To the Edge of Burning Shadows

The Infernal Realms #1

by Sam C. Hemmings

Nina Varek thought death was the end – until Hell claimed her soul.

Dragged into a fiery realm, she's forced to compete as a Champion in The Cycle – a brutal contest between the six ruling demons of Hell. Each governs a domain shaped by their Fear, Temptation, Chaos, Misery, Torment and Corruption.

To survive, Nina must outwit monsters and rivals, confront her darkest memories, and collect the relics that will crown her demon master the next ruler of Hell. Winning won’t be easy; the demons are cruel, cunning, and dangerously charming, willing to do anything to make Nina fail and devour her soul.

Trusting the wrong demon could damn her forever. But trusting the right one . . . that might just cost her heart.


♥ A dark romantasy of sin, seduction and survival, perfect for fans of Katabasis, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and Phantasma. ♥

This book is intended for readers 18+ due to mature themes. Fans of Why Choose will love where this series is headed.

558 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2025

About the author

Sam C. Hemmings is an indie author of spicy why choose romantasy, including To the Edge of Burning Shadows. She writes fierce heroines, epic love stories, and wicked worlds.

Based near Brighton, she lives with her partner and their cockapoo named Merli. Sam holds a BA in English Literature and Language, and when she's not writing, she's probably reading, gaming, or exploring the Sussex countryside.

Discover more about Sam's books and sign up for her newsletter at www.samchemmings.com.

Reviews

[Pia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually have a hard time getting into fantasy books but loved the world building and characters in this one. Can’t wait for the next book!!

[Sophie Dyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible world building, wonderful characters and packed full of action! Love, love, love!

[Jen Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a dark, funny, engaging and exquisite book! Beautifully written and brilliant characters.

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! I can't wait for the next one!

[Twiggy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite book of the year! I devoured it in one go. I love love LOVE the chemistry between Nina, Leander and Salazar. The slow burn was everything. The tension incredible… I was just totally hooked by the entire thing.

5 stars. I need the next book like yesterday.

I really, really enjoyed Hell. We got a lot of fantasy and horror as well as a unique magic system. It felt super different to other romantasy books. Loved the world building, the characters and every single twist.

[Erin MacRae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! After reading a few romantasys that followed a similar trend, this one just felt like a breath of fresh air. The humour, world building and characters were wonderful and I cannot wait for book 2!

[Matthew Micaiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

To the Edge of Burning Shadows is a pacy, emotional ride into hell that plays by its own rules—giving answers only when it's ready to surrender them. Nina is a masterfully flawed protagonist; Hemmings writes her with such raw humanity that you have no choice but to root for her.
​As Nina uncovers fragments of the truth, her grit builds toward a stunning crescendo that practically demands a cinematic, heavy orchestral score to match the adrenaline. What impressed me most was the thematic depth: lustful scenes are beautifully juxtaposed with real love, but the "real" heart of the story isn't just romance—it's Nina’s fierce dedication to her family and her roots. Amidst a landscape where trust is an enigma, this book stands out as a brilliant read. I’m already counting down to the next installment.