Demon Touched

The Infernal Bond #2

by Zara Storm

I fled hell to escape the demon in my blood.
Part of me wishes I’d stayed.

I came to Aradis for sanctuary. Instead, I found a prison.

The Seraphs can’t decide if I’m an enemy or an ally. So, they offer me a choice: rot in chains or prove my worth in the brutal coming-of-age trials.

I choose to fight.

The trials will probably kill me. They’re designed to cull the weak. I don't have wings. I don't have training. And other contenders would gladly see me dead.

I don’t want to need Syrus. The demon in my mind is as dangerous as he is impossible to ignore. I try to shut him out.

But when the trials get their hooks in me, Syrus’s whispers are the only thing keeping me alive. His velvet thoughts coil through my mind, and I’m powerless to resist him.

But Syrus isn't my only problem. What I've kept caged is rattling the bars, and if it breaks loose where the Seraphs can see, no trial will decide my fate.

They'll decide I'm demon-touched.

And what the ephilium do to spies makes the trials look like mercy.

Survive the trials. Hide the demon. Don't fall for him.

Perfect for fans of the Nightmare in One Dark Window and dark Hades and Persephone romances, this demon-possession romantasy delivers a shadowy MMC, obsessive slow-burn, deadly trials, and a heroine hiding the most dangerous of secrets across the three realms.

Genres: Romance

484 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2026

About the author

For readers who love clever heroines and twisty plots that keep you thinking.

Zara Storm writes fantasy romance with dark, compelling heroes and sassy, competent heroines. Her debut series is The Gold Weaver series. Zara loves fast-paced books with adventure, magic, strong characters, a rough-edged hero, and spicy romance.

Zara lives in Colorado with her husband, their two kids, her scaredy cat pit-bull mix, and their feisty cat who is queen of the house. When she’s not writing, she loves to read, hike the mountains, and travel to new places, but she’ll cop to the fact that she spends too much time watching Tiktok videos and she can endlessly watch Lucifer and Vampire Diaries.

You can connect with Zara on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, and her website.

Reviews

[Whitney]

This next installment in The Internal Bond series had me on the edge of my seat. The tension from the first page was addictive, with each page I was reading faster and faster because I had to know what is next for Leah and Syrus.

While there is the overarching plot line that carries across the series, I love how there smaller, more subtle stories that carry through and weave their way through the main plot. To say that this book - from the characters, magical system, and world - was well developed is an understatement. There is something so rich about Zara Storm's writing style. Especially her FMCs, they are feisty, strong willed, and willing to go toe-to-toe with these larger than life morally grey MMCs. Honestly, I want to be them when I grow up.

This is quickly becoming my favorite series and I cannot wait for the next book.

[Blitheroo]

Whoa. I have no idea how, but I loved Book 2 just as much as Book 1, and I didn't really think that was possible! This was a fantastic ARC read!!

I freaking adore Syrus, he has that whole tortured hero thing down to an art. I love that he's still terrifying to 99% of the population, so he hasn't turned into a golden retriever on us. We have so much yearning too!!

For Leah....I want to be annoyed with her choices, but they make sense for her character. I think she's smart and resourceful, she's quick on her feet and still feisty. I love that we got to visit Aradis and the introduction of the fledgling trials in a way that feels like a natural progression.

The only thing missing here was some sweet karma for dear old wicked stepmother Ada haha.

I hope Book 3 isn't far behind because I read this way too fast, I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Jess Boschock]

We continue where book one leaves off. Leah and Syrus are intense and her choice to move to Aradis changes things. I enjoyed the other characters and want to know where the story will go.

[Brita Mackay]

What do you do when the monster you fear most lives inside your mind?

I thought I knew survival.

As a scavenger picking through the battlefields in the middle of the endless war between demons and the angelic ephilium, I’d spent my life dodging death, staying invisible, and keeping my sister safe.

Then I took her place on an altar.

My blood was meant to unleash an ancient evil.
I was supposed to die screaming inside a ritual circle.

Instead, Syrus, the Demon Lord of Malice, claimed me as his host.

Now I can’t breathe without him in my mind—commanding me, taunting me, tempting me.

And every day his power burns hotter through my veins, until it will finally consume me and tear me apart from the inside out.

There's only one way to survive it. The Lord of Malice offers a bargain:

Souls are arriving corrupted before they reach his domain—twisted, defiled, turned into something they were never meant to be—and someone inside his own realm is behind it. Help him hunt the traitor, and he'll sever the bond before it kills me.

Except somewhere between the treachery in his realm and the secrets buried in mine, the demon who should be my captor becomes my protector.
And all too soon his hold on me is the drug I'm terrified I can't survive.

Because when I finally learn the truth, I may find something I want even more than my freedom.

Tropes: Demon-Possession Romantasy, Shadowy MMC, Obsessive Tension, Ultimate Forced Prximity, Dark Fantasy Romance, Demon-Possession, Shadowy MMC, Obsessive Tension, Ultimate Forced Proximity, Shadow Magic, Kidnapping, Demon/Supernatural Love Interest, Monster Living Inside the Mind/Body, Captured/Claimed Against Her Will → Reluctant Attachment, The Bargain/Deal with the Villain, Enemies-to-Allies/Captor becomes Protector, Chosen for a ritual / destined sacrifice, This is the Fated Sacrifice/Ritual Selection Trope, The Conflict Sits in the “Endless War Between Demons and the Angelic Ephilium.”, Prophecy, Cosmic Politics, and Realm-Spanning Stakes, He Lives in Her Mind/Body, Creating Constant Closeness, He Commands, Taunts, Tempts; She’s Terrified of Being Consumed, Power-Imbalance, Protective Demon With Hidden Softness, “Villain who Protects the FMC”, Secrets Reveal/Hidden Truth Near the End, “Somewhere… Unraveling Secrets in Mine”, “When She finally learns the truth, Mystery/Secret Identity or Concealed Motive, Trauma-Informed Survival FMC, She’s a “Scavenger”, “Eventually Consume Me, Self-erasure/Losing autonomy, Redemption/Release, She “took her place on an altar.”, That’s a replacement sacrifice / “swap of destiny”

Demon Touched is the 2nd book in The Infernal Bond Series. A Dark Fantasy Romance by Zara Storm. Perfect for fans of the Nightmare in One Dark Window and Dark Hades and Persephone romances, this demon-possession romantasy delivers a shadowy MMC, obsessive tension, and the ultimate forced proximity.

If you're seeking a dark fantasy romance that captures you from the very first page, you really must get involved in this world, since shadows work in the wind to conceal secrets, and placing your trust in other people is equivalent to gambling with your life. The heroine must struggle not only against external darkness but also against a demon that has taken up residence in her mind.

The appeal of Demon Touched had me completely enthralled even before I had finished the first chapter. It builds an impenetrable net, interlaced with conspiracy, danger, and a steadily building romantic suspense that takes your breath away; I was thoroughly caught up within just a few pages and had no chance of getting out.

Leah never once retreats. She is capable, thoughtful, and by no means a weak woman who has to be saved. She is alert, observant, and nobody can deceive her. Her main worry is her sister, and she will take any risk to protect the person she would give everything for.

Cyrus, the demon lord who lives in her mind, the inscrutable Lord of Malice who everyone fears, shares her body and her mind, and even his thoughts become entangled with hers. The excitement of reading about her managing to get by on the edge of danger, with a companion who could turn against her at any time, comes through vividly and keeps you on edge throughout.

The partnership they enter into is fragile and forced; they never willingly decide to team up, and their interactions are characterised by guarded humour as each one tries to work out the other's intentions, stays on the lookout for the other's next move, doesn't fully trust the other, yet a powerful attraction gradually develops between them, a bond which no one is able to break. There are also many moments that cause one to laugh out loud, and at times there are moments of open and honest candour, instances when their defences come down and become surprisingly intimate.

Their complicated relationship gives the story its vitality and, at the same time, makes it the most compelling aspect of the narrative. Cyrus is not a one-dimensional villain existing only in her mind, nor is he a perfect saviour who comes down to solve all her problems. He is a powerful, unpredictable force whose sense of right and wrong is as complicated as the dangerous world they live in, so no clear boundary determines who is right and who is wrong.

The story's central theme is never black and white: allies who fought together yesterday may turn against one another today because of their own loyalties; the desire to remain faithful to one's family and the need to honour one's alliance become intertwined, in such a way that any decision seems to betray someone; and each decision has consequences so severe that they could destroy everyone you care about, with no opportunity for a do-over.

In this world, the power you possess is like a two-edged sword in that it can cut through the thorns obstructing your way, but it can also wound you if you are not careful; the difference between a person acting to protect you and one who is actually intending to harm you is as fine as the edge of a knife, and a single mistake can place you on the wrong side.

The author of this dark world, Zara Storm, has created a setting that is so realistic you could nearly reach out and touch it. While reading through the book, you become aware of the deadly atmosphere still present in the air, the shadows underneath your feet which may be hiding watchful eyes, the dangers that feed on people lurking all around you, and the network of secrets that Leah is unable to solve everything that surrounds her; and as a result, the readers are completely absorbed and end up worrying about Leah just as she does.

It is not a fairy tale in which a prince and a princess overcome the villain and then live happily ever after; rather, it is a severe and beautiful account of surviving in a broken world, giving up everything for the people who matter, and ending up with an unexpected link that holds you to the person who had originally been your mortal enemy.

The opening section is somewhat hurried. At the beginning, I had not had time to work out the rules of the world before the plot was already pushing Leah forward; yet because of the deep affection that is part of the story and the tension that left my heart tight, I became completely involved in the narrative within just a few chapters and soon forgot about the clumsy start. When I finished reading, I was breathing heavily, and my mind was brimming with the unfinished journey Leah and Cyrus still had to go on, so I looked forward to reading the next book.

If what you're after is a heroine who can look after herself, never retreats and never avoids difficulties; a demon who is not a one-dimensional, black-and-white figure but has his own set of conflicts and loyalties; a romance that develops gradually between the two main characters, without any sudden love-at-first-sight, featuring sharp and well-matched verbal exchanges in their common interactions; and a fully developed, lively fantasy world in which there are no absolute rules of right and wrong, then Demon Touched will definitely become your new indispensable favourite.

Get ready because the atmosphere will haunt you, captivate you, and completely overwhelm you. By the way, I'm already looking forward to the day when the second book is released.

[Sassy]

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars

Demon Touched was a really enjoyable second book in The Infernal Bond series. I went into this one already invested in Leah and Syrus, and by the end I was even more curious about where Zara Storm is taking them and this world next.

One of the things I liked most was Leah’s continued growth. She is still learning who she is, what she is capable of, and where she belongs, but none of it comes too easily. I especially appreciated that discovering new things about herself didn’t suddenly make her an expert at everything. She still has to learn, make mistakes, and figure things out, which made her development feel much more earned.

I also enjoyed how much the world opened up in this book. We get more supernatural lore, new characters and relationships, and a better understanding of the larger world surrounding Leah without it feeling like one giant information dump. Some of the supporting characters surprised me too, particularly characters I wasn’t sure I was going to like initially who ended up becoming people I genuinely cared about.

Leah and Syrus’s relationship was probably the part I watched most closely. After everything they had to work through, I was worried they might spend most of the book having different versions of the same argument. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. Their problems aren’t magically fixed, and neither of them suddenly changes who they are simply because they love each other, but there is actual movement in their relationship.

Did Syrus still manage to make me want to reach through the story and throttle him at one point while I yelled, “Dude, did you learn NOTHING the first time?” at my Kindle? Absolutely. But I was irritated with him, not with the story, and there is a big difference. His mistakes felt like part of his character development rather than manufactured relationship drama created just to keep them fighting.

The main thing that kept this from landing higher than four stars for me was some repetition in Leah’s internal thoughts and explanations. There were a few places where I already understood what she was feeling and didn’t necessarily need it explained quite as much again. It occasionally made parts of the book feel a little longer than they needed to be, but it never reached the point where I was bored or stopped caring about what was happening.

And without touching a single spoiler, I’ll just say that the later part of this book definitely had my attention. There were some things I expected, some I didn’t, and a few that made me reconsider what I thought I knew. By the time I reached the ending, I had considerably more questions and absolutely wanted the next book. So thanks for that, Zara.

Overall, 4 stars from me. The few places that felt stretched or repetitive kept it from reaching the 4.5- or 5-star range, but they never became bigger than everything I enjoyed about the story.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, particularly if you enjoy supernatural/paranormal romance with demons, a strong FMC still discovering the extent of her abilities, a powerful and extremely protective MMC who doesn’t always make the best decisions, complicated relationships that actually develop instead of relying on endless manufactured drama, expanding supernatural lore, found connections, mystery, danger, and an ongoing story that leaves you wanting the next book.

I would definitely recommend starting with Book One rather than jumping into Demon Touched as a standalone. There is too much history between these characters and too much established worldbuilding to fully appreciate this one without knowing what came before.

Now I just need to read Book Three.

— Sassy • SassyReviews.com • 100% Unbiased, Unfiltered & Unapologetically Truthful.

[Pranav Bhatnagar]

Demon Touched is an intense, emotional and addictive paranormal romance that pulled me straight into Leah's world and made me want to know what would happen to her next. Leah has spent so long fighting for her freedom that discovering her own power should feel like a victory, and I loved seeing her finally step into a world where she can begin to understand what she is truly capable of. But freedom becomes much more complicated when the person she is trying hardest to escape is also someone she cannot simply stop caring about. That was one of my favorite things about Leah's journey. She is strong, stubborn and determined, but she is also carrying feelings that refuse to disappear just because she has made a difficult choice. Her move to Aradis opens up a whole new side of the story, and I loved discovering the strange and beautiful world of the ephilium alongside her. The city, the academy, the training and the people Leah meets there all make the story feel much bigger, while her search for answers about her powers keeps the tension high. I especially enjoyed watching her learn what it means to have power that she has spent most of her life unable to understand or control. The training scenes are exciting, but what makes them even better is the feeling that Leah is finally becoming the person she has always had the potential to be. At the same time, the emotional pull of Syrus never completely disappears. Even when Leah tries to shut him out, there is still a connection between them that makes everything much harder. I really enjoyed that part because their relationship is not simple. There is attraction, anger, trust, fear, love and a deep struggle over freedom and control, and I kept wanting to understand what both of them were truly feeling. Seeing parts of the story from Syrus's side also added a lot for me because it allowed me to understand his pain and fear in a way Leah cannot always see. Aster was another character I really enjoyed because her friendship with Leah brings warmth to the story, and the bond between them makes Leah's decision to leave even more emotional. The story also does a great job of making the larger conflict feel important without taking away from the personal struggle at its heart. Leah is trying to understand her place in a world divided between different powerful groups, while also trying to decide what she wants for herself. I loved that she does not simply accept what other people tell her. She questions, fights, learns and keeps searching for her own answers. Zara Storm has created a world full of magic, demons, angels, danger and powerful emotions, but what made this book special to me was the very human feeling underneath all of it the need to be free while still wanting to be loved. I will not say anything about where the story goes because this is a book that deserves to be discovered page by page, but I can say that there were several moments when I desperately wanted to know what would happen next. Demon Touched left me with that wonderful feeling of wanting the next book immediately because Leah's story feels far from finished, and I am genuinely curious to see what she will do with the power, choices and relationships now waiting in front of her.

[Jeni M.]

Starting with how the last book ends, Leah learns Syrus was trying to keep her powers from manifesting. Above everything else, she wanted freedom. So why she chose to run to Aradis as the one place Syrus could not reach her doesn't make much sense. Running to Aradis put her in danger and took her freedom away. Voluntarily. It took me longer to read this installment because my irritation with her running away instead of dealing with issues made me put it down out of frustration. Her modus operandi became getting upset, running away, then becoming mad because she wasn't getting her way.

Syrus figures out a way to follow her to Aradis. This puts Malice in danger. Yet Leah did not seem to notice or care what the three demons did for her. Leah is mad that Syrus keeps invading her mind to check on her, but the moment she gets in trouble, it's just fine to call on Syrus' help. She consistently uses him whenever she gets in too deep. Towards the end, Syrus wants to know where she will live. She is not able to answer. He tells her she can return to Aradis if that is what she wants. Instead of taking this as a recognition of her independence, she gets angry. I wanted to yeet my Kindle when she then runs away again. For crying out loud!

I loved the world building and felt the story was fun. In the first half, when Leah is in Aradis training with the ephilium, it felt more like a side quest than something that moved the story forward. While in Aradis, Syrus and Viz found a way to free Leah's bond to Syrus. The moment the bond is gone, she complains of emptiness and wishes she still had him in her head. Indecisiveness is not attractive. I found myself wanting Syrus to go back to Infernium and let Leah drown from her own making.

Regardless of how annoying I found Leah, I will read the next book because I like the other characters and want to know what happens to everyone involved. I liked Leah in the first book; she fell off the petulant-child rails in this one. Hopefully, she will go back to how she was previously in the last book. I received the book for free from the author via Booksprout and have given my opinion freely.

[Moonburst]

Leah has escaped to Aradis, the land of the angels, in an attempt to get out of Syrus's control and to help cultivate her angelic powers. Unfortunately, the angels greet her with suspicion and she is given an ultimatum: prove herself in the fledgeling trials or be imprisoned and interrogated indefinitely. Leah is soon immersed in a deadly set of trials that will purge any weakness. And despite the distance, Syrus has found a way past her defenses.

Leah does a lot of soul-searching in this book. She's not sure what she wants, other than her freedom, and she's not sure where she belongs. Unfortunately, Aradis is surprisingly problematic, with a strict emphasis on honor and glory and little tolerance of healing or weakness. Add in a mysterious blight affecting the land, and it's rather surprising that angels are spending as much time fighting demons in Strata as they are. The fledgeling trials are particularly brutal, making it hard to emphasize with most of the angels Leah meets. I would have liked for there to be something admirable about the angels, but ultimately it is clear that Leah does not fit in well there.

She also spends a lot of time considering her relationship with Syrus, and what exactly she wants for her future. The time alone allows for both Syrus and Leah to have some time to consider their previous actions and why things shook out the way they did. Syrus takes a surprisingly long time to consider things outside of his perspective, which was mildly frustrating. However both characters grow both in their relationship and emotionally in ultimately satisfying ways.

Demon Touched continues the Infernal Bond series, in an action packed story that continued to take unexpected turns. There is plenty of personal development between the main characters, as well as further world building exploring Aradis and Strata politics, making it a notably consequential sequel. It does end on a particularly devastating cliffhanger, so I will be sitting on pins and needles until the next book arrives.

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

[Marissa]

Picking up after the events of book one, Leah Polaris arrives in the Ephilium land of Aradis. Determined to find her place as a Nephilim, she must survive the Fledgling Trials. Still tethered to Syrus, the demon lord of Malice, she navigates the trials that are geared to forge or purge her, and if the Ephilium discover she’s Demon Touched, she’ll never survive. Can she overcome the fledgling trials, or will her past bring her back home?

Tropes: Prophecies, Nephilim x Demon, Training & Trials, Bonded Pair, Found Family, Betrayals
Spice: ~🌶️🌶️

“Demon Touched” is the second book in the “Infernal Bonds” series by Zara Storm. A dark fantasy romance, this book creates friction and builds on the repercussions of book one while expanding on lore and world-building, continuing the mystery of the cultists, and upping the ante in a world on the brink of civil war.

The pacing was somewhere between medium and fast and felt more dependent on the scene. There were several fast-paced moments, from training opportunities to spicy scenes to betrayals that kept you gripped from beginning to end. Between those moments were scenes that were conscientious and thoughtful, often imperative to the moment. I appreciated these ebbs because they made high-energy scenes feel stronger and the slower scenes more impactful.

As the second book, it had to expand on and settle a lot of content and material from book one that would prepare the world/moment/characters for book three. I felt that while this book did a good job of providing a degree of resolution (and it did), it opened a slew of new questions and created new problems for the characters to deal with in book three. A true cliffhanger, Storm did very well at creating feelings of panic, anxiety, and anger at the potential futures for these characters.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deonna Balentyne]

Demon Touched by Zara Storm is Book 2 in The Infernal Bond Series. This is a Dark Fantasy Romance with a variety of tropes hidden within. There is so much depth in this book that you can create a long grocery list. This is the continuation of Leah and Syrus’s story, and it is even more tension-filled than book one had been. We get to delve more into this world that Zara created, and the characters forced proximity relationship. The world building and details are so well written that I truly felt like I was there with Leah during her journey. I held my breath at many places so tense waiting to see what happened next.

One thing I realized quickly is that you cannot truly trust anyone in this world. They could call themselves a friend or ally one moment then stab you in the back the next. This is also a part that sits heavy between Leah and Syrus. She has that rightful fear that he can betray her and try to destroy her at any moment, and she can do nothing against him. There is so much for her to balance. This is all kinds of serious, but this book does also contain great banter and hilarious moments. The bond between Syrus and Leah grows as they get to know each other and I cannot wait to see where it all goes in the next book. I highly recommend this book if you love to read about different realms, morally grey characters and things that are dark and dangerous. Great world building and tension that can break any moment. Enjoy!!!

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

[Booksighted]

While the first book anchored us in the demonic politics of Infernum, this sequel dives headfirst into the lore of Aradis and the murky human politics of Strata.


⚯ ⚯ ⚯
Leah is trapped in Aradis and forced to compete in the Three Trials for fledgling Ephilium just to stay out of prison. We get a fantastic look at the hierarchy here, from the ruling Seraphim down to the military Brigade and commanders like Leah's newly discovered grandfather, General Garion Illidore.

⚯ ⚯ ⚯
The character dynamics are better than ever. Syrus realizes how he messed up by trying to cage Leah's powers in the first book, and watching a towering, 300-year-old Demon Lord risk his life and his throne to travel to enemy territory just to sever their bond and keep her safe is peak romance. Vizmodeus is still hilariously sarcastic right up until he gets knocked out during a literal military coup led by Leah's grandfather.

⚯ ⚯ ⚯
The plot twists in the final chapters are absolutely brutal. Just when Leah and Syrus escape the chaos in Aradis and seek asylum in the human capital of Pax, they walk right into a trap. Chief Assemblyman Strickland turns out to be one of the masked cultists who tried to sacrifice Leah in book one. Seeing Leah finally unlock her terrifying dual magic (lightning and shadows!) only to be bound and captured by Strickland while Syrus is dragged back to Infernum for treason is a wildly unfair cliffhanger.


Bring on the next book right now. I need to see Leah use those new powers to burn Strickland's whole operation to the ground.

[123_Romantasy]

4⭐️
2🌶️

Thank you to Zara for letting me be on your arc team for this series!

She ran from him to his deepest enemy in hopes of escaping his lies and finding out more about herself. He betrayed her but she can’t fully escape him. Not with him still in her head. Literally.

But as she dives into this new realm in search of her heritage, Leah finds that not all is as it seems with the ephillium. She’s thrust into deadly trials (that she’s at a SIGNIFICANT disadvantage with) just to prove her worth to avoid being put in chains.

But Syrus isn’t just going to let her go. He knows he screwed up, but knows Leah is in significant danger. And he’s willing to lay it all out on the line and go against his own people to get her back (with the help of his trusty friends), and even break the bond he has grown to love so much. To keep her safe though, there’s no line he won’t cross. But it’s not just the demons and ephillium you have to worry about. The humans may be neutral ground, but doesn’t mean they aren’t making moves of their own.

We learn a lot this book and get to meet some new characters and circle back to some other favorites along the way.

Leah and Syrus have a lot of things to work out and watching them slowly earn their way back to each other made this for a slow burn feel book 2. They’ve both made mistakes and kept their secrets and aren’t afraid to call each other out on it. Leah doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere and Syrus just wants her to know that she is home to him.

All the schemes happening in this book keeps you on your toes and it feels like you have enemies on all sides that will lead to a very intense third and final installment to this series.

[Ekwuyasi Anwulichukwuka]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, so I was genuinely looking forward to seeing where Leah and Syrus’s story would go next.

I think Demon Touched did a good job of building on the first book without feeling like it was just repeating the same story. Leah’s powers and her place in the world become a much bigger part of the story and I liked getting to see her figure out what that actually means for her. There’s also a lot more of the world outside Infernum, which was interesting to explore.

I especially liked the way Leah and Syrus’s relationship developed. There’s definitely tension between them, but their relationship doesn’t completely take over the rest of the story. They both have their own things to deal with, and I liked seeing how those things affected their relationship.

The book did drag a little for me in some places. There was too much concentration in specific scenes. I appreciate detail but too much just makes it boring. But overall, I was invested enough that I kept wanting to know what would happen next.

I enjoyed this one, and I’m definitely interested in seeing where the series goes from here.

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

[Sabrina]

I found myself completely pulled back into Leah and Syrus’s story, eager to find out what would happen next. I enjoyed watching Leah discover more about her powers, learn who she is, and face the trials and dangers in Aradis. She is strong, stubborn, resourceful and fiercely loyal, although I did find some of her decisions frustrating at times. Syrus remains one of my favourite characters, and it was great to see his more protective and vulnerable side while he still embodies that intimidating demon lord energy. Their relationship is filled with tension, yearning, conflict and complicated emotions, and I loved watching them slowly work through their mistakes and find their way back to each other. I also enjoyed the expanded world-building, the new characters, the magic and the growing tensions between the different realms. There were a few slower moments, particularly at the beginning, but the twists, secrets and betrayals kept me invested. By the time I reached the end, I was completely caught up in the story and desperate for more. That cliffhanger definitely left me craving the next book! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lilith's_Library_]

Demon Touched was such a deliciously dark and addictive continuation of The Infernal Bond. 🔥✨ This story pulled me straight back into a world of demons, danger, magic, and bonds that feel far too tempting to resist.

I really enjoyed the darker atmosphere throughout the story. There was a lovely sense of danger and mystery woven into the pages, with plenty of moments that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. 🩸🌙 The infernal elements added an extra layer of intrigue that made this such a fun fantasy read.

The characters and their connections were definitely a highlight for me. I loved the tension and emotional pull between them, especially with that delicious feeling that something bigger—and potentially far more dangerous—is always lurking just beneath the surface. 🖤🔥

Overall, Demon Touched was an engaging, dark and wonderfully addictive ARC read. If you enjoy demons, dangerous magic, complicated bonds, dark fantasy romance, and characters who are just a little too tempting to trust, this one is definitely worth adding to your TBR. 😈📖✨

Thank you to Zara Storm for the opportunity to read this ARC. 🖤

[Courts]

Demon Touched had me hooked from the first page. The tension was addictive, and I found myself reading faster and faster because I needed to know what was going to happen to Leah and Syrus.

I still absolutely love Leah. She is feisty, strong willed and definitely not afraid to stand her ground. I loved seeing how much she has grown in this book while still staying true to herself. Syrus also showed a much softer side
and I am obsessed with how protective he is of Leah.

I love how the smaller storylines are woven through the main plot. The world, characters and magic system are so well developed and Zara Storm really knows how to write FMCs I love. Honestly, I want to be them when I grow up.

Leah arrives in Aradis to find her place as a Nephilim while surviving the Fledgling Trials and hiding the fact that she is Demon Touched. Meanwhile, her bond with Syrus continues to develop and the stakes just keep getting higher.

There were so many twists, angst and tension that I seriously did not want to put this book down. That ending left me with SO many questions and I NEED book three.

This series is quickly becoming one of my favourites and I cannot wait for more!

[Ashley]

Ooooh, what diabolical twists in this one! I loved every second of the second installment in Syrus and Leah's journey. This was exciting and intense with all the angst and yearning you could hope for. I devoured it and didn't want to put it down.

I still love Leah. She is fierce and turning into quite the bada**. I like how she's not letting her power go to her head and still comes across as down to earth. She's faithful to her friends and family and loyal to those that deserve it.

I loved seeing this softer side of Syrus. He has grown so much from the first book and is so much more than the unforgiving demon lord he started as. I adore his protectiveness and his willingness to burn it all down for Leah.

I seriously didn't want to put this book down! I'm so enthralled by these characters and the fight between demons and angels. It just keeps getting more intense and complex with the dynamics between the realms. The writing was captivating and fast paced. It did a great job showcasing all the angst and yearning. I can't wait for more and would definitely recommend it!!

[Sonya]

Leah and Syrus face trials after trials. Picking up where book 1 left off, Leah has decided to try her luck with the angels but that great idea was fraught with its own dangers. Leah just wants her freedom, but she also wants Syrus which causes her to make difficult decisions. While navigating her new normal Leah must also prove herself worthy and convince the celestials that she is not a traitor; (kind of hard to do when you've been demon touched).

All demons aren't bad and all angels aren't angelic. I believe Leah will be that bridge between the two keeping the peace and war at bay but first she must learn how to wield her power, decipher friend from foe and continue to nurture the bond growing between her and Syrus.

War has begun and time is running out. Enemies are closer than Leah and Syrus imagined and with a new betrayal at hand Leah will need to show the celestials and demons what she is truly made of. Leah is something special a power that hasn't been seen in a longtime and her enemies are about to see what happens when you upset a demon touched Nephilim in love.

[Entisar Ali]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I enjoyed this follow up, though the pacing felt a bit slow to start. Leah's decision to fight in the coming of age trials rather than rot in chains gives her real agency, and I liked watching her navigate the danger of the trials while trying to hide the demon inside her from the Seraphs. Syrus continues to be a compelling presence even at a distance, his pull on Leah's mind adds tension throughout, though I wanted more of his yearning and his side of the story this time around. Their dynamic still works even when they're apart, which says a lot about the setup from book one. The world building stays imaginative and well detailed, and the character growth throughout felt earned. I'd already suspected the villain reveal, but it was satisfying to see it confirmed. It all comes full circle nicely and ends on a cliffhanger that has me eager for the trilogy's final book.

[Stephanie Danbury]

Following from the cliffhanger in Book 1 we follow Leah as she begins her journey to discover where she really belongs and what she's truly capable of. As nephilim she struggles to fit in with her new "fledgling" friends but soon develops some new powers that the ephilium don't have but that may be linked to the demon still possessing her.
Danger is all around; from new found family, rivals and risky trials that will ensure Leah can't give Syrus up as easily as she thought she could. Their relationship changes through time spent apart and secrets shared. With the occasional dual POV we can how each feels about the other without all the guesswork.
This is, again, a wonderful sequel from Zara Storm and is definitely a series that is worth delving into

[Amy M]

4.5 stars rounded up. I love this series. I loved book one and I loved book 2. Leah is trying to be her best self on her own and I loved seeing another side of her. The only reason this isn't 5 stars for me is that I think it should've been 2 books instead of 1. There are 2 sequential storylines that don't really overlap so it is more like an Act 1 and Act 2 instead of being interconnected. There is so much emotion and character development, especially once our MCs are reunited. I was, yet again, left aching for Leah and Syrus even though I knew that ending was the right choice.

This series has me in a chokehold and I cannot wait for Book 3! Thank you to BookSirens and Zara Storm for the free eARC.

[Laure]

Oh, my goodness.

I loved this book. Magic, politics, betrayal, exciting and bloody battles, steamy romance, twists and turns in the plot that are surprising and unexpected, all in an intricately created where two realms, one populated by demons, the other controlled by the ephilium which is far from an angelic race who battle in a third realm where humans have to live behind walls to protect themselves from the warring of the other two races. The characters are all complex and beautifully narrated with realistic and intriguing personalities. The fast-paced and engaging dialogue that kept me engrossed from the first page. I think this is a must-read book and series that I will highly recommend to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by Book Sirens.

[Timea Rogina]

I devoured this book in two days, and it would’ve been one if I didn’t have to be an adult (boo) and work and mother my children. Zara Storm never disappoints and I can say that once again. At this point if it’s not the last book I start getting anxious as we near the end due to the turmoil that is about to happen. But she is epic in her release timelines so I can always expect the next book to come quickly and ease the broken heart I inevitably get every book. I think Syrus and Leah might be my favorite characters of hers (shhhh don’t tell the others). I was honored once again to receive an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Carole]

Demon Touched is the second book of the Infernal Bond series, and continues the story of FMC Leah and Lord of Malice Syrus.
The tidings are not good in this second go round as Leah has left Syrus for Aradis where she thinks she will find sanctuary, she is mistaken.
Given a choice she decides to fight in the coming-of-age-trials, and Syrus in the meantime has to find a way to reach her.
Another highly entertaining voyage of danger, action, intrigue, and dark romance in a nicely written, imaginatively crafted world.
Follow the rhythm and flow all the way towards the climatic TBC.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mercy]

This book had one of the best inventive sex scenes ever.
Remember he could possess her and they talked to each other? Well, while separated and in a fight, he gets comfortable inside her and then they have sex while he is making her touch herself. I think that was the loneliest, the sweetest, and the loveliest of experiences.
She is in yet another dimension, she gets powers, she gets wings, some adventures ensue, some fighting, he finds a way to see her, to feel her, they have tender reunions.
The plot twist was nice, I will be happy to read the next book.

[Linda]

My gosh…this dark fantasy story captured me and didn't let me go for many, many highly entertaining hours!

Waiting for book three is going to be so, so hard!

Get ready for crazy with Leah! Like crazy!

What I love about fantasy romance is that it really does allow a greater escape from reality!

Get ready because this world and these characters will probably hold you captive.
Or be whispering in your brain!

[Liv Kugler]

I thought that this was a good follow up to the first book. I love the characters of Leah & Syrus. Although I feel as though their story has a slow start in this book & wish the pace was a little faster. The story definitely cane full circle & left you on a cliffhanger, which makes me excited to see how the story unfolds in this next book of this series. I neeeeeed more of Syrus’ YEARNING for Leah, asap. Love me a demon romance!

[Bobbi Wagner]

I enjoyed reading this fantasy story. This is an author that is new for me in which I enjoyed their writing skills. I also enjoyed their use of details that made the story engaging from beginning to end. The characters are strong, well developed and made the story easy to read. There is a great growth throughout which added to the entertainment value of the story. This is a great story and one that I highly recommend.

[Stefanie Verhelst]

What if you are trying to escape a demon you also desperately need? What if escaping him is worse than giving in?

Zara Storm starts off strong in this dark romance. The series of events playing off are also very interesting, the deadly and challenging trials and the psychological fight against lust and passion, the dance of willpower and pure passion.

This story was fascinating and very addictive!!!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Petra Moss]

Fabulous second book in the series, that keeps you on the edge the whole time and is full of surprises! Cannot wait for the next one as this left me hanging on a cliff.

I received a free copy of this book via Cherrylily ARCs and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.