Darktide

Darklight #5

by Bella Forrest

Continue the journey in DARKTIDE.

Pre-order now.

*Beware of spoilers in the reviews below that are without spoiler alerts.*

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, Romance, Supernatural, Fiction, Urban Fantasy

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 4, 2020

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

[Lisa Sutherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg omg omg. What a cliff hanger. Why Bella, why? What has the gate maker got Dorian and Lyra into. Kane I'm so In love with this man. Roxy and kane thank god it's about time I believe he is part human and his mam is the one one who met a human and fell in love. So much action in this book. Finally kicking some ass. Cannot wait for the next one. Amazing again.

[Book Worm · Rating 3 out of 5]

What even happened with Lyra’s character? She was very different in this book, and she was so selfish!

[Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darktide is the fifth novel in Bella Forrest’s Darklight series and is another darkly entrancing and action packed tale in a series that never manages to lose its exciting and forward moving edge.

Having successfully escaped from the sanitarium where they were tortured and experimented on, Lyra and Dorian are happy to be back in the mortal plane. They were able to free their friends and those vampires also held by the Rulers when they destroyed the sanitarium but even this small victory isn’t enough to ensure they’re safe. The Gate Marker has agreed to work with them but in order to take advantage of the Rulers current weakness, Lyra, Dorian and their team will need to venture back to the Immortal Plane to make a stand. Friends and allies will need to fight as one if they want to have any hope of bringing down the evil that controls the Immortal Plane.

After five instalments I still find this series to be highly engrossing. Bella Forrest always has plenty going on and there is always one development or another that keeps the reader on their toes. As we return to the Immortal Plane in this novel, our protagonists prepare to make a stand against the Immortal Rulers. Vampires, humans, makers and even the Immortal Juneau work together in Darktide to bring down the Immortals and their hunters who have plans that will destroy not just the Immortal plane but the mortal one too.

I really enjoy the story Bella Forrest has created and following Lyra throughout the series. She’s a strong voice to follow and has fantastic, complex relationships with those around her. I’m enjoying seeing her grow and even face difficulty in this instalment as she and Dorian try to find a way to overcome their curse with sometimes dark results.

Al the characters are fabulous and I love seeing them all interact. Lyra and Dorian remain a strong couple and I loved finally seeing something happen on the Roxy and Kane front. I’ve got my fingers crossed for Bryce and Arlonne although Laini and Juneau prove to be an unexpected pairing. I’m curious to see if there is a romance in their future. After all Laini has lost she deserves some happiness but Juneau could be the strangest possible partner for her I’ve ever seen.

Eventful and entertaining as ever, Darktide ends on an intriguing note that has me curious as to what the rest of the series will bring. Forrest proves she still has twists in store and leaves me ready to begin the next novel pronto to see what will happen next!

[Rey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Conflicted really.

I love Dorian and Lyra's unique situation and all that comes with it.

But it's really frustrating being a reader of Bella's books because they're never ending. Endless series' dilutes the passion, leaves me frustrated and ending up thoroughly unsatisfied.

With each book, in this series, there's a build up to one big battle with a few side missions. And you love getting to it, as it's fast paced and full of action! But for me, that's the downfall as well. It's so fast, I feel subtleties are lost. There's no time to focus on the small nuances and details that matter to readers. The relationships aren't explored as deeply as could be. Subsequently, you don't care about all the characters as much. Plus, there's too many of them to keep track.

I would have liked to have seen the last battle through to fruition, but just as it was getting good, they were plucked into another scenario by the Gate Maker and so begins a new challenge/twist. Never-ending unsatisfaction.

The focus for me to make this satisfying is the exploration of the curse, it's the combat of making a safe place to coincide and live side by side in a FINITE amount of books/time. We've added a new plane, and so ther
e will never be an end.

And Just as we started caring about Sike and Roxys potential relationships, they're halted too.

And on top of that Lyra's a junkie now?!? Just problem after problem with nothing ever being resolved, just cut off.

I wonder if there's 50 writers who all write under 'Bella' because several books are churned out each month? Maybe that's why I don't feel as connected because everything in the books feels rushed too. I'm really sad because I love all these at the start! But unless I know there's 3-5 books in a series now, I can't continue much longer.

[Lidia E. Torres · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great. Is this the end? The Gatemaker has a debt to pay and he brings them to this plane for what. Do they need to stay in this plane? I am a little surprised and hope the writer can explain thoroughly what the heck happens next? Really ... they were tricked to give light. How does a superior being forgive a debt with souls who have no fault. The three beings who are they? For a moment I thought it was the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I like this series but this end left me on edge and not happy Do we see a light at the end of the tunnel? I am trusting the next book doesn’t have too much side step and wishy washy sceneries. Give me results, action and more romantic moments. From the first book I was totally drawn to the series but this one left me scratching my head and wondering if I care to read the next book. Gosh I also am left with my mouth wide opened and gasping and litterly thinking why I just wrote here What The F. Com’on don’t disappoint me.

Please I am begging. Make this next book flow with the excitement as the first book. I do love happy endings

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too Short, The Storyline Is Dragging On Too Long Now!!😕
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Darktide: (Darklight #5)

I've been enjoying this series, mostly, but we're now moving onto book #6 in April and I can't help wondering if the Author intends to drag this out over 16+ or 86+ books like two of her other series??😲 If so she should have the grace to let us know!!😡 I'm prepared to read 8-10 max at this point, anymore than that it will feel like the jokes on us.😔

This particular book didn't move the story along very much other than regarding the Hive & a few relationships and a probable new addiction!!💘💉😱 It also seemed quite short, I'm not sure if it was, the end seemed to arrive abruptly though!😕 Its a shocking cliffhanger ending.😱😡💥

I'll stay hopeful that the next few books actually start wrapping the series up & giving us ALL of the answers we seek!!🙏💕

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Trisha Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something is up with Lyra...

After fighting and escaping from Itzarrial they have made it back to the Mortal Plane. That doesn't last long since they ha e to get their other friends back. They head back to the immortal plane with another group of military, Lyra's brother and his girlfriend. Lyra and Dorian this I they may have taken care of the "cure" situation. Everything happens fast once they make it back to the Hive. Then there is the battle. Hate Maker goes away, but comes back because he needs Lyra and Dorian to get home. He takes them away when they are most needed, and that's when the book ends.

[Heidi Hanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 5 is consistently well written. The characters remain true to their nature. If you like long series, I recommend this one, but I realized when I went to download book 6 that there are still others and I groaned. Not because it's not good, but because I'm growing weary. The plot changes, but not a lot. What I liked about this is the unfolding of these two cursed lovers. It was interesting to see the changes that Lyra experiences as a result of the requirements of this love affair. I'll keep reading because I want to see how it turns out, but I wish it wasn't such a long series.

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rescue of the vampires

I did not enjoy this book as well as the rest. Don't get me wrong, it's a good book. I just don't like the mentality of the vampires even if I can understand why they think the way they do. The fact that they were ok with So many of their kin in prison being tortured and experimented on was just wrong. The struggles that Lyra had was wack as well. My gosh everyone needs rest and she was not getting any of course she's not herself. Now who know what is happening in this new plane. Great series!

[Tina Oeffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read As Always.

This was a great continuous to the other books. Each book gets more and more intense, the situation between Lyra and Dorian keeps changing. Just when you think they have a chance something else happens. Not sure what the Gate Maker is up to, but I hope it’s for the good and not bad. Can’t wait until the next book to see what’s next. Great read as always Bella, Thank you for the adventure.

[Ann Braham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just when everything seems to be breaking through Bella throws in another dimension!!!!

Hard fought and hard won at each step of the way!!! Can Dorian & Lyra not catch a break???? & whilst they've not yet faced Irrikus they seem to have achieved so much but only yet scratched the surface. Let's just hope they have the stamina and fortitude to survive. Someone help them out please!!!!

[Nicci · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.5**
Audio. Will still continue with the series.

The good:
-Stays busy
-I found more answers to questions in this book
-Entertaining

The not great:
-How do you not see a negative change that you said you would keep an eye out for AND disregard it.. NO she is not ok. Clearly. This is a personal biased against characters.
-Cliff hangers in the middle of a scene drives me bonkers. Especially in the middle of a new conflict moving forward.

[Hazel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Lyra and Dorian's story continues. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We learn more about the cure for the curse and the side effects it can cause. Full of tension and fighting not only with the rulers but also between themselves. If you loved the other books in this series, you will live this one.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just gets better and more addicting with each book. Bella paints a world that just draws you in. It kept me on the edge of my seat wanting to see what happens next and of course in Bella fashion it leaves of on a big cliff hanger. Lyra and Dorian have so much chemistry together and are both warriors who are trying to save their worlds and themselves. Cant wait for the next book!!!

[Deb]

Awesome book 5 by Bella Forrest

Lyra and the rest of the team are fighting to bring peace and helping to stop the rest between the mortal and other plane. Three are beasts coming through that are going after vampires and mortals. Dorian and Lyra are working to stop the destruction.

[Tricia Gauslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very fast pace story.

I am very impressed with how the story progresses. Finally seeing Lyra and Dorian be able to be close. Was very surprising to find out Law and Roxy, and some of the other romantic possibilities. Gate Maker is exhausting, but I can't wait to see what he is all about. Keep up the good work Ms. Burnz. Can't wait to download the next book!

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Never ending series

I really like the first few releases of this book but I just can’t read the other series anymore. It feels like it’s just going in circles and there was no resolution to the problems that was faced by Dorian and Lyra. I just literally skimmed through the pages of book 5. There were too many characters involved in every book. I just needed a happy ending.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 5

New alliances are forged among what was considered unlikely, and more background is given to the strifes of each caste and factions. The world building is just off the charts. Not my first series by this author and I am ever so happy about this authors ability to deliver while maintaining quality! Loving this! All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[Stephanie Serrano Hargrove · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cliff hanger!

Dorian and Lyra still battling in the Immortal Plane and some of the fight is about the cure and the changes happening to Lyra. She finally comes to understand what is causing her mood changes,when Hate Maker plucks from battle to send him home. Don't mission 5.

[Tracy Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. From the start I found this take on who vampires hunt & how it helps our world fascinating... Our characters face a lot of conflict in this book & learn things that could mean some important changes are ahead. I'm already looking forward to the next one.

[Lynne Tuniewicz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers Beware

Although these books are really good, I strongly advise you to wait until the author has finished the series before reading. There is much too much time between books to properly follow the story line. Too much is lost between books.

[Sandy Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tie The Knot

Man! Bella Forrest leaves you hungering for more! You just gotta tie a knot at the end of that rope and hang on until her next book comes out!

In the meantime, I think I will head on over to one of her other series and maybe do some binge 📚!

[Jenae (Jeni) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel betrayed!

I love this series. This is one of those stories where you hope for a happy ending, yet want more conflict so the story never ends. I am so mad at some of the characters and can't wait for the next book.

[Tammay McGibbon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderfully enthralling

Amazing story, read all 5 books in a matter of days and can't wait for the next one! Haven't read a series that has had me this hooked in a long time. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

[J.C. Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is nobody trustwothy?

You help a guy out and in return he does very little until all hell is breaking loose which is when he calls in a favour and betrays you. Higher beings kinda suck.

[Kelli D Whitla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

This book has some heart stopping battles that leave you breathless. I couldn't put it down until I knew who won. But then it left me hanging wondering what and who the Gate maker actually was. On to the next book to find out!

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish she would hurry ip and ginish. Nothing was resolved. I stopped with this book. I want to know what happens to them but this is way too much verbage. I was spead reading and scanning pages through most of the book.

[BookwormMomma7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Holy Cliffhanger

Lyra and Dorian are in for a gamut of experiences upon their return to the immortal realm and the Gatemaker has his own agenda. The Saga continues with some heavy topsy turvy changes that shows there more to everything that they thought.
On to read book 6

[Molau · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced

Just when I thought I was nearing the end of the story, there are more twists and turns, more betrayals! Will start book 6 but this might be when I give up if there is no resolutions

[Marie Clifton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow Not what I expected

Talk a twist in events. Leaves me wanting more as Lyra and Dorian, human and vampire make their journey. I'm ready to finds out what happens in the next book.