The Chain

The Secret of Spellshadow Manor #3

by Bella Forrest

Alex and his comrades might have escaped the Head's clutches, but where are they now?

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Magic, Paranormal, Fiction, Audiobook, Urban Fantasy

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 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

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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

[Helen Aistrop · Rating 4 out of 5]

The last 20% certainly made up for the slowness of the 1st 80%.

[Kathryn Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. Stillwater House was refreshing after the gloom of Spellshadow Manor. Although, it reminded me of Amity in the Divergent books, where the people are kept happy because of the happiness serum they put in the bread. Here the happiness magic was in the air itself.
Alepia was a curious figure, so different, yet underneath the same as the head of Spellshadow. This book starts to explain about the monarchy that rules the magical world. Whereas Spellshadow is full of strays from the normal everyday world, Stillwater is for the magical elite, no place for commoners.
I liked Helena, and really felt sorry for her.
This blosoming romance between Ella-Bell and Alex is just not working for me. It is as if the author thought it would be too obvious if Alex and Natalie got together, so she just picked another person and is trying to force them together.
The ending was quite abrupt.
For some reason there wasn't the usual epilogue from Elias. And I wonder if my version of the book, just didn't include it.
I still really like Elias; although, i thought he could have had a bit more page time in this book.
Well, I'm interested to see what Stonekeep is like in the next book.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Noooooo! This is not a trilogy! There's more!

Clearly, I am conflicted and confused! I only marginally like this series, but now that I'm dialed in, I want to know the ending, so I keep ordering the next installment and reading on in spite of myself! Will Alex and his friends ever escape the dark, magical realm into which they were lured against their will? They'd better, because I've invested more time and money than I ever intended in order to find out! It's a lightweight, easy read for those who like tales of friendship, magic, and adventure, suitable for young readers, especially those who might not yet be at a level of enjoying more challenging supernatural tales, such as H. G. Wells, The Time Machine, Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth, or Bram Stoker's truly scary classic, Dracula!

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY SPELLBINDING !!!
Title: The Chain
Series: The Secret of Spellshadow Manor
Author: Bella Forrest
Designation: Book Three of Series, Full-Length Novel (Approx 400 pages), NOT A Standalone, Cliffhanger Ahead
Genre: #fantasy #sciencefiction #actionadventure #mystery #comingofage #romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Edition
My Rating: Five Spellbinding Stars*****
Oh my! Oh my! Oh my! Bella Forrest rocked my world AGAIN with The Chain, the third riveting release in her captivating new magical fantasy series, The Secret of Spellshadow Manor! And great balls of fire, it just gets better and better! Forrest has been a busy little beaver! After publishing a new season of the international bestselling A Shade of Vampire series in the past twelve months as well as introducing two other new blockbuster series, The Gender Game and the Detective Erin Bond mystery thriller series, you'd think Forrest would be ready to sit back and take a breather. Nope, just the opposite! I honestly don't think Forrest ever sleeps. Not that I'm complaining... not one little bit! Like thousands of my fellow Bella Forrest fans around the world, I've been hooked since the first book of Forrest's megahit A Shade of Vampire series and now 43 books later, I still eagerly await each new release. I don't even care what genre it is. If Forrest writes it, I'll read it! And it comes as no surprise, Forrest has delivered another new installment in this gripping fantasy adventure that curls our toes, makes our hearts pound and keeps us begging for more! The Secret of Spellshadow Manor is a beautifully written young adult saga unlike any I've ever read. If you loved Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and the Olympians, The Secret of SPellshadow Manor is definitely for you. Quite simply, it's an irresistibly delicious all-you-can-eat buffet of magic, fantasy, action, adventure, mystery, danger, suspense, angst, and blossoming coming of age romance. But never fear, my friends, it's also a deliciously tasty treat for us older adults who remain young at heart! 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 The Secret of Spellshadow Manor. The narrative is exceptionally well written in the third person with a primary perspective from seventeen-year-old high school senior Alex Webber of Middledale, Iowa. The dialogue is smart, well executed and flows effortlessly. Although the premise and storyline for this series is beyond intriguing, and the vividly depicted world of Spellshadow Manor is nothing short of extraordinary, it's truly the cast of complex characters that truly steals the show. They are well developed, fascinating, engaging, endearing, and most importantly, memorable. They literally explode from the pages, grab your imagination, capture your heart and hold you completely enthralled from beginning to end. Forrest skillfully combines every single one of these elements to craft a beautifully written coming of age fantasy filled to the brim with magic, danger, action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, suspense, magic, loyalty, and heartbreak, lies, deceit, secrets, angst, young love, and plot twists that will blow your mind. After reading every single one Forrest's 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 any of her readers have 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 exceptionally well-crafted, edited, formatted and have gorgeous covers! Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet, and I am, for ages 12 to 112. Will I read this author again? Of course, just as soon as Forrest publishes her next book. Forrest has the most extraordinary imagination of any author I've ever read, one which knows no bounds! And finally, was I entertained? OMG, YES! Completely! I was glued to my seat, completely enthralled, white-knuckling my ereader with my heart beating wildly in my chest as the pages flew as quickly as the time, and all the while screaming, "Don't do it!" OMG! I was a nervous wreck! lol... I can hardly wait to see what's in store for Alex, Natalie and their friends in Book 4, The Keep! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!
Book One:
Unlike his friends, seventeen-year-old Middledale, Iowa high school senior Alex Webber spends all his free time learning to write computer code and building websites. He's becoming quite the young entrepreneur. Unfortunately, his efforts are born from necessity rather than pleasure. Since Alex's mother was diagnosed with a debilitating long-term illness leaving her unable to work, he desperately needs to earn enough money to supplement their meager monthly income. Hosting a foreign exchange student was supposed to be just another way to add much-needed funds to their dwindling monthly budget... until Alex meets the student...a lovely young seventeen-year-old female student from France named Natalie Chevalier. Oh my! What normal red-blooded seventeen-year-old young man wouldn't appreciate the beauty of a charming French girl, right? When the two teenagers meet, they instantly become fast friends with each looking forward to the upcoming new school year. They're just a couple of normal teenagers who want to enjoy their senior year, right? Hmm... But Alex and Natalie may not be quite so normal after all. What happens when these two seemingly unremarkable young people, brought together by fate, realize they may not be as ordinary as they thought? In fact, they may be quite extraordinary. After seeing a strange and very frightening ghostly figure following Natalie, which apparently one no one else could see, Alex is faced with a life-altering decision that may interrupt his well-laid plans and change his life forever. But there is only one choice for the pragmatic yet sensitive young Alex - no matter the risk, he must protect his new friend Natalie. But at what cost?
The Breaker: Book 2
It's been several months since Natalie was abducted by the ghostly phantom known as Finder, and Alex was mistaken to also be a new recruit for the magical school located within the walls of Spellshadow Manor. No matter their efforts, Alex and Natalie find themselves still imprisoned behind the ivy-covered walls of the mysterious manor. There's only one little problem and it gets worse with each passing day. Unlike the other students at the school, including Natalie, Alex has no magical ability at all. In fact, his problem is just the opposite. Alex discovers he is a Spellbreaker and possesses an inherited genetic trait enabling him to wield a power called anti-magic, an anomalous force which counteracts magic when used correctly. But according to the limited information available, it appears Alex may be the sole surviving Spellbreaker. And why is he the last? Because the other spellbreakers have been hunted to extinction and destroyed by Finder and his predecessors, which means his unnatural new ability is very dangerous to his continued well-being at Spellshadow Manor and must be kept a secret. Of course, we all know seventeen-year-olds are never good at keeping secrets, especially not when he needs the help of his friends Natalie, Aamir, and Jari to cover for his lack of magic. Unfortunately, Aamir may no longer be an ally. Alex's friend and former roommate, Aamir Nagi, is now Professor Nagi. To avoid the impending questionable fate of 'graduation', two weeks ago Aamir challenged and defeated the now missing Professor Derhin in a magical duel. Alex and his friends had hoped this would give them an advantage, possibly helping them to escape, but by all outward appearances, Aamir now seems to be controlled by a magical golden band placed around his wrist by the headmaster of the school, The Head. Yup, you read that correctly; the headmaster is named The Head and he is one scary dude! Nothing is as it seems but Alex is still determined to rescue Natalie and orchestrate their escape. Join our brave, young heroes as they continue their perilous adventure where they must learn to navigate the ever-changing hallways of the mysterious, magical, and very dangerous new world of Spellshadow Manor, where nothing is as it seems, and where one mistake could cost them their lives. For lurking in the shadows at every twist and turn, Alex discovers even more treacherous forces, laden with dark magic and murky secrets, all waiting to make an appearance. But are they friend or foe? We'll see!
The Chain: Book 3
After almost a year of continuing the ruse as a student at Spellshadow Manor, Alex orchestrates a daring escape, unexpectedly aided by a student uprising, two of his professors, and crucial information from the strange, shadowy Elias. Our brave, young heroes travel through a magical portal in search of safe haven, but rather than the human world, they find themselves at Stillwater House, another school for magical students, which at first glance appears to be the antithesis of Spellshadow. But appearances can be deceiving and all is not what it seems. In his search for a way home to his mother and a normal teenage life, Alex finds only dark secrets leading to more questions about his abilities and heritage. With new enemies and perilous danger at every turn, Alex desperately attempts to protect his friends, but the cost is high - maybe too high. This time, the price may be his life. Not all will survive. Who will live and who will die? We'll see!

[Lisa Tobleman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than the last two

This story is better written and has a better plot arc than the first two in the series. It's still reads a lot like a romance, it isn't, but there's a lot of emotion "simmering anger", "deep glances", and wishing people would "show their raw true self" and unnecessary descriptions of clothing, for a serious fantasy/fiction novel.
In this novel, the characters get to explore another not well detailed world with nebulous rules and "luxurious well appointed" setting. I don't expect authors to describe everything in super detail, but I never got a great image in my mind of this world, or how it works. So much seems haphazardly placed that it was difficult to get a feel for where everything fit. Or Why the water tasted bad to Alex, but not to anyone else. Why sections of the castle were abandoned (other than to provide a convenient hiding spot for our band of rebels). Why a boat was in a long abandoned building (other than to provide a convenient way to cross the lake). Too much was there simply because the characters needed a space, rather than for a purpose that the characters exploited. It was too easy.
The few action sequences are good, but the whining and anxious hand wringing are getting irritating to read. Like book two, a lot of time is spent reading books. And thinking about books, and searching for books. In dust filled libraries that no one other than our rebels seem to use.
And while it's nice to see the friends sticking together, they feel like dead weight as it's only Alex that accomplishes anything in the story. The other two boys spend most of the time in hospital, and the girls....they are there as love interest only. So romance light. Too much happens because a character "felt it" or "guessed it". And the bad guys are just not that bad or formidable.
It's not something I will recommend to our high school library. It's an ok series, but at the rate of one book every two to three months will take up too much room on our shelves to be worth purchasing. Again, it's a teen book so no parental advisory.

[Nichole L Holmes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unsure how I feel about this

series. I found myself a couple of times wondering why am I continuing to read this book? But... I kept reading it. So obviously I was hooked to a certain degree. But honestly, the constant repeated sentences throughout the book....the description of Ellabell was the same every time, Amir is always described as the older boy and Jari the younger boy every time. I guess I feel like the flow of thr book was a little off.

[Lesya BlackBird]

around the beginning of this book i realized i'm ready to quit. there has been no character progression of any kind, other than a magical level up. since this is not a video game, that hardly counts.
i think the main character started out strong in book one. had the personality for it.
and then he just kept being molded into 'main good guy' character trope. where he is defacto the leader and thinks of himself as such, which would be ok and in keeping with how he started out, only now its all about caring about everyone and their feelings and taking on guilt and bla bla bla. i hate that it does not feel like they are all in this together. how other characters constantly ask him what now, and he never tells them, i don't know, what idea have you got?

and that's very frustrating because the personality he was at the start would take charge. tho i'm not sure if he would think of himself as leader. he would take action and not listen to anyone who tried to get him to stop, even if they were older. see book one. but now he's constantly going on and on about his worries for other peoples feelings and taking on the responsibility and guilt of his actions. which is kinda bullshit. EVERYONE is trapped. they want to get out. and while breaking rules and fighting back can lead to death, so does doing nothing and aging out. WHERE is the common sense i so wished he would have? lost in transition between books, i suppose. i wanted him to be the guy who saw things clearly and went against the social niceties in order to save everyone. not worry about them on top of everything else!

the blonde boy just kept being obsessives about his older friend, to the point where he was just the worst ass to everyone else AND main guy would not call him out on his bullshit. granted this was book two, but now he's got his buddy back, he's just as obsessive and i don't want to read the rest of this book to see it. i felt he had such promise in book one. and then it was all one note after.

the main girl is frustrating. most powerful magic user, but the most lying and not practical when it comes to self care. maybe this is appealing to someone, but i just get fed up with her constantly nearly dying but saying "i'm ok, its fine" all the time. other than that, what else is there to her? magic, magic, magic. that's all she is. i'm bored.

love interest girl. wont speak her mind. main boy won't dare ask anything. FURSTRAITING. i thought main guy from book one would have asked the questions this version of him dare not ask.

and here is the bottom line. knowing the series is not a trilogy but has more books yet to come, its got me thinking. are all these drawn out character stalls, personality depressors really part of bad writing? or is this what happens when you don't want the development to happen too soon, because there is far more story to tell, so you got to drag it out?
and then i think, no must be bad writing. i've read series before and characters stayed true to themselves. but stalling here makes them less than who they started out as.

so how long does a story really need to be? sure you have a lot of events and things planned out. but when the characters cannot hold out for that long? when don't have that much substance to last all these books, is it really wroth it? for me, NO. the story is about the characters, not the places they go to.

this is a long thing for how little of the book i read. fair or not, i write this mostly for my own memory.

[Abbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

*spoilers ahead* - You've been warned!

I really enjoyed the third installment of The Secret of Spellshadow Manor by Bella Forrest. The intricate plot lines have really shone through in this book which kept me enthralled throughout. Bella has a knack for satisfying the reader without giving too much away which keeps the reader genuinely interested in the story. I have read so many series' where I am finishing the books purely for the sake of it without real enjoyment but I'm glad to add this series into the selection of books that are fun and exciting to read throughout.

I loved reading about Stillwater House. The new setting gave the book a refreshing start leaving your mind to imagine new people and scenery. I want praise how beautifully the setting was described and I could really feel myself being lost into the seemingly perfect realm of Stillwater.

Bella easily captures the dark undertones of this stunning place. I particularly like the Spellshadow equivalent of graduation, the Ascension Ceremony. It is dressed as a moment of honour and glory, even fun - but Bella skillfully demonstrates how morbid this is despite the characters telling us otherwise.

Once again, her story was filled with plot twists. Helena being one - I mean, maybe I should've seen that one coming but wow. I liked the fact that she is the enemy's daughter who seemingly wants to get away but I shared the character's mistrust up until the final chapter. I truly believe her to be genuine, but with Bella, you never know.

I am pleased that we are gradually learning more about the universe they are residing in and there are still so many unanswered questions. I am glad that we are learning more about Elias, I find him an annoying but intriguing character who I am really struggling to figure out.

Finally, as always, Bella has left us on a small cliffhanger. Who was waiting for them in the portal? A small question but one that I'm dying to know the answer to. The only person I can think of is Lintz as we never fully get confirmation that he died at Spellshadow. We'll find out on the 21st of July I guess, another agonising wait.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Chain begins right as the group of five - Alex, Natalie, Ellabell, Aamir, and Jari - escape through the portal from Spellshadow Manor into a new mysterious place. With Aamir still suffering from the effects of being spellbound by the Head, the group takes shelter in the woods near a mysterious lake, which Alex quickly identifies as the Lake mentioned by Malachi Grey in book 1.
Eventually they determine they've arrive at Stillwater House, another school for mages. The seemingly idyllic setting and happy students differs vastly from Spellshadow. Alex and his friends meet mysterious girl named Helena who seems eager to help them.
The book did give some further revelation into the realm of mages and the stealing of essence which Alex had learned about in the previous book. The enigmatic and mysterious Elias continues to aid Alex in.his own way, helping him discover more about his Spellbreaker abilities.
We are also introduced to the Royals, and learn something about how mages adhere to a type of nobility, which seems really strange. It surprises me that the other characters dont find this strange either, given that they come from the outside world.
Overall it was a solid story with a good transition out of the school-setting that was beginning to feel trite in the previous books. There is some of that in this story, but enough action around it keep the plot moving forward.
Natalie's character development and changes are probably the strangest. You never really feel like she is a true ally, she just seems so hungry for magical knowledge now that it made me dislike her a little bit. Ellabell feels a little like a pointless character to me, her only plot contribution is an obvious future love for Alex.
More than anything I'm disappointed the story didnt really answer certain questions, specifically about the Lake, and about the mysterious aura that encompasses Stillwater and makes everyone euphoric. I feel like the author consistently sets up plot elements and doesnt really explain them, though they seem important.
3 stars, and looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Elias still favorite 😈.

[Elizabeth Curtin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of the Spellshadow Manor series took place in the magical realm, where we get a glimpse into the life of Stillwater House.

The gang is teleported there at great cost and has to adapt to this new environment, some better than others as the book progresses on.

The characters have, again, shown some more character development. The most seen with Alex and Aamir. The constant struggle of knowing who to trust in this book is prevalent throughout, as they try to sort out who is an ally and who's an enemy.

The story is developing well but my only complaint is that they haven't really thought about the bigger picture. Yes, I can understand their wish of returning home, but they basically just abandon the students of Spellshadow Manor. What will happen to them? I don't see Alex being able to deal with those regrets once he returns home eventually. It's like Bella Forrest touches on the issue but doesn't go too deep into it.

Besides that one complaint, I really am enjoying the series so far and can't wait to see what happens at the next stop. It's a fun and easy read,

[Lucile]

"The Chain" is book three of the "Secret of Spellshadow Manor" series. I tried book one because it was favorably compared to the Harry Potter series. While both series are about students attending a school to develop their magical gifts the similarity really does stop there. This series includes more evil and dangerous situations from unexpected people and places than the first HP books.

In book three Alex, accompanied by his friends, has escaped from Spellshadown Manor and found their way to another magical school, Stillwater. The kids soon learn that Stillwater is different but not any better than Spellshadow was and they have become prisoners once again. During a school "ceremony" Alex reveals his difference and places everyone in more danger including Princess Helena.

I highly recommend this series to older teens and adults who like fantasy and a strong contrast between good and evil. I am looking forward to reading book 4, The Keep.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is finally starting to develop some complexity worthy of a four star rating. Each book builds on the previous ones, and our key characters are now more in the dark than ever. The rules of the game have been tipped over and they must find their way through the tricks and traps anew. Build trust in others and even each other, in this constantly fearful world.

Whilst still not a book I would read more than once I am really enjoying second guessing the Spellshadow world as I read my way through the stages.

One detail that has stood out for me this time is the characters reliance on books for answers. Unusual in this genre to have heroes who read, but access to knowledge through books, and piecing together puzzles whilst sat in libraries is such a common setting in this world. It's nice to spot amongst the text as someone who loves reading.

[Katie Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm so torn on how I feel about this series. I thought it was a trilogy at first so I felt like I HAD to finish it. Then halfway through the 3rd book I found out there were more. I NEED to know how on earth these kids are going to make it back to the real world but I'd really appreciate it if it was done in a quicker fashion. I 100% think the first 3 books could have been condensed to 2. Things seem to be so repetitive; the way the characters are described, the deals that kept being made, the hide outs, the library retreats. I don't know. Not my favorite book but I guess I'm invested enough now that I have to find out how the series ends. And hopefully it will end. I don't hate it but I don't think it will be something I recommend to a friend either.

[Patricia Anne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stillwater House

Alex with the help of his friend's continue their search for the non-magical world. Hoping upon hope they can find their way home, this new realm they found after leaving Spellshadow Manor is so beautiful and nice it's hard not to stay. After learning the secret of this place and Alex powers accelerate they make plans to leave, they discover a new portal form a new friend her name is Helena. This portal leads them to a new place with a Castle so this will be the next book in the series . I truly am enjoying Alex's story. 5 Stars

[Mandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(Maybe 3.5 stars) I'm really torn with this series. It has definitely kept my interest - the books are entertaining - lots of twists and turns, but the flow of this book felt all over the place. And I was hoping that by book three there would be a bit more character development. I kind of feel like I have to finish the series, but how in the world are there three more books to read?!? I think books two and three could have been combined...in my opinion.

[Jeanne Brewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the adventure continues

This series' characters are as familiar to me as were the kids I grew up with. They all have their quirks and secrets, and they all have an instinct for self preservation that won't be denied. And they are beautifully drawn! No matter how much trouble they get into and then wiggle out of, you know these are folks you want to hang out with. This book is complex and spoilers would ruin your fun. So just read it. Recommended

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets upon secrets

Deception lies in wait around every corner as Alex discovers more about his own powers and the secrets of his friends as they bargain for their safety within Stillwater Manor's façade. The manor and its inhabitants' unreal beauty harbors some ugly secrets, and Alex is determined to reveal them before it is too late.

[Ann Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite my dismay at the ending of book 2, I was sufficiently captivated to buy book 3, and I was not disappointed. The characters are so well drawn that they draw the reader into their lives and make you really care about them. The plot has lots of twists and turns, so you barely have time to catch your breath. Highly recommended.

[Kevin Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Break In The Chain.

Just when it seemed Alex and co were finally going to get a break and manage to return to there ordinary lives, along comes more trouble, and problems, causing further heartache and more disappointment. Will they ever escape their problem? I guess we'll just have to await the next installment by Bella to find out. Potter fans will love it.

[TrayBay44 · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little hectic

The story line has a lot of potential but it seems a little hectic. Some of the details are repeated so much, they just seem to fill space. I feel it could have used more details on the other characters and their feelings towards everything.

Overall I'm still enjoying the journey that Alex and his friends are on and I'm curious where it will take them.

[Tony Puglielli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cliffhanger

I was interested in this story when I found it. I liked that there was a sequel. I was happy there was a third. Then I started to get a little disinterested....but by the time I finished this third book in an excited to dive into number four. Once again this series is the doppelganger of Harry potter. Different twist on magic. Darker and more sinister...I like it!

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was extremely slow paced. Alex and his friends escape Spellshadow and find themselves in the place Stillwater House is located. They first meet Helena, a strong magic user who lives in Stillwater House. This book follows the gang's time at Stillwater while they try to figure out who is trustworthy and what their next move will be.

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the series, and for me the most enjoyable so far. I feel I have got to know the characters now, and find the writing more engaging as a result.

As Alex et al try to find their way home they come across new characters, a new school, and some of the mysteries start to unravel. I'm looking forward to book 4.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Escape?

Some questions are answered, however more questions arrive as the friends continue on their quest for freedom. There is such deep sorrow, lies and half-truths, questionable loyalties, intrigue, and suspense. Bella has filled this story with maximum emotion and skillfully keeps the reader glued to the pages.

[C Legend · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some WWII parallels with the school in this book. The school is a requirement of nobility children. There are all strong, beautiful. Aryan features as the "weak" ones are filtered out. The lake by the school is the mass grave for all of one race of magic persons. Since these are young adult books, it's an interesting way to discuss the horrors of a holocaust.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just read Eragon, I can honestly say this book and its series is way superior to the other. First of all, it is NOT formulaic. Secondly, there is almost always action. Thirdly, you instantly feel a connection with Alex, the lead character. I am really enjoying this series. I can't wait to read the next book, but my e-reader is charging. Dang.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Childish cardboard characters . . . yes I know they are teenagers but geez and then I realized that there are 3 more books. Not on board for that. So I just quit - only 2 hours left on the audiobook but what's the point? I should have known, as I quit another of this author's series after the 2nd book. She just cranks out mediocrity rapid fire.

[Marcy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Buckle up there is so many twist and So much action! Never fails to keep you on your toes, get ready to not want to do anything until you see what's gonna happen next! Amazing book! I promise you won't be disappointed!

[Meagan Kent · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book in the SpellShadow Manor Series was absolutely amazing! Bella Forrest kept me on the edge of my seat through this whole book, waiting to see what was going to happen next. This is def. one of those books that you will not be able to put down!

[Phyllis Pickens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa !!!!

I wanted to scream !!!! In true Bella fashion the build up is detailed and thorough. Boy oh Boy when the action starts, every (I) is dotted and every (T) is crossed !!! I am still processing the truths....I anxiously await the next read !