This is the last day of the Demon's Grip blog tour and it's a review of book one Lethal Inheritance (with the old cover, but never mind). The reviewer says she wonders why she didn't read it before, if you're like her, perhaps it's time to take the plunge. Anyway take a look at what else Kayla says about Lethal Inheritance. http://caughtbetweenthepages.wordpress.com/2013/08/20/blog-tour-lethal-inheritance-by-tahlia-newland/ … [Read more...]
Another vivid tale of inner adventure: Demon’s Grip, review by Kate Policani
"Get ready for another vivid tale of inner adventure made manifest. Tahlia's spectacular descriptions bring her characters' thoughts out into their physical world once again. " Kate Policani. Read the rest of the review here. http://katepolicanisreviews.wordpress.com/2013/08/13/demons-grip-by-tahlia-newland/ If it isn't showing up yet, it will be soon. … [Read more...]
YA metaphysical fiction: The Huaca by Marcia Mickelson
The Huaca Marcia Mickelson Sweetwater, Cedar Fort, Inc. Young adult urban fantasy. This young adult novel, though categorised as urban fantasy, is more like contemporary fiction in that the fantasy aspect is minimal and, rather than a story of magic and supernatural powers, it is primarily a study of a girl whose life has changed traumatically, and is still changing. And since the fantasy element is based on an Inca myth about the nature of life after death, the story can most correctly be described as metaphysical fiction. Ellie's mother was murdered six months ago. Her father looks after her well, clearly loves her dearly, but won't talk about her mother. Her best friend has become distant. They've been growing apart for a while now, and the unravelling of their friendship as Ellie chooses to make her own decisions, rather than those that will satisfy her friend, makes up a large part of the first portion of the book. This dying friendship doesn't actually have anything to do … [Read more...]
Another 5 star review for Demon’s Grip.
Okay, so I'm boasting again, but if I can't do it on my own website, where can I do it? Here's my latest Amazon review for Demon's Grip. 5.0 out of 5 stars Deep Running Waves of Emotion and Cunning Demons. July 27, 2013 By Mr. Richard Lw Bunning 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 … [Read more...]
What do you do when you get a lovely new review?
You tell everyone about it! Demon's Grip now has two reviews and both are five stars. I shared Clive S Johnson's opinion a week or so ago, now Kevin Berry has posted his review on Amazon today. Both are Awesome Indies reviewers, so I take their views very seriously. I was very nervous to hear their opinion and pleased with their response. Demon's Grip was a difficult book to write, and I wasn't sure how it would be received, but apparently it's hitting the mark. Phew! Take a look here. Similar to Mr Johnson, Mr Berry says, "it is the best so far, both in terms of the action-packed storyline and the quality of the writing," and, "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." … [Read more...]
Another book flies into cyberspace; guest post for Pavarti Tyler
Pavarti Tyler is another AIA (Awesome Indies Approved) author who writes magical realism and she has very kindly invited me to her blog to share my excitement at having a new book out. The post talks about the process of writing and how it feels to send a book out into the world. It also tells you a bit of the inside story on the series - like why you should read it. :) So share some love with Pavarti, pop over and have a read. http://www.pavartiktyler.com/guest-post-from-tahlia-newland-on-her-newest-book/ And don't forget that, in celebration of the new release, Lethal Inheritance, book one in the Diamond Peak Series is only 99c on Kobo and Kindle until the 5th of July. … [Read more...]
It’s out! Secrets revealed. Risks taken. Lessons learned.
Book three of the Diamond Peak Series is available for purchase NOW, and wow, it feels great to have it out at last. If you're wondering how the sequels to Lethal Inheritance can come out so fast, it's because I wrote the books between 2007 and 2010, and refined them while my agent searched for a publisher. All I've had to do since book one came out at the end of last year is revise and edit them. Though Demon's Grip was the most difficult book to write due to its tricky concepts about the difference between love and attachment and liking and craving, thanks to my wonderful team of beta readers and editors it's been a relatively smooth process with an outcome that I'm very happy with. I'm particularly grateful to my editor, Krisi Keley for challenging my meaning and wording. She helped me to say what I want to say as clearly as possible--the mark of an excellent editor. Thank you, Krisi. To mark this milestone, Lethal Inheritance, book one in the series, is only 99c on Kobo and Kindle … [Read more...]
A well written, original YA urban fantasy: ‘Buried’ by Gerilyn Marin
Buried is a well-written, very original young adult urban fantasy, and is far better than some of the offerings from much larger publishing houses (this is from Curiosity Quills Press). It is well thought-out, well finished and very streamlined. Nothing necessary is missed and nothing is overdone. It flows well, unravelling the mystery at just the right pace, and the plot has enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. The story is about two teens. The boy, Grey, has just arrived in Cadence's town. Yes, he's the new boy in school, and, yes, he is cute, but that's as far as the cliched YA beginning goes. The story soon became unique; Cadence is barely aware of his cuteness, what bugs her about him is that he is not remotely perturbed by the strange poltergeist activities in the town. The town has always been like that, but someone from outside should be freaked out by dusters flying, unthrown by human hands, at a teacher, and other such things. So Cadence makes up a reason to … [Read more...]
Truly excellent and very gutsy: ‘Dare You To’ by Katie McGarry
Dare You To Katie McGarry Harlequin Enterprises Australia Harlequin TEEN 'Dare You To' is a truly excellent and very gutsy young adult romance. It's in a similar style to 'Beautiful Disaster' in that the prose is rich and the characters lives are messed up with drugs and violence, but it has everything that book didn't have, and should have. These characters learn from their mistakes and their relationship helps each other grow. If you think of romances as being light and soppy, this will prove you wrong. There is great drama and depth of psychological insight into the characters in 'Dare You To,' and the love in it is the kind that is hard won and profoundly healing. Beth is one messed up girl, trying to survive emotionally the only way she knows how by running from any form of intimacy. Ryan is a baseball jock, and from where Beth is standing, he and his life look perfect. It isn't, of course. His father rules his life and kicked his brother out after he told them he was … [Read more...]
Unrealised potential: YA fantasy review of ‘Some Quiet Place’ by Kelsey Sutton
Some Quiet Place Kelsey Sutton Flux Books Pub Date Jul 8 2013 This story had a lot of potential but overall I found it an unsatisfying read due to lack of conceptual clarity, a disjointed plot in the first half of the book and scenes that were longer than they needed to be. The idea of personifying emotions is an interesting one, but it does require a certain amount of world-building as regards their purpose and their nature, something that isn't done sufficiently in this book. The questions raised about this vision of the world are many and few of them are answered, so the world really didn't hang together for me. The opportunity to make a useful statement about dealing with emotions is also missed so the personification is nothing more than a way to create an interesting character with supernatural abilities. I was quite happy to accept this, but the book had other problems as well. Elizabeth is supposed to not feel emotions, but clearly she does care, which is lucky … [Read more...]
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