I finally have my review of Stalking Shadows! This is the second book in the Diamond Peak series by author Tahlia Newland. I read the first book, Lethal Inheritance, last December. Checkitoutfolks.
Title: Stalking Shadows (Book two of the Diamond Peak Series)
Author: Tahlia Newland
Publisher: Catapult Press
Genre: New adult contemporary fantasyRipped from the safety of our world and thrust into a strange hidden realm on a quest to save her mother, Ariel aims to confront the Master Demon, but first she must defeat his bodyguard. In order reach the safe haven of Sheldra, she has to pass through dangerous terrain and battle demons, spirits, rogue Magicians and her own conflicting emotions.Ariel wants to retain a clear focus on the task at hand so, despite Nick’s protests, she insists of a friends-only relationship with him. But the very thing she hoped would simplify her quest only complicates it with emotional, energetic and hormonal turmoil.Despite Walnut’s continued guidance, Ariel finds herself constantly forced to rely on her own resources. Will she find the inner strength and wisdom she needs to defeat Amic and continue her journey?
I mentioned in my review of the first book that I had a hard time getting into this type of fantasy for some reason. Stalking Shadows was actually a lot easier for me. It was very fast-paced and action-packed. I mean, the first two pages already had something to shock readers.
I was not a huge fan of the two main characters, Ariel and Nick, though. I just couldn’t connect with them and it has more to do with the romantic thing going on between them. I am just not a fan of teenage romance stuff in my fantasy novels. I know, old fart mode again. LOL. Anyway, I did love some of the other characters, like Twitchet and Kestril. For me they made things more exciting. I also really enjoyed some parts in their journey, like the part where they met a certain Domos clan and the part about the river monsters! I thought those scenes were great.
Overall, this book was okay. It’s not my kind of fantasy, but I think it was well-written. If you read Lethal Inheritance and enjoyed it, I’m pretty sure you will enjoy this one more!
Note: I received a review copy of this book from the author. All opinions and views expressed are my own.
About the Author: Tahlia Newland
Hi. I’m an author, avid reader, extremely casual high school teacher & occasional mask-maker. I write urban fantasy for adults & young adults and like to challenge readers to look more closely at the nature of their world, their mind and their perception. After creating and performing in Visual Theatre shows for 20 years, I’m now a bone-fide expatriate of the performing arts. I live in an Australian rainforest, am married with a teenage daughter and love cats, but I don’t have one because they eat native birds.