Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Silas Mercer has faced wily boggarts, mad faerie queens and enraged forest spirits. But can he withstand a daemon who is losing his mind?

Pitch and Sickle are left bruised, battered and reeling after their confrontation with the Verderer.
They have learned a startling truth behind the arrowhead that wounded Silas, a truth that must be taken to the Lady Satine and the Order without delay.
But his encounters in the Forest of Dean have effected Pitch in alarming ways. The daemon’s body may have healed but his erratic behaviour and wildly unpredictable temper grow ever more concerning.
Silas owes his life to Pitch. Their experience in the forest has brought them a closeness he could not have imagined possible.

But what can he do for a daemon who is losing his way?

And how long will Silas survive, if he must ride alone?

This is Book Three in the thrilling M/M Gaslamp series The Diabolus Chronicles.

Contains: Sex Scenes and coarse language.

364 pages, ebook

First published October 20, 2021

18 people are currently reading
49 people want to read

About the author

D.K. Girl

13 books13 followers
Danielle K Girl is an Aussie who lives in stunning Tasmania with her three furkids, cats Luffy, Sweetie and Ren, and feathered fowl; hens, Calliope and Hyacinth.

Located at the very bottom of the world, Tassie, with its ancient forests and sea battered coasts, is the perfect location for writing fantasy with a darker edge.

When she's not listening to Kpop, D K Girl is dreaming of travelling to the UK and exploring all the haunted castles she can find.

Come say Hello on the socials!

instagram - daniellekgirl

facebook - DKGirlbooks

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
99 (58%)
4 stars
56 (32%)
3 stars
9 (5%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
2 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Marzipop.
625 reviews107 followers
October 25, 2021
Omg. DANIELLE. Why you gotta do me like this??!?!?? Oh no I have to wait till April D:

You can't just drop all these bombs on me--

Well I guess you can since you did lol

I really liked this one. Got some answers but I got so many questions in return. Love getting some pitch perspectives too. And the gentle fluffy bits. Looking forward to the next one!

**Edit** I saw your like Danielle before it vanished ;)
Profile Image for Alisa.
1,894 reviews202 followers
October 22, 2021
Loved this one. So much happens. Each book in this series has gotten increasingly better. Can't wait to see what comes next for these two. If you're looking for a new paranormal series I highly recommend this one.
Profile Image for Andrew.
139 reviews
October 22, 2021
I enjoyed the previous books in this series, and I like the main characters, but this novel seems like it's all padding and no substance. There's some sloppy world building, i.e. narrated directly at the reader, and a chapter fulfilling one of the necessary plot points for this sort of series, but little else. A number of additional secondary characters make their appearance, but they were plenty of secondary characters already and I couldn't work up much enthusiasm for the motley bunch.
Profile Image for Jude: The Epic Reader.
794 reviews82 followers
August 22, 2024
Pitch is really too much to handle but Silas sure tries.

Finally, some heat, I'm glad D.K. Girl waited but dam it was not nearly enough.
Didn't like the distance put between the characters for most of the book but it was super exciting when they got back together again. The small cast of characters in that house were entertaining, I don't know how I feel about Charlie but I don't hate him. Don't really want to see alot of him in the future though.
Profile Image for Merissa (Archaeolibrarian).
4,188 reviews119 followers
October 3, 2023
THE SKRIKER is the third book in this ongoing series and starts where book two finished. Pitch and Sickle are licking their wounds and recovering from their fight with the Verderer. However, even though his body appears to be mending, Pitch's mind is nowhere near healed. He pushes Silas away and, eventually, Silas goes.

For the majority of the book, Pitch and Sickle have their own separate 'adventures' and, although necessary, I wanted them to get back together. To me, it was pretty obvious who would be able to heal Pitch and I was all 'woohoo, it's finally happening!' only for it to stutter to a stop and we're back to square one. Gah!

The overall story arc is definitely picking up the pace and I look forward to Pitch and Sickle's upcoming adventures. I just wish they'd sort themselves out a bit more. They take the miscommunication or lack of talking trope to new extremes!

Still a great read and definitely recommended by me.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Sep 27, 2022
Profile Image for Raven Neverever.
78 reviews2 followers
March 28, 2023
The beginning didn't seem to know where it was going, so 4 stars. Part 3 was more focused on character development and I liked that.
In the end it found itself and the story again.
I really enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Brit_ta_ny.
155 reviews
April 6, 2023
The third book in D K Girl’s The Diabolus Chronicles was just as well-written and wonderful as the first two. The Skriker had less of a “big bad” like the other books and instead leaned heavily into getting us ready for what’s to come.

The story picks up right where book two ends with Silas and Pitch back on their travels after a slow recovery from the Verderer. There’s something wrong with Pitch and things quickly escalate enough that Silas leaves him behind. It was a bit heartbreaking to read, Pitch already pulls at all my heartstrings so seeing him in pain was so sad. And poor Silas! Gah!

Anywho, Silas makes his way alone and does better than I think he expected, even getting lucky one night 😏The alone time doesn’t last too long and we’re gifted with a character I can’t decide I trust or not, when with first met them I was here for it but I’m all confused now that I’ve finished the book. Guess I’ll just have to read the next!

This book also give us our first Pitch POV (!!!). I didn’t realize how desperately I needed it until I got it and now I never want it to go away. It was so good to see the prickly Pitch from another perspective and get some of his inner dialogue, I adore him even more now.

We get to know a lot more side characters in this book and learn much about Pitch’s history, even gleaning a bit more about Silas’ mysterious past (that ending with Tyvain, whaaaat). So while this book had less action (though there’s still plenty!), we really spent the time gearing up for what’s to come…or at least that’s what I’m thinking.

Oh, and things are finally starting to heat up between the two goons and we are gifted with a beautifully steamy scene between them 🥵🔥 fingers crossed for more of those!

Overall I found it to be a very solid 4.5/5 book, Imma round up because I could not put it down. Oops 😅
Profile Image for Shari Sakurai.
Author 8 books68 followers
October 3, 2022
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*

After their battle against the Verderer, Silas and Pitch are doing their best to heal. Silas’ wounds are physical, and he is also deeply troubled by what he learned during the confrontation. Pitch’s injuries have healed, but he is growing increasingly angry, erratic, and self-destructive. In the end, Silas has had enough, and they part ways. Once alone, he encounters Charlie; a human who is on the run from his own past. Together they find comfort in each other, however Silas is concerned that his life will bring danger to his new friend. But Charlie is not so easily phased by the supernatural and has a secret of his own.

Book 3 introduces some more supporting characters who I am sure will have roles to play as the series progresses. I really enjoyed learning about them and seeing their relationships with Silas develop. Silas himself is very concerned for Pitch as his feelings for the daemon grow stronger. Yet he is unable to bear seeing Pitch self-destruct and this forces them to part. Once reunited, his tenderness and love for Pitch is tested when Pitch continues to try to push him away. Pitch’s character is tormented, but I do see some hope for him with Silas’ support and belief that he can be better. In book 3 we learn more about Pitch’s past and develop a deeper understanding as to why he acts as he does.

The world building is just as detailed and vivid as the previous books, and the characters complex. Each one is being driven by their own motivations and desire to stop the Blight from destroying their world.

This series just gets better and better and I cannot wait to read book 4.
Profile Image for Jo.
38 reviews16 followers
November 16, 2024
First of all, I don't get why this series is not more popular, it's fantastic, and I'm having a great time reading it.

Secondly, the burn is SLOW. Oh my gosh, Silas, my guy, please. This book has definitely less (but simultaneously MORE!) Pitch AND Silas, but what we have is... interesting, to say the least. We finally learn more about Silas's and Pitch's pasts (which tbh made me kind of gasp, at least Silas's bit).

I'm really invested in this story, and excited about the next book because the ending of book 3 screams DRAMA. Tbh, it's slowly becoming one of my favourite series. The plot is slow, the burn is SLOW, but I really enjoy the characters, which to me is the most important element in a book.

Silas can be a bit slow, a bit clueless (a lot!), a bit incompetent, but one, he is aware of that, and two it fits his characterisation and his backstory. We are used to characters which are thrown into a new situation and perform well from the get-go, which is super unrealistic. He reacts to new situations in a very human way which I do enjoy. And Pitch, he does infuriating things, takes one step forward and two back, but again, it fits who he is. They are both flawed and make mistakes, give me more of characters like these two!

Book 4, here I come (don't disappoint me please!)
Profile Image for Danis  ❤️ MM.
797 reviews6 followers
August 11, 2022
Still very good. Not as good as book 2 though. After the big Verderer battle, Pitch acts even more erratically than usual, pushing Sickle away. And Sickle goes. He's had enough of Pitch's behavior. My biggest beef is Pitch and Sickle spend much of the book apart. There are at least a hundred pages filled with Sickle's adventures with Charlie (regular human) and a few Order members. Not really what I wanted to see. It felt like an unnecessary diversion from the Pitch/Sickle storyline. Don't get me wrong. It was entertaining, and would have been great in another book, with different characters as the action is spot on, the pacing excellent and the writing simply draws you in. But I found myself desperately wishing for a Pitch/Sickle reunion the entire time. Finally, there is one a the end, sparks fly, and then, well.... nothing. It was a bit anticlimactic to tell the truth. I really hope these two get their act together and become a true couple in book four. This slow burn is roasting me alive.
Profile Image for Michelle.
835 reviews4 followers
February 24, 2022
Volume three rolls in like a BOSS, and some major main character backstory finally comes to light. Our boys are separated for the majority of the book, as the story focuses mostly on Silas and how he learns to be more proficient in using the tools bestowed on him. We are introduced to "Charlie" in this book, who is a young trans man who is on the run from a difficult family situation. The two meet at an abandoned mill, they shelter together for the night, stuff happens (yes, that stuff), but by morning a couple of things become very clear, one of which is that they are not alone. Ash men, a big undead wolf, the Hag of Beara, a genderfluid Fae, and Sanctuary finally bring us to the point that we've all been waiting for. This third book certainly delivers, but not all is right in the world or with the men by the end of the book. Things may well be coming to a head. I can't wait for the fourth book to be release!
Profile Image for R.
2,111 reviews
September 23, 2022
Skriker: to scream, to yell, to shout

Pitch and Sickle have sort of recovered from their run in with the Verderer. When Pitch becomes unbearable Sickle takes Lalassu and runs. Right into more trouble than he can handle on his own. Gaining several allies to help him fight.

I liked this story more than the first two. Much more of Pitch and Sickle’s backstory is brought to light. Making them both more likable. The supporting cast really added to the story. More so than the previous books. Maybe because this book just filled in the story better. The writing seemed crisper too. More light moments also.

One downside was that the main characters were separated for a good portion of the book and while I felt it was a plot point I just wanted them to be together. Daemon and Ankou are best when together.
M/F and M/M

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Profile Image for Karen Graham.
33 reviews
December 4, 2021
I adore this series. I've also read each book super quickly, because I just can't put them down once I start! I love the world building. I love the tension between the two lead characters, and the way their relationship is slowly developing (I may have been blushing during some of their scenes ;)). I love the quirky supporting characters, especially Bess, Tyvain & Charlie, who added colour and humour to this instalment. In The Shriker, Danielle K. Girl gives us a few more clues about the backgrounds of Pitch and Silas, but then, once again, leaves us hanging at the end. It's awesome the way she is peeling back the layers, leaving us with just as many questions as answers. Cannot wait for Book 4.
Profile Image for PaperMoon.
1,836 reviews84 followers
March 1, 2022
MC Silas is quite endearing but I find it difficult to like the more complicated and tortured Tobias. Their extreme slow burn dynamic is increasingly frustrating but at least there's finally been some movement up at the station as a reward for those who've persevered to this third book! Regrettably, things have gone backwards since and I'm struggling to contain my urge to smack Tobias. All the 'dramatic action' occurs in the first third of the book, with the pace then tailing off into some kind of 'holding pattern' as Silas does a lot hand wringing over an incapacitated Tobias (which got a little tiring after a while). My only hope, with the introduction of the Skriker, is for more action in the next book. 3 stars for the least engaging book of the series to date.
33 reviews3 followers
March 21, 2022
Fabulous!

Best series I’ve read in a long time, and I absolutely cannot wait for the 4th book.

I love that readers are as in the dark as Silas is, trying to make sense of his past and his place in a new world. As others have commented, Pitch can be awful, at least we got a few chapters from his point of view in The Skriker, and can begin to see why he behaves the way he does. Pitch and Sickle are so different, which makes their chemistry combustible and their adventures together a lot of fun to read.

Overall, a fabulous series. Each book has been impossible to put down. I hope more people will pick it up, and it will get the attention and praise it deserves.
Profile Image for Nicole Danielle.
11 reviews
January 1, 2023
I read books 1, 2, and 3 one right after another and am just getting around to reviewing. Remembering book 3, I enjoyed the relationship of Pitch and Silas continuing to grow. Both of them becoming reliant on each other's company without realizing. I don't want to give any spoilers but Silas absolutely having to find Pitch, literally busting through walls to do it, and Pitch begrudgingly allowing himself to slowly realize Silas might matter to him. I know some people get uppity about the slow burn but I'm a big fan of the build up. Plus, the story, the world and fantasy elements that have been built. It's like nothing I've read before. Enjoying the world exploring as well.
1,244 reviews52 followers
April 9, 2023
Can't wait for the next book

The Diabolus Chronicles is one of my favorite fantasy series. It has a great plot that's so riveting that I can't put it down. If I have to, then it's all I think about. And the characters are so interesting and so incredibly deep and multidimensional. I.love the witty banter and ripostes.

As for the third book in the series, The Skriker, more mysterious have been revealed but leading to more mysteries to be solved and understood.

This is an incredibly written. Everything has been thoughtfully planned with no holes. I just want more and I can't wait read the next book.
Profile Image for Ida Umphers.
5,499 reviews47 followers
September 14, 2022
The last book presented so many dangers and challenges for Pitch and Sickle that you might hope for a bit of rest and recuperation in this book, but no way. They are immediately confronted by Pitch's reaction to his previous injury and the danger from an out of control daemon may be the most severe one they've faced yet. I so want these two guys to get together, but first they are going to have to survive, lol. The author has definitely crafted a story that is keeping me immersed in the world and following their adventures by grabbing each book as it comes out.
Profile Image for Lillian Francis.
Author 15 books101 followers
September 30, 2022
3.5 stars

This series takes slow burn to the extreme. Just when you think things are moving forward the author pulls the rug from under our feet. After the last battle Pitch is not recovering well and he pushes Silas away to the point where Silas goes and leaves him. That results in them spending much of the book apart, having separate adventures with other people. They don't get back together until nearly the end of the book.

It's a fun book but if you're in it for the romance arc you'll be frustrated by this instalment. However the overall story arc seems to be moving forward.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
866 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2023
I liked this 3rd book in the series the best so far. We finally learn more of the backstory of Pitch and have more details on the overall storyline. There was less filler and more substance. Silas and Pitch finally move forward in a romantic way but it’s still not a committed relationship in any way and I still feel it’s lacking. I’m disappointed after 3 books things are not still not serious. Communication still is lacking between everyone basically. I have hope that the next book continues to have improvement.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,728 reviews78 followers
April 12, 2023
Book three of the Pitch and Sickle Series finds Silas and Tobias recovering from the events in The Verderer. It becomes obvious that Tobias’s recovery is not what it should be. The two men separate and each finds their own problems along the way back. We learn so much more about these two in this book. We meet some new characters. Charlie is someone Silas meets and the two are together facing ash men and a huge black dog. The action is still very tense but it feels like it is getting us ready for the next book which I know I am not alone is saying it cannot come soon enough.
Profile Image for Janet Hunt.
3,538 reviews46 followers
October 5, 2022
The Skriker is the third book in the Diabolus Chronicles. These must be read in order. Questions are answered but more questions persist. I think I loved this one more than the first two in the series. The starts where The Skriker ends. Pitch and sickle are licking their wounds from the happenings in Verderer. They part ways and it takes a bit for them to reunite. We are also introduced to Charlie, a young trans man who is on the run. Overall, a fantastic read! Well written, highly recommend.
Profile Image for Gillian.
1,028 reviews25 followers
July 29, 2022
4 stars

Ooh, I liked this one! Starts off a bit harrowing but absence certainly makes the heart grow fonder, even if our two dunderheads can barely admit it to themselves, never mind each other. Silas is growing stronger and Pitch’s past is being revealed bit by bit. I have hopes that the next book will find themselves in each other’s arms as often as they are on each other’s nerves ;)
Profile Image for Joscelyn Smith.
2,298 reviews17 followers
April 10, 2023
To say that Pitch and Sickle have a slow burn thing going on is a bit of an understatement but I can wait for their relationship to develop. There's certainly enough filler to keep me entertained, and I am enjoying the journey with them so I'll just hope for more in the coming books. All in all a good addition to the series.

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the GRR team*
Profile Image for Piper.
217 reviews2 followers
June 14, 2023
Another wonderfully written installment of the “Pitch&Sickle” series!! While the beginning had me concerned I’m loving the new reveals and character POV switches in this book! Seeing the main characters getting closer near the end and a hint in what seems to be a big clue to Silas past I’m eager to see where things head in book four!
Profile Image for Shan( Shans_Shelves) 💜.
1,082 reviews93 followers
July 25, 2023
Beautiful, Silas had called him, and the words had done all manner of strange things to Pitch’s pulse.

I am SO GONE for these two. I love the ankou and his demon ( as Bess would say) so very much and I cannot wait to continue their adventures. I will say, this book brought a tear to my eye as we have some very emotional scenes regarding Pitch and his past. Due to the events of book two Pitch is in a bad way. I won’t spoil anything but my heart broke for him.

With Pitch not himself, Silas must face some terrors alone and I must say, it did wonders for his growth. He’s become one with his scythe and even meets a very intriguing friend along the way ( CHARLIE IS THE BEST).

We get more snippets of both Pitch and a little of Silas’s past and I am foaming at the mouth for more answers. I need them!!

In terms of characters of course Pitch and Silas steal the show but I loved the introduction to Bess and Charlie. In addition to seeing Sybilla, Tyvain and the Lady Satine again they added more layers to the plot and I cannot wait to see what’s to come.

Silas finds himself another animal companion (must to Pitch’s dismay) and their relationship steps it up a notch. It seems their chemistry is coming to boiling point and I am HERE FOR IT. I can now see their love on the horizon.

Especially Pitch, once he lets it in I can’t see him separating willingly from Silas. I loved all the little hints that what he’s feeling for the ankou is different to anything he’s felt before, the same with Silas- even as he continues to deny his attraction to the demon.

Overall, another enjoyable addition to the series. I dropped a star only because it did take me longer to get into this one and it’s a little slow in the beginning but I ate up the middle and the end was *chiefs kiss*

Rep: Bisexual main character, trans side character, drag queen side character, lesbian side characters, mlm romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
16.6k reviews153 followers
April 10, 2023
They have faced so much already that he is worried he is losing them when their temper is growing. He knows he needs to get them some help and quickly. How will they get on? Can he save them? How can he help them? See just how they all get on
Profile Image for Natasha Lynn Harris.
1,976 reviews1 follower
Read
April 14, 2023
Huh...

I mean, I really do like a good slow burn, but this is, wow, glaciers melt faster then this romance is taking place. Also there is to much inane filler pages slows the story down more.
6 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2023
Gets better with every instalment….love the differing views this time around with more backstory adding to confusion over whether to love or hate Pitch!
The growing gang of characters each add their own element and again build such an epic world
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.