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The Infernal Bond #3
Demon Unleashed
If The Shepherd King series marked your soul, this prophecy-drenched, enemies-to-ruin romantasy will devour what remains.
I clawed my way out of hell.
I outwitted the ephelium.
But I can’t escape what comes next.
Thaddeus doesn’t conquer—he corrupts. Twisted by dark magic, he’s determined to strip the supernatural realms bare and crown himself a god.
And the key to his power… is me.
My magic is the one force strong enough to make him unstoppable. If I refuse to unleash it, he won’t stop at breaking me.
He’ll come for everyone I love.
Everyone except Syrus.
Dragged back to Infernum, Syrus is a prisoner of the demon lords—punished for choosing me over them. Every moment he remains there, he pays for that choice in blood.
And I’m the only one who can save him.
But our love was never meant to save the world.
It was meant to end it.
Once before, a bond like ours plunged the realms into war. Now prophecy demands we finish what they started.
If I save Syrus, the realms may burn.
If I don’t, he dies.
Either way, the world is about to fall.
And if destruction is the price of saving the one I love—
Then I’ll be the one who lights the fire.
I clawed my way out of hell.
I outwitted the ephelium.
But I can’t escape what comes next.
Thaddeus doesn’t conquer—he corrupts. Twisted by dark magic, he’s determined to strip the supernatural realms bare and crown himself a god.
And the key to his power… is me.
My magic is the one force strong enough to make him unstoppable. If I refuse to unleash it, he won’t stop at breaking me.
He’ll come for everyone I love.
Everyone except Syrus.
Dragged back to Infernum, Syrus is a prisoner of the demon lords—punished for choosing me over them. Every moment he remains there, he pays for that choice in blood.
And I’m the only one who can save him.
But our love was never meant to save the world.
It was meant to end it.
Once before, a bond like ours plunged the realms into war. Now prophecy demands we finish what they started.
If I save Syrus, the realms may burn.
If I don’t, he dies.
Either way, the world is about to fall.
And if destruction is the price of saving the one I love—
Then I’ll be the one who lights the fire.
- GenresDark Romance
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 28, 2026
About the author
Zara Storm
26 books215 followersFor 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Review of advance copy
Having read all 3 as an ARC, I am glad the last installment bounced back after book two!
Leah and Syrus are both held captive, but Strickland's eagerness to claim the mantle lets Leah free herself and everyone else in Malice. Once there, she finds out Syrus is in his own personal hell, courtesy of the other three demon Lords and Strickland's maneuvering. Using the mantle and her access to both demon and Nephilim powers, she frees him. From this point forward, the two build on their love. It was refreshing that neither of them was wallowing in misery. Instead, they used their trials to become stronger as a couple.
Because Strickland can now enter Infernum, the mantle is no longer safe. He seems to have really ramped up the power using black magic and demon possession in this installment. However, he isn't well-versed in avoiding possession poisoning, which becomes evident in his insane appearance. Leah and Syrus travel to Aradis to get the nephillum on their side and keep the mantle safe. The latter doesn't happen, but they reconnect their minds. This helps them defeat Strickland in the end.
The final battle felt a bit rushed, especially how Leah and Syrus stopped the rifts from tearing the world apart, but it still had a satisfying ending. I was sad that one of the endearing characters died. The sacrifice! This is the least spicy in the series, barely scraping a single 🌶️. Fillipa gets a POV as she grows more confident after being forced away from Aradis and experiencing the love and care from Hodges.
Overall, it is a fun trilogy (2 suffering from middle-book syndrome). Leah is redeemed and becomes her badass self once again! I thank the author and Book Sprout for the opportunity to read early and have left my review voluntarily.
Leah and Syrus are both held captive, but Strickland's eagerness to claim the mantle lets Leah free herself and everyone else in Malice. Once there, she finds out Syrus is in his own personal hell, courtesy of the other three demon Lords and Strickland's maneuvering. Using the mantle and her access to both demon and Nephilim powers, she frees him. From this point forward, the two build on their love. It was refreshing that neither of them was wallowing in misery. Instead, they used their trials to become stronger as a couple.
Because Strickland can now enter Infernum, the mantle is no longer safe. He seems to have really ramped up the power using black magic and demon possession in this installment. However, he isn't well-versed in avoiding possession poisoning, which becomes evident in his insane appearance. Leah and Syrus travel to Aradis to get the nephillum on their side and keep the mantle safe. The latter doesn't happen, but they reconnect their minds. This helps them defeat Strickland in the end.
The final battle felt a bit rushed, especially how Leah and Syrus stopped the rifts from tearing the world apart, but it still had a satisfying ending. I was sad that one of the endearing characters died. The sacrifice! This is the least spicy in the series, barely scraping a single 🌶️. Fillipa gets a POV as she grows more confident after being forced away from Aradis and experiencing the love and care from Hodges.
Overall, it is a fun trilogy (2 suffering from middle-book syndrome). Leah is redeemed and becomes her badass self once again! I thank the author and Book Sprout for the opportunity to read early and have left my review voluntarily.
October 12, 2026
4⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you Zara for an e-arc of this book! I’ve been an arc reader this whole series and it hooked me right in!
Thaddeus, the human ruler of Strata, is out for power and revenge, and he’s willing to take out both demons and ephelium to do it.
Leah is key to unlocking power to destroy the realms and Thaddeus has her in his control now. Meanwhile, Syrus was betrayed by his own other demon lords to face the consequences of his actions.
Both fight to get back to the other and bring together unlikely allies to do so. All with the help of their found family along the way.
You really see Syrus and Leah’s bond reconnect this book. It doesn’t take possession to only feel connected and they learn through love and vulnerability that they can be each other’s strength. They both feel the weight of the world on their shoulders and have to lean heavily on the other to make it past each obstacle.
We get an added POV this book too, which I LOVED! There’s so much happening at the same time in this world but in different places, that third POV added with Lead and Syrus gave an overall rounded picture of a story. And we get to see that person really grow into themselves as well.
We still get a few spicy 🌶️ scenes as usual and always love reading them but Syrus and Leah’s relationship this book really focused on reconnecting again and I loved that. It gave them a deeper love than just physical attraction.
Sad to leave this world behind. I never thought I’d be so hooked into a story about demons and possession but Zara hooked me right in from the beginning and never took her foot off the throttle! 🖤
2🌶️
Thank you Zara for an e-arc of this book! I’ve been an arc reader this whole series and it hooked me right in!
Thaddeus, the human ruler of Strata, is out for power and revenge, and he’s willing to take out both demons and ephelium to do it.
Leah is key to unlocking power to destroy the realms and Thaddeus has her in his control now. Meanwhile, Syrus was betrayed by his own other demon lords to face the consequences of his actions.
Both fight to get back to the other and bring together unlikely allies to do so. All with the help of their found family along the way.
You really see Syrus and Leah’s bond reconnect this book. It doesn’t take possession to only feel connected and they learn through love and vulnerability that they can be each other’s strength. They both feel the weight of the world on their shoulders and have to lean heavily on the other to make it past each obstacle.
We get an added POV this book too, which I LOVED! There’s so much happening at the same time in this world but in different places, that third POV added with Lead and Syrus gave an overall rounded picture of a story. And we get to see that person really grow into themselves as well.
We still get a few spicy 🌶️ scenes as usual and always love reading them but Syrus and Leah’s relationship this book really focused on reconnecting again and I loved that. It gave them a deeper love than just physical attraction.
Sad to leave this world behind. I never thought I’d be so hooked into a story about demons and possession but Zara hooked me right in from the beginning and never took her foot off the throttle! 🖤
October 31, 2026
Initially, I found this book a little confusing and struggled to understand where the story was heading. In fact, I was tempted to put it down, but I am so glad I persevered because it turned out to be a really good read.
Leah and Syrus work so well together, and the writing beautifully captures their feelings and interactions. Their characters are described in such a way that it is easy to picture them and become invested in their journey.
I particularly enjoyed the unexpected twist in how the different worlds and their inhabitants were portrayed. Strickland, a human, becomes the focus of greed and destruction, while the demons and seraphim, who might traditionally be considered the villains, are not necessarily what they first appear to be. Learning about Strickland's story and how his actions affect the other worlds adds an interesting dimension to the plot.
The supporting characters are also well written and complement the main characters nicely. This is a story filled with heartbreak, love, hope and despair, with some particularly intense moments, especially the battle and the lake scene involving Strickland.
I am genuinely glad I continued reading, as I would have missed out on a very enjoyable and rewarding story. A book that certainly grew on me!
Leah and Syrus work so well together, and the writing beautifully captures their feelings and interactions. Their characters are described in such a way that it is easy to picture them and become invested in their journey.
I particularly enjoyed the unexpected twist in how the different worlds and their inhabitants were portrayed. Strickland, a human, becomes the focus of greed and destruction, while the demons and seraphim, who might traditionally be considered the villains, are not necessarily what they first appear to be. Learning about Strickland's story and how his actions affect the other worlds adds an interesting dimension to the plot.
The supporting characters are also well written and complement the main characters nicely. This is a story filled with heartbreak, love, hope and despair, with some particularly intense moments, especially the battle and the lake scene involving Strickland.
I am genuinely glad I continued reading, as I would have missed out on a very enjoyable and rewarding story. A book that certainly grew on me!
Review of advance copy
Syrus is condemned to isolation and psychological torture for his actions helping Leah. And Leah is trapped by Thaddeus and his cronies, where her magic is being used to force open ancient protections. As these protections are warped beyond repair, it becomes quite clear that the end of the world is nigh. Can Leah save Syrus and the world?
Demon Unleashed is the concluding book in the Infernal Bond series. As such, it is actioned packed with a few more unexpected twists as the plot finally reaches its climax. Excitingly, Filippa has substantial character growth as she finally fights for what she wants and confronts her negative view of her abilities. Sadly, Leah and Syrus characters don't grow nearly as much. They do finally solidify their feelings and commitment to each other, but given how much they've gone through it almost seems insignificant. Despite this, the overall action and true commitment they express towards each other does help carry the finale.
An exciting conclusion to a collectively well written series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Demon Unleashed is the concluding book in the Infernal Bond series. As such, it is actioned packed with a few more unexpected twists as the plot finally reaches its climax. Excitingly, Filippa has substantial character growth as she finally fights for what she wants and confronts her negative view of her abilities. Sadly, Leah and Syrus characters don't grow nearly as much. They do finally solidify their feelings and commitment to each other, but given how much they've gone through it almost seems insignificant. Despite this, the overall action and true commitment they express towards each other does help carry the finale.
An exciting conclusion to a collectively well written series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 28, 2026
Such an exciting and fitting finale for Syrus and Leah!! It's bittersweet getting to the end of their journey but I have loved the wild ride it's been. These two have made themselves a place in my heart and I know I'll be thinking of them for a long time.
Leah is one of my favorite characters. She is down to earth and relatable while also being fierce and otherworldly. She has such a big heart and so much compassion for those she cares about.
Syrus has made such an impression on me. He changed so much throughout the series and grew as a character. I loved getting to see his transformation and all the different sides of him.
This has been such a fun series. It's relatable to modern day with its underlying message, even though it's about demons and angels, some principles still apply. The writing is so captivating and did a wondrous job showcasing the realms and characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!!
Leah is one of my favorite characters. She is down to earth and relatable while also being fierce and otherworldly. She has such a big heart and so much compassion for those she cares about.
Syrus has made such an impression on me. He changed so much throughout the series and grew as a character. I loved getting to see his transformation and all the different sides of him.
This has been such a fun series. It's relatable to modern day with its underlying message, even though it's about demons and angels, some principles still apply. The writing is so captivating and did a wondrous job showcasing the realms and characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it!!
November 2, 2026
In true Zara Storm style, this last book was filled with action, plot twists, steam, and a healthy pinch of emotional trauma. Throughout this trilogy, readers seen Leah and Syrus fight to find their way back to each other. There is the rich emotional development and nuances to their story. Not only was there external forces, hello prophecies, threatening to tear them apart, but both made mistakes along the way. So seeing the arc of their relationship over the last three books has been breathtaking.
Plus there was this rich world building. Zara Storm created a world, that while it has nods to known myths and stories, was truly unique. Through the book, it felt like at any moment I was going to be able to step into this world. Between the character development, world building, an plot line, this entire series was a 6-star read. Cannot wait to read and hopefully listen to an audio version.
Plus there was this rich world building. Zara Storm created a world, that while it has nods to known myths and stories, was truly unique. Through the book, it felt like at any moment I was going to be able to step into this world. Between the character development, world building, an plot line, this entire series was a 6-star read. Cannot wait to read and hopefully listen to an audio version.
November 2, 2026
After absolutely loving the first two books in this series, I went into Demon Unleashed with high expectations. And of course, book three will also be living rent free in my mind! This book was just as good as the previous two, and we get an ending that's exactly what these amazing characters deserved!
Syrus and Leah continued to be one of my favorite parts of the series. The lengths they're willing to go for each other no questions asked, how close they were bonded or not. All of their moments together were top tier! Hodges and Fillipa were another favorite. Their super sweet slow burn was so much fun, and they were absolutely adorable together. Aster and Captain Pellery made me smile so much! The way Aster had her wrapped around her little finger was fantastic! The relationships were honestly my favorite part of the books by far!
Thank you for providing this ARC and giving me the opportunity to read it and share my honest opinion.
Syrus and Leah continued to be one of my favorite parts of the series. The lengths they're willing to go for each other no questions asked, how close they were bonded or not. All of their moments together were top tier! Hodges and Fillipa were another favorite. Their super sweet slow burn was so much fun, and they were absolutely adorable together. Aster and Captain Pellery made me smile so much! The way Aster had her wrapped around her little finger was fantastic! The relationships were honestly my favorite part of the books by far!
Thank you for providing this ARC and giving me the opportunity to read it and share my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have been a supporter of Zara from her first series and this finale is exactly why. Her amazing way of portraying relationships between her characters leavers you invested from beginning to end, hoping for a happily ever after. There are plenty of twists and turns along the way with enough tension to keep you guessing what's coming next. This was the perfect finish to Syrus and Leah's story and I can't wait to read more from this author!! I would absolutely recommend this series and her others for any fantasy lovers out there.
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What a way to finish the series! I enjoyed how in this book we also got more of Filipa & that she had her own chapters too. I feel like she finally had her hero moments & was a vital part of the story. It was also interesting to hear more of Strickland's backstory & kind of explained more about him. I don't want to give any spoilers but I feel like this book gave me all the answers I needed after the other 2 books & I enjoyed how it ended.
What a way to finish the series! I enjoyed how in this book we also got more of Filipa & that she had her own chapters too. I feel like she finally had her hero moments & was a vital part of the story. It was also interesting to hear more of Strickland's backstory & kind of explained more about him. I don't want to give any spoilers but I feel like this book gave me all the answers I needed after the other 2 books & I enjoyed how it ended.
October 28, 2026
Man, this series has been a journey. I loved it! This last book had a bitter sweet ending.
I loved hearing more from Filipa. And hearing more about Esther. Also right from the beginning the book throws you into the action. No time wasted. It was non stop and a complete intrigue the entire time.
I would highly recommend this series if you enjoy angels and demons, strong fml, need a new book boyfriend and love found family!
READ IT!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved hearing more from Filipa. And hearing more about Esther. Also right from the beginning the book throws you into the action. No time wasted. It was non stop and a complete intrigue the entire time.
I would highly recommend this series if you enjoy angels and demons, strong fml, need a new book boyfriend and love found family!
READ IT!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
It’s no secret that I love this Queen’s books but once again I am the furthest thing from disappointed. It had trauma, a bad*** FMC who was acting the part, it had me second guessing Syrus (how dare you), and the ultimate world saving solution had so much symbolism that it was simply chef’s kiss! Thank you for another amazing series. I was honored to receive an advanced copy for my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a fantastic and hard fought ending for these characters. From one page to the next you didn't know what was going to happen, it was such a rollercoaster that kept you hooked a d turning pages. There were so many emotions experienced while reading this book. This series and characters has quickly become one of my favorites.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
what a ride this series was. i loved how it all came to completion in this book. questions were answered. love was restored, a whole lot of retribution was laid out. i love that the story continues to thrill me and keep me on the edge of my seat. it was sort of an anti-hero story but also so much emotion in it. sad that it's come to an end
Review of advance copy
My introduction to Ms. Storm was this trilogy.
I don't read too many fantasy romance stories, but this held my interest, and will have me checking out Ms. Storm's other stories!
The world-building was well done.
I enjoyed the characters, villains and good guys!
Worth meeting Leah and Syrus and watching their slow-burn romance develop!
I don't read too many fantasy romance stories, but this held my interest, and will have me checking out Ms. Storm's other stories!
The world-building was well done.
I enjoyed the characters, villains and good guys!
Worth meeting Leah and Syrus and watching their slow-burn romance develop!
Review of advance copy
I actually didn't read the first two books before jumping into Demon Unleashed, but I still really enjoyed this one!
I loved the story and was completely immersed in it. I imagine the first two books give a more detailed introduction to the different kingdoms and a better understanding of the world in general, but even without that background, I found the story pretty easy to follow.
I'm sure I missed some details and connections from the previous books, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this one!
Overall, a really enjoyable read, and I definitely recommend it! Although maybe read the first two books before jumping into this one. 😂
Thank you to Hidden Gems and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I loved the story and was completely immersed in it. I imagine the first two books give a more detailed introduction to the different kingdoms and a better understanding of the world in general, but even without that background, I found the story pretty easy to follow.
I'm sure I missed some details and connections from the previous books, but that didn't stop me from enjoying this one!
Overall, a really enjoyable read, and I definitely recommend it! Although maybe read the first two books before jumping into this one. 😂
Thank you to Hidden Gems and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy
He is the key to destroying the world and they want to use him to do it. Get pulled into hell as he goes to save his lover even though it could end everything. Follow his adventures as he tries to save his lover as that is what he wants more. See just how he gets on
October 31, 2026
Wonderful
The author wrote a really great series, I lived the main characters and their family and friends. Made laugh, cry and cheer them on. I would recommend it to anyone who likes these books. I gave a five star rating because it was a great story.
The author wrote a really great series, I lived the main characters and their family and friends. Made laugh, cry and cheer them on. I would recommend it to anyone who likes these books. I gave a five star rating because it was a great story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews