Bound by Ash and Shadows : Book Three in the Shadowfire Series

by Shelby Oval

Love. Sacrifice. And a choice that changes everything.

Bound by power greater than her own, tested by loyalty, and caught between love and fury, Lora must navigate a world where every choice carries a price. Kalon’s anger still lingers like a shadow over her, and Garrison’s unwavering presence is both comfort and challenge.

Determined to uncover the secrets that may turn the tide, Lora follows whispers of a lost library, where answers wait among prophecies and long-buried truths. But the deeper she ventures, the more dangerous the revelations become, pulling her toward betrayal and truths that could reshape everything she thought she knew.

Yet even as passion burns and fate weaves its tangled threads, darkness gathers at the edge of every choice. And when sacrifice comes calling, Lora must decide what—and who—she is willing to lose.

517 pages, Paperback

Published January 8, 2026

About the author

Shelby Oval is the award winning author of Out of Embers and Shadows, book one in the Shadowfire series. Her second book, Into Flames and Shadows releases on Amazon on the 8th of January.

While Oval is a teacher by day, she is fighting wars, falling in love, and building worlds by night as she furthers her Shadowfire adventures. She loves to read fantasy and explore the different worlds other authors have created which is why she got a master’s in literature from the University of Glasgow - it was all for the books!

If you can’t find her reading or teaching or writing, then her partner has probably dragged her on another hike up another mountain - which means another book is sure to come soon!

The Shadowfire series is just one of many projects she is working on so there are plenty more opportunities to read her works. So whether you enjoy hiking or not - let’s all hope Shelby Oval’s partner keeps dragging her on outdoor adventures!

Reviews

[Leaf and Letter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shelby Oval crafts a world that feels both haunting and alive. From the very first chapter, the tone is rich and immersive. Being the third book in the series, I’m very familiar with the author’s writing style. If you are new here: Oval’s writing has that cinematic quality where you can create a movie playing out in your mind.
The pacing is tight, the stakes rise naturally, and the reveals land with impact. Oval balances worldbuilding, character development, and plot progression beautifully, creating a story that feels both intimate and epic.
By the end, I was fully invested, already craving the next installment, and honestly a little devastated to leave the world behind.
If you love dark fantasy with emotional depth, atmospheric magic, and a bond that feels fated in all the best ways, this one deserves a spot on your shelf.

[SeaBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of Shelby Oval's Shadowfire Series does not disappoint. I was waiting, not-very-patiently, for this book as the last one finished on a cliffhanger. It was worth the wait. The character arc for one of my favourite FMCs (Lora) was really interesting and rewarding. She's such a great character to read; infuriating at times, powerful but also emotionally vulnerable at other times.

There is a fantastic magic system and the world-building with the Shadows and the Drakes is really engrossing. There is political intrigue, war, power, love, fated mates and a really fascinating found family. I loved them all! It all adds up to a really compelling and absorbing read.

Recommended for anyone who loves a well-developed world along with great characters, as well as breathtaking and thrilling love scenes.

[Jenna Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! I about pulled my hair out waiting for this book to release and it did not disappoint! She did an excellent job pulling bits and pieces of information discovered from the first two books into this book as the storyline progressed. But damn if she didn't have another doozy of an ending! The only thing I regret is getting hooked on these books before the entire series was already out. Waiting isn't my forte, especially when one of Shelby's trademarks is huge cliffhanger endings!

[Madison Fulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book!!!!!!!!! I didn’t think things could get more intense after book 2 but the stakes got even higher, the romance got even steamier and thought I would die from stress in the last third of the book (in a good way!). This series feels fresh and unique. There were so many twists and turns I didn’t see coming! Ahhhh give me the next book!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Ashley Brantley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I have to say is Shelby Oval better be writing the next installment of this series because I’ve GOT to know what’s going to happen!! I have so bought into this world, the family of characters, the trials, and the hope!! I’m ready to reread all 3 as soon as we hear book 4 is on the way!

[Joni S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third in the series and I think it may be my favorite yet! Oh my word I can’t wait for the next one because this one left me with a broken heart dying to find out what happens now!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book in this series has been better than the one before.

[Alexandria Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm speechless. As I sit here with my mind reeling after the ending, I'm left in tears. Shelby--- why?!

I flew through this book, and while completely satisfied and happy with confirmation of details I had picked up on from the beginning, I was surprised by some of the other revelations that came up.

Book 3 was the perfect addition to the series where dots were finally connected, we finally saw some romance action, we see more battles and relationships blossom.
I'm left with lots of questions, but the main being- when is the next book going to be out? 😅