Deadly Betrayal

by Nichole Heydenburg

A cursed emerald, a relentless foe, and a destiny intertwined with danger…

After the dramatic rescue of her Aunt Mel from the demon hunter’s council, Taylor is thrust into a world of rigorous training and unexpected alliances. Her mentor, Julian Cromwell, is a handsome demon hunter who becomes both a guide and a friend in her quest to master her powers. As Taylor steps into her new life at Grimwood Magical Academy, she faces a whirlwind of challenges and secrets.

Nothing is what it seems. Their next-door-neighbor’s new boyfriend is hiding something. And Brody, their newly adopted dog, is acting strange. It’s almost as if he’s trying to warn Taylor of an approaching danger.

While Taylor does her best to fit in at the academy, Mel’s struggles are far from over. Stripped of her powers by a ruthless demon hunter, Mel seeks help from an old friend, Vanessa Ellis. A sinister curse is affecting Vanessa’s son. Vanessa wants to make a deal with Mel, forcing Mel to face her most challenging predicament so far.

As Mel battles to reclaim her magic, Taylor must navigate the complexities of friendship, trust, and an emerging threat that could tear their world apart. In a tale of loyalty and courage, can Taylor and her new friends defeat the enemy before it's too late?

Deadly Betrayal is Book 2 in The Shadow Bound Chronicles.

301 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

About the author

Nichole Heydenburg is the author of The Shadow Bound Chronicles and other thriller and fantasy books for adults and teens. She also owns Poisoned Ink Press, where she provides editing services to authors. In 2014, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis in writing from Adrian College. When she isn’t writing, Nichole enjoys exploring new cities, reading, and drinking iced mochas. She currently resides near Asheville, NC with her husband Zed and their crazy rescue dog Mr. B.

Be the first to learn about Nichole Heydenburg’s new releases and other thrilling news! Subscribe to her monthly newsletter on www.nicholeheydenburg.com.

You can also follow her on social media: Facebook @NicholeHeydenburg and Instagram @nicholehtheauthor.

Reviews

[Leanna Streeter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Deadly Betrayal is such a fun and engaging read! From the first chapter, I was pulled into the twists, secrets, and danger surrounding Taylor and Mel. I loved the mix of magic school vibes, dark family secrets, and found family moments—it gave me all the feels. The characters are easy to connect with, and even Brody the dog stole my heart (and kept me on edge with his strange behavior).

This book has that perfect balance of danger, friendship, and a touch of mystery that kept me hooked the whole way through. A great continuation of the series! Thanks to the author and Iris influencer society for the gifted arc.

[Jamie Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series.

I backed the Kickstarter, so I received an early eBook copy of the book. I really wanted to wait for the beautiful hardcover to arrive, but I just couldn’t resist opening the digital version. I couldn’t wait to get back to Grimwood.

I love the addition of Julien Cromwell as a love interest and the introduction of Grimwood Magical Academy. The new setting really adds to the layers of this story.

I also loved Taylor’s little sidekick, Brody. I know we’ve met him before, but it was nice seeing him with Taylor and Mel. The storyline with the Ellis family kept me turning the pages, eager to figure out what was going on. I don’t want to say more at the risk of spoilers, but let’s say the way the book ended left me excited for the next one!

[Nickole · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Taylor has been training with Julian before school starts. Mel is in trouble from three council for being in cahoots with a demon. Taylor feels out of place at this new school but at least she can have her dog Brody with her. Kylie is freaking out bc her mom has a new bf and when he meets Mel and Taylor its the dog that doesn't like him. Mel agrees to help a friend on thr council only to learn that her son was turned into a vampire. Taylor is trying hard to be the best student she can be but its really hard when het parents never mentioned any of this world to her.

[Heather Byrd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I can’t believe Julian did that!!!

This was a great sequel! I feel bad for Kylie and hope she gets to join in on the next adventure. And hopefully Mel finds a solution for her problem too oh my gosh, I need to book 3 now.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“There will come a time when demons will cease to exist. When The Chosen One is born and becomes of age, they will be the most powerful demon hunter to ever exist, borne of two ancient demon hunter families, their combined powers elevating The Chosen One to a level not yet reached by demon hunters. The Chosen One will be the one to ensure humanity is safe from the evils of the underworld at last. With the erasure of demons from existence, humans will be free from evil…”

Deadly Betrayal was such a fun, engaging read. It’s the second book in Heydenburg’s The Shadow Bound Chronicles series and it’s possible that I enjoyed it even more than the first book. All of the twists, turns, and secrets surrounding Mel and Taylor had me absolutely enthralled. I enjoyed that we got Mel’s perspective and got to know her better. I love that there were scenes with Kylie because I truly enjoy that friendship. The new characters were amazing and I really enjoyed the banter and relationship between Taylor and Julian. Even the characters that I truly despise were well thought out. I absolutely love Brody and the fact that he’s immortal means that I don’t have to worry about Nichole committing the ultimate sin of killing the dog off. Grimwood Magical Academy gave some vibes that made me think a little about the Shadowhunter Academy in Cassandra Clare’s books so it will be interesting to see where that is taken in the next book. This series has so much potential and I am loving every moment of the journey!

Thank you to Nichole Heydenburg for gifting me an ecopy of this book. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

[Sixella MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookTome Edition): “Deadly Betrayal” by Nichole Heydenburg 

Note: This ARC was given to me for free by the author and I am reviewing this book voluntarily.

One summer night, Taylor Windsor was sent to live with her estranged aunt, changing her whole life forever! A year later, after uncovering the secret of her late family’s demon-hunting life, Taylor is now attending a magic academy to learn more about the family legacy while also learning to balance her new double-life as an average teen and a demon-hunter! When an unlikely new enemy arises, will it threaten to compromise both Taylor and her new school? 

From the author of “These Deadly Words” and “Deadly Vows” comes Nicole Heydenburg’s second installment in her YA Fantasy series “Shadow Bound Chronicles”! Heydenburg’s world-building is consistent, picking up one year after the events of the first book and further expanding her own interpretation of Demon Hunting Lore! The narrative also delivers in its unique cocktail of suspense, supernatural foes, high-stakes, and a Magical Academia plot reminiscent of TV shows such as “The Mortal Instruments”, “Wizards of Waverly Place”, “Charmed”, and a touch of “Wednesday”. Will you be attending Grimwood Magical Academy? Don’t miss this long anticipated sequel when it hits online shelves on September 17, 2025!

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

- Tropes: YA Fantasy, Paranormal Fantasy, Magic and Secrets, Magical Academia Narrative, Secret Magical Academy, Chosen One Protagonist, Cute Animal Sidekick, Established Found Family, Vampires, Magical Hijinx, Romance Subplot, and Demons vs Demon Hunter.

- Trigger Warnings: Discussions of Deaths of Family Members (Historical), Communication Conflicts in Long-Distance Friendships, Betrayal, Depression and Feelings of Isolation, Family Conflict (Supporting Character Subplot) and Discussions of Grief and Loss!

[Angela Brannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Shadow Bound Chronicles and continues the story of orphaned Taylor Windsor, a young demon hunter who has undependable and newly developed magic. Her parents hid her supernatural heritage from her and raised her as a human. Now, living with her Aunt Mel after her parent's deaths, she must find her place in this new supernatural world and learn to bring her burgeoning powers under control.

In an effort to bring Taylor up to speed to enter the demon hunter's academy 3 years later than most hunters, the council arranges for school heartthrob Julian Cromwell to tutor her over the summer. But several council members seems to have a vendetta against her family and her Aunt Mel in particular. All sorts of mayhem ensues, culminating with a confrontation and quick cliffhanger ending.

I really like Taylor but she is a little too quick to fly off the handle and go get into trouble. Her dog Brody is precious and seems to have some superpowers of his own. He is my favorite character in the series, I think LOL. I just couldn't warm up to Julian as a MMC, and his sudden betrayal in the big ending just didn't ring true.

The action is nonstop in this book, and there are many players on the field with their own agendas. I am waiting semi-patiently for the next book to see how this all plays out for Taylor, Julian, and Mel.

I read an advance copy for free and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ragne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Deadly Betrayal is the second book of The shadow bound chronicles.

I did have the opportunity to read them both as arcs.

I loved the first one and was very happy when I saw I was approved for the second one.

Taylor Windsor, who lives with her aunt after her parents die in a housefire, finds out she is a descendant of one of the demon hunter families.

After banishing Ammit, a demon lord, to demon realm she goes to a magic school to learn to control her magic and to become a demon hunter.

The story had a good pace, was well thought-out, and kept me interested throughout. The author did a great job portraying teenagers (the main character is 15). As someone who isn’t a teenager anymore, I did find myself shaking my head at times, but it felt realistic and fitting for a young, somewhat naïve heroine. I’m definitely curious to see where her journey will take her next.

[Tabatha_Reads_Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor is back in the sequel to Deadly Vows, and you’re in for a wild ride with new threats and foes, animal friends, and new challenges to overcome!

I love the vibes and tropes of this series with demons/demon hunters, magical academia, mystery, dark family secrets, and found family. This follow up to Deadly Vows is a fun sequel with twists and turns. I like that the author kept the characters personalities true to their age, which made the story feel engaging and interesting without the same level of high stakes that comes along with an adult novel. The world building and magic are simple but engaging, and the plot keeps you guessing and turning the pages. We get left in a cliff hanger, and I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well another cliffhanger. The semi end was unexpected. Just who is Julian? Do not believe he is the chosen one but maybe he’s been looking for more power all along. Alister needs to be controlled there is a reason he took Mel’s power personally I think he is going to try and take over the council and attempt to become the supreme ruler and subjugate all the women who are in charge. Taylor needs to pick up her pace and Oliver is gone now so what will the council do with Vanessa now. More questions than answers in this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.8. Lots of twists and turns in this one. There is alot happening in the last few weeks of Summer and the first few of the new school year. Relationships get redefined, and there is some growth, but it is the plot that pushes the story. It's a fun read and I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor has been sent to the magical academy to learn to control her powers. Meanwhile, Mel has troubles of her own. Add in the fact Brody, her dog, has been acting weird and you know this is going to be a great continuation of the story.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing YA fantasy paranormal book. The cliffhanger was so intense and not expected. But I love that there’s a YA book out there will have readers begging for more. I truly enjoyed it and have definitely added to reading list for my kiddo. She will be excited to read it.

[Tonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Your next spooky season read has arrived! As with its predecessor, Deadly Betrayal carries an air of nostalgia reminiscent of the original Charmed and City of Bones but, this time, there was also a touch of Harry Potter mixed in. Set in a Magical Academy, there’s supernatural enchantments, witchy adversaries, mystery and secrets, and shocking betrayals. Deadly Betrayal lives up to its name, without question.

After an extremely difficult year full of loss and transition, we open with Taylor fighting for survival in Grimwood Magical Academy. Here, she must not only hone her magic, but she must endure life as the new student, navigating complex relationships and challenging environments. Her home life is still settling with a tumultuous foundation as she and her Aunt Mel continue the battle to reclaim Mel’s magic. Through twists and turns, friends and foes, sinister threats and cute animal sidekicks, Taylor and Mel race against time to defeat the new sinister threat looming over their heads. The world building continued it’s simplicity, but was still highly engaging. The new threats, plot twists, characters, and magical challenges were captivating, and I fell so hard for Brody, the little sidekick puppy with a sniffer that detects nefarious plans miles away. Deadly Betrayal is enchanting and magical, and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

**Thank you for sending me this ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ Stars
Nichole Heydenburg writes a magnetically fantastical tale with Deadly Betrayal

In Deadly Betrayal, the reader is brought into the life of fifteen-year-old Taylor, who finds herself immersed in a world full of demon hunters. If you love fantasy books, and whether or not you're a Young Adult, this is one of those books that you don't forget. Deadly Betrayal is part of the Shadow Bound Chronicles series, and this is volume two. I am a huge, huge fan of Nichole Heydenburg and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. If I could, I'd give this book five plus stars. The story is filled with action, suspense and depths that keep the reader wanting more. It's a fast-paced story, perfect for this one, and it's full of twists and things you just don't see coming. Taylor is trying to find her way, and then she is betrayed by the one who she trusted the most. What a riveting story. This story is a definite attention grabber, so much I couldn't put it down. A reader can get lost in the story. What an incredible world built by Nichole Heydenburg. I hope there will be more books in this series. Deadly Betrayal is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book also write a review.

[Joy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Deadly Betrayal by Nichole Heydenburg
Read: Sep 15-16, 2025

2.5 stars 🌟

Honestly, this one wasn’t for me >< It felt very YA, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The romance leaned into insta-love, at least for me, which made it hard for me to get invested, and the ending left me a bit disappointed. I think it just wasn’t the right fit for me as a reader, and maybe I’m not the target audience for this story.

That said, there were things I still appreciated and enjoyed. First off, Brody! 🥹 As a dog lover, I couldn’t help but adore him and want to keep reading more about his presence in the series. I also really liked how short the chapters were!!! It made the book so quick to get through, and I actually finished it in just two days. While this installment wasn’t my favorite, these elements are what made me stick with it and consider continuing the series~ Looking forward to what will happen next!

I’m still grateful for receiving an early copy for this book from the author, Nichole, and Iris Influencer Society 💘

[Dinah's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buckle up—this sequel is a wild ride in the best way. Deadly Betrayal wastes no time. It’s fast-paced, twisty, and packed with drama. No fluff—just story, tension, and new characters that pull you deeper into the chaos. The plot twists? So good you’ll be side-eyeing everyone and talking to the book like it’s your bestie.

Nichole Heydenburg levels up the emotional stakes from book one, expanding the world and sharpening the mystery. The betrayals are layered and juicy, and the tension never lets up.

Character dynamics shine here—loyalties shift, trust is tested, and every reveal feels earned. While a few moments could’ve hit harder emotionally, the pacing and setup for what’s next are spot-on.

If you’re into morally gray choices, shadowy secrets, and characters who fight like hell for what matters—this one’s calling your name.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor starts attending Grimwood Magical Academy and meets Julian who becomes her mentor and boyfriend. Meantime Mel has to go before the counsel for making a deal with a demon.

This was a fun read that keeps you engaged. The author warned ahead of time that this book ends in a cliffhanger and I deducted a star because of that. I normally give cliffhangers 2 stars but the book was that good that I didn't feel it deserved that especially since the author did warn about it.

I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Robert Hayek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following this series from the start, and I can tell you it's only gotten better and even more complex. Taylor (and her aunt Mel) are the main characters, and their parallel journey in this story is something to watch. Heydenburg does a beautiful job of seamlessly weaving both of these characters and their storylines through while also connecting them. I am ready to see how this series ends and will continue to follow. I am invested, and you should too. Highly recommend you read this book and follow the series.

[Chyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book and loved it; I also loved this one. Nichole does a good job setting out a story for us to follow and get pulled into. I loved following Taylor and Mel on this second adventure and meeting their new friends, especially Julien and Brody. I do know that Nichole seems to love her cliff hangers, and I'm already looking forward to the next book in the series. I can't wait to see what adventures Taylor goes on this time and what friends she brings along and makes along the way

[Christinaraven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taylor and Mel are back and so is all the drama, trouble, secrets and surprises. I laughed and enjoyed watching it all play out. And there is Julian and Grimwood Magical Academy and all that is going on there. Plus some action to keep me entertained and fun.

[Day by Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really intrigued with this book cover! Then the story itself. The FMC is a badass. It took me a while to realize this book was YA and why there was minimal/no adult spice duh! But this was still a great read and I look forward to continue reading the series.