stars.

[☕️Kimberly (Caffeinated Reviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Caffeinated reasons to grab The Awakening


One of my favorite aspects of this series are the cemeteries and mysteries concerning the dead. Stevens creates these haunting ghost stories weaving past and present. Amelia, our protagonist, is a graveyard restorer with a unique gift. She can see and communicate with the dead. Some say, there is a bright light within her that draws them. Amelia fears these entities, but her need for answers soon leads her to help them. In THE AWAKENING, she is restoring the Woodbine Cemetry where she discovers unmarked children's graves and a ghostly child demanding justice. There are other dangers, and not all live in the realm of the dead.

The cemeteries from the headstones to how they are plotted fascinate me. Stevens through Amelia shares tidbits that feed my curiosity.

Amanda Stevens creates these atmospheric scenes that are deliciously terrifying. She visually pulls the reader right into the story. I could see and sense our ghostly apparition and the darker entities that pursue Amelia. It was creeptastic.

There has been a romantic thread throughout the series, and readers are rewarded with answers and more.

In THE AWAKENING the Delvin family is smack dab in the middle of Amelia's murder mystery. To complicate things John's grandfather seeks out Amelia, a friendship she has is called into question, and someone wanted Amelia working at the Woodbine Cemetery. Stevens takes all these threads and weaves a brilliant tale filled with twists and turns. The ending was absolutely brilliant. So clever Ms. Stevens!

Copy provided by publisher. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cemetery Restorer Amelia Gray has been hired to restore Woodbine Cemetery, an old graveyard outside of Charleston. As her work on the cemetery progresses, Amelia sees the ghost of a child is standing over the grave of an unnamed baby. Amelia pretends not to see the ghost, but that doesn't stop the ghost from haunting her. As the ghost child becomes destructive toward Amelia, she decides to begin investigating the identity of the ghost child and the unnamed baby.

This is the last book in the Graveyard Queen series. Like the other books in the series, the writing is very atmospheric...you feel like you are in Charleston with Amelia while she is working on the graves. I thought the first half of the story was a little slow. I believe all of the usual characters made an appearance in this book. The second half of the story was excellent. There was a lot of action. I couldn't stop listening to the book until I found out exactly what was happening. We finally find out why Devlin broke off his relationship with Amelia. It really wasn't much of a surprise. The author wrapped up the series with an excellent twist that left me satisfied with how it ended.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Khristine Hvam. As usual, she did an excellent job. My rating: 4 Stars.

[Tammie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My name is Amelia Gray, a cemetery restorer who lives with the dead.

The Awakening is the last book in the Graveyard Queen series. Two books ago after I finished The Visitor I thought for sure this would be a series that would need several more books to wrap everything up, and I was fine with that, but the author managed to do it in just two books which kind of surprised me. I was expecting the whole plot with the Conge and Amelia's powers to be a longer and more drawn out thing. However, I do think this is a fitting ending to the series, even if I do feel like some things were too quickly and neatly wrapped up.

Shush…lest she awaken…

In this book Amelia is hired by an anonymous donor to restore Woodbine Cemetery. Woodbine has a history of being the place where rich and powerful people bury loved ones they would rather be forgotten. Amelia comes across the grave of a child with the disturbing inscription "Shush…lest she awaken…" on it, and soon the ghost of a child is haunting her, but this child is older than the one in the grave. Amelia eventually sets out to figure out how the two children are linked and in the process uncovers more than one secret.

John Devlin is back in this book and his secrets are finally uncovered as well. This is one part of the story that I felt was wrapped up a bit too neatly, especially considering what Amelia went through in the two previous books. I wasn't a fan of John for a while, but somehow by the end of this I liked him again. I do wish that the author wouldn't have romanticized him so much with the way he is written. He never felt quite real enough to me because of it. I had conflicting emotions about his character throughout the series more so than I think I've ever had about a love interest in any other book, but this wasn't always necessarily a bad thing as it did keep me guessing about him.

I love a good creepy book and this book was incredibly creepy at times. The scene in the middle of the night at Amelia's house with the thing trying to get in was probably the best one, and I made the mistake of reading that part while I was alone in the dark! I will miss this series and I'm sad to see it end. I'm hoping this author writes another creepy book series for me to read.

Review also posted at Writings of a Reader

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars... I feel like I just got off a crazy roller coaster ride; the twists and turns in this finale to the series certainly kept me engaged and second guessing how this story would end... Haunting truths and devastating pasts collide in this tale of loss, heartbreak, and revenge... Nothing is at it seems and secrets return from the grave to seek justice all the while a destined love is put to the ultimate test... I absolutely loved every word of this entire series and this conclusion certainly did not disappoint... A big thank you to Amanda Stevens for sharing this at times terrifying and other times insanely intriguing story with all of us readers:)

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Awakening
4 Stars

Graveyard restorer, Amelia Grey, is caught up in another mystery when the ghost of a murdered girl begins haunting her. Amelia's quest for justice takes on a personal note when the ghost child's connection to her own family as well as that of her former lover, John Devlin, becomes apparent.

Whether it is the haunting sadness of Woodbine cemetery, or the old world gothic atmosphere of the Devlin mansion, or the spine-tingling evil of the dilapidated Duvall island, Amanda Stevens demonstrates once again that she is truly gifted when it comes to establishing the ominous settings in this series.

The mystery itself is rather straightforward and it is not difficult to guess the various guilty parties or their motives. Nevertheless, it is entertaining to accompany Amelia on her quest to uncover the truth and there are one or two surprising revelations.

As with most of the books in the series, it is the relationship between Amelia and John Devlin that really grips the reader. The intensity of their emotional and physical connection is simply breathtaking and their moments together leave the reader aching for more.

Despite these wonderful elements, the pacing is rather drawn out and there are several questions that remain unanswered at the end, which is unfortunate, as this is the final installment. Hopefully, the rumors of a spin off series are true and this will not be the last we see of Amelia and John.

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Source* NetGalley/Publisher
*Genre* Paranormal, Horror, Ghosts
*Rating* 4.0

*My Thoughts*

The Awakening is the sixth and final installment in author Amanda Stevens Graveyard Queen. It has been a rather long road for protagonist Amelia Gray since she first appeared in The Restorer. She has gone from having a list of things not to do while in a cemetery, to accepting that there is more to her than meets the eye test. In this story, Amelia finds herself once again deep in suspicion, intrigue, the paranormal, while also facing a secretive sect she learned about in The Sinner.

*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*

http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Stevens definitely knows how to draw readers into a story. Her writing creates such a sensory experience that I always feel like I am there, living the events with her characters.

This is the final book in her Graveyard Queen series, and it definitely feels like a finale. We are back home in Charleston with Amelia, where she is working on a grave restoration which introduces her to another dark mystery involving a ghost. This one is a child and somehow Amelia feels a personal connection to the little girl. Her new mission is to figure out how the child died and how to help her find peace.

Like all the books in the series, this is so very dark. It is gothic. It’s ghostly horror. You can feel the fear, the chill, the evil of the dark forces surrounding the heroine. There’s so much tension and suspense. There is also heartache and yearning… and I felt that too.

Thank goodness, the author finally addresses John Devlin and what happened to make him leave Amelia’s life. The romance lover in me has long been frustrated by this thread. I wanted these two together, but his behavior made it hard to keep rooting for them. The good news is, it’s finally resolved and in a way I’m satisfied with. Unfortunately it felt a little rushed at the end and I really would have enjoyed reveling in this storyline’s resolution just a little bit.

It’s not just the resolution with Devlin that is a little rushed. This whole book is build, build, build, and then the climax happens super fast and then it’s over in a heartbeat. I like where Stevens went, I just wish the pacing was a little bit more even. And again, I wish there was maybe even just one more chapter at the end.

But it was a very good book. I did not want to put it down. The mysteries were a little predictable, but the book was less about the secrets of the dead and more about the journey. I would definitely recommend this entire series 2 fans of gothic ghost stories. But don’t start with this book. Go back to the beginning so you can enjoy the whole series.

*ARC provided by publisher

[AH · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a review copy of this book.

Clearly one of my favorite series. I love the atmosphere and the entire series.

Full review to come....

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This was an awesome ending to this series. I loved every minute of it. Amelia is working on restoring a graveyard close to home. Almost immediately the very angry ghost of a little girl makes itself known to her. In addition, lot's of creepy things start happening and Amelia realizes the door to the afterlife is open and things that are not supposed to be here are slipping through.

This was one of the scarier books in the series imo. Of course I was reading it late at night and I swear I spent the first half of the book huddled under the covers. I joined Amelia and Angus in their wide eyed watch of the door waiting for the "thing" to get in. (& it should be noted that my chimney flue will probably never get opened again) 0_0

Lot's of major things happen in this and everything comes to an action packed and emotional end. I was wondering when I started the book how the author could wrap up all the dynamics and give me a conclusion I would be satisfied with but she did. I LOVED the ending. Loved it!

We got to see all of the characters one last time. Amelia of course, her parents and aunt, Dr. Shaw, John's grandfather and of course John.........*sigh* John, John, John.....*heart eyes so hard*

If you have not read any of this series before this is not the place to start. This really shouldn't be read as a standalone. It will spoil you for the rest of the series. You need to start at book one.

If you're already a fan, you need to grab this immediately when it comes out. You won't regret it.

**ARC received from publisher through Netgalley**

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2017/03/review-...

Grade: B+

Favorite Quote: “Shush…lest she awaken…”

Amelia Grey, a professional cemetery restorer know as The Graveyard Queen, has been awarded the bid to restore the Woodbine Cemetery. Woodbine has long been considered the final resting place for the mistakes and indiscretions of the elite and wealthy Charleston families. When Amelia encounters an elaborate child’s gravestone that is nameless, she is accosted by an angry ghost whom she believes is the child buried there and who is looking to Amelia for justice. Amelia’s investigation leads her through a web of lies and deceit that takes her all the way to the front door of her ex-lover, John Devlin.

John Devlin’s family has been a part of the Charleston elite for as long as anyone can remember. Devlin had previously ignored his family’s legacy, choosing to go his own path, but circumstances have led him back into the fold and out of Amelia’s life. Can Amelia trust the man she once gave her body, heart, and soul to? Or will the family that Devlin swore he never wanted a part of put them on opposite sides of the battlefield?

The Awakening is the sixth and final installment in Amanda Stevens’s Graveyard Queen series. Steven’s has assured readers on her blog that this isn’t goodbye and she has ideas for a spin-off that will allow us to revisit this world and hopefully bump into Amelia again. I myself am going to miss this series with its dark southern gothic feel, suspenseful mysteries, and spine-tingling supernatural elements. Stevens’s compelling voice wraps a spell around the reader as she guides us back into her world of malevolent spirits and age-old superstitions with vibrant descriptions and rich prose. Outstanding characterization, intriguing narrative, and a smooth delivery add to the appeal of a reluctant heroine and the path she has unwillingly being drawn down.

“I wouldn’t wish my life on anyone.”

In the 5th book, The Sinner, Amelia Gray accepted a restoration job out of Charleston which put her in the direct path of two groups who seek to do her harm. An old murder mystery sheds light on the many secrets Amelia’s and Devlin’s family have held tight to for too long and forces a reckoning a long time in coming. Barely surviving being murdered herself, Amelia is now back in Charleston to stay though she is having a hard time letting go of Devlin and her memories of their time together. Especially when she feels him all the time-whether he’s physically there or not.

“There’s still a connection […] So strong that at times I can feel your presence before you enter a room. I hear your voice in my ear when I know you’re miles away.”

Interestingly enough, Amelia’s knowledge has expanded considerably though her world itself has contracted. Everything that has happened since the beginning has led back to her’s and Devlin’s families. The various loose ties and threads we have been combing through all make sense now and the picture they have been trying to form is becoming visible. Amelia has steadily gained strength and hope throughout this series, learning more about her family’s heritage and it’s bloody history. Previous events are alluded to with viable explanations, letting us know that Stevens hasn’t lost her way through Amelia’s life.

“I’d grown up with so many secrets, apparently in all branches of my family…”

The main conflict is an emotional complexity with a strong shroud of secrecy and shame. Though centralized in manner and deed, there are long reaching implications that affect a variety of people. Effectively scary and chill-inducing as Stevens’ no doubt intended, there is a vein of sorrow that grows stronger as Amelia digs deeper into her investigation and begins to unbury all the facts.

“She wants my attention. And like all the others, she needs my help.”

“Will you help her?”

“Do I ever have a choice?”

The relationship between Amelia and Devlin has been a huge point of interest in the series; having both thrilled and exasperated fans since the beginning. The push and pull of the romance, coupled with intense chemistry and multiple secrets, has kept readers riding the edge with Stevens’ continuing to play her hand close to the vest. Amelia’s love for Devlin had driven her to the point where she ignored her own safety. I was happy to see that her cavalier attitude is gone. His leaving her and fast engagement to another woman was a blow that shook Amelia far deeper than suspected. Devlin is a steady influence in this installment. We finally get his POV which is something I have really been waiting for in this series. Amelia’s self esteem has always been a bit low, especially where Devlin concerned, and I was ready to hear something that contradicted her dark thoughts.

“Since that first night in the Battery, there’s never been anyone but you. I can’t imagine where there ever would be.”

A steady influx of new and old faces mix and mingle, some as allies others as enemies, as Amelia unknowingly prepares for her final battle. They maintain the same intense and reticent nature; adding the intrigue and horror of the story. Stevens firmly wraps up the mystery and a large part of the overreaching arc with a large dose of excitement and suspense. I did feel Stevens’ rushed the ending and choose to take an easy way out when it came to Amelia and Devlin. I wish it could have been more of a choice on Devlin’s part then a happy coincidence.

I will repeat that I am sorry to see this series end and I hope *crosses fingers and toes* that Stevens’ does choose to spin off in the future. Once again, I can’t recommend this series enough. Fans of southern gothic horror stories that speak of the darkness that exists in the shadows between the living and dead should pick up Amanda Stevens’ The Graveyard Queen series ASAP.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

And so we've come full circle...

Such a lovely ending to a series that has steadily grown on me. I certainly hope that the rumours of a spin-off series are true. There are still unanswered questions begging to be explored and truth be told; I'm not ready to let go just yet.

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book of this extremely enjoyable series. 🙁. I shall miss the characters , Amelia, Devlin and the many others that made this series so special, spooky, and enthralling. Amanda Stevens’ The Awakening (Graveyard Queen,
#6) has Amanda restoring Woodbine Cemetery, a cemetery where Charleston’s elite “bury their secrets”. Amanda finds beautifully sad funeral art such as a miniature baby carriage, but she also realizes that there are no names on the tombstones. The cemetery needs a great deal of work to bring it back so people can actually walk through this cemetery to view many of these one of a kind funeral sculptures except the grave that has the small baby carriage. This grave is well kept, and someone has even put flowers in the little baby carriage. As Amelia is wondering just who is buried in this lovely cared for plot when she begins to feel that she is being watched, but every time she turns and looks, no one is there.

Eventually, Amanda ‘sees’ a the ghost of a young girl about 10 years old wearing a white dress. Amanda knows that she has been murdered, but only Amanda knows this. This ghost wants Amanda’s help. She may not rest until Amanda identifies her murderer. Amanda continues to work hard restoring Woodbine Cemetery when three people-first, a striking looking woman who just happens to be Devlin’s fiancée; then her brother and not far behind- Devlin (Amanda’s former love whom she still thinks about constantly.) . Now what is he doing here?

Devlin lets Amanda know that she cannot trust Claire (his fiancée) or her brother. They may harm her. Confusion runs rampant in Amanda’s head. Could Devlin still care for her? No, not possible! Then the ‘chance meeting ‘ with Devlin’s grandfather. What is happening? I will never tell. I will state this though. What a wow of a ending to this series! Highly recommended! 5 stars

[Serena Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Las piezas del rompecabezas estaban todas allí y ahora era el momento de comenzar a juntarlas.
Antes de que el tiempo se agote'.





•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.




Argumento:

Mi nombre es Amelia Gray y soy una restauradora de cementerios que vive con los muertos. Un donante anónimo me contrató para restaurar el cementerio de Woodbine, un lugar donde los ricos y poderosos entierran sus secretos. Hace cuarenta años, una niña desapareció sin dejar rastro y ahora su fantasma se ha despertado y me exige que averigüe la verdad sobre su muerte. Sólo yo sé que fue asesinada. Solo yo puedo llevar a su asesino ante la justicia. Pero las pistas que sigo, una melodía inquietante y la tumba de un bebé sin nombre, me llevan a una serie de sospechosos inquietantes.

Durante generaciones, los Devlin han sido miembros de la élite de Charleston. John Devlin una vez le dio la espalda a las tradiciones y expectativas que venían con su derecho de nacimiento, pero ahora aparentemente ha aceptado el lugar que le corresponde. Los secretos de su familia lo convierten en un aliado cuestionable. Cuando mi investigación me lleva a las puertas de la casa palaciega de su familia, tengo que preguntarme si está a punto de convertirse en mi enemigo mortal.



The Awakening de Amanda Stevens libro 6 de la serie La reina del cementerio


Mí humilde opinión:

Amelia Grey regresa a Charleston para una nueva restauración en el cementerio woodbine.

La tumba de una niña y solo "Shush" escrito en ella le llama fuertemente la atención. Aunque no logra verificar a quien pertenece y siente que debe averiguarlo.

Una misteriosa mujer visita la tumba dejando regalos y otro fantasma, de otra niña más grande, comienza a aparecerse y la empuja a resolver el misterio de su muerte.

De nuevo, personajes a tener cuidado se acercan a Amelia; Prosper Lamb, el cuidador del cementerio quien sospecha que puede ver fantasmas, Jonathan Devlin, el abuelo de Jhon Devlin, quien le insiste en que lo ayude a echar un fantasma de su casa que lo acosa a cambio de repuestas sobre porqué Jhon se casa con Claire, Rance Duvall y su hermana Claire Bellefontaine, ambos poderosos y capaces de cosas impensables en nombre de su familia.

Amelia vuelve a ver a Jhon Devlin y ya no sabe si es de fiar. Él ha cambiado. No parece ser el mismo hombre que conoció aunque aún tiene sentimientos por él que es lo único que no ha cambiado. Aunque está prometido con otra no logra pasar página.

Muchas cosas acerca de Devlin desconciertan a Amelia, sobretodo cuando él le hace dudar de las intenciones del Dr. Rupert Shaw para con ella. El único amigo al cual le contó sobre su don.

Asesinatos que resolver, fantasmas y entidades malignas, grupos secretos de élite, Amelia siempre parece estar a un paso de la muerte.

ME ENCANTA ESTA SERIE Y AME EL LIBRO!



Dios mío, AS tiene la habilidad para engancharte en la historia a pesar de que te mueres del miedo!

En esta entrega de la serie La reina del cementerio, ya se puede ver que el personaje de Amelia es más fuerte y atrevido. Acepta su don y sigue siendo leal a su amor por Devlin.

La admiraba por eso pero a la vez no podía creer lo masoquista que podía ser! Aunque ella siente que no tiene chance lo sigue queriendo. Yo en su lugar lo hubiera mandado a volar hace tiempo! No me gusta cuando él la deja mal parada a Amelia y sufriendo. Lo hizo siempre.

Desde el libro uno no puedo terminar de querer a Devlin. Creo que él podría haber sido un poco más calido con Amelia. Cada vez que estaba con ella, o la dejaba o la salvaba o le hablaba en acertijos, sin palabras románticas.

Sé que era un duro policía, aristócrata etc que se sacrificaba para mantenerla a salvo pero le faltó algo en el romance, siempre sentí eso.

Solo hacia el final hace las cosas bien, confiesa su plan y es porque había muerto su padre sino qué hubiera sucedido? se casaba con Claire? Ahí, odio/amor por Jhon Devlin.

Me sorprendieron las muertes de Jonathan Devlin y Rupert Shaw, este último el que más lamento porque me gustaba mucho su personaje y ayudaba a Amelia.

No me sorprendió que diera su vida por ella porque él había mencionado que la quería como una hija.
Me dolió esa escena.



Y Claire y Rance que malos malosos, sobretodo porque esta vez casi mataron a Amelia! Mercy les dio su merecido!

Sobre Mercy, ya sospechaba que Lynrose la tía de Amelia había tenido un romance con Jonathan pero nunca pensé que fuera Mercy su hija pensé que era un bebé. Qué triste su historia de amor fallida y la niña que perdieron y cómo la perdieron.

Una escena que disfruté mucho fue cuando Amelia está del otro lado y ve las entidades y fantasmas, caras conocidas, su abuela, su mamá...

Y que luego de pasar la puerta del otro lado ya no ve más fantasmas así que obtiene lo que ella quería, ser normal.

Este libro fue demasiado corto para mí gusto, no quería que acabara!

Por favor sobretodo con ese final, Amelia diciendo a Devlin que tendrán una hija y él diciéndole que todavía debe parar al congé!? WTF!!!

Significa que no cierra aún la serie?



Supongo que queda abierto el final, aunque lo detesto, lo acepto.

Este libro me tuvo prendida desde el comienzo como los demás de la serie. Sin lugar a dudas Amanda Stevens tiene un don para crear historias que si bien te helan la sangre, acabas amando!

[Keri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yea!!! Wish that ending could have been drawn out a few more chapters. :-) I can't say more or I will move into spoilery territory.

[Lyndi W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Am I crying? Yeah, totally crying.

Jesus, that was so good. I got full-body tingles like half a dozen times from spectacularly written reveals. I was wrong about a few things and right about a few things, which made for a pleasant mix of vindication and surprise. I literally can't review this without spoiling it, but this isn't really a review to convince new readers to pick up the series. It's a review for the people that have already read 1-5 and want to know if 6 is worth it. Let me tell you - it totally fucking is. If this is the end of the series, it was an awesome finish.

My only, very minor, complaint is that the wrap up felt a bit rushed. We get an epic climax and before we can even absorb all the emotions and the drama and everything, it's over. A longer final scene would have felt a lot more satisfying. As it is, I was still crying over the climax when I turned the page and saw it was over. So another page or two at the end would have been nice, but it's not enough to affect my rating or overall enjoyment of the story.

I didn't like the previous book so much, I felt like it was just one awful thing after another happening to our main character. But I think that made the redemption of this story even more poignant. Guess she had to hit rock bottom before she could rise like a phoenix or some shit.

Overall, this has been a fantastic series and I'm just so pleased with how everything turned out, I can hardly stop grinning even though I'm still a little weepy. I hate to see a great series end, but I think this was the perfect way to do it.

[Sunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
Originally posted at Scandalicious Book Reviews

According to the author, The Awakening is the final book in the Graveyard Queen series, for now.  Being the finally book, I paused to consider why it was that I loved this series so much.  I discovered something interesting.  On paper, this is not the kind of book I would normally pick up.  I do not usually read gothic stories. The desolate settings and the macabre and violent situations are not my cup of tea.  Horror is not my favorite genre and ghosts creep me out.  But I love this story.  Amanda Steven does not hit you in the face with violence and fear.  She cultivates it through the atmosphere she creates with her prose.  You can smell the flowers in the gardens, endure the oppressive humidity and heat, feel the history of a city that was a center of the slave South, and be creeped out by the abundance of graveyards. We do not always know the good guys from the bad guys and how evil will manifest.  With each book, my anxiety and anticipation grows.  For this book, Amelia is back in town.  She is at home working at a local cemetery, but local does not mean it is safe.  I was holding my breath and gripping my Kindle harder with each progressive chapter.  It is a wonder I did not pass out from a lack of oxygen.  

This series has an atypical romance. John Devlin, Amelia’s love interest, is not around for over half the books. Amelia travels a lot for her work and John Devlin starts off as a detective for the Charleston Police Department. In the final books, he and Amelia are not together as a couple.  How can there be a romance when the hero is not even around?! Admittedly, in my review of the first book, I said that I did not find the relationship believable. But because the author gives him more storylines in other books, their relationship is established.  So much so that even though John is not physically in the other books, he is ever present figure in Amelia’s mind. For those of you who may have doubts, have no fear Ms. Steven’s delivers a pretty spectacular happy ending that has me grinning from ear to ear.  

Why do I continue to recommend this book? I love the topic!  I’m still fascinated by the profession of cemetery restorer.  Often, Amelia not only restores the physical grounds, but also gets to investigate the lives of those in the graves.  As I mentioned before, I’m not a particular fan of ghosts, but the paranormal element ups the creepy factor.  In the tradition of Charley Davidson, ghosts are attracted to Amelia and she helps them cross to the other side.  Unlike Charley, some of these ghosts are angry and there is an evil element that haunts our heroine.  We also have a very powerful secret society that is out to eradicate all things paranormal, and over time, they have become more dangerous: “The Congé was a secret , fanatical group intent on ridding the living world of any force they perceived as unnatural. . . . But the Congé take it one step further. They fancy themselves kingmakers with a divine mandate. They use the fears and superstitions bred by these turbulent times to satiate their lust for power.” Introducing this element adds a layer of stress that make this story very suspenseful.  Amelia must battle the villains from the spectral and the physical worlds.  She a multi-faceted heroine!

The author has promised that she will bring back Amelia and John in her next series.  I cannot wait because I’m not ready to let go of these characters.  Not yet!

This book reminds me to keep an open mind and be willing to try new books that would challenge my preconceived ideas about genres.

[Gina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well...I've finished the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. I wanted to love this series. There is so much here for me to love. The descriptions of graveyard restoration are fascinating. This had me googling so many things! I loved the cross between crime drama and paranormal elements, even if I didn't think it worked well here. I enjoy Charleston, SC and liked that the books are set there. So why don't I love this?

I think it's because I find the books so unbalanced. In this one, restorer Amelia Gray is contracted to restore a small cemetery where people buried their secrets - bastard children, suicides, mistresses, etc. She hasn't spoken to her on/off again love, Devlin, for almost 2 years and he is currently engaged to someone else. The secrets buried in this cemetery put her back in contact with him, his family, and his fiancé. A murdered child haunts the place, and Amelia knows she connects to someone close to Devlin. Sounds good, right? So for 90% of the book, instead of direct mystery solving we are in Amelia's head (where the word foreboding is way overused) in dream like states as she suffers nightmares, premonitions, and waking memory dreams...page after page of descriptive dreams. I keep imaging bad 80's music videos that overuse fog machines. Then, near the end, a switch is flipped and this becomes a crime drama with in person action and a bad romance novel ending. I got whiplash from the shift.

There are elements of this series I liked a lot, but what I didn't like is too significant for me to rate this higher or recommend the series to others.

[Oly · Rating 3 out of 5]

No es un mal final, me ha gustado algo más que los anteriores. Une en un solo caso varias tramas sueltas, lo que se agradece. No obstante, también deja muchas cosas en el aire, tanto de libros pasados como de éste, además de temas que no vuelven a mencionarse en ningún momento cuando tuvieron una importancia fundamental en los primeros tres libros. El romance me ha gustado a ratos, sigue teniendo un toque crepusculiano raro, pero más adulto. No sé, me parece una saga prescindible, pero a la vez es entretenida si lo que se quiere es pasar un rato sin pensar mucho.

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sad to see this series end, but at the same time I am happy that it ended well and did not drag out like some were you just start to feel meh about the whole thing. I will also miss the whole vibe of the series. Southern Gothic mystery, it's spooky, without being scary.

Amelia still misses Devlin, and so do I. They were good together, but he was in deep with...other things. But this new case she is on takes her back to him and his world. Something was buried in that graveyard, something is haunting it. And she must find out what happened because the ghost will not let go of her.

Ghosts who want answers, bad omens and creepy gravayards. This is such a great world she created. I can feel I was there in then heat, dirt and strange things happening.

I was happy how it all ended. A good series that I am sad to see end.

[Abril Sol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy crap!!!! What an ending!!!!