A Shade of Kiev 3

by Bella Forrest

The greatly anticipated finale to Kiev's stand-alone trilogy!

After all that's happened, I thought I was past being surprised by Mona.

But standing here by the lake, I realize I've barely scratched the surface. Her soul is blacker than I could have imagined.

I thought I sought redemption.

But now, I wonder if this darkness is what attracted me to her all along...

Matteo's words ring in my ears: "Of creatures who inhabit the darkness, there are two types. Those who revel in it, and those who fight to escape it."

Which am I? Or which do I choose to be?

Genres: Vampires, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Magic

234 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

UPDATE MARCH 11, 2024:

BELLA IS BACK!

*** New, updated online store at https://BellaForrest.com

*** New books coming soon

*** Possible Film/TV series coming soon

*** Stay up to date by joining our e-mail list at https://BellaForrest.com/join

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Bella Forrest is a lover of fantasy, romance, action, and mystery infused stories with twists you don’t see coming. She has sold over fifteen million books since her first novel was published in 2012.

Check out her website for a full list of her books: https://BellaForrest.com

Official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BellaForrest...

Here's a list of some of Bella's books:

DARKLIGHT

Darklight (Book 1)
Darkthirst (Book 2)
Darkworld (Book 3)
Darkblood (Book 4)
Darktide (Book 5)
Darkbirth (Book 6)
Darkfall (Book 7)
Darkwilds (Book 8)
Darkhunt (Book 9)

A LOVE THAT ENDURES (Trilogy)
A Love that Endures 1
A Love that Endures 2
A Love that Endures 3

HARLEY MERLIN AND THE SECRET COVEN

Harley Merlin and the Secret Coven (Book 1)
Harley Merlin and the Mystery Twins (Book 2)
Harley Merlin and the Stolen Magicals (Book 3)
Harley Merlin and the First Ritual (Book 4)
Harley Merlin and the Broken Spell (Book 5)
Harley Merlin and the Cult of Eris (Book 6)
Harley Merlin and the Detector Fix (Book 7)
Harley Merlin and the Challenge of Chaos (Book 8)
Harley Merlin and the Mortal Pact (Book 9)
Finch Merlin and the Fount of Youth (Book 10)
Finch Merlin and the Lost Map (Book 11)
Finch Merlin and the Djinn's Curse (Book 12)
Finch Merlin and the Locked Gateway (Book 13)
Finch Merlin and the Forgotten Kingdom (Book 14)
Finch Merlin and the Everlasting Vow (Book 15)
Finch Merlin and the Blood Tie (Book 16)
Finch Merlin and the Legend of the Luminary
Persie Merlin and Leviathan's Gift (Book 18)
Persie Merlin and the Door to Nowhere (Book 19)
Persie Merlin and the Witch Hunters (Book 20)
Persie Merlin and the Dying Song (Book 21)

THE CHILD THIEF

The Child Thief (Book 1)
Deep Shadows (Book 2)
Thin Lines (Book 3)
Little Lies (Book 4)
Ghost Towns (Book 5)
Zero Hour (Book 6)

HOTBLOODS

Hotbloods (Book 1)
Hotbloods (Book 2): Coldbloods
Hotbloods (Book 3): Renegades
Hotbloods (Book 4): Venturers
Hotbloods (Book 5): Traitors
Hotbloods (Book 6): Allies
Hotbloods (Book 7): Invaders
Hotbloods (Book 8): Stargazers

THE GENDER GAME

The Gender Game (Book 1)
The Gender Secret (Book 2)
The Gender Lie (Book 3)
The Gender War (Book 4)
The Gender Fall (Book 5)
The Gender Plan (Book 6)
The Gender End (Book 7)

THE GIRL WHO DARED TO THINK

The Girl Who Dared to Think (Book 1)
The Girl Who Dared to Stand (Book 2)
The Girl Who Dared to Descend (Book 3)
The Girl Who Dared to Rise (Book 4)
The Girl Who Dared to Lead (Book 5)
The Girl Who Dared to Endure (Book 6
The Girl Who Dared to Fight (Book 7)

A SHADE OF VAMPIRE

Season 1: Derek & Sofia’s story

Books 1 to 7

Season 2: Rose & Caleb’s story

Books 8 to 16

Season 3: The Shade continues with a new hero...

Books 17 to 24

Season 4: A Clan of Novaks

Books 25 to 32

Season 5: A Dawn of Guardians

Books 33 to 41

Season 6: A Gift of Three

Books 42 to 50

Season 7: A Call of Vampires

Books 51 to 59

Season 8: A Voyage of Founders

Books 60 to 68

Season 9: A Birth of Fire

Books 69 to 77

Season 10: An Origin of Vampires
An Origin of Vampires (Book 78)
A Game of Death (Book 79)
A Veil of Dark (Book 80)
A Bringer of Night (Book 81)
A Circle of Nine (Book 82)
A Bender of Spirit (Book 83)
A Memory of Time (Book 84)
A Shard of Soul (Book 85)
A Break of Seals (Book 86)

Season 11: A Shade of Mystery
A Shade of Mystery (Book 87)
An Isle of Mirrors (Book 88)
A Sanctuary of Foes (Book 89)
A Ruler of Clones (Book 90)
A Gate of Light (Book 91)
A Dawn of Worlds (Book 92) ➜ Coming soon!

Reviews

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in Kiev's stand alone trilogy and I believe it merges back into the main series that includes Derek and Sophia.

As you can tell by my five star rating, I loved this book. Although I didn't like the second book as much as the first one, I think this one lives up to the standard of the first.

If you love The Shade Of Vampire series, you'll love this trilogy and will love to learn more about Kiev.

[Nicole Dudek Dievert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Kiev and Mona's story. We know that Anna will be returned to the shade, but I do wish we actually read of the events taken place. And I can't help but wonder if Rhys is actually dead, will this be a way to possibly put out a 4th book in the future????? I do hope so!!! And I would really like to see Derek's reaction when he finds out that he is related Kiev. haha

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the Shade of Vampire series and was excited to get a Kiev spinoff because his character really intrigued me when he was introduced. I liked the first book in Kiev’s spinoff, I love where she went with Kiev’s character as he sought a place where he could belong and find redemption for all of the terrible things he’d done in his life. I was not sold on Mona however, I never connected with her character and was really put off by how she based their whole relationship on this silly role playing of characters from the romance novel she was writing and then just when it seems like things are getting real she takes off with no explanation. In the second book we learn a lot of why she did that and we get a good look into her past and also Kiev’s past. But that was pretty much the entirety of the book, Kiev and Mona were apart for about 90% of it so I never really got on board with them as a couple. I was willing to keep an open mind because obviously Kiev liked her so I had to trust he knew what he was getting into. Well, now we arrive at the conclusion of their story and I have to say, I am still not a fan (at all) of Mona and I think Kiev can totally do better.

I just don’t think that Kiev and Mona had enough time together (as themselves) to really develop anything real as a couple, or to allow me as a reader to invest anything in them. As I mentioned, much of their interaction in the first book was under the guise of them being characters from her novel rather than themselves and then the second book they were separated up until like the last chapter and then in this book they start off together for a few chapters but then are separated again until almost the end. So in my mind, the whole basis of their relationship was this fantasy that Mona had as they acted out scenes from her book. I know there was an explanation given in this book for what they saw in one another and why they were draw to the other, but I just wasn’t feeling it.

Not to mention some of the totally despicable things Mona did in this book. I was in shock with all she did, and the way she ran from everything or went along with Rhys’ plan for her just to get away from what she’s done was very cowardly to me. And I don’t think that anything she did in the last few chapters was enough to redeem her for that other stuff. I know that Kiev has done some pretty bad stuff in his day and he’s far from perfect, but I think that he’s worked hard to change his ways and I truly believe he’s remorseful for the things he’s done. I didn’t get any sense from Mona that she was remorseful for any of the stuff she did in this book, except for maybe one moment when she saw hurt in Ryhs’ eyes. Otherwise she did what she did and kept going, I don’t know, maybe my view of what she’s done is colored by my previous feelings of her but I just don’t think she’s a very good person and I had no desire to see her end up with Kiev.

The things I did like about this book is that it was a quick, easy read and rather than dragging this story out the author wrapped it up in this one. My favorite thing about this book though was how she found a way to account for the time jump that occurred in the last Shade of Vampire book and found a way to tie this story back in to what’s happening over there so that Kiev can be woven back into that storyline (noticed how I didn’t mention Mona, because honestly I couldn’t care less if I never saw her again).

Overall I am still a fan of this series and I look forward to seeing what’s next in store for The Shade and for Kiev as he returns to the fold of that group!

[Val. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Bella Forrest since the first Shade of Vampire came out. The ending of Kiev's story was not what I was expecting. I am happy that he will be in A Shade Of Vampire 9. Maybe I will get my "Keiv closure" then. It was a great book, don't get me wrong. I felt like it was missing something.

[Kelly Duke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was a bit disappointed with the ending would of liked it to of told how they met back up with matteo and the other of there old crew and how they ended up stuck in the portal which Ben had to open to get them all out. Apart from that disappointment I really enjoyed the rest read all 3 books in 1 day

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice addition....

I'm glad I decided to read Kiev s story... I enjoyed it as much as any of the "Shade" series. Looking forward to the newest book in that group and I think it comes out this week!

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how this is all going to come together. But I did and it worked. I did not expect the journey they took to be so circuitous, but it was very interesting along the way. And it was an good read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celice had followed Mona and Kiev and realized they were rendezvous-ing and was going to report it back to Rhys but Mona wound up killing her. In order to find the 'traitor', Rhys was going to interview everyone. Mona concocts a potion and feeds it to Tiarni, putting all the blame on herself for releasing the humans and for Celice's death. Rhys tortured and burned his own sister.

Mona decides to cut things off with Kiev and just give into Rhys and the darkness. She drinks her own potion to forget about Kiev so that she can learn to love Rhys and become a Channeler. Rhys takes her to meet Lillith, the last Ancient/Elder that still has a (rotting corpse) physical form. Lillith doesn't think Mona is ready to become a Channeler so she has her complete a task (stealing a book from the Ageless and then killing the Ageless and her mate).

In the interim, there are no humans so Isolde asks the Novalics to come with her to get humans. She transports them to the human realm, to the castle of ANNORA (okay we are tying things together now). The Novalics go down to the basement area to get humans and Kiev sees Anna. 17 years has passed on earth so Anna is now 30-ish, very pregnant, and Kiev sneaks her out and back to their realm where he has to keep her in hiding.

Annora lets Isolde know that their immune (Anna) had gone missing a day after Isolde and the Novalics left, so Rhys decides to snoop around instead of interviewing. Kiev had hidden Anna well but Mona (who has forgotten everything about Kiev) figures out that he in fact IS hiding her. When she confronts Kiev and Anna, she comes to the realization that HE is what she had made herself forget - her mirror. She saw so much of herself in him (and vice versa). Rhys having just proposed to her prior to this, she understands now that she is a) much much stronger than Rhys with the powers she gained from becoming a Channeler and b) her soul could never truly be happy with Rhys.

She concocts a plan to unbind them from the island (it has a similar 7-day limit like Annora's island, where if you're gone for more than 7 days something deathly happens to you). They plan to meet up at the boats the next day with Helina and Erik. Helina, Erik & Mona all show up but after Kiev fails to show up with Anna, Mona realizes that Elfren (Rhys' brother) was lurking in the area. It turns out that he had kidnapped Kiev and taken him to the witches' special room (anyone that's not a witch that is found there is sacrificed in order to maintain the potency of the spell room). Mona comes just in time to see Rhys about to kill Kiev and she stops him.

Rhys follows them back to the boat and launches a surprise attack against Kiev. After a brief battle (Kiev being underwater with sharks, but still alive), Rhys turns himself against Mona and she finds that channeling her emotions actually makes her spells stronger and she can cast them AND protect herself. She winds up rendering Rhys useless (no clue whether he dies or not, they leave him unconscious/dead). Anna delivers her baby with Kiev as a midwife/doula (as he reminisces he *should have been* for Sofia). This is all his redemption. And thus we come to (in the next book we'll know in more detail) - Mona being the witch that Matteo needs for his island after all this time of being an 'impotent witch'; Anna will be delivered back to The Shade; Kiev will announce that he is actually a relative of the Novaks. And where do we go from here? :D

[Hannah Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good spin-off story about the protagonist, who initially was interpreted as an antagonist, is fighting "himself." Looking back at his history, I felt bad for Kiev as he was trying to find his way, by straying from the path he only knew. By committing actions for his "father," actions he even found to be despicable, Kiev tries to find a new path and runs into a witch that has turned from a path she tried to run away from. Trying to run away from both of their paths, they end up together, have cheerful and sorrowful encounters from both of their pasts.

It is suggested to read A Shade of Vampire, Books #1-6 first before reading this series because of the events that fall into place and understanding what is going on.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love all these books have finished Kiev's story Rose's story Ben and Derek's, even done the dragon's

After reading the shade books this helps finish them of to know how Kiev became a better man and what's wonderful read yet again by Bella Forrest. Better than the Twilight books or the vampire diaries and my god if they became a film or episodes I can guarantee a box office hit !

[Teresa Caric · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD!!!!

Personally i didn't care for the connection between Rys and Mona, i get it but i just didn't care for it. This book was a great conclusion to Kiev's story and now i can't wait to see how it intertwines with The Shade!!!!! :)

[Kelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the 3 books about Kiev and Mona. I like the Vamp Kiev became and the magical witch Mona turned out to be. They compliment each other very well. The 3rd book wrapped their story up very well and I'm glad they will both be in the 9th 'A shade of the Vampire' series. Now on to 9th...

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiev's story!!

This small series about Kiev was GREAT!! It definitely is a series that SHOULD be read to aid in understanding MUCH more about his & Mona's characters. I now have a much greater idea of how and why Kiev is who he is. Thanks for the backstory!!!!
💜💙💚💛💜💙💚💛💜💙💚💛

[shannonbookishlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book didn't disappoint and had quite a few
surprises in the story. Glad Mona & Kiev finally got it together even though they travelled a very long & rocky road to get there. These 3 books were a lot darker than the other books in the shade series but definitely just as enjoyable.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Forrest is amazing

Book 3 is the end of this series telling the story of Kiev and how he became part of the Shade family.

[Sonja Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way happy

I was so hooked on these books I read all three in a matter or three days and now I wish there was more but it’s okay because I’m starting back on the original series

[Kathy O'Brien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held me to the end!

Can't wait to read on in the Shade series, it was great to get Kiev and Mona's story to round out their characters.

[Vicki Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved these books about how Kiev an mona got together would’ve liked to have some more felt it finished too quick.

[Katelyn Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reread February 2019 - I'm enjoying his trilogy more the second time around reading! Closer to 3.75 stars, but I'll just keep my original star rating instead of rounding it up.

---------------------------

3.5 Stars! So I have read all the Bella Forrest books I own, and I realized I never finished this one?! Umm, what is wrong with me? There is something about her books that I just fall in love with, and even though this trilogy isn't my favorite, I still had a great time reading it.

Since I did finish through book 16 in the series, going back to read this didn't make a whole lot of sense because I know how it all ends, buuuttt, I need to read all of her books. Also since it has been awhile, I wasn't exactly sure where this one left off, but after a few chapters, my memory came back to what happened. Even though this series has so many characters and places/realms, there is something about it, I can remember it so vividly. I think because I am so invested in this world and story, I won't ever forget these characters. I feel so attached and even if I wait a month in between reading one of the books.... like I just did.... I still enjoy it as if I didn't take a break! I do recommend reading them in the order stated, it is the review for the first book in this trilogy I did I believe, or you can go to her website, but I recommend following that. I read the first two in the correct order, but impatient me wanted to continue with Rose and Caleb's story... <3

The plot of this was very easy to follow, but I can't say too much because this is the last book in this trilogy. At times I feel like this could have been a duo-logy, but it does still work great. It is a fast paced book compared to others in this series, and even though quite a bit happens, it isn't as dense as the books in the "regular" series. I mean that this one is inside the series but isn't apart of the main bunch, if that makes sense. This does include a lot of important information about where the Shade of Vampire series takes off, but it isn't necessary to read this to enjoy the rest, but it adds a whole other reading experience, so definitely read it! Bella Forrest likes to write other books within series to give her readers more information and content so you know everything about the world, which I much appreciate!

Kiev has always been an interesting character with a lot of layers to uncover. I was so excited to read this trilogy, and even though I still very much enjoyed it, I lost the urge to finish this because I had the next book in the main series... I shouldn't have let that make me pass this one for now, because this explains even more where everyone ends up. Kiev and Mona's story was beautiful to read about because it shows their strength and how they make each other better. Another great book/triology by Bella Forrest!

[Hannah Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, AMAZING you must read Kiev's story!

I enjoyed this one best in the trilogy. It was the GREAT. The twist and turns the good the bad. The happy the sad, and the crazy. I'm so sad I finished it. Bella Forrest is defiantly one of my favorite authors. I love how amazon recommeds books to me otherwise I would of never found the Bella Forrest, Shade series, Kiev's story. I'm one of these people who looks at the cover and is was the cover that caught my attention. I'm finished with all of them now so I guess I'm going to read the Beautiful Monsters, I sure they will be great.

SPOILER ALERT **********


I loved how Mona has grown since the first book from a weak witch with no powers, to a strong powerful witch, and it's the same with here personality so was a pathetic weak girl and now an assertive confident women. The way Kiev helped Anna, as she said he is her angel. I really felt for Kiev and I know he is a good guy 100 % Derek Novak needs to get over himself. (In Shade 9) He changed from a dark nasty blood thirsty vampire, to a good guy. So who is he to judge that Kiev can or can't do it too. Ahhh I'm sad it's over, I wish that the Kiev's and Mona's story would continue ( I read book 9 of the shade) to they go back to the shade. I hope Bella Forrest thinks about doing one more book.

[Shaz X · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the conclusion of Kiev and Mona’s story. You need to have read books 1 and 2 to understand this part of their story.

I can’t say that it is an uplifting read, but they do have some small victories that will help lead them away from the darkness that consumes them.

I grew to like these characters much more in this book and I’ll be interested to see how they weave back into the “A Shade of Vampire” series. The have both become stronger in several ways and they are fighting a lot harder for redemption in this installment.

One thing I like in this series is the imagery of several different supernatural beings and the vileness that they are. There are a few moments that make you say “ew yuck” but it was very fitting and wouldn’t feel right if these moments weren’t included.

It has a nice clean romance between Mona and Kiev and I found myself hoping that they will both be OK.

The book leaves a few loose ends but the story of Kiev and Mona will continue on in the “A Shade of Vampire” series, where I hope to see these loose ends tied up.

Overall, an interesting paranormal read and an essential one for fans of A Shade of Vampire.

4 stars!

[Jinx · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think that the was an awesome detour from The Shade and I love how now it is set up to merge back into Ben and Rose's (Derek and Sophia's children) story! I have to say that at times it was a struggle to watch Mona but she flipped the badass switch and I wonder what will come with her new powers once they all take the journey to The Shade. Will she have to answer for the things she has done? Can she explain she as under the control of the lady in the goop - not naming names cause I don't wanna spoil it for anyone. Speaking of goop creature - cannot think that everything's going to be perfect there or that Rhys family will just shrug their shoulders and say "oh well" Looking forward to what is to come with the "A Shade of Vampire 9: A Bond of Blood" though I suspect that Bella will not complete everyone's story in that book alone, which means even more books! I'm looking forward to that, I just hate waiting!

[Debra Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Shade of Kiev 3

This book explains Kiev's and Mona's story more in depth. It explains how Kiev got Anna out of captivity to take care of her and her unborn child. Kiev hid Anna in his wardrobe by trying to hide her blood scent with his sister's perfume. This seemed to work. Mona became a channeled with Rhys help. Mona killed the Ageless and her lover in the Sanctuary then took some maps the Ageless had in a binder. When Mona got back she got Kiev, Erik, Helina, and Anna on one of the boats to exit the island. Mona had to rescue Kiev from Rhys who was about to stake Kiev. The battle with Rhys was hard fought but Mona finally hit him in the chest with a fire ball knocking him unconscious and giving them time to get away.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know why but for some reason I just couldn't really get into this book. I enjoyed the first in Kiev's series and the second started well but things just seem to have gone downhill since.

I think the problem for me was the characters. Kiev seemed like such an interesting character in the shade series. A bad boy who may secretly have a heart. However a lot of what I liked about him seemed to be missing from this book.

Similarly with Mona, I just didn't really like her and therefore didn't care what happened. What made it worse was the lack of interaction between the two.

Sorry Bella. I loved your Shade books but this was a disappointment.

[Natalia Paez · Rating 3 out of 5]

My rating for this Book is 3.0 stars


Este libro tenia lo que había estado buscando en los anteriores, las peleas.

Por fin, Kiev Mona generan controversia y lo hacen de la manera correcta, es decir, la relación de los dos fortalece la reacción de que fue el escape de la isla, junto con los dos hermanos de Kiev y Anna.

Ahora, esta trilogía se une a los libros de la saga de A Shade Of Vampire, la saga de Sofía y Derek. Este libro si me gusto, claro que tiene sus errores pero no evitan que me alla gustado este cierre para la apertura de los siguientes libros de la saga de A Shade of Vampire.

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Kiev

I love the story of Kiev and Mona. I kinda read the story out of order and started reading his at book 9 but I'm glad I stopped those to read it because I probably would have still hated him while reading the Shade. This book is about redemption and second chances! I don't know how Bella continues to surprise us with creative stories. I love that she has side stories of all the characters so you're not getting sick of two characters but they are still involved in the other books and you can see where their lives are leading! Highly recommend Kiev's story along with the rest of the Shade's series

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your usual happily ever after but love it nonetheless

Kiev and Mona are two broken people who find a kindred spirit in each other. Their love is unlike most. But I really enjoyed seeing them get to this point. In order for Mona to give herself completely to Rhys to able to one day break away from she erases her most treasured memories. She is also tasked with a dangerous task in order to prove her loyalty. Kiev in search of redemption rescues someone from his past. Such a great read and I'm glad it doesnt quite end yet, on to the next one!

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

I can't get enough of this series line! I started with the Shade of Vampire series and took a break to read the Shade of Kiev trilogy when it reached a certain point in that series. I am so glad I did because now I can understand things a little better. I highly recommend this trilogy, as well as the original Shade of Vampire series. The author does an amazing job weaving the story and has yet to disappoint me with her writing. She keeps coming up with new twists to keep me interested.

[. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best in A Shade of Kiev trilogy. I couldn't put it down.

it was so much fun to get a chance to go inside Kiev's mind, and to witness first hand his transformation and his way to redemption.

I'm not sure though how I feel about Mona. I didn't like her very much. Most of her choices just don't make sense to me.

Nonetheless this was such a great book. Anybody who has read and loves A Shade of Vampire should definitely read this series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely perfect book to wind up the story of this mysterious vampire. The great dark almost daemon dangerous Kiev story has been one of danger of murder,lust, torture, love, compassion, and a search for his true self that he believes should belong in hell for the crimes he's committed throughout his long tormented lifetime until love finally found him. I fully recommend you read the full series of Kiev LIFE and the corresponding books.