The Awakening by Amanda Stevens

March 27th, 2017 Kimberly Review 53 Comments

27th Mar
The Awakening by Amanda Stevens
The Awakening
by Amanda Stevens
Series: Graveyard Queen #6
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star

Shush…lest she awaken…

My name is Amelia Gray, a cemetery restorer who lives with the dead. An anonymous donor has hired me to restore Woodbine Cemetery, a place where the rich and powerful bury their secrets. Forty years ago, a child disappeared without a trace and now her ghost has awakened, demanding that I find out the truth about her death. Only I know that she was murdered. Only I can bring her killer to justice. But the clues that I follow—a haunting melody and an unnamed baby's grave—lead me to a series of disturbing suspects.

For generations, The Devlins have been members of Charleston's elite. John Devlin once turned his back on the traditions and expectations that came with his birthright, but now he has seemingly accepted his rightful place. His family's secrets make him a questionable ally. When my investigation brings me to the gates of his family's palatial home, I have to wonder if he is about to become my mortal enemy

2017 fave MURDERMYSTERY paranormal thriller urban

“Shush…lest she awaken…”

The Graveyard Queen has been one of my favorite series from the eerie graveyards to the ghostly mysteries. THE AWAKENING by Amanda Stevens wraps up the series (for now) and provided answers as we watch Amelia Gray face down her fears. Atmospheric and suspenseful I simply devoured this tale.

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!

I am saddened to see this series end. Each book in the Graveyard Queen has outdone the next. If you love mysteries with a little paranormal woo-woo and depth, this series is a must!

The Awakening by Amanda Stevens offers chills, revelations and a brilliant end to this series. Share on X
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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53 Responses to “The Awakening by Amanda Stevens”

  1. Melanie Simmons

    I can’t believe that I haven’t started this series yet and now it is complete. I guess at least I won’t have to wait for each new release. Glad to see it finished strong.

  3. Danielle

    This sounds like a series I could possibly enjoy. I am not very familiar with Urban Fantasy. Would her work be a good starting point?

  4. Dragonfly

    I can’t believe I had never heard of this series before [well actually.. I can believe it! :)] It sounds SO GOOD! I’ll give it a try. Like you I have a weakness for things concerning cemeteries and death [and afterlife]. Thanks for the review Kim.

  6. Katherine

    This is a series I’ve been wanting to read and I’m so glad that it came to a satisfying conclusion even though you’re sad to see it come to an end. I love the whole cemetery connection! I can’t wait to start this series.

  11. Stormi Johnson

    I am so sad this is ending! It’s not often I am caught up on a series that I can read the last one when it comes out…lol. I got the audio to review the other day and each time I see it being reviewed I am like I so have to listen to that one so might bump it up. 🙂

    Great review!
    Stormi

  12. Angie

    I have seen so many good reviews for this series! I have purchased the first in audio, but I haven’t had a chance to ‘read’ it yet. I can’t wait to fit it in.

    Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Nice, these should be awesome on audio. I started reading them and the voices are already in my head..but if I was started I would choose audio.

  15. Genesis

    Man, the cover is so creepy! I don’t think I can read this at night LOL. I have never read this series before but I could pick it up one day so we’ll see 🙂 Lovely review!
    Genesis @ Latte Nights Reviews

  16. Ethan

    You know I love a good mystery. Add to that the spooky setting, and I’m completely sold!

  17. kindlemom1

    Woo hoo! So glad you loved this as well, so sad it will be over though. I’m looking forward to those novellas. 😉

  18. Sophia Rose

    A wow-worthy finale it sounds like. Just how the end of a series should be- wrapping up all questions and giving you a riveting story. I’ve got books one and two so I’m good to go when I have the time.

  19. Nick

    I’m glad this was a strong finale for you, Kim. I know how much you’ve loved the previous books. Hopefully, the author will write short stories or companion so that you’re not saying goodbye for good!

  20. Angela

    I’ve been enjoying this series on audio and it’s great. I love a good creepy book once in a while. I cannot wait to get to this one!

  21. Nadene

    This is the first I am hearing about this series. Thanks for bringing to my attention. This is one of my favourite genres and you review as peaked my interest.

  22. Debbie Haupt

    Wow you know I’ve seen this series around and have read your reviews of course and I think I’m finally in the right mind set for something like this. Great review I love what you said about her creative mindset about cemeteries and death. On my wish list! Thanks

  23. cindy

    I have never read this series but I feel like I need to go get a copy! How have I missed these books!!!? What a great review! Thank you so much for bringing this book to my attention.

  24. Melanie

    Wow this sounds so interesting and creepy! I’ve never read any of the books in this series but I think I have to now!

  26. Melliane

    I really loved this one as well! the autghor told me that we will surely have a novella so now I’m curious