A Bridge of Stars

A Shade of Vampire #24

by Bella Forrest

The explosive finale of Ben and River's story!!!

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

322 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2016

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

[Mikayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant work Bella. Always a great read and enjoyed every last word. I can Definitely recommend and a massive 5 stars.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

what an end to bens story i have to admit it was one of the most beautiful endings that one could ask in a story especially those of us who have read the story from the beginning well to cut it short yes he and river get married lucas and derrek and sofia are on the road to recovering their relationship and lucas with jerimiah...the supernaturals have come together in this story for the good although can not say that for the fae and ghouls ..have to admit the ghoul queen was something actually would like to read more about her and her role although we did find out what she ate and the oracles that was sad but something tells me a part of them will be revealed later on in different stories great rading as bella forrest always does i could not be more pleased when i read this authors works as each book falls into place with the prior and as a reader you do not loose your place in the story strongly recommend this entire series

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

FABULOUSLY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: A Bridge of Stars
Series: A Shade of Vampire
Designation: Book Twenty Four of a Multi-Novel Serial, NOT a Standalone Read
Author: Bella Forrest
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FIVE CAPTIVATING STARS *****
A Bridge of Stars by Bella Forrest is the twenty fourth release in the spellbinding A Shade of Vampire Series and 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. And it's no surprise that Bella has delivered another riveting adventure that curls our toes, makes our hearts pound and keeps us begging for more! This is a beautifully written young adult supernatural/fantasy/adventure saga unlike anything I've ever read. The story is well crafted, imaginative, thrilling, fast paced, riveting, action packed, suspenseful, sweet, romantic and at times, mysterious and dark. 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 their enemies. Can you tell I really love this story? The narrative is beautifully written in the first person with multiple points of view. Each chapter is told by one of the primary characters which I believe gives more depth, intensity and perspective to the story adding vital insight into their lives and motivations. The dialogue is smart, well executed and flows effortlessly. Although the story is compelling, it's truly the magnificent 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! They explode from the pages, grab your imagination, capture your heart and hold you totally enthralled from beginning to end. Forrest skillfully combines these elements to craft a beautifully written paranormal romance filled to the brim with danger, action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, suspense, magic, supernatural beings, love, passion, loyalty, heartbreak, angst, hope and plot twists that will blow your mind. After twenty four books in a series, some might think the story has grown old and stale but nothing could be farther from the truth. After reading all twenty fours books, there are two things I've learned beyond a shadow of a doubt. First, when reading anything written by Bella Forrest, always expect the unexpected and two, absolutely nothing is ever impossible as we've all witnessed time and time again, but never more that the events revealed during Ben and River's journey. I was completely and totally blown away! In each book Forrest writes, she takes her readers on an emotional and thrilling roller coaster ride unlike any other; one that keeps us on the edge of our seat and riveted to each page while screaming, "OMG - that didn't just happen!" And the icing on the cake, Forrest's books are always well edited, beautifully formatted and have gorgeous covers! I'm not a professional reviewer but I know what I like, what I love and what I don't and I love this series! I've never experienced anything like it.

A Bridge of Stars is the final book in the story of Ben Novak, Prince of the Shade and the beautiful River Giovanni, the woman who captured his heart. Since this is the long awaited conclusion of Ben and River's saga, I knew before I even began reading this book, it would be not only a remarkable journey for Ben and River but also an extraordinary experience for the reader as well and Forrest did not disappoint!

In an effort to find a cure for his blood lust, eighteen year old Ben Novak has travelled the world seeking answers but there is something else he yearns to find, and that's redemption for the horrible acts he committed while under the influence of the imprintation of The Elder. His journey led him to The Oasis where he first met the beautiful River Giovanni, the woman who would not only capture his heart but would become his saving grace, his reason for refusing to give in to despair and defeat. After Ben is faced with an impossible decision, he chooses the ultimate sacrifice in order to free himself of the influence of the Elder Basilius to save both the human and supernatural realms from the ominous threat of the Elders resurrection thereby preventing their return to power. Unfortunately, Ben makes other choices throughout the journey that place both him and River in grave danger and none worse than River being captured by The Hunters. Against all odds and now without the benefit of a corporeal body, Ben manages to rescue River and returns her to her family at the Shade, but sadly his predicament has become even more dire. Tragically, Ben learns that those perceived as friends should never be trusted and finds himself still trapped between life and death. Ben is weary and discouraged with very few choices and even less hope. With limited options, he once again returns to The Oracle and attempts to decipher the puzzling ramblings of the enigmatic Hortencia but her counsel has led him into an even more horrible ordeal where he's captured and imprisoned by Ghouls with little hope for escape. But are her statements meant to help or harm? Are they meant to inspire hope or do they warn of the future doom to come? Or are they part of a journey he must endure in order to become a Hero of Realms? Just as Ben has experienced betrayal by those he thought to trust, he also learns the importance of forgiveness, and that sometimes, those once perceived as enemies can now be depended upon for help. As the prophecy comes to pass, Ben finds himself repeatedly with not only the weight of worlds upon his shoulders, but the safety and wellbeing of River, his family and quite possibly both the human and supernatural realms as well. In Book 24, A Bridge of Stars, we accompany Ben and River on the journey of a lifetime as Ben with River by his side, yet again attempts the impossible hoping to save himself in order to secure a future with the lovely, loyal and kindhearted River who has agreed to become his wife. Yes, they're engaged! More startling pieces to the puzzle are revealed while dangerous ghosts and enemies from the past return but are they friend or foe? Will Ben discover the answers he so desperately needs before it's too late??? Will Ben ever be able to free himself from the life with which he has now been cursed to live??? Will he somehow find his way back to the woman he loves??? Will Ben and River somehow manage to survive their dangerous journey and make it to the altar? We'll see!!! 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, harpies, ogres, hawks, jinn, mermaids, mermen, fae, ghouls, ghosts and even a hellhound-you bet! Several unexpected and shocking reunions-check! Danger, drama, adventure, suspense, mind blowing plot twists, an unexpected betrayal, a heartbreaking loss, an old enemy returns, a dangerous new enemy emerges along with several unexpected and very surprising ghosts from the past-you bet! A confession of love between Ben and River-oh yes!!! That and a whole lot more! I love it! I never tire of visiting my friends at '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, heart-stopping 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 thrilling ride! Please keep in mind, this is a serial - 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. This is one book you don't want to miss as Forrest expertly weaves the threads of the story together for an explosive conclusion. I can hardly wait to read what happens next with the Novak Clan and all the other wonderful residents of the Shade when the adventure continues in Book 25! Completely captivating, seriously sexy, powerfully compelling and delightfully entertaining!!!
*****Spoiler Alert*****
And FYI, Lucas and Kailyn are back! Woo-Hoo!

[Roberta Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these books!

Once you have started the Shade journey it will be extremely hard to stop. The book as just the right amout of everything in it. I can officially say that I am a super fan of all the Shade of Vampire books.

[cho · Rating 5 out of 5]

👍🏼

I got the first book and I haven't stopped reading! This is so good and it never gets old! Love this series!!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A good easy read with a fab outcome for Ben and River, however I had a couple of grievances with it. Why after longing to get home to the shade, a place you can't compare to anywhere else would you go elsewhere to get married?
I also didn't like the fact the book ended on Derek rather than Ben. I feel less closer for him and River than I did for rose and Caleb. I wish to get more answers regarding what happened to River at the hands of the hunters, did they really take her eggs? I still would like to know more regarding Marcilla and the new Fae members of the shade before Bella introducing even more characters and I'd like for Ashia's story to conclude in some way as she seemed forgotten about in the last part of this book. I also wonder if rivers dad with have a bigger part in storylines to come making me think that ben and rivers story will continue on stronger that other couples subplots.

I do hope Nell and Theron visit the shade as anticipated in this book.

Best parts:

-Horatio helping Ben
-The fight and the fact nuriya survived, I've grown to like this jinn
-Ben and River reliving how they met in the sauna
-The comical aspect of Ben and rivers intimacy. Particularly the tinker-bell reference!
- I loved the title of the book linking into the planets of the different types of fae ie earth, fire water etc

With little to go on for the next batch of books it's hard to anticipate how excited I am as I have throughly enjoyed following Ben and rivers journey. I am excited however to learn what is ahead.

[Jess Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alors, un tome sans beaucoup d'enjeux, annoncé comme le final entre Ben et River, on se doute que leur ending ne peut être qu'happy... Cependant, la quête de Ben se révèle surprenante et j'ai bien aimé les tâches confiées ainsi que sa relation avec les Oracles qui transforme sa mission en sorte de quête mystique et de rite de passage. Le fait que Lucas soit présent à ses côtés accentue l'impression de changement et de fin d'une époque. J'ai aussi apprécié toute la partie avec les djinns (du coup il y a beaucoup d'action dans ce tome, on ne s'ennuie pas).

Bon alors par contre la fin, typiquement guimauve romantique avec River m'a moins séduite mais... j'ai apprécié le chemin


Ce que j'aime : la quête de Ben, les rebondissements nombreux


Ce que j'aime moins : la fin très prévisible


En bref : Un tome qui vaut plus par le chemin parcouru que par sa conclusion très guimauve à mes yeux


Ma note


7/10

[Roxx • A Hopeless Romantic • · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only Ben and river book to get a five. And that is mainly because it finally ended! Lord this arc was so painful!! I read these a while ago and this review comes after being on book 42 so I can say that Ben becomes the bees knees, why did his story suck so much!!! The focus was really not even on him and River and it dragged in so many places with all of his on again off again heroism. Overall Ben is a solid guy, he goes through wayyyyyy too much, like more than Kiev or Lucas, which I find CRAZY. Lastly they built Rivers character pretty well in the beginning but she didn't quite fit in to the shade for me, her mother and brother were more interesting to me. Idk I love the shade and I absolutely loves Caleb and Rose's story so this was a huge disappointment.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find this series to be hot and cold. I'll keep reading because they are quick reads, but after reading through three of her "story arcs" I find it's the same formula. The first 2-3 books are great, then she introduces far too many new characters and storylines where your head is spinning. Then our new couple fall deeply in love in no time flat, and then they are separated for the next several books, and then it all gets tied up in a neat little bow.

Now yes, this is hardly Pulitzer Prize winning writing, I knew that going in, yet it's getting tiresome. That being said, I love Ben. Rose got to be annoying, but I loved Caleb. And now Ben. I do want to see what happens next with the Oracle saying that Ben is destined for greatness.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEA

Ben has 3 days to gather help from the Jinn in order to keep his new Fae body and help them defeat the ghouls. When the Oracle has Ben complete a series of tasks to earn her help from the ghouls, he realizes that she's also making him a better man all the while.

With Lucas reunited with his son Jeremiah, they both have to earn the trust and friendship of both Derek and Sofia.

After rescuing Aisha's jinn family from the clutches of the Cyrus' clan, everyone offers to help fight with the Fae in order to save the ghosts from the ghouls. With peace at last, Ben does what he's wanted to do for awhile, propose to River and make her his wife.

Finally there's peace for all who live at The Shade.

[Yasmin Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are SO many surprises in this book that it 100% a must read.

A bridge of stars takes on quests, adventures, journeys of tough love and unconditional love. Whilst I’m sad this is the final chapter on Ben and River story, it has by far been the most spellbinding and capturing.

I know some have said they have struggled to read books that are so far into a series as the author tends to loose strength in love of their writing, well this is not the case for Bella Forrest. Should any of you have any doubts in the beginning as to whether you can finish this book, please do.


I definitely would say this is one for the favourites!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[D.R.Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Bridge of Stars

I am giving a five star ratings to the "Shade of Vampire" series and its twenty-four outstanding supernatural creative storytelling of author Bella Forrest. She alone held me captive for one whole month reading this series. Upon completion " I'll say he'll yeah to a worthy read". Reader's beware once starting this series, you are in for long nights and cliffhanger endings. Which cause a implode of your need to know impulse. Ok, just when I think I would be able to read the dragon series, there's novel twenty- five.

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many weddings to count!

Ben is in a race against time to gather an army jinn in order to fulfill his end of the deal with the fae so he can keep his new fae form. He is also tasked with doing something else that there is no way he will do no matter how deserving ofbit they might be. I really like this new Lucas and hope he gets his HEA at some point. I would also like to see more POV from him. Really get in his head because even though he hasnt been back long he's gotten into my mine and I really like this new version.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again another fantastic book in the series, this writer just cant write a boring book. They leave me breathless with excitement. It was the end apparantly of river and ben, sad, but hopefully like the other main characters they stay alive and well in the shade during the next series, as you get so attached to the couples you dont want to see the end of them. Well now onto the next one, a clan of novaks, must be good as all the others.

[Marisol Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness. Amazing!!

Oh my goodness. This one had me all over the place. Ok so I’ve been acoses by my children of veing a spoiler. So, all I’ll say is you will NOT be disappointed.

This poor kid has been through the wringer, I mean, jeesh.
Derek and Sofia did their thing, Rose and Celeb, yea sure, But Ben!!!! Mannnnn. If anyone is deserving to be called prince of the Shade, it’s defiantly him!!!!

Off to #24

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how everything seems to be falling into a perfectly happy ending. Family reunited, amends made, and the shade has grown its citizens quite a bit. How long can this last? Not much longer considering Eli shows up with more news to share. He says it's just something to be aware of... yet every time he shows up it's something big. I guess we'll see what happens in the next book.

[Maria Banales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smile

I am so happy for Ben and River, they been through hell.. Well mostly Ben has, so for them to get their happy ever after is really awesome.. I really like these books so much when reading them I feel like I am sharing the characters feelings as they are feeling them.. Now I’m off to read book 25..

[Donnalee Correia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella does NOT disappoint!

Writing is superior and a pleasure to read. With the exception of a few pet words and phrases that are a bit if a distraction, her characters are likeable and become more real with each and every book I read. Please, keep 'em coming.

[Kelly Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEA

Finally a happy ending for Ben and River. I have a feeling that something is getting ready to come up and all the supernaturals will be off on another adventure.

[Ashley Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning ends!!

Bella does it again!! Ben and River could not close out this season in any less delightful of a way!! Next on my list? A Clan of Novak’s!!

[Kelly Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy ending for Ben and river.

[Marshia Carbajal · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are amazing, takes you to a whole new world. Can't wait for the next set of journeys!

[Tiffany C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good end for River and Ben.

[Denise Rand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy this series.

[Joyce Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading loved all of them so far joyce miller

Great reading loved all of them so far I can not wait for the next books thank you joyce miller wife of hank Miller thanks again

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

This was a fast paced and exciting read! Battles, mystery, love and forgiveness! What more can you want in a book! I can't wait to start the next one.

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I need to point out how stunning the cover of this book is! This whole series has had awesome covers but there’s just something about this one that is so breathtaking, kudos to whoever designed it. I really love it! Now, on to the actual story… this is the much anticipated finale of Ben and River’s story. It’s been a long time coming and these two have been through so much and I thought this book more than did their story justice in how it all wrapped up! From the very second Ben turned into a vampire many, many books ago he has had an incredibly heartbreaking journey. Derek and Sofia’s story was epic and I really enjoyed Rose and Caleb’s story but neither of them made my heart hurt quite like poor Ben’s did. This storyline took us through so many highs and lows, gave us such hope and deep despair but all throughout we had the beautiful romance between him and River to hold on to. This book was full of adventure and revelations and heartwarming moments as things finally turned around for our amazing hero. I won’t spoil anything, but I think that anyone who has followed along on their journey will be pleased with how things concluded here. And fans of the series in general will rejoice to see that it will be continuing with an all new adventure! I hope that Bella never runs out of ideas for this world because I love my monthly returns to The Shade!!

[Samantha Arzuaga · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are definitely for anyone who loves science fiction and is willing to dedicate a month of free time to read the entire series.

After reading the first one and realizing it was part of a series, I was excited to be able to continue reading such a great story. Once I was finished with 1-7 and realized there was more, I can't deny that I was taken aback but I figured I dedicated this much time already,I might as well continue. There was no way I could have imagined there would be 24!

But after dedicating the last month of my life to the series I couldn't be more pleased. I felt as if I too were on this journey with the people of The Shade. This series was a mix of emotions that left me continuously wanting more and no I find myself sad it's over.

This story was full of action, love, suspense and pure genius! Definitely worth the time and definitely worth the read.

[Reading with Tiffany🦋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben and River how I love the

Ben and River has been through so much at such a young tender age they just amaze me. poor Been has been so many things lol. human, vamp, elder, ghost, fae. but through it all he has been a trooper to the end. Just love Benn andRose.