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The Diamond Peak Series #3
Demon's Grip:
Demon slayer Ariel Malony thought she knew her friend and travelling companion, Nick, but she discovers that at the University of Sheldra, he is a respected translator with little time to spare. Now that he isn't at her side all the time, she wishes he was, and when she finally admits her love, powerful emotions sweep her away like flotsam in a raging torrent.
An army of demons force them to cut short their stay and from the Gothic architecture of Sheldra, they travel between enormous standing stones, and across a vast dry plain to the ancient granite walls of the Hermitage where Ariel meets her greatest challenge yet.
There, the demon lord Emot takes advantage of her inexperience in matters of the heart and preys on her desire for pleasure, setting off a struggle with addiction that threatens to break Nick's heart and turn Ariel into the demon's mindless slave. She must reach deep into her soul and find the mystical power she needs to kill the one who promises pleasure but delivers only pain. Fail, and she will lose the one she loves and spend an eternity in the demon's grip.
An army of demons force them to cut short their stay and from the Gothic architecture of Sheldra, they travel between enormous standing stones, and across a vast dry plain to the ancient granite walls of the Hermitage where Ariel meets her greatest challenge yet.
There, the demon lord Emot takes advantage of her inexperience in matters of the heart and preys on her desire for pleasure, setting off a struggle with addiction that threatens to break Nick's heart and turn Ariel into the demon's mindless slave. She must reach deep into her soul and find the mystical power she needs to kill the one who promises pleasure but delivers only pain. Fail, and she will lose the one she loves and spend an eternity in the demon's grip.
- GenresFantasyYoung Adult
401 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2013
10 people want to read
About the author
Tahlia Newland
25 books83 followersTahlia Newland is a multi-passionate artist, author and editor. She is the author of seven magical-realism novels, plus books on writing, meditation, and recovering from spiritual abuse in Tibetan Buddhism. She works as an editor and publisher for Alkira Publishing, and in her spare time, she creates AI art or makes masks or decorates hats, which she sells as TahliasArtAndCraft on Etsy.
On her blog and social media, she writes on navigating this crazy world as a neurodivergent contemplative with a passion for nature, story and art. She animates some of her AI imagery, turns it into music videos, and posts it on her Psychemagination: Tahlia Dreaming YouTube Channel.
On her blog and social media, she writes on navigating this crazy world as a neurodivergent contemplative with a passion for nature, story and art. She animates some of her AI imagery, turns it into music videos, and posts it on her Psychemagination: Tahlia Dreaming YouTube Channel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
December 8, 2021
AIBA Book of the Day: 8 December, 2021: 100/41535
Awesome Indies Book Awards is pleased to include DEMONS GRIP by TAHLIA NEWLAND in the library of Awesome Indies' Seal of Excellence recipients.
September 11, 2015
Demons grip is book #3 in Tahlia Newland's Diamond Peak series.
It took me 12 days to finish this book. Some of that delay was craziness in my life, but most of the reason it took so long was because this book is a slow burn, peppered with small constant struggles, but no real 'climax'.
Other reviewers have said this book is one of huge personal growth for the protagonist, Ariel, and that is 100% true. The down side to this book being so much about her maturity is that it's not as exciting and adventurous as the previous two books.
The struggles Ariel faces mirror similar issues any young teen would face. The question of lust and losing oneself in daydreams and cravings are just the tip of the iceberg.
In this way, I feel this book delivers something that the first two books don't, and that is a realistic, albeit fantastically tinged, look at what goes on in a teens mind.
Once again, I felt the balance between the story and all the 'inner light' stuff was a little too focused on the inner light, which further removed me from an already slower read.
This issue aside, the story offers interesting insights into demons and the complexity of the world Tahlia has built here.
I particularly enjoyed Emot Sai in this one. His character evoked a strong emotional response from me. I hated him in one chapter and felt empathy for him in another. This takes considerable writing skill. Well done!
His particularly menacing physical appearance, coupled with manipulation and greed all wrapped up in one wicked package. A great antagonist if ever I read one.
Overall, I liked the story and I will finish the series, but it might take me a while.
I am happy to report that little Spud makes a cameo appearance and I was very excited to see him resurface, even if it was only for a short while :)
One thing I noticed:
10% Kelee's waistcoat changes from purple to blue.
It took me 12 days to finish this book. Some of that delay was craziness in my life, but most of the reason it took so long was because this book is a slow burn, peppered with small constant struggles, but no real 'climax'.
Other reviewers have said this book is one of huge personal growth for the protagonist, Ariel, and that is 100% true. The down side to this book being so much about her maturity is that it's not as exciting and adventurous as the previous two books.
The struggles Ariel faces mirror similar issues any young teen would face. The question of lust and losing oneself in daydreams and cravings are just the tip of the iceberg.
In this way, I feel this book delivers something that the first two books don't, and that is a realistic, albeit fantastically tinged, look at what goes on in a teens mind.
Once again, I felt the balance between the story and all the 'inner light' stuff was a little too focused on the inner light, which further removed me from an already slower read.
This issue aside, the story offers interesting insights into demons and the complexity of the world Tahlia has built here.
I particularly enjoyed Emot Sai in this one. His character evoked a strong emotional response from me. I hated him in one chapter and felt empathy for him in another. This takes considerable writing skill. Well done!
His particularly menacing physical appearance, coupled with manipulation and greed all wrapped up in one wicked package. A great antagonist if ever I read one.
Overall, I liked the story and I will finish the series, but it might take me a while.
I am happy to report that little Spud makes a cameo appearance and I was very excited to see him resurface, even if it was only for a short while :)
One thing I noticed:
10% Kelee's waistcoat changes from purple to blue.
August 13, 2013
The third novel in the Diamond Peak series by Tahlia Newland is a somewhat different book to its two predecessors. Perhaps that is not surprising, for over the course of a series of books, the pacing will vary, and the narrative will bend and flex as it moves towards its concluding volumes. Unlike other serial novels, like the Harry Potter books, Ariel is on a long linear journey, and so the books will vary on that journey.
Following the dramatic action with which the second volume Stalking Shadows ended, this novel begins in a more thoughtful and reflective fashion, and in some respects the title is a metaphor for the book as a whole. The book has fewer of the action sequences and battle scenes that characterised the earlier books, and though we now see more of the Diamond's Peak world through different character points of view, Ariel herself is confined to two locations for much of the novel. While her mother is in the grip of Emot, Ariel herself is in the grip of her complicated feelings for Nick, and the battles she faces are against her internal 'enemy' - the literal and terrifying consequences of being unable to understand and manage those feelings.
That, in particular, makes this book more thoughtful in tone. The spiritual themes of this world come much more to the fore, and Ariel's dialogues with Walnut explore that in some detail. The book is also somewhat claustrophobic in feel at times, as Ariel struggles with what she feels and the impact of it on her journey. And here is the challenge of rating this book: in terms of the series as a whole, it is an essential stage in Ariel's journey, for the enemy she must conquer is within, and it is a timely sequel to the second volume. But as a novel in itself, this reviewer finds it less readable than its predecessors, due to its slower pacing, the long segments of dialogue, and the dominance of Ariel and Nick's relationship in the story. Nonetheless, the end of this novel opens up some interesting possibilities for Ariel's future on Diamond Peak, and readers will want to know what happens in the final instalment of her journey.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. I am a reviewer for Awesome Indies.
Following the dramatic action with which the second volume Stalking Shadows ended, this novel begins in a more thoughtful and reflective fashion, and in some respects the title is a metaphor for the book as a whole. The book has fewer of the action sequences and battle scenes that characterised the earlier books, and though we now see more of the Diamond's Peak world through different character points of view, Ariel herself is confined to two locations for much of the novel. While her mother is in the grip of Emot, Ariel herself is in the grip of her complicated feelings for Nick, and the battles she faces are against her internal 'enemy' - the literal and terrifying consequences of being unable to understand and manage those feelings.
That, in particular, makes this book more thoughtful in tone. The spiritual themes of this world come much more to the fore, and Ariel's dialogues with Walnut explore that in some detail. The book is also somewhat claustrophobic in feel at times, as Ariel struggles with what she feels and the impact of it on her journey. And here is the challenge of rating this book: in terms of the series as a whole, it is an essential stage in Ariel's journey, for the enemy she must conquer is within, and it is a timely sequel to the second volume. But as a novel in itself, this reviewer finds it less readable than its predecessors, due to its slower pacing, the long segments of dialogue, and the dominance of Ariel and Nick's relationship in the story. Nonetheless, the end of this novel opens up some interesting possibilities for Ariel's future on Diamond Peak, and readers will want to know what happens in the final instalment of her journey.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest and impartial review. I am a reviewer for Awesome Indies.
December 1, 2014
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange of an honest review.
The third book in the Diamond Peak series which shows much growth for Ariel. She has matured in ways I didn't see coming, but love because it adds to her character. Gave this a 4.5 star rating.
The romance is now getting further between Nick and Ariel because she finally admits to her feelings for him -- thank you! Unfortunately when one person is finally read the other is finally tired of the waiting game.
The action is still coming strong, the drama is full on and the pace is still fast yet smooth.
I'm totally becoming obsessed with this series.
The third book in the Diamond Peak series which shows much growth for Ariel. She has matured in ways I didn't see coming, but love because it adds to her character. Gave this a 4.5 star rating.
The romance is now getting further between Nick and Ariel because she finally admits to her feelings for him -- thank you! Unfortunately when one person is finally read the other is finally tired of the waiting game.
The action is still coming strong, the drama is full on and the pace is still fast yet smooth.
I'm totally becoming obsessed with this series.
August 21, 2013
This review is part of the blog tour for the newest book in Tahlia Newland’s series, Diamond Peak.
This book leaves no doubts as to the direness of our protagonists’ situation.
In the midst of death and sacrifice, Nick and Ariel finally arrive at the Sheldra university, but of course, all is not well. The good news: Ariel has finally stopped her mad streak of denial and admitted she loves and needs Nick. (And Ruthanne does a happy dance.) The bad news: Nick no longer has time to wait for her to make up her mind, and the evil forces pursuing her have only gotten more clever.
This book is definitely the best of the three. Tahlia’s style really bloomed somewhere between book two and three, and the flow in this book is a huge jump toward awesomeness.
Now, remember: this world and its powers depend entirely on the transforming force of negative and positive emotions. So with Ariel finally realizing she’s in love but unable to act on it, she has become vulnerable to insidious and intimate attacks… which is exactly what the demon does. Even lust can be a problem.
Ariel is growing up. With that maturing comes new problems and difficulties, and new ways for the serpentine to attack her. With this in mind, Tahlia tackles the tricky topic of addiction in this story, sorta-kinda with hints of rape. Ariel’s struggle is part of the core of this book, and I suspect essential to her development as the heroine of this series.
Addiction is a spooky topic to touch, very much part of real life and not just this story.
I won’t say more lest there be spoilers. Suffice it to say this book focuses on the internal war more than the external, balancing out the extensive battles of the previous book. I still kind of want to throttle Nick and Ariel both, just a little, but I am at this point convinced I’ll be completely satisfied with the way their relationship grows.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the last of the series. It’s a delight to watch this author grow.
This book leaves no doubts as to the direness of our protagonists’ situation.
In the midst of death and sacrifice, Nick and Ariel finally arrive at the Sheldra university, but of course, all is not well. The good news: Ariel has finally stopped her mad streak of denial and admitted she loves and needs Nick. (And Ruthanne does a happy dance.) The bad news: Nick no longer has time to wait for her to make up her mind, and the evil forces pursuing her have only gotten more clever.
This book is definitely the best of the three. Tahlia’s style really bloomed somewhere between book two and three, and the flow in this book is a huge jump toward awesomeness.
Now, remember: this world and its powers depend entirely on the transforming force of negative and positive emotions. So with Ariel finally realizing she’s in love but unable to act on it, she has become vulnerable to insidious and intimate attacks… which is exactly what the demon does. Even lust can be a problem.
Ariel is growing up. With that maturing comes new problems and difficulties, and new ways for the serpentine to attack her. With this in mind, Tahlia tackles the tricky topic of addiction in this story, sorta-kinda with hints of rape. Ariel’s struggle is part of the core of this book, and I suspect essential to her development as the heroine of this series.
Addiction is a spooky topic to touch, very much part of real life and not just this story.
I won’t say more lest there be spoilers. Suffice it to say this book focuses on the internal war more than the external, balancing out the extensive battles of the previous book. I still kind of want to throttle Nick and Ariel both, just a little, but I am at this point convinced I’ll be completely satisfied with the way their relationship grows.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading the last of the series. It’s a delight to watch this author grow.
November 30, 2014
What I liked: Ariel grows a lot in this book with how she has to learn about how she feels about Nick and both accept that she has feelings for him, and learn how to manage these feelings since they're new to her. We see her talk with Walnut and reading between the lines of their conversations as well as what's spoken explore much of the spiritual themes that have been presented throughout the series so far. This book, while not filled with action like its predecessors and much slower in pace, has its own challenges that help Ariel grow to help her learn how to defeat the Rasama she must face. She isn't constantly moving from place to place, and we learn more about her. In many ways that made this book better than the others, especially how everything falls into place. Everything that happens, even Ariel's realization that she has feelings for Nick, has some interesting ways of turning on itself inside this book. We also see some very interesting things happen inside the University of Sheldra and meet a character who I thought would never appear again, which was quite a surprise as well as being a good one.
What I didn't like: While the book works well as a slower paced novel, sometimes it was a bit too slow for my liking and it felt like it was dragging.
Overall Review: I had to take a different approach when reading and reviewing this book because while the first two books were action-y and full of danger that was trying to get her while she was on the road, the dangers in this book were no less valuable to Ariel as she grows and learns about herself. I loved Namida in this book and what she does, and the development of Emot the demon as a character was an interesting one all in itself.
Recommend?: These books keep getting better the more you read, and so I'm definitely recommending you this one if you've read the first two!
What I didn't like: While the book works well as a slower paced novel, sometimes it was a bit too slow for my liking and it felt like it was dragging.
Overall Review: I had to take a different approach when reading and reviewing this book because while the first two books were action-y and full of danger that was trying to get her while she was on the road, the dangers in this book were no less valuable to Ariel as she grows and learns about herself. I loved Namida in this book and what she does, and the development of Emot the demon as a character was an interesting one all in itself.
Recommend?: These books keep getting better the more you read, and so I'm definitely recommending you this one if you've read the first two!
November 26, 2015
My reviews of my own work are always totally honest, written from the perspective of me as a reader,not as the author, & this one, I have to say is a highly unusual book and, though a great ride like the rest of the series, is also a little grueling in the last third where Ariel struggles with addiction and Nick's patience is sorely tested. But then, addiction is like that, you can't treat it lightly.
It's very much the third book in a series, the last struggles before something shifts and the characters can move on for their last push to the top of the mountain (book 4 is very inspiring). As with the previous books in the series, there's lots of action, humour and romance, though Ariel finds that being Nick's boyfriend when a demon that feeds on craving is around is a bit trickier than she imagined.
You'll meet Yule, (a bright-eyed, shaven-headed scholoar) the Haba (an awesome race of mountain Warriors) Kestril's sister, Kelee, and Ariel's 'Auntie and Uncle'. We hear the prophecy, find out the reason for Kestril's apparent dislike of Ariel and dip into some of the intriguing areas of study she undertakes at the University of Sheldra ie Demonology, Response Ability, The Nature of Reality and Advanced Demon Slaying. There's also Gimp wrestling and a guest appearance by Spud, the wombat.
Ariel's mother, Nadima does something so surprising that even I didn't see it coming, and at first I thought it was a pretty stupid move. She had to reassure me that she knew what she was doing before I agreed write it the way she wanted. In the end, the whole section starring Nadima is some of the best writing in the book.
I think you need to read the earlier books in the series before this one, so pick up Lethal Inheritance and Stalking Shadows.
Enjoy it, it's quite a ride.
It's very much the third book in a series, the last struggles before something shifts and the characters can move on for their last push to the top of the mountain (book 4 is very inspiring). As with the previous books in the series, there's lots of action, humour and romance, though Ariel finds that being Nick's boyfriend when a demon that feeds on craving is around is a bit trickier than she imagined.
You'll meet Yule, (a bright-eyed, shaven-headed scholoar) the Haba (an awesome race of mountain Warriors) Kestril's sister, Kelee, and Ariel's 'Auntie and Uncle'. We hear the prophecy, find out the reason for Kestril's apparent dislike of Ariel and dip into some of the intriguing areas of study she undertakes at the University of Sheldra ie Demonology, Response Ability, The Nature of Reality and Advanced Demon Slaying. There's also Gimp wrestling and a guest appearance by Spud, the wombat.
Ariel's mother, Nadima does something so surprising that even I didn't see it coming, and at first I thought it was a pretty stupid move. She had to reassure me that she knew what she was doing before I agreed write it the way she wanted. In the end, the whole section starring Nadima is some of the best writing in the book.
I think you need to read the earlier books in the series before this one, so pick up Lethal Inheritance and Stalking Shadows.
Enjoy it, it's quite a ride.
January 24, 2016
This is the third of a planned four parts. All three books already published can be read as one offs, but I advise starting with "Lethal Inheritance: Diamond Peak". Just how original Newland's fantastical vision is becomes far clearer in this latest book. Meat is being put on the characters, even on those of the demons. Also, we are beginning to understand better what the Peak itself is all about. The metaphysical aspects of the series are being steadily reinforced, as are the human and humanistic interactions. As we are drawn along this other path, which stands alongside our physical world, I increasingly wonder if black serpentine can truly be defeated. As Ariel and Nick's relationship matures so does its complexity. Ariel's introspection gets a bit tedious at times, but that's teenagers for you! As well as dealing with the turmoil of love they have to continue to learn how to turn their ordinary selves into superheroes and saviours of mankind. It seems that only they can save us all from the suffocating evil of the black serpentine.
I have reviewed all three books as they were published. My early enthusiasm has not been diminished by subsequent reading, which isn't something I can say of several better known series. I hope that Tahlia Newland has a strong vision of where she is going. There is a lot of promise that needs a very dynamic conclusion in the next book. Finishing what she has started is the trick that still has to be proven.
I started reading book three happy that Ariel's Mum was already safe. Oh my, that lady has had a tough life. Like mother, like daughter?
I have reviewed all three books as they were published. My early enthusiasm has not been diminished by subsequent reading, which isn't something I can say of several better known series. I hope that Tahlia Newland has a strong vision of where she is going. There is a lot of promise that needs a very dynamic conclusion in the next book. Finishing what she has started is the trick that still has to be proven.
I started reading book three happy that Ariel's Mum was already safe. Oh my, that lady has had a tough life. Like mother, like daughter?
December 2, 2014
Another spell-binding adventure that saw Ariel and her friends in an epic fight against the demons of Diamond Peak. This book was a little different as Ariel and Nick settled at Sheldra so that she could train, learn and gain more knowledge. The Emot demon seemed to be more of a threat that the other two she'd had to face, only because he fed off of desires and cravings, and there was so much Ariel craved, whether she was willing to accept it or not.
I have to admit that Ariel was a little annoying with her jealousy over the fact that Nick didn't want to spend every second with her. I had seen so much strength in her in the other two books, and I had been impressed that she didn't allow things to distract her completely, but her feelings and behavior in this book reminded me of just how young she was.
I was particularly looking forward to this book because Emot was the demon that held Nadima captive, so I was eager to see if Ariel would find a way to find her mother. I was quite surprised when Nadima found a way out, and even more surprising was the compassion she showed towards the vile creature that fed off of her, and I believe I wasn't the only one.
I was glad to see that even though Ariel had accomplished what she had initially set out to do, she was still willing to continue onto the ultimate goal of ridding the world of the evil that invaded it. I look forward to reading the final book in this series, and to see both Ariel and Nick fulfill their destiny.
I have to admit that Ariel was a little annoying with her jealousy over the fact that Nick didn't want to spend every second with her. I had seen so much strength in her in the other two books, and I had been impressed that she didn't allow things to distract her completely, but her feelings and behavior in this book reminded me of just how young she was.
I was particularly looking forward to this book because Emot was the demon that held Nadima captive, so I was eager to see if Ariel would find a way to find her mother. I was quite surprised when Nadima found a way out, and even more surprising was the compassion she showed towards the vile creature that fed off of her, and I believe I wasn't the only one.
I was glad to see that even though Ariel had accomplished what she had initially set out to do, she was still willing to continue onto the ultimate goal of ridding the world of the evil that invaded it. I look forward to reading the final book in this series, and to see both Ariel and Nick fulfill their destiny.
May 7, 2016
Demon's Grip is the third (of four) books in the Diamond Peak series, and it is the best so far, both in terms of the action-packed storyline and the quality of the writing. I had the impression throughout the book that the main characters (Ariel and Nick) had grown up a bit since the previous book. This was probably because they were dealing with issues of greater importance (greed and craving, their developing romance, deceit and honesty and more besides). The emotions of the characters as they struggle with these is very well-portrayed, particularly with regards to addiction.
The main story is counterpointed nicely with updates on the predicament of Nadima, Ariel's mother, who is trapped in the demon's lair (quite literally, at times, in its grip). The demon in question is developed as an important character in its own right, and the interactions between the demons themselves are quite amusing.
It is more than a standard YA fantasy story, though; the characters' internalisations and dialogue, and the progression of the plot itself, lead the reader to be more contemplative, even meditative, about the emotional issues involved. So it is certainly for readers who want greater depth in a novel.
Overall, a nicely-paced novel, well-written, with memorable characters and the chance, perhaps, to reflect more deeply on life while enjoying the story.
The main story is counterpointed nicely with updates on the predicament of Nadima, Ariel's mother, who is trapped in the demon's lair (quite literally, at times, in its grip). The demon in question is developed as an important character in its own right, and the interactions between the demons themselves are quite amusing.
It is more than a standard YA fantasy story, though; the characters' internalisations and dialogue, and the progression of the plot itself, lead the reader to be more contemplative, even meditative, about the emotional issues involved. So it is certainly for readers who want greater depth in a novel.
Overall, a nicely-paced novel, well-written, with memorable characters and the chance, perhaps, to reflect more deeply on life while enjoying the story.
March 18, 2021
Third book's the charm... not that the first two weren't equally amazing. They are. But this was definitely my favorite of the three, so far.
Each book is so different from the previous you can really see how Ariel is growing and learning as she goes up the mountain. And, of course, with each new demon we also learn more about her.
I loved how different this one is, instead of constantly moving around on her journey up the mountain Ariel stays put longer in one or two places and, again, it's another great way to learn more about her.
There are a lot of struggles that are perfectly described you can't help but feel for Ariel and everyone else helping her get through it.
Everyone, I don't know if I ever shared my thoughts on all the characters in my reviews for the previous books but they're all just as great. You feel for them, you care for them and you'll just find a way to connect with all of them.
This one really left me looking forward to the next book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Each book is so different from the previous you can really see how Ariel is growing and learning as she goes up the mountain. And, of course, with each new demon we also learn more about her.
I loved how different this one is, instead of constantly moving around on her journey up the mountain Ariel stays put longer in one or two places and, again, it's another great way to learn more about her.
There are a lot of struggles that are perfectly described you can't help but feel for Ariel and everyone else helping her get through it.
Everyone, I don't know if I ever shared my thoughts on all the characters in my reviews for the previous books but they're all just as great. You feel for them, you care for them and you'll just find a way to connect with all of them.
This one really left me looking forward to the next book.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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