The Kingdom (Graveyard Queen # 2) by Amanda Stevens - Book Review

Title: The Kingdom (Graveyard Queen # 2)

Author: Amanda Stevens

Publisher: MIRA

Publication Date: 27 March 2012

Pages: 376

Format: E-Book - PDF

Genre: Paranormal

Source: ARC from NetGalley

Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town...

My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I’ve been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I’m coming to think I have another purpose here.

Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I’ve discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth. (Goodreads Synopsis)

I was thrilled to see this listed on NetGalley as I had adored the first book in the series, The Restorer. Happily, this second story more than lives up to the first, with Stevens offering us more scares and more background on Amelia.

The book picks up nicely from the end of the first volume, but takes us to a new place with new faces and new dangers. Stevens managed to keep the suspense level high throughout and it was thrilling to turn each page and see what would happen next.

I was unsure of the new character, Thane, for a while, but he quickly grew on me and his role became clearer as the book progressed. Amelia seemed a little out of character a few times, but the reason for that was explained by the time the story reached its climax. 

Stevens' world-building remains strong and the sense of place plays an important role in her stories. Once again the pacing was spot on and the prose descriptive yet readable and engaging.

I, for one, shall be very much looking forward to the next book, which I believe is also due out this year.

I can highly recommend this series for those who aren't afraid of a little scare in their paranormal fiction.