Graveyard Queen, Book 1, The Restorer

[Trinity]

This is where we will discuss our The Restorer.

Happy Reading!

[Michelle]

Just started my library copy today. I always like to read a book set in Charleston, it's one of my favorite vacation spots.

[Trinity]

It is fantastic!!

[Michelle]

Finished a few days ago, and I liked it. I have to agree with Nancy though about the romance bit. When Amelia first describes Devlin as 'dark and brooding', I thought, oh please don't go there....but I did enjoy the book. Charleston can carry just about any story for me.

Even though I figured out who the killer was, the author did a good job with throwing in enough misdirection that I kept second-guessing myself until the final showdown. (view spoiler)[And even then, I still thought Devlin was somehow in on it, but that was probably just because I didn't like him. (hide spoiler)]

The book ends with enough unfinished business that I'd like to continue with the series. It looks like the second book takes place in another part of S. Carolina. (view spoiler)[Maybe Devlin will stay home!! lol (hide spoiler)]

[Trinity]

I am glad that you liked it Michelle :) If you guys want to move on to a different series let me know. Not opposed. I liked the first one a lot and expected the romance part. I felt I could overlook it due to the fact that the rest of the book was so good.

[Michelle]

I have requested a copy of book 2 from the library. When are you going to start that one, Trinity?

[Trinity]

Still have to buy it. Going to look on Amazon tomorrow.

[Michelle]

Trinity wrote: "Still have to buy it. Going to look on Amazon tomorrow."

I'm planning to start it after I finish The Ritual.

[Michelle]

Nancy wrote: "michelle, would love to hear how you like the Ritual.."


Right now I'm just starting Part 2. But I can say, regardless of how it ends, I would recommend this as one scary book, and one you don't want to put down for long.

[Shainlock]

Ok I like what she does for a living, the premise, the plot, history, symbolism ... Just about everything- but does she have to describe Devlin's scar or profile every couple of paragraphs? Oooof! Gonna keep with it. Halfway through.

[Shainlock]

I have finished! Yay!
Good book. Started on the second. Question though .. Are we to infer that Meakins was stealing Dr. Shaw's research or do we still not know who was doing that ?

[Trinity]

The obsession with Delvin was a bit much. And from what I remember I thought he stole it.

[Shainlock]

Hehe, yes. Hopefully we find out why and soon so she will shut up about it. I love the books other than that.
Ok, Daniel taking it seems to make sense to me too. Thanks.

[Nina]

I thought this first book was very good. I'd only give the romance a two or three, but I thought the Gothic atmosphere was a five for sure. I don't tend to like romances where the husband was madly in love with his first wife, but I have a sinking suspicion that Delvin's relationship with Mariama was toxic for him, so I'm okay as of now with the way the triangle was left.

I'm moving on to The Kingdom, which I think focuses more on her childhood/gift? I think something fishy is going on with her status as an adopted child, so I'm simultaneously excited and nervous about what she might discover about herself.

[Shainlock]

Oh yeah, Nina ... You got it right !!

[Natalie]

[Spoilers for those who have scrolled this far but haven't finished the book yet]

I just finished this last night (super late to the game), and am in agreement pretty much with everyone. The repetition of her describing Devlin was a bit much for me, but I'm generally not a romance reader. I did enjoy the atmosphere and plot very much though, and I'm definitely hoping book 2 focuses on her past and goes deeper into the spirit world, like the additional beings her father warned her about that eventually came for Meakins.

I think it's hinted that he stole Dr. Shaw's work, with how much time he spent in the archives room as well as the mention of him finishing his last book before he wants to relieve himself of his shackled spirit and kill himself.

I have the second book from the library, but I might focus on a few other things first before diving back into it. Hopefully I'll be reading it sometime in February (along with Four and Twenty Blackbirds and The Hangman's Daughter).

[debbicat *made of stardust*]

Shaina wrote: "Oh yeah, Nina ... You got it right !!"

Michelle wrote: "Just started my library copy today. I always like to read a book set in Charleston, it's one of my favorite vacation spots."
yep!

[Nina]

debbie~cr8zycat~ wrote: "Shaina wrote: "Oh yeah, Nina ... You got it right !!"

Michelle wrote: "Just started my library copy today. I always like to read a book set in Charleston, it's one of my favorite vacation spots."
..."

I agree. I've always loved Charleston because that's where Rhett Butler came from, and I spent my honeymoon there.

[Shainlock]

Oh, that sounds like a good honeymoon spot! Is it really that fragrant with flowers and things ?

[Nina]

Yes, although a less biased answer is probably that it depends on where you stay. My husband booked us a little townhouse right on the edge of downtown, so I got to see both the beauty of the marketplace and the harbor, as well as the run-down areas that are less touristy. Of course, the plantations are to-die-for (although you have to travel to see most of them), and the atmosphere really is that evocative, with Spanish moss and flowers and everything. The area down by the Battery makes you feel like you're surrounded by antebellum glamour. Even if that's all a facade built for commercialism, I felt it was real when I was there. Beautiful place.