A Sword of Chance

by Bella Forrest

"It's fight or die in the treacherous land of Nevertide."

Prepare to reunite with the Novaks in another heart-pounding adventure.

Pre-order now!

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

324 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2017

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

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

CAPTIVATING, RIVETING AND FABULOUSLY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: A Sword of Chance
Series: A Shade of Vampire
Designation: Book Thirty-Four of a Multi-Novel Series (Book Two of Season Five), NOT a Standalone Read, Cliffhanger
Author: Bella Forrest
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FIVE DIVINELY ENTERTAINING STARS *****
A Sword of Chance is the thirty-fourth riveting release in the international bestselling megahit series, A Shade of Vampire, and Bella Forrest has left me totally breathless - again! Like thousands of my fellow Shaddicts around the world, I've been hooked since the first book of the series and now eagerly await each new release. And it's no surprise that Forrest has delivered another new gripping adventure that curls our toes, makes our hearts pound and keeps us begging for more! This is a beautifully written young adult saga unlike any I've ever read. Quite simply, it's an irresistibly delicious all-you-can-eat buffet of fantasy, adventure, and supernatural romance. The story is well crafted, imaginative, thrilling, fast paced, action packed, suspenseful, sweet, romantic and at times, also dark and mysterious. 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. The narrative is exceptionally well written in the first person with multiple points of view. Each chapter is told by one of the primary characters (and there are many), which I believe gives more depth and perspective to the story while adding insight into their thoughts, fears, and motivations. The dialogue is smart, well executed and flows effortlessly. Although the premise and plot for the series are intriguing as well as compelling, it's truly the magnificent cast of larger than life characters that make the biggest impact. They are well developed, fascinating, captivating, engaging, endearing and quite literally, out of this world! They explode from the pages, grab your imagination, capture your heart and hold you completely and totally enthralled from beginning to end. Forrest skillfully combines all of these elements to craft a beautifully written paranormal romance filled to the brim with danger, action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, suspense, magic, supernatural beings, loyalty, heartbreak, betrayal, angst, hope, passion, love and plot twists that will blow your mind. After thirty-four releases in one series, some might think the story has grown old or stagnant, but nothing could be farther from the truth. After reading every single one of those thirty-four 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. In each book Forrest pens, she takes her readers on an emotionally 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, 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. After reading Book 32: A Day of Glory, the seventh and final release of season four, I had to ask myself, how in the world will Forrest ever be able to surpass her last release? But never fear my friends, Forrest has once again exhibited her exceptional talent, remarkable skill, and incredible imagination by giving us yet another riveting new adventure featuring more of our new generation of young heroes with all of our beloved favorites also along for the ride.
Premise:
Twenty-two years have passed since Ben Novak, Prince of The Shade, married the beautiful half blood River Giovanni. And much has changed in those years. The King and Queen of The Shade, Derek and Sophia Novak, are now proud grandparents, four times over and many of the other residents are also proud parents. Wow! Time really flies, doesn't it? Ben and River Novak have one nineteen-year-old half fae daughter, Grace, who, despite incredible odds, survived becoming a Bloodless and has just married Lawrence Conway, the man responsible for saving her life. Grace and Lawrence were married in a lovely ceremony in The Hearthlands officiated by half dragon and former Shade resident Heath. Ben and River also have a fairly new addition to their family. Two years ago, they discovered River had a son named Field, an adult Half-blood/Hawk hybrid who was the result of an invasive IBSI experiment performed while River was held prisoner twenty years earlier. Derek and Sophia's daughter, Shade Princess Rose Novak, has been happily married to Caleb Achilles for over 20 years. They have two human children, Hazel, age seventeen, and Benedict, age fourteen. Kiev and Mona Novalic have one nineteen-year-old son named Brock who is half warlock. Witches Ibrahim and Corrine have been blessed with a lovely nineteen-year-old full blooded witch daughter named Arwen who, despite her mother's objection, is dating Brock. Vampires Claudia and Yuri Lazaroff have a twenty-year-old human daughter, Ruby. Vampires Ashley and Landis Vaughn also have a fifteen-year-old human son Julian. Even the dragon residents of The Shade have flourished. Dragon shifter Jeriad and his human wife Sylvia now have a son, handsome strapping twenty-one-year-old half dragon Heath who now resides in The Hearthlands, his father's former realm. And there have many other happy unions among the residents. Aiden and Kailyn have been married for twenty-two years and adopted one of the werewolf pups recovered from the Harpies. Abby and Erik also took the plunge along with Micah and Kira, Eli and Shayla, and the two Jinn Aisha and Horatio who have a beautiful baby girl named Riza. And not surprisingly, ice dragon Lethe also has a human bride and now resides inside the protective boundaries of The Shade. Surprisingly, long time bachelor Lucas Novak is now a thriving resident of The Shade community but is no longer a bachelor. Yikes! For the first time in his 500 years of existence, he truly fell in love with Marion, the woman rescued from the Ogre realm, and has become a loving husband as well as father to Marion's daughter Avril. And of course, we all remember Xavier and Vivienne's beautiful daughter, Victoria Vaughn who married werewolf Bastien Blackhall in Season Four. Victoria and Bastien are now the proud parents of an adorable wolf hybrid son named Jovi . But as much as things have changed, there are still many things that have remained the same, including The Shade's mission to protect Earth from The Shade's many enemies, some known and some yet to be discovered.

A Dawn of Guardians: Book Thirty-three (first release of Season Five)
Our story resumes two years after The Shadow League defeated the IBSI and ousted them from power. Our brave heroes of The Shade no longer operate from the shadows and have become the official and very public protectors of Earth and all its many realms and there are many...some yet to be discovered with strange and unfamiliar beings. As a result of their victory over the IBSI as well as their new public personas, the founders of TSL have become familiar faces around the globe making it impossible to travel anywhere without being recognized. In keeping with their responsibilities and duties, the name of the group has now been changed to the Global Agency for Supernatural Protection or GASP with Derek Novak as the Chairman/CEO and the other original members of TSL holding the key executive management positions. Even after finding the Bloodless cure and the elimination of the threat posed by the IBSI, supernatural crime still exists but with GASP having facilities and agents located the world over, it's handled professionally and expediently. And of course, they have maintained the alliances with the other supernatural realms made during the IBSI takedown. Their most recent case began with a call from the Greek island of Crete where tourists and locals have been mysteriously disappearing without a trace along with unexplained noises during the night and strange reports of vehicles being strangely mangled. All the incidents seem to be centered in the area surrounding the archaeological site of Knossos. Some of the more superstitious residents of the island fear the bizarre disturbances could be the result of Minotaurs, creatures of myth and legend returning to terrorize the island from the hidden ruins of the labyrinth. But are minotaurs real? Who could even say, especially after their recent discovery of several new supernatural species? Regardless, Derek and Sophia along with the other members of GASP from The Shade are scheduled to leave for Crete to investigate the case. And while their parents are conducting their investigation on Crete, Rose and Caleb Achilles' human children, seventeen-year-old Hazel and fourteen-year-old Benedict, along with Claudia and Yuri Lazaroff's twenty-year-old human daughter Ruby, and Landis and Ashley Vaughn's fifteen-year-old human son Julian are being shipped off to Murkbeech Island off the coast of Scotland for two weeks of summer camp where they will learn how to survive in the wilderness. It's a bit of a family tradition since this is the same wilderness training retreat Ben and Rose were sent when they were teenagers and we all remember how they ultimately ended up in Hawaii and the misadventures that ensued. Oh my! I wonder if history will repeat itself and they'll also wind up being kidnapped and in mortal danger as did Rose and Ben? It seems they do! Oh no! But will our group of young heroes be able to manage on their own and save themselves? I guess we'll see!

A Sword of Chance: Book Thirty-Four (second release of Season Five)
We discovered in Book 33, history does indeed repeat itself! And now in Book 34, while the Shadian members of GASP mount an investigation on the island of Crete, Hazel, Benedict, Ruby and Julian arrived on Murkbeech Island for summer camp survival training only to be abducted by a group of mysterious malevolent supernatural beings called sentries who hail from Nevertide, a previously unknown realm to the Shade. Our young Shadians were kidnapped by the Hellswan brothers, Tejus, Jenus, Zerus and Ferros, all princes of the Hellswan Kingdom. The Hellswan bloodline has ruled the Hellswan Kingdom for many moons and hope to continue for many more. Hazel learns that the Nevertide realm is made up of six separate kingdoms, each with its own ruling king or queen but all under the overall jurisdiction of one of the kingdom monarchs who also holds the title of Emperor of Nevertide and that Emperor just happens to be the King of Hellswan...the brothers' father. But unlike most kingdoms, these titles are not inherited, they are won in competitions. Sentries are large beings averaging seven feet tall and look mostly human. They possess heightened strength and speed, but unlike humans, their power is not derived from the food they eat but rather is sustained by feeding off the mental energy of others, much like vampires survive from ingesting blood. The sentries have found that certain special humans make the best donors and the Hellswan brothers need Hazel, Benedict, Ruby and Julia to be their power source for a trial where the sentries compete against each other. The winner will then participate in another trial for the position as the new King of Hellswan, then go on to hopefully also compete and win the title of Emperor as had their father before them, thereby keeping the seat of power for Nevertide in the Hellswan Kingdom. Their human captives are used as nothing more than batteries, useless, disposable and discarded when exhausted. And trials or no trials, the cycle will simply repeat with Sentries crossing dimensions when their human captives die, seeking and kidnapping more victims to use for their feeding habits and pleasure...unless Hazel, Benedict, Ruby and Julian can find a way to stop it...or maybe find a who to help them stop it. Trying to stay alive is proving to be quite the challenge for the young people so helping the right Sentry to win the competition might be their only way to survive. Clearly, their only hope is to somehow escape and alert their GASP family members to the actions of the sentries and the threat they pose to humanity. But whom can they trust to help them? Would it be Hazel's choice, Prince Tejus Hellswan, or Ruby's choice, the commoner Ashbik Goode? Both are competing in the trials, but will our young heroes also be disposable to them once they win??? We'll see!

Two beautiful, brave, young human heroines-check! Two courageous human teenage heroes -check! A new realm inhabited by a dark, mysterious race of unknown supernaturals-check! Two new enemies who just may become new heroes-we'll see! An army of supernatural heroes with a new name-check! A magnificent cast of characters including a new young generation of heroes-check! A plethora of supernatural beings including mutants, vampires, werewolves, witches, dragons, ogres, jinn, fae, nymphs, goblins and dervins-you bet! More new creatures that we've never before encountered-check! A dangerous new enemy-check! Danger, drama, adventure, suspense, betrayal and deviously dark evil machinations-check! More sweet budding romances-maybe! That and a whole lot more! Buckle up my lovelies for another exciting new adventure with all our favorite residents of The Shade including a brand new generation of heroes, all working together to battle old enemies along with a few new ones as well. I can hardly wait for A Race of Trials, the next installment in the Season Five adventure releasing November 9, 2016, featuring our newest generation of heroes! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't know what to make of this.

not sure what to make if this one. I'm not as attached to the characters as much as previous books and don't really care if they do well. I hope it improves, I don't want to be disappointed now by a series I've been so invested in.

[Donna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, just wow!!!!!!!
This  series only gets better and sends us on even more adventure every time a new one comes out. I love Bella Forrest and her books. I hope you have picked up A Shade of Vampire and started on your own journey into the land of The Shade. I promise you once you start you will not want to put them down.
I must say that after reading the book I am a little torn over whose team I am rooting for in the next book. But I will probably have to stick to Team Tejus. (you will understand after you read the book...... remember I try to not give out any spoilers.)
Hazel ends up having a fight on her hands when Jenus comes to her and shows her Benedict's watch and lets her know he has them hidden away. She is horrified that they did not get away.  She will do whatever he wants her to do in order to keep them safe. But, he wants her to kill Tejus so he can take his place in the trials. She says she will do it and is on the verge of getting up the courage to do just that when there is a knock at his door telling him the emperor (his father) is very sick.
He takes her with him because he does not want to let her out of his sight. Someone had already tried to take her once. She is worried about what will happen when Jenus sees that his brother is still very much alive.
Meanwhile, Ruby, Benedict, and Julian are trapped in a root cellar. Ruby hears someone coming and she screams for all she had to get help. (This happened before the emperor was sick.) The man on the other side of the door tells her it is locked and he needs to distract Jenus in order to rescue them. He leaves and comes back later to get them out.
His name is Ash and he works in the kitchen of the castle. He told them that he poisoned the emperor just enough to make him sick but not to kill him so it would keep Jenus busy for a while. He takes them to the border so they could try to find a way to the portal. Well, someone had put up a barrier and no matter how fast they ran they never reached the trees. Ash came back to them and took them to the castle to his room. Ruby agreed to help him in the trials in order to keep them safe.
When they get to his room Benedict tried to find Hazel to let her know that they are ok. Him and Julian set off to try to find her. They find a creepy hall and it has a barrier in it as well but Benedict is able to break though and what he finds is very strange and I can not wait to see what it all means. On the way back Ash finds them and Benedict tells him that he has to get a message to Hazel. He takes off his shirt and Ash agrees to give it to her.
When  Tejus brings Hazel back to his quarters from chasing after her. She sees Benedict's shirt and she loses it. She thinks he is dead and she goes into a fit of rage, Tejus can not control her and she runs off. She is stopped by Jenus and he takes her back to Tajus quarters with Tajus following behind. Jenus tells Tajus that he is wanted by someone and Jenus takes Hazel to his room. She still thinks that he has them and for now they are ok.
Once they get to the grounds where the trials are to be held. She is determined to help him win so she can save her friends and brother. She does not see Ruby, well she sees a girl helping another but she does not know that she is Ruby. The wired gold halo over the arena starts making all of the sentries cry out in agony. The humans are fine except for the sentries trying to drain their energy to help them out.
Hazel is so puzzled and is taking everything she has to stay on her feet with Jenus draining her energy. She feels for the rock in her pocket that she took from the sword so she could reenergize herself after Jenus drained her. She was wobbling around and that is when someone grabbed her arm and when she looked into the eyes of the girl she finally seen that it was Ruby and she found out they were ok and not under Jenus' thumb. She started fighting Jenus off and seen that was going to be a hard task so she sent her mind out in search of Tejus. She hoped he would be here somewhere and she finally connected with him. She noticed by his vision that he was behind her and she threw all of her mental energy to him letting him see everything that had happened over the last twenty-four hours and of the gold thing above the arena and the words that were on it yesterday.
Tejus jumped into the arena and spoke some words and everything went silent when the sentries were not under the spell of pain anymore. Him and Jenus got into it and was told they broke the rules by more than one member of a family in the arena at a time. Ash had won.
When they got back to the castle Hazel was escorted to the room with the rest of her friends and family. They were all glad to be brought back together. Later that night there was a commotion and Ash came in to tell them that someone would be by to tell them later but the emperor was dead. Hazel was puzzled by the looks of everyone's faces. She started getting suspicious of Ash then.
Tejus came to tell them that due to recent events and findings he was reinstated to continue with the trials. He took Hazel to the roof to ask her to help him. He wanted her to get Ruby to help but she already knew that was not going to happen. They melded their minds together and made them even stronger. She wanted to show him not just with words that she really wanted to help him.
Ruby went looking for Ash, he told her he wanted her to go back to her room that there was no reason for her to help him now that Tejus was back to competing. She tried to show him her mind that she wanted to support him but he blocked her off. She finally worked her way through and in his mind was black with despair and she showed him what kind of man she saw in him. He finally started to believe her and in  doing so their bond grew even stronger.
Rose and the rest of the group was still trying to figure out where all of the missing people had gone and who took them. They interviewed a few people and she thought about calling her own kids (Hazel and Benedict) but she decided against it. What she doesn't know is that it is going to kill her when she finds out they are missing and she waited to try to talk to them.
What will happen in the next book. Not sure, but I do believe it will be an adventure. Find out with me on November 9, 2016 when the next book.  A Shade of Vampire 35: A Race of Trials is released.

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

mind melding

After winning the first trial things dont go according to plan. Grace finds out Jenus has kidnapped her brother and friends and uses it to blackmail her. Ruby makes a friend whom she decides to help in trials. I still can't believe the kids parents still dont know about them being gone. Its driving me nuts! I also really wished there was a POV from Tejus. I'd like to get inside his head and see what all is under that rough exterior. The little glimpses of humanity he shows and the way he acts with Grace at times, I'm very curios to learn more about him.

[D.R.Slater · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Sword of Chance

I am not sold on the new addition to Shade. This fifth series lack a lot in the original storytelling and even if the off spring's are being pull through portal's into other dimensions. I started getting into the games. But, than the author last chapter ending with Rose investigating a father and children missing, Making the readers believe this was a lead in to the disappearance of the children being use for the games . . .I think. Cliffhanger unclear.

[Alyson Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure about this "season" of the series. Last season was so intense and I could not stop reading it! This book I found I had to almost force myself to read at times. I hope the next book is better! I love this series, but so this one was a little tough to get through.

[Joyce Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading loved it all thanks Joyce Miller

Great story best yet thanks again for letting me read your free books and I can get more books loved all of them and the best reading yet to come thanks again Joyce Miller wife of hank Miller

[Tom Riggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and addictive

Into book 34 and I believe there are 50 in total. Once you start this series you will find yourself burning through them. Fun, exciting with a mixture of all kinds of supernatural.

[Dana Crossland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the second book of Hazel and Tejus’ story. Their connection is strong and going to be powerful. I really enjoy the connecting stories running at the same time with Ruby and Ash and Benedict. Also the mystery that Gasp is trying to solve.

[Kelly Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Minatour I think not. Brilliant story great cliff hanger onto the next book

[Rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Bella’s book are so addicting. On to the next to see the fate of the kids. Tejus and Ash will be the end of the painful mind reading....oh the powers The Shade keeps on getting! Love it!

[IPHIGINIA HENRY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyment

Love this one as much as the others. Didn't put it down until I was done. Can wait to starting reading the next book.

[Tina Oeffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tejus and Hazel

This series is a great series, the different storyline gets you better aquatinted with the different characters. Tejus and Hazel is one of my favorite:

[vivien whitby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shade

I can't stop reading this series of books a must read series for all Bella Forrest enjoy and happy reading

[Suey Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I review book 34 I would just like to write the following: My review of book 33 included a few guesses as to what fate would lie ahead for the troubled foursome. My third guess was, "Will some other completely wild and exhilarating plot unfold?" Well Bella did not only meet this expectation but she blew it right out of the water. What an amazing and imaginative read!

A new hero arises in this next installment and let’s face it, Bella never fails to create a handful of hunks for us to drool over, so it is of no surprise that this guy is no exception. Will this knight in shining armor steal the heart of one of our beloved Shadians? Is there more to him than what he his allowing our Shade group to see? I won't spoiler it but I will say - read and thou shall see!

We continue to see a budding relationship build between Hazel and Tejus as they come to face some difficult challenges with uncertain futures hanging over their heads. A twist of paths has Hazel and Ruby on opposing sides towards the latter half of the book. Of course this does not outweigh the strong bond they have built growing up in The Shade together so I'm sure there relationship will survive... Having said this I can't wait to read the next book to find out exactly how it will.

The boys do some roaming of the castle and come across a dark entity that has yet to be fully revealed to us, but has really peaked my curiosity. I have a feeling this mysterious sub plot will play more of a major part in the story lines to come and I can't wait to get to the bottom of it.

Thank you, Bella, for the twists, mysteries and hunky hero's. I am so excited to read the next page turner in this series!

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy enough read however I wasn’t dying to read each chapter as I usually am with this series.
As much as I like the main shade characters and have come to like Ash I am not invested enough in the nevertide and the idea of the sentries. The whole concept feels a lot more juvenile than usual.
For me there was no stand out moment and I cringe when the girls ‘reach out’ their thoughts to their ‘captors’. I cannot stand the idea of a romantic relationship forming between hazel and tejus so I hope Forrest leaves than alone.
I mostly enjoyed hearing from rose and the gang back in Greece at the end of the book and hope this will feature more in the next book.

Questions

Does hazel have romantic feelings for tejus?

Will ruby and ash become a couple?

Will we find out more about what benedict felt in the hidden hallway?

Who will win the trials and become emperor?

Will nevertide find out that ash poisoned the emperor and will we find out if it was in fact this that killed him (I suspect not)

Will rose and Caleb ever ring their children and cotton on to the fact they are missing?

Will the shade crew solve the mystery in Greece?

[Jade Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella sure threw some twists in here. Normally each book I can some what guess what is going to happen. This book though, nope, no way did that happen!! The journey she takes you on will keep you flipping the pages wanting to know more and more.

Hazel and Tejus's relationship reminds me some what of Beauty and the Beast. It's interesting reading of two people who like each other and just don't know it yet .... or maybe I am just reaching for the stars here. I can not wait to find out more.

P.s I believe I have my very 1st book boy crush on Tejus♡♡

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hazel and Ruby find themselves deeply imbedded into the trials of a foreign realm. Deep mystery and intrigue run rampant in this episode of Shadian challenges. I love being kept thoroughly in the dark with which possible hero I should be cheering for. Meanwhile, their parents, still unaware of their children's dilemma , have their own mystery occupying their attention. I absolutely love how this author is so skilled at intertwining multiple storylines! This voluntary review is based against a KU copy.

[Tanisha Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's coming along

Even though this was released months ago the prejudice between the sentries and humans could easily reflect on what's happening in the USA. I know it wasn't intentional but it was refreshing and it's a story filled with hope and new heroes. I'm routing for Ash and Tejus if that's possible. I'm hoping to see one sentry on the Shade soon.

[Michelle Neubert · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC!!! I started this book, and literally could not put it down. The latest twists and budding romances, had me so riveted I read straight through the night. I love the way author Bella Forrest stays true to her original characters, yet somehow finds all these ways to introduce new realms. Which bring even more cool supernaturals. This dangling cliffhanger already has my imagination running wild. November 9th seems like forever to wait to find out what happens next.

[Huiling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella did it again! *spoilers alert*

Another wonderful book with unexpected twists and turns! Im not exactly sure about these new species especially with the vicious jenus around... But then again nobody in the story is not part of the story. All 4 of them have fantastic adventures of their own and especially these 4 are still humans. I wish the shade could have find them soon! Cant wait!

[qiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality romance novel indeed

I love how this book series feels like real life with everything read. The first generation was fantastic and each generation after keeps getting better and better. I'm a Shaddict for real, expand your mind and come join this fantastic imaginary world.

[Shema Wind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful work of art... Thank you i cant wait for the next one. Just love where the series is going. Bella is truly an amazing author. This series is a must read for any age.

Must read this wonderful series. Bella is one of the best paranormal authors around. Her on the edge of your seat books keeps the readers hooked and wanting more.

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

interesting i enjoyed this book especially with the trials and that ash won have to wonder who killed the emporer i guessing the mean brother hazel and ruby could it be they are finding love ???? well when will we see rose and claudia discover they're daughters are missing not to mention the boys are missing also..i do like hazel and ruby stories alot...totally recommend

[Teresa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great as usual!

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of Bella Forrest stories. She is such a great storyteller. It's still hard to believe this started with Derek and Sofia. The books have evolved into so much more. Tales of romance and heroism, challenges and victories. Each story is so different but still connected to the strong bond that makes the Shade what it is.

[Linda M. Wittenhagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella Forrest's style

I recommend this series of books to anyone who enjoys thrill, action, supernatural suspense and romance mixed to gether in a can't put it down venue Bella wraps them all together and gives them to you with a bow.

[Phyllis Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boggles My Mind !

How Bella Forrest continues to write such a fresh, thought provoking and mesmerizing storyline after introducing the third generation of characters, astonishes me ! I can not wait until the next book release.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brief break... waiting

Once again, caught up on the lives of Shadians.... a lot of action and mystery. Minotaur? Old Spice cologne? This is definitely a mystery! Hopefully, book 35 will shed some light on it in a week or so!

[Que Sera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues

Another good book, suspenseful. After 30+ books you can see Bella's predictable storyline coming through, slow read at first but as usual typical fashion picks up and Wahl you're inevitability awaiting for the next book to see the outcome.

[Allison Rene Vanderberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hurry hurry hurry

I can't wait for 35 . I am so addicted already. November is going to be a tough month waiting for all of the Bella Forrest books to be released. Bring them on girl . Another homerun .