Monday 1 August 2011

The Abandoned by Amanda Stevens

The prequal to the Graveyard Queen series. 
Published on the 1st April by MIRA, an imprint of Harlequin. 
Book read via NET GALLEY

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. 

Synopsis from the Amanda's website.

When her favorite patient at a private mental hospital passes away, psychology student Ree Hutchins mourns the elderly woman’s death.  But more unsettling is her growing suspicion that something unnatural is shadowing her.
Amateur ghost hunter Hayden Priest believes Ree is being haunted. Even Amelia Gray, known in Charleston as the Graveyard Queen, senses a gathering darkness. Driven by a force she doesn’t understand, Ree is compelled to uncover an old secret and put abandoned souls to rest—before she is locked away forever…

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I just can't get enough of this series! Amanda Stevens is seriously becoming a favourite author of mine. I loved The Restorer and I love The Abandoned just as much too.
Amanda can write Southern Gothic with style. There is a real darkness to this book, and is just as gripping as The Restorer.

Two of the main characters from The Restorer make an appearance in this book, which takes place just after Amelia has been commissioned to work on the local graveyard,where The Restorer is set. Amelia and Devlin don't meet in this story, so we don't see their blossoming romance begin. However, we don't miss out on the romance side, as Ree and Hayden are a hot topic in this book. They shouldn't be together, but neither can resist the pull of lust. 

There are ghostly apparitions as Ree seems to be haunted after sitting with Violet whilst she passed over. Amanda Stevens is just so good as giving ghosts a realistic and sinister appearance in her books. I get a chill every time I read about them.

This book is only 108 pages and is easily read in one sitting. I just couldn't stop myself reading it all in one go. 

If you are looking for a spiritual sensation enveloped in Southern charm, then I urge you to read The Abandoned and The Restorer. I cannot wait for The Kingdom. These books are not published in the UK yet, but you can buy used copies of The Restorer on Amazon co.uk and you can buy The Abandoned online. 

The Graveyard Queen Series:
Prequel: The Abandoned (April 2011Book I: The Restorer (May 2011)
Book II: The Kingdom (November 2011)
Book III: The Prophet (May 2012)

11 comments:

  1. Yay, glad you liked it! I loved The Restorer and I am eagerly awaiting for the release of Kingdom! :)

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  2. Well that is sure short. but it would be nice to see if I liked it

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  3. That cover of The Abandoned is awesome. enjoy

    Hope you have an awesome week Viv.

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  4. I have this one on my wish list - can't wait to read it! I didn't realise it was such a short book!

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  5. uh, ghosts and a psychiatric ward? why have i not heard of this series?!?

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  6. Renu - Amanda is just such an awesome author!

    Blodeuedd - you have to read it!


    Diane - I have to say both covers are AMAZING.Very eerie, but gorgeous.

    Leanna - sent you a message via Twitter.

    Christina - they both were on NETGALLEY. Not sure if they still are though.

    Animewookie - I love the way she writes.

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  7. oooo, I havent read any of this series but I think I'm going to have to!

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  8. I was wondering about The Restorer, sounds this is a great series. I tried one of her books but it was more like a regular thriller and it was ok but I thought she had a lot of potential. Will have to check out this series.

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  9. sounds like a great series. Thanks for the recommendation.

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  10. These books sound fantastic and the covers are amazing :D

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