Deadly Portals

The Shadow Bound Chronicles #3

by Nichole Heydenburg

A cursed demon hunter. A deadly countdown. A love worth crossing realms.

With Julian trapped in another realm, Taylor will risk everything to bring him home. But when a failed spell leaves her cursed with dark magic, the cost of her power becomes deadly. Each time she uses magic, the shadow creeping across her body grows. When it reaches her heart, she’ll die.

Desperate to save her, Grace and Molly scramble for a cure. Meanwhile, Kylie unearths a chilling secret about her biological father—one that forces her to confront the dangerous legacy hidden in her bloodline.

As the Demon Queen grows more ruthless, she unleashes her forces to hunt Taylor down. But Mel is determined to protect her niece at all costs.

Time is running out. Can Taylor break the curse before it consumes her? Or will the demons finally claim what they’ve been waiting for?

ebook

Published June 16, 2026

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

[Angela Brannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Portals, Book 3 of The Shadow Bound Chronicles, really throws more info and action into the already exciting plot so far. Young demon hunter Taylor was saved from a demon by her boyfriend who went to the demon world voluntarily with the demon lord. Now she has to find out if he has gone over to the dark side voluntarily, if he sacrificed himself to save her, or if he is even still alive in the demon world. Now she must team up with her friends to open a forbidden portal and rescue him.

This book has lots of new characters coming into play. Taylor is still making questionable choices without thinking, and that got on my nerves a little bit. But the supporting characters really bolster Taylor and add lots of complexity as we uncover more bits of intrigue and hidden details about Taylor's parents and their past actions, especially why they kept Taylor hidden from the demon hunnter world.

I did not like the drawn out chapters detailing Mel's parenting angst, and feel like she was somewhat marginalized in this book. I wish she had been portrayed as a stronger parent figure.

The ending cliffhanger was done good, and sets up the story going into the demon realm for the next book. I am eagerly awaiting the next book, even though this one dragged along in places as middle books in series are sometimes bound to do as the plot develops and next stages are set up. All in all, this book was very enjoyable even though it leaves me with even more questions that we got answers for.

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

[StaceyReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Portals raises the stakes and throws Taylor into an even more dangerous, fast-moving situation.

I loved how the world expands here—more magic, more players with their own agendas, and more secrets surfacing around Taylor’s family and the choices that shaped her life. The mix of action, emotion, and mystery kept me turning pages, and the supporting cast really adds depth as Taylor tries to do the right thing (even when she acts first and thinks later).

That said, a few sections felt a bit drawn out for me, and Taylor’s impulsive decisions can still be frustrating at times. But overall, this was a strong, engaging middle book with plenty of tension and twists—and that ending sets up the next installment perfectly. I’m definitely continuing the series. 4 stars.

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

[Candace's_Book_Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deadly Portals had me hooked from the first page. The stakes were higher, the danger felt real, and Taylor's journey kept me fully invested. I loved the mix of magic, action, and emotion, and every twist had me racing to see what would happen next. This series just keeps getting darker and better. That ending? Wow....

[Debra Ramos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hooked from the start. Deadly Portals is the kind of dark-magic fantasy that sinks its claws into you and doesn’t let go. This third book raises the stakes in every direction: curses that spread like ink, dangerous portals, and a Demon Queen tightening her grip across every realm.

Taylor’s journey kept me engage and the curse adds a slow-burn, suffocating tension to every page. With each spell, she edges closer to death, and that ticking-clock urgency makes the story feel sharp, addictive, and impossible to put down. The shifting alliances, hidden bloodlines, and raw emotional bonds give the story a powerful heartbeat beneath all the chaos.

Atmospheric, fast-paced, and drenched in shadowy magic, this is a gripping continuation of The Shadow Bound Chronicles delivering danger, emotion, and spellbinding drama in perfect balance.

Thank you to the author and Booksirens for the eARC, this is my honest review.

[Alex Gould · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had so much fun reading this! Once again, I found myself sitting here thinking “I’ll just read one more page…” over and over and over. Not only does the story just flow naturally, but the regularly shifting POV with each chapter has kept me constantly engaged throughout the whole series.
Regarding progression of the series, I intentionally stopped myself from reading the “sneak peek” of Deadly Legacy at the end. Right now I have absolutely no idea what to expect when I open the final book, and I love that fact. I have no confidence in my earlier predictions of how things might wrap up, and there are so many different possibilities going through my mind right now. That is a welcome breath of fresh air, as a reader. Nichole does such a good job blending hints and foreshadowing into her already wonderful imagery that I’m left having to assume that even the smallest details may be gravely important to the ending…

[Diamanti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, people!
First of all, let me mention that this book is the third book in the series The Shadow Bound Chronicles.
This is a book that will amaze you. The world building has evolved a lot, as have the characters.
The story has suspense, twists, tension and adventure. Characteristics that I believe all readers look for in their readings.
Her writing has matured, it is darker, more immersive, enjoyable, fast-paced, captivating and magical.

Many thanks to the author and Iris PR for the eARC!

This is my honest review!

[Jamie Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Portals, the third book in the Shadow Bound Series, completely blew me away. The world-building is on point, and I loved how vividly the author describes everything, making it so fun to visualize!

One twist really threw me for a loop, and I can’t wait to see how it turns out. Since this is part of a series, I’ll avoid spoilers, but I can say I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I can’t wait to see what the fourth book has in store for us, especially since the author left us with a cliffhanger!

I highly recommend this series to any fantasy lovers out there!

One more thing: Brody is the best!

[Caleb O'Connell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deadly Portals is a fast-paced paranormal fantasy filled with cursed magic, demon hunters, dangerous realms, and a race against death.

What I appreciated most is the growing cost of Taylor's power as she fights to save Julian while the shadow moves toward her heart. The additional secrets surrounding Kylie's family deepen the mythology, making this an exciting installment for readers who enjoy supernatural suspense, magic, and high-stakes series storytelling.

[Cleocutie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Taylor is back and this portion of her story is just as good as the previous ones. There are plenty of twists and turns and of course magic to keep you interested.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many twists. Really enjoyed how the girls are growing and changing. This book
drew me in and kept my attention. I received this ARC from Booksirens and am happy to leave this review

[Sixella MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

June 2026 Small Business BookTok ARC Reviews (BookFable Edition): “Deadly Portals” by Nichole Heydenburg

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

“A cursed demon hunter..
A deadly countdown..
And a love that’s worth crossing realms!”

Nichole Heydenburg

“These Deadly Words” author Nichole Heydenburg has done it again with the latest installment in the “Shadow Bound Chronicles” series! The narrative and world-building immediately pick up after “Deadly Betrayal”, following Taylor Turner’s journey as she continues to balance her secret life as a demon hunter-in-training at Grimwood Academy, normal coming-of-age hijinks, and an ongoing mission to try to find a way to reach and save a loved one from the hands of demon lords! The series continues to delight in its page-turning, action-packed adventures and an overarching story reminiscent of works such as “The Mortal Instruments” and “Wednesday”! Ready to dive back into the supernatural adventures of the Turner Family? Then don’t miss this book when it hits online shelves on June 16, 2026!

Rating: 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

- Tropes: YA Paranormal Fantasy, Demon Hunting Academy, Demon Hunter Student FMC x Potential Chosen One MMC, Magical Matriarchal Society, Cute Magical Animal Sidekick, Family Secrets Revealed, Communication Through Dreams, Found Family, Demon Hunters vs. Demons, Good vs. Evil, Secret Rescue Mission Preparations, and Spells & Curses.

- Trigger Warning: Discussions of Death of Family Members, Long Distance Conflict, Mentions of Memory Complications, Discussions of Incarceration, and Mild Family Conflict.

[Amys Bookshelf Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nichole Heydenburg writes a dramatic and fantastical tale

In Deadly Portals, the reader is brought into the life of Taylor Windsor, a young demon hunter, and the mind of this fantastical world filled with spells, secrets, and demon hunters. Deadly Portals is part of the The Shadow Bound Chronicles series, and this is volume three. I am a big fan of Nichole Heydenburg and want to read whatever this author writes. This author has a grand imagination, and talent for showing the story. The reader is lucky enough to be able to follow Taylor's perspective, while she expresses her thoughts and feelings, and almost explains her actions, in a world, where she is not your typical girl coming of age. She's a demon hunter, and her boyfriend has disappeared. Heydenburg brings in a realistic story, even if its in her incredible imagination, mixing magic, emotions, and adventure. The characters fit the story, and it is character driven. Taylor has relationships that are complex and full of depth. The characters have their own perfections and flaws, and own personality. Whether a demon, or a hunter, the characters though fantasy, this reader can relate to. I'm sure we all know a demon or two. What a enchanting story. I personally hope this is not the final book in the series, as I know there has to be more thoughts and stories to tell in this world. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. Taylor is determined and tenacious, and one unforgettable character. Deadly Portals 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 readers of this book, be kind, and also write a review.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure why I thought this was a trilogy, it's not. Woo this book really got into it with the plot. Taylor, girlie, you gotta make better choices. You do everything that people tell you not to do, and then you find yourself in such a pickle. Dark curses that are life-threatening, everyone around you having to work their butts off to try to save the day. What kind of hero are you? Girlie better step it up in future books.

I enjoyed the new plot lines here, especially the scene with the Griffin to barter for magic to save Taylor. Wow, her aunt really goes above and beyond as a guardian here.  And there are some interesting family bombshells with another family that is expanding the plot. I love that the neighbor friend is getting more involved in the plot, I liked her in previous books. I'm really curious where this will end up and how it will all be resolved.

The writing and plotting style are still lower-YA. As an adult, it all still feels undercooked to me, especially with the plot told in conversation or straightforward sentences, but not very deep descriptions or emotions. But it would be a perfect read for a young reader. 12-year-old me would have devoured this series, and as there is zero spice (I mean, we get one chaste kiss), it's great for the younger MG/YA readers who love magic, especially magical creatures, strong female characters, and found family.

Thanks to Iris Influencer Society for the chance to read this series and ARC of book 3.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.5/5
🔥 Burn Level: 3/5
🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5
💧 Emotional: 4/5

Thank you to Nicole Heydenburg, Iris Influencer Society, and BookSirens for the opportunity to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Deadly Portals was my first book by Nicole Heydenburg, and I really enjoyed being introduced to her writing style.

One of the things that stood out to me most was the world building. The fantasy and paranormal elements were woven together in a way that made the setting feel immersive and easy to picture. I found myself invested not only in the characters but also in the larger world surrounding them.

The plot kept me engaged throughout, with high stakes and a sense of urgency that made it difficult to stop reading. I enjoyed seeing the characters fight against impossible odds while uncovering secrets that added even more depth to the story.

The blend of fantasy, paranormal romance, and action worked really well, and I especially appreciated how much attention was given to building the world and expanding the lore.

Overall, Deadly Portals was an enjoyable read with strong world building, engaging characters, and a storyline that kept me interested from beginning to end. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book picks up exactly where we left off at the end of Book 2 in the series. Taylor is eager to find a way to get her boyfriend back, not listening to the grown-ups around her, and when she and her friends perform a spell, it comes with consequences. As if teenagers would actually listen 🙂
I enjoyed Taylor trying to find her way and feeling responsible for what happened. Losing her parents and her best friend not remembering her added to an already messy situation.
Having her friends support her was one of the strong points of the book. The urgency of the story came across, and I got exactly what I enjoyed in the previous two books.

It is not an overly complicated story; many of the plot elements are not groundbreaking, but everything comes together in an entertaining way, which is perfect for its intended audience.

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 since the beginning and have seen the characters grow from the start. I can honestly say this book got even darker, and the characters all advanced a lot.

Mel is still my favorite character. The aunt who does anything to protect her niece, Taylor, who is still a little wild, as she goes headfirst (like many teenagers).

Heydenburg does a fantastic job of writing these characters and shows (not tells) their growth throughout this entire series. I thouroughly loved the story, and look forward to the fourth and final book.

[Blair Eacret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t read a lot of YA, but this series is well done!

It is captivating. The character growth is immaculate. The world building evolves & is easy to follow. I love that as the series evolves, it does get darker.

As a frequent fantasy reader, I would definitely recommend this!

Thank you IRIS Influencer Society for this ARC.

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought it was a very good book. It is booked 3 in the series so I did have to go back and read the first two to kind of make sure everything I understood. But the author did a fabulous job with the character and building of the world with the paranormal elements. Overall it was a very good book.

[Whitney Lea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just fell in love with this wonderful story and it’s wonderful characters. I just couldn’t get enough of it. I will most definitely be reading more books by this wonderful author.

[Heather Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ahhh 😱 so much to this! Love Taylor’s growth and sad for some of her friendships but also happy for her new ones… 🫣 still love Brody and so excited for next book and new world to come.