The Prophet (Graveyard Queen, #3) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Feb 01, 2012 Alisha rated it it was amazing

Rating: 4.5

Note: Review originally posted 4/26/2012 at Book Lovers Inc.

This series is like Alice in Wonderland‘s rabbit hole; like a thousand-piece puzzle; like a foggy day in London Town. Having read through the book–savoring as much as possible of its language, imagery, and complexity–I know I’ll still need to read it all over again to really grasp the magnitude of the major developments and the nuanced connections between the more subtle revelations.

Ultimately, this book (as well as the previ Rating: 4.5

Note: Review originally posted 4/26/2012 at Book Lovers Inc.

This series is like Alice in Wonderland‘s rabbit hole; like a thousand-piece puzzle; like a foggy day in London Town. Having read through the book–savoring as much as possible of its language, imagery, and complexity–I know I’ll still need to read it all over again to really grasp the magnitude of the major developments and the nuanced connections between the more subtle revelations.

Ultimately, this book (as well as the previous one, in my opinion) is largely about protagonist Amelia’s self-discovery. Sure, the main plot thread revolves around Amelia’s investigation of an unsolved murder, but in attempting to do so she realizes that she carries an as-yet undiscovered purpose, one that will require her to embrace her unique mystical abilities and surmount her fears related to the Beyond. It’s rather cool, getting to discover her as she discovers herself. I haven’t yet figured her out, but that might be the point; she herself is just as much an enigma as any murder mystery.

Though there’s a lot going on within the pages of The Prophet, this book requires a slower, more deliberate read…and a good bit of patience. You have to be in the mood for a slow-moving mystery. More often than not, the plot progresses through sudden, unexpected occurrences–synchronicity, as Amelia defines it–rather than through consistent, deliberate action. This makes for many tense, creepy moments. It may also make one feel as though the plot isn’t driving forward with a clear direction–hence the need for patience. Rushing through this story won’t give it its due; and believe me, the patience pays off. ^_^

One thing about the structure of this book is constant: the lush detailing and the moody atmosphere. So much attention is paid to surroundings and small details in this Deep South setting. It’s easily my favorite part of Stevens’s stories, because the visuals just leap off of the page. Envisioning Amelia’s world is absolutely easy to do–which means that the scares and thrills are just as readily evocative. I’ll admit that I was not as outrageously creeped out as I was when I read first book–which I attribute to getting somewhat used to the dark unknowns, kind of like Amelia learns to get used to her ability to see the dead–but there’s always an undercurrent of chilling, unsettling mystery that’s undeniable.

I’m very excited that the romantic element plays more a bit more significantly into this story than in the past. Detective John Devlin is a darkly enigmatic character, full of an alluring mystery that’d been niggling at me throughout the first and second books. Finally, some more of his character is revealed through Amelia’s attraction to him–which is admittedly gushing, at times, even to me. Devlin and Amelia, both haunted in the literal and figurative sense of the word, make for a very intriguing pairing, and I was clamoring for more of the two, right up to the end.

And as for the ending, well. It’s not a cliffhanger in the most maddening sense, so don’t worry. But this book provides enough twists and turns that you’ll be really eager to continue exploring Amelia’s journey and the mysteries that continue to develop right up to the last page.

Bottom Line: If you’ve not yet read the first two books, make sure you do before picking this one up. The Prophet builds upon its predecessors marvelously, exhibiting the same lush visuals and chilling mystery that’s becoming a hallmark of the series. Its complex, lingering developments prove that this series is just getting going–and considering its awesomeness thus far, that’s saying something. ^_^ ...more

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Feb 07, 2012 Shelleyrae at Book'd Out rated it liked it

Shelves: netgalley-reviews, arc-are

After being so wonderfully caught up in the atmospheric and entertaining second book of the Graveyard Queen series, The Kingdom, I ignored my schedule and plunged straight into The Prophet. Picking up just a short time after Amelia returns to Charleston after receiving a text from Detective Devlin proclaiming his need for her, The Prophet sees Amelia struggling to find her feet. Her experiences at Asher Falls have raised more questions than answers and Amelia feels lost and vulnerable.

Unfortunat ...more

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Mar 22, 2012 Marsha rated it really liked it

AHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! It's a good thing I didn't jump out of bed last night to write this review, but waited until this morning instead. I loved the book - until the last 10 pages or so. I think I would have given the book 5 stars straight up, but GRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sorry, I don't usually do this. But, I just felt like Stevens simply decided that she was done and over with writing this series and wrapped everything up in a tidy little bow. And the epilogue? It read like a 10th grade book ...more

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Jan 03, 2013 The Flooze rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, urban-fantasy-paranormal, vanquished_2013

*not quite 3, due to irksome qualities*

The Restorer grew tiresome at times, what with the repetition of rules and the lack of sufficient character development. But it had in its favor lovely, lush prose and a supernatural spark that made me curious.

The Kingdom was different in an entirely welcome way. That book was engagingly creepy, rounded off with a vivid setting, untrustworthy characters, and thought-provoking insights. It got me invested in Amelia. It delved deeper into the supernatural, st ...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Patricia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: read-in-2016

I read this book quite quickly even though I wasn't sure that I should. This is the last book written in this series up to this point, and I wanted to savor it a bit more since it may be a while before the next book in the series will be released.

After Amelia leaves Devlin in the last book, and discovers her past and attraction to Thane Asher, she returns to Charleston and is immediately drawn back to Devlin. In her heart she has never forgotten him, and in this book you realize why. The attrac ...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Katyana rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, uf, ghosts-spirits, fantasy

Well. It certainly wasn't at all bad. But I wanted more. I really enjoyed this series, and I wanted it to wrap out with a bang. The last stretch of this was more of a whimper, and I can't help feeling a bit unsatisfied.

Oh well. I'm still happy to have read it. ...more

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