A Trail of Echoes

A Shade of Vampire #18

by Bella Forrest

"Something told me that after my weeks trapped in The Oasis, I hadn't even scratched the surface of what really went on there..."

What is so different about Ben Novak?

Secrets will be unravelled and shocking discoveries will be made in A Trail of Echoes.

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

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 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

###

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

[Shani · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fluidity that Bella writes her books amazes me. When I started reading the world of the shade I never thought I would be 18 wonderful books in. A Trail of Echoes picks up right where Wind of change ends. I love that about her writing. It is like you just hit the pause button for a bit. I love how the storyline between Ben and River has developed. We have action, adventure and excitement. Can't wait till book 19. Awesome Job!

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bens back

Ben knows the only place that River can be safe is if he took her back to the shade. His intentions are to only drop her off, fearing hunger for blood would put all the humans at risk on the island. But his parents stop him from his quick departure. They are determined to help Ben, and feel the best option is to give him the cure. But after hours if trying, it doesn't work. Ben is still a vampire.

To make matters worse, while on her honeymoon, Rose has Caleb turn her, to see if she would endure the reaction Ben had when he was turned when she doesn't, they all question what is wrong with Ben?

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Shade.....

I love Sophia and Derrick's story line , Adored Rose and Caleb's , and im ultimately enthralled with Ben's and Rivers !!!! Never want this series too end...... can it just keep going like the Soaps ??!! Hail to the Queen , Mrs. Forrest ...... I love you and hope to enjoy all the stories in your wonderful mind ! Xx

[Val. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

RTC

[Tanisha Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never gets old

You would think by book 18 that one would grow tired of The Shade. Well that is not the case I love how Bella introduced a new character and I thought I wouldn't hear about Rose and Caleb anymore well that wasn't the case at all. Derek, Sofia, Rose, Caleb, Ben, and now River it's all to much I can't wait to return to the shade.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises abound....

I awaited this book with great anticipation and was not disappointed. Bella Forrest really knows how to weave an interesting story... Can hardly wait until Oct 25 to read the next book in this series.... :

[Kimberly L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't stand it!!!! What's wrong with Ben!!!

I am having heart palpitations over this, why is Ben so different? I don't know that I can wait until this next book is released, the suspense is killing me!

[Jennifer Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good, a little dragging, but a continuation of a great trilogy!

Could have shortened the book 1/3 without all the repeats of same thoughts etc. Great series for teens, not trashy or sexually descriptive. Satisfying to adults too...

[Heather Cornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Another great story. I am so glued to each page. I can't wait to continue when book 19 comes out.

[Katelyn Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What else can I saw, I love these books with my whole heart! <3 I won't go into detail like I always do because I talk about these books so much, but I loved it! Compared to book 17, the plot twists in here were unreal. I love how she incorporates things from books from the very beginning and it just brings me back and I adore that :) Again I won't say much about the plot but my heart is happy with what happens on pages 211 and 245, if you've read it, you know what I mean. There is just so much in each book that I can't ever put the book down. I know with her books I need to designate time to read it in 1-2 sittings because I can't stop! The questions at the end of this book are twisting my mind and I can't wait to see where she takes the story! What happened on page 98, Bella just wants to blow our minds! Like I said before this world and these characters feel like family and when I read that page, I was shocked and couldn't stop smiling because it has been so long! I won't go into detail, but this book does not disappoint! <3

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better and better

Finally able to leave The Oasis, both Ben and River know that leaving like they did was too easy. Ben can't be around humans without having River around to block their smell. So they travel back to The Shade in hopes of both of them taking the cure and turn back into humans.

While Rose and Caleb are on their honeymoon, she wants him to turn her before they return to The Shade. With great reluctance, Caleb does; but Rose is fine drinking animal blood. So they now know that Ben is the problem.

Throughout their journey back to the island, both Ben and River keep hearing messages to return to The Oasis. Not understanding why it how that is happening they wait to see Corrinne, the witch at The Shade.

Jeremiah travels to the island when he finds out who Ben really is. Knowing that Derek stole his father's kingdom and that Aiden is the one who killed him, he seeks out his revenge.

But the real monsters to worry about are worse than any black witch could ever be.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best I've read in the shade collection for a while. I never used to like Bens character all that much but in this one you really get a sense of who is is and that's miles from the prince of the shade who only saw himself as a heartthrob to all the ladies before his life challenges started.

I've also come to appreciate his relationship with River, it reminds be very much of that feeling of meeting and being with your first love, she seems naive and a bit of a dreamer around Ben whereas without she's independent and savvy.

I am throughly enjoyed Derek, Sofia, Rose and all of the other shade favourites being represented in this book and look forward to more of this in the up and coming penultimate read.

Highly recommend.

[Jess Swann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un bon tome qui nous permet de nous remettre tranquillement dans l'histoire tout en intégrant les nouveaux personnages (comme River et Jeremiah). J'ai beaucoup apprécié d'avoir des nouvelles de Rose et la voir devenir vampire sans le moindre problème... J'apprécie aussi la manière dont l'Oasis influence Ben et River et j'ai hâte d'en savoir plus sur les véritables propriétaires de l'Oasis. Le fait que Ben ne puisse pas redevenir humain me plait également et j'ai apprécié le flashback qui remonte vraisemblablement à sa naissance.


Ce que j'aime : l'auteure sait se renouveler, les personnages


Ce que j'aime moins : les romances se ressemblent toujours un peu


En bref : Un bon tome qui nous permet de découvrir de nouvelles mutations vampiriques


Ma note


8/10

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

DIVINELY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: A Trail of Echoes
Series: A Shade of Vampire
Designation: Book Eighteen of a Multi-Novel series, NOT a Standalone Read
Author: Bella Forrest
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FIVE FANG-TABULOUS STARS *****
Wow! Best-selling author Bella Forrest has dazzled her readers yet again with A Trail of Echoes, the eighteenth release in her spellbinding mega-hit series, A Shade of Vampire and she has totally left me breathless- again! Like thousands of my fellow Shaddicts, I've been hooked from the very first book of the series and now anxiously await each release. I simply can't get enough! I was turning the pages so fast, my Kindle Fire couldn't keep up! Just when I think there's no way this series can get any better - wham - Bella hits us with another knockout! Bella has surprised us all with another riveting adventure that curls our toes, makes our hearts pound and keeps us begging for more! This is a paranormal/supernatural/fantasy saga so unlike any other I've ever read. It is exciting, well crafted, original, unique, imaginative, thrilling, fast paced, riveting, action packed, mysterious, suspenseful, enchanting, heartbreaking, heartwarming, seductive and oh so romantic. Whew, what a mouthful, but these are only a few of the words that come to mind after reading this incredible chronicle of the Shade, its inhabitants and its enemies. Can you tell that I really love this story? The narrative is exceptionally well written in the first person with a multitude of alternating points of view. Each chapter is told by one of the characters which I feel gives so much more depth, intensity and perspective to the story and adds to the complexity and understanding of the characters. The dialogue is smart, exceptionally well executed, well edited and flows effortlessly. Although the story is compelling and the dialogue is exceptional, it's truly the magnificent, comprehensive cast of larger than life characters that makes the biggest impact. They are well developed, captivating, intriguing, engaging, endearing and quite literally, out of this world sexy! They explode from the page, grab your imagination, capture your heart and hold you totally enthralled from beginning to end. Forrest skillfully combines these elements to craft a stunningly brilliant masterpiece of paranormal romance filled to the brim with action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, suspense, magic, supernatural beings, love, passion, loyalty, heartbreak, hope and plot twists that will blow your mind.

In Book Eighteen, we resume our story as Joseph Brunson, aka Ben Novak, and now half-blood, River Giovanno, embark together on a treacherous journey to seek answers after having miraculously escaped Jeremiah and his followers at the Oasis, but unfortunately are now being relentlessly pursued by the Hunters. Joseph has finally confessed to River his true identity as Ben Novak, Prince of the Shade. He also reveals the secret of the Shade and the possible hope it may hold for them both. Ben and River grow much closer as they struggle to make their arduous and danger-filled journey to Ben's island home. But as our two unlikely lovers and heroes struggle to survive, the residents of the Shade are also facing new enemies and new problems of their own. Simultaneously, Jeremiah is also learning Joseph's true identity as Ben Novak and surprisingly, this information comes from an unlikely and very unexpected source. There's a new player in town and her name is Queen Nuriya Nasiri. Oh my goodness! Important pieces to the puzzle are slowly revealed only to be replaced by even more perplexing questions. Oh my! No spoilers from me but I will say this......Handsome, guilt-stricken, newly turned vampire who can't control his bloodlust-check! Beautiful half-blood heroine who gets caught up in what she once thought to be only fantasy and fairy tales-check! A plethora of supernatural characters including vampires, werewolves, witches, dragons, ogres, hawks, djinn, mermaids, mermen and even a hellhound-you bet! Danger, drama, adventure, suspense, mind blowing plot twists and a dangerous new enemy-you bet! A possible romance for Ben and River-it's looking very probable!!! That and a whole lot more! I love it! I never tire of visiting my friends of 'The Shade'. It always feels like returning home. If you love heart-wrenching young adult paranormal romance, heartbreaking angst, tantalizing magic, out of this world fantasy, spine-tingling suspense, hold your breath action, malevolent enemies, evil machinations, unexpected plot twists and heart-pounding adventure, then you will surely enjoy A Shade of Vampire series. Buckle up my lovelies! It's another wild, wonderful and thrilling ride! Please keep in mind, this is a series - not a stand alone story and the books should be read in order of their release - and it does contain nail biting cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat panting for more - which I love! Bella always keeps us on our toes but lovingly rewards our patience with each new release. Well done, Bella, very well done! I can hardly wait to read what happens next with Derek, Sophia, Caleb, Rose, Ben, River, Claudia, Yuri, Vivienne, Xavier. Aiden and all the other wonderful residents of the Shade when the adventure continues in Book 19! And a few of our old favorites from the early books even make a return! Charmingly captivating, seriously sexy, powerfully compelling and delightfully entertaining!!!
My Rating: FIVE DELIGHTFULLY ENTERTAINING STARS *****

[Marisol Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahh how will this all end??!?!?!

Okay so Ben has lived his share of stuff lol. River is his lifeline, for now anyway. The Shade is turning into a Zoo.

More of the great plots, twists, turns, saga your use to continues. Just when things seemed that they would slow down for the people of the Shade, a Shadow appears.

Man this seemed to have finished awfully quick lol. Off to #19

[holly hawbecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicted addicted addicted!

Absolutely loved it. So happy for Rose and the gang.feel awful for Ben. Can not wait for the next one to download so I can gobble it up and then the next one. So excited I was hooked from the first book . Love Bella Forrest she is such an amazing storyteller.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and River

This series is just to darn good to stop reading. I really enjoyed this book because Ben and River are so good together and I was happy with the turn of events in the story.

There were a few slow parts for me, parts I felt could have been not so drawn out, but still a very enjoyable book.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

These books continue to keep my interest. It seems as the characters in these books solve one problem they are soon faced with a new problem making me want to continue reading so I find out how they solve it. They also seem to meet new supernaturals along the way.

[Ashley Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot Damn!!!

So many secrets!! By the end of this book you glean so much information! Ben learns more about his horrible beginning, Jerimiah adds more to the story! And new supernaturals join the party!!!

[Tiffany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooh so good!! The ending gave me chills. Bella always knows how to give me what I want. Except for decent love triangles. There’s always too much weight on one side of those and it’s obvious who will end up with who. But still - I love it and I eat it right up. On to the next!!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes back to the shade!

Another great addition. I’m really enjoying the development between Ben and River and now nothing is straightforward for them. I liked that we got more from Rose and Caleb too.

[Ilana Yares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great! Quick read that does not require much brain power as I am constantly picking up and putting down the book to do work around the house or help out the kids. Finished very quickly. Fast paced and easy!

[Peggy S Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read!!!!!!

Awesome read. Van not wait to start next book. This author is absolutely amazing!!! Check out her vampire series. You won't be disappointed! She always delivers the best stories.

[Sheila gullick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

Love this series! I stopped reading this series a.little while ago. But glad I started up again. Love the series. Never a dull moment

[Christie Ring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

I am hooked on this series
Can't wait to read the next book. It's so nice to know all the characters already. Makes for easy reading.

[Kelly Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just keeps getting better.

[Rebecca Wiggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book

I Love the way your books keep you on your toes and cant wait to read the next one. A must read

[Allysha Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just adore how this store is going and how it’s flowing through the different Novak generations

[Linda Kathryn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was glued to the story, did not want to put it down. Like all the others in this series that I have read, very riveting and totally exciting.

[Beth Hutchison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep pulling

I Still loving being deep in this story. I am so addicted to the Shade a d would love to be there.