As a passionate reader and reviewer, it gives me immense joy to extend heartfelt congratulations to Neelima Rao on this extraordinary achievement. Winning the prestigious TRI Literary Awards Season 03 is not only a celebration of her creative brilliance but also a recognition of the unique voice she brings to modern young adult fantasy fiction. Blood of the Demonified – Maiskrean Trilogy Part 1 is not just a book—it’s an electrifying journey filled with mystery, emotion, and unexpected twists that make it impossible to put down.
When I first began reading Blood of the Demonified, I was immediately drawn to Neelima’s fresh narrative style and the way she brought Aurelia (Lia) Vex’s teenage world to life. The book opens with a tone that many young adults can relate to—navigating the awkwardness of teenage friendships, heartbreaks, and the desire to live life freely. However, Neelima swiftly takes the story into an entirely different realm of danger, supernatural suspense, and self-discovery, turning what starts as a relatable coming-of-age story into a gripping fantasy thriller.
The Plot: A Perfect Blend of Fantasy and Real-World Emotion
At the heart of Blood of the Demonified lies the story of Aurelia Vex, a seemingly ordinary teenager whose world shatters when her father— a scientist—gets kidnapped by a powerful and dangerous crime family. What follows is a whirlwind of revelations, as Lia learns about the secret experiments her father was involved in, experiments that have caught the attention of forces far more sinister than she could have ever imagined.
The book’s pacing is one of its strongest points. Neelima Rao strikes a perfect balance between everyday teenage drama—sneaking out to parties, crushes, and friendship dynamics—and the high-stakes fantasy elements that emerge when Lia is thrown into a dark world filled with monsters, zombies, and mysterious supernatural abilities. The moment Lia discovers she can shoot flames from her palms is a turning point that marks her transformation from an ordinary girl to someone who must shoulder responsibilities she never dreamed of.
Neelima’s storytelling feels cinematic—each chapter feels like a well-edited scene, pulling you deeper into a world that feels both fantastical and oddly real. There is an underlying current of emotional depth, especially when Lia grapples with the betrayal and secrecy of her father’s hidden past. This layered narrative makes the book more than just a fantasy thriller—it is also about family bonds, resilience, and self-discovery.
The Characters: Complex and Memorable
The book thrives because of its well-crafted characters. Aurelia (Lia) is not your typical flawless fantasy heroine. She is awkward, impulsive, often confused, but undeniably brave. This makes her journey relatable and inspiring. Her character arc is beautifully done—by the end of the book, Lia grows from a teenager worried about fitting in to someone who faces life-threatening challenges head-on.
One of the standout characters for me is the mysterious boy with piercing green eyes. Neelima brilliantly crafts his character as someone who initially “hates her guts,” yet is magnetically drawn to her. The slow-burn tension and unspoken chemistry between Lia and him are written with finesse, giving readers a delicious mix of romance and suspense without overshadowing the primary plot.
The supporting characters, including Lia’s father, friends, and even the antagonists, are multi-dimensional. The villains are not just evil for the sake of being evil—Neelima delves into their motivations, making them as intriguing as the protagonists.
Themes That Resonate
While Blood of the Demonified is filled with thrilling action, supernatural creatures, and adrenaline-pumping sequences, it also explores deeper themes that make the book emotionally compelling.
- Identity and Transformation: Lia’s journey is symbolic of the teenage struggle to discover oneself. Her supernatural abilities become a metaphor for embracing one’s unique strengths, even when the world seems to turn upside down.
- Family and Secrets: The father-daughter dynamic is at the heart of the story. The book questions how well we truly know the people we love and how we react when their secrets come to light.
- Good vs. Evil—A Blurred Line: The book does not simplify morality into black and white. The characters face situations where doing the “right” thing is not always easy or clear-cut.
Writing Style and World-Building
Neelima Rao’s writing is energetic, vibrant, and immersive. She paints vivid scenes without overloading the reader with unnecessary details. The dialogue feels natural, especially between teenagers, and the humor sprinkled throughout the book adds a refreshing touch.
The world-building is exceptional for a debut novel. The supernatural elements—monsters, zombies, and the concept of “demonified” powers—are introduced in a way that feels organic rather than forced. The way Neelima intertwines these elements with Lia’s everyday life is impressive, making the story feel grounded even amidst its fantastical elements.
The suspense is another strong suit. Just when you think you’ve figured out what’s happening, Neelima introduces a twist that leaves you eagerly flipping the pages. The mystery of Lia’s father, combined with the unpredictability of the crime family’s intentions, kept me hooked till the very end.
Why Blood of the Demonified Deserves the TRI Literary Award
There are several reasons why this book is a worthy winner of the TRI Literary Awards 2025 (Season 03):
- Innovative Concept: The fusion of teenage drama with high-stakes supernatural fantasy is refreshing and original.
- Relatable Heroine: Aurelia Vex stands out as a protagonist who is both flawed and fierce—someone readers can root for and grow with.
- Thrilling and Emotional: The book balances intense action scenes with heartfelt emotional moments, making it appealing to both fantasy fans and readers seeking depth.
- Promising Trilogy Starter: As the first part of the Maiskrean Trilogy, the book lays a strong foundation for what promises to be an even bigger and more immersive saga.
- Fresh Voice in Indian Fantasy Fiction: Neelima Rao’s work brings a modern, global appeal while maintaining a distinctive voice that sets her apart from other debut authors.
Here is the feedback from the nine reviewers after reading Blood of the Demonified – Maiskrean Trilogy Part 1 by Neelima Rao:
1. Prashant Sahu:
“Blood of the Demonified” felt like a perfect blend of teenage chaos and supernatural thrills. Neelima Rao has beautifully captured the essence of a teenager’s world—confused yet brave, flawed yet determined. The character of Aurelia Vex struck a deep chord with me, especially her journey from a regular teenager to someone grappling with unimaginable challenges. The writing is gripping, and the twists kept me hooked till the last page.
2. Sameer Gudhate:
The book is a refreshing take on the young adult fantasy genre. What impressed me the most is the seamless blending of teenage emotions with high-stakes action and supernatural elements. Neelima Rao’s storytelling feels cinematic—every scene is vividly described, and the suspense keeps escalating. The green-eyed boy’s mysterious persona added a layer of intrigue that made me want to read the next part immediately.
3. Apeksha Gupta:
I absolutely loved Aurelia Vex as a protagonist. She’s raw, real, and relatable, and her character arc is written with so much depth. The father-daughter relationship, filled with secrets and unexpected revelations, brought out some of the most emotional moments in the story. Neelima’s writing style is fast-paced yet full of heart, making this a page-turner I couldn’t put down.
4. Akansha Sinha:
What I loved most about this book was how it mixes humor, suspense, and teenage awkwardness so effortlessly. Lia’s journey felt like an emotional rollercoaster—one moment I was laughing at her inner thoughts, and the next I was biting my nails during intense action sequences. The world-building is rich yet easy to follow, which is rare for a debut fantasy novel.
5. Glenville Asbhy:
Neelima Rao’s debut novel is nothing short of remarkable. “Blood of the Demonified” is not just a story about monsters and powers—it’s about courage, identity, and finding one’s place in the world. The writing has a rhythm that pulls you in, and the darker themes are handled with maturity. The ending left me wanting more, and I’m excited for the next book in the trilogy.
6. Pooja Sahu:
This book reminded me of why I love YA fantasy. Lia is not a perfect heroine—she’s messy, impulsive, and full of life—and that makes her journey all the more relatable. The action scenes are well-paced, and the emotional conflicts feel authentic. I could easily visualize every moment as though I were watching a movie, which speaks volumes about Neelima Rao’s descriptive and engaging writing style.
7. Versha Singh:
The highlight of this book for me was the unpredictability of the plot. Just when I thought I knew where the story was heading, a new twist or revelation would completely change the direction. I was especially impressed with the moral dilemmas woven into the narrative—it’s not just a fantasy story but also a deeper exploration of trust, family, and self-discovery.
8. Shivangi Yadav:
I was completely hooked from the very first chapter. The book combines everyday teenage problems with supernatural chaos in a way that feels fresh and exciting. Lia’s voice is so authentic and relatable, and the supporting characters add depth to the story. Neelima’s debut shows immense promise, and I believe this trilogy will only get better from here.
9. Kavita Kaushik:
“Blood of the Demonified” is an emotional, thrilling, and heartfelt read. I loved how Neelima Rao explored the complexities of teenage life while building a dark, mysterious fantasy world. The characters are well-fleshed out, and Lia’s personal growth is inspiring. The narrative pace, emotional stakes, and unexpected twists make it an absolute must-read.
Final Thoughts
Reading Blood of the Demonified felt like stepping onto a rollercoaster—fast, thrilling, and filled with unexpected loops. The book’s characters stayed with me long after I turned the final page. Neelima Rao’s ability to combine humor, suspense, romance, and action with powerful themes of self-discovery and courage makes this debut novel a standout in the young adult fantasy genre.
Winning the TRI Literary Award is not just an honor for this book—it is a testament to the potential of Neelima Rao as an author who will undoubtedly continue to make waves with her future works. With two more books planned in the Maiskrean Trilogy, I am eagerly awaiting what lies ahead for Aurelia Vex and the dark, twisted world she inhabits.
Once again, congratulations to Neelima Rao for this well-deserved recognition. Blood of the Demonified is a spectacular debut that sets a high benchmark for upcoming YA fantasy novels, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to every reader who loves fast-paced adventures with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters.
