A Shade of Vampire 35: A Race of Trials

by Bella Forrest

A KING SHALL BE CROWNED The race is on for the crown of Hellswan Kingdom, and Hazel and Ruby have been forced to take opposite sides to increase their likelihood of escape.
Hazel with Tejus and Ruby with Ash - a situation that could get complicated... especially when hearts are involved.

Meanwhile back on Earth, GASP, led by King Derek have finally cracked a mystery...

Return to the lives of the Novaks.

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

209 pages

First published November 2, 2016

About the author

UPDATE MARCH 11, 2024:

BELLA IS BACK!

*** New, updated online store at https://BellaForrest.com

*** New books coming soon

*** Possible Film/TV series coming soon

*** Stay up to date by joining our e-mail list at https://BellaForrest.com/join

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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

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

just OK

Again with this as with the last, it was just ok. I hope I start enjoying these new characters soon, as I don't want to give up a series I have loved for so long.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

ALL HAIL THE KING !!! CAPTIVATING, RIVETING AND FABULOUSLY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: A Race of Trials
Series: A Shade of Vampire
Designation: Book Thirty-Five of a Multi-Novel Series (Book Three 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 RIVETING STARS *****
A Race of Trials is the thirty-fifth 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-five 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-five 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 champion, Prince Tejus Hellswan, or Ruby's contender, commoner and people's choice, Ashbik Goode? Both are competing in the trials, but will our young heroes also be disposable to them once they win??? We'll see!

A Race of Trials: Book Thirty-Five(Third release of Season Five)
All Hail The King! Our story resumes in Nevertide after the devastating fiasco of the first trial in which many of the participants were eliminated...or did not survive. Yikes! Only twenty contenders now remain including the obvious ministers' choice and son of the now deceased King of Hellswan, Prince Tejus Hellswan, and the peoples' favorite, commoner Ashbik Goode. Seven perilous trials remain, each fraught with treacherous unyielding danger for the contestants as well as their humans. As tensions continue to rise, a new player suddenly appears on the board, Oueen Trina Seraq, but is she friend or foe? Why is she so determined for Ashbik Goode to become the victor and new king? And why is she equally determined for Prince Tejus to lose? As Ruby and Hazel become more emotionally involved with their champions, friendships and loyalties are tested, and our young heroes and heroines are drawn deeper into the darkness of Nevertide. Secrets, lies, betrayal, and dark mysterious forces continue to wreak havoc as unknown dangers continue to threaten their well-being and safe return to The Shade. Meanwhile, GASP continues the investigation into the strange unexplained disappearances on the island of Crete. They've exhausted all leads but are no closer to solving the mystery or locating the now five missing victims who seem to have no significant commonality and no similarities to connect them other than possibly their wealth. It's slowly becoming evident that several of the supernatural aspects of the case such as the minotaur hoofprints may be nothing more than a series of intentionally planted fake clues. But why and by whom? Unfortunately, they have yet to learn the fate of Ruby, Hazel, Benedict and Julian. How much longer can our young heroes survive before the members of GASP realize their children have also been abducted and are no longer safe on MurkBeech Island? And once they do, will they be able to help? Until now, no one from The Shade has ever heard of the Sentries much less the medieval Nevertide Realm. It seems our young Shadians may be on their own. They have a plan but will they be able to save themselves? Oh my!
Only one contender will win... A King will be crowned... Who will reign victorious and become the new King of Hellswan? But more importantly, what will it mean for our brave young Shadians??? We'll see!

Two beautiful, brave, young adult 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 may become new heroes-we'll see! Two new characters with questionable motives who may be more than they seem-check! 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, dervins, fairies and brownies???-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! Two sweet budding romances-Heck yeah! We have lift off! 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 King of Shadow, the next installment in the Season Five adventure releasing November 30, 2016, featuring our newest generation of heroes! Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read!

[Kelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Trials are over....sort of. What's next for Hazel and Ruby. Can't want to see what's up with the Fae. One to the next one...

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this one. I enjoyed it for the most part but there are a few things niggling at me. The biggest would be Bella writing a romance brewing in hazel and tejus. Can’t any of the women in her books go through a series without falling for their capture and /or hero?!In this series we already have ruby and ash and I love a good romance as much as the next person but I also believe women to be stronger than this and I was enjoying hazels whimsical ways of enjoying love cliches in the novels she reads and I think it more believable that men wouldn’t match up to these. Such as Nickolays advances which I enjoyed, especially when his self centred ass got knocked back. I certainly would hate the see hazel turned into a sentry as tejus implies should they be king and queen!

Another element of the book I enjoyed was the trials. I believe they were well thought out and unique. I loved the intensity between who was going to win between Tejus and Ash and oddly found myself suspicious of Ash. I wonder if he is really paired up with Queen Trina in some way?! Either way there is a motive behind her always routing for Ash in every trial.
I don’t like the tension as much between Ruby and Hazel and think that both are neglecting those poor boys; Julian and Benedict. I don’t really know what to make of the Benedict stone storyline but I am sure it will link Queen Trina and maybe others to a larger plot. The reason as to why all of the youngsters are weak and tired all of the time I am sure is linked too. With Julian now missing I am wondering if all of the storylines from different areas are linked such as sherus predicting something big happening and members of gasp realising their children are missing. I know one thing, hazel ruby and Benedict won’t leave nevertide without Julian!

I am baffled as to where the next book leads, what with the random return of Sherus at the end. I hope they only bought Benjamin up so we remembered who he was and not because he’s in danger. His character had already been through enough.

Overall I will be reading the next book. I am looking forward to the gasp crew featuring again now that they have finally realised there children are missing! I am hoping more loose will start to make sense and that hazel will put her family first, not tejus and thus become the first woman of the shade to be fully independent!

[Yasmin Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without spoiling too much, I absolutely love the two parallel stories that are unravelling between the anti-hero and damsel ‘in distress’, and the kitchen boy and his new found friends. We see snippets of what the male characters emotions and feelings could be if they were to just let themselves be ‘human’. As they both struggle to do this, they will find their choices lead to consequences... should they be good or bad, we shall see!

Admittedly this book can appear to be jumpy as it goes from different characters perspectives, particularly as the current point of view will almost certainly end on a cliff hanger. BUT... we quickly get wrapped up in the new characters point of view and this greatly to do with Bella Forrests’ articulate and enraptured writing style.

LOVE LOVE LOVE...

However Not so keen on the story side from “the shadian’s’ back on Earth ~ but readers be patient as the next instalment I feel will be kicking off.

🚨 Make sure you read the epilogue!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loving it..

This series in the “A Shade of Vampire” series is far better than some of the ones I read. The material doesn’t only seem completely fresh, I love the way that new species are being introduced and older characters that I thought wouldn’t have an appearance are coming back. It’s refreshing. I had to admit, that the season or series before this was getting bland.

So far, I’m in awe of the idea of the sentries and of Tejus in a whole. The character thus far is so complex and their world both simple and yet different than the shades own that I can’t help but be intrigued. I feel like there is some huge things coming soon with how things with Hazel’s brother are going but I’m sure it’ll be worth reading. I’ll be binge reading the rest.

For those who haven’t started reading this series before, I highly recommend, though at times it gets repetitive the story arcs in themselves are far better than the twilight series or even house of night.

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fae are coming back!

Gasp finally figures out the mystery behind the kidnappings in Crete. Definitely not a minotaur maybe about the size of one its legs though 😅 i have mixed feelings about the relationships between Ash and Ruby and Tejus and Hazel. I feel like they dont have much of a love story at all. In the case of Ash and Ruby its very platonic. With Hazel and Tejus he is just too indiferrent and cold towards Hazel and not much on her part either, she just wants this all over and done with so she can go home I felt more of a spark between Hazel and Nikolay. I really just felt no spark or build up of a romantic relationship between the couples. It was mainly focused on getting through the trials. Kind of a let down in the romance department but still a good story overall. Finally got into Tejus head but only for a second which left me wanting more.

[Marisol Acevedo · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much going on

Okay this book has sooo much going on that I found myself lost a bit.

The Sentry, GASP, the kids, Trials, humans etc. I had to skimp through it and even then it took me several days to read. With that said, it is amazing how the Author is able to go from one thing to another. I mean it starts romance novel, Good vs Evil and then War and Peace. It just crazy how she can do that so effortlessly and precise. KUDOS!!!!

Here you get to see more into the adventures of Benedict, Julian, Ruby and the rest. What starts out as a summer get away turns into a crazy twist and turn adventure that only the Novak’s can go through.


Well off to #36

[Lena Vera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as expected!!!!

Full of exciting twists n turns as always, the shadians seem to reach their goals to find themselves in another fight for freedom, justice, love or war etc....... I can't get enough of this very cool series of supernatural n human life's trials n tribulations ..... love u Bella Forrest thank u for giving me a world that I can jump into n enjoy for a while from my ever day life of routine n expectations......

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fae's and brownies and who knows what else

Excellent read but was beginning to wonder when the kids would be missed and what is wrong with Benedict and I'm not sure who to feel more sorry for, Hazel or Genus. Can't wait for the next book

[Judy Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome addition to the shade

Awesome book, I couldn't stop reading and was excited to see what was happening next. Bella delivers another fantastic book from the shade. A must read.

[Monica Schaefer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this series and continue to look forward to the next adventures.

These books cover all the supernatural creatures I enjoy reading about with the most creative adventures in all different worlds.

[Heather Cornett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another great read by Bella Forrest, I really hope she never stops writing the Shade series I love every minute I am reading her books.

[Kelly Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️

[Kelly Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

[Tina Layner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it

[Cassandra Dingwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love ❤️

Absolutely love this series and the author has my attention now so I will be looking into other titles by her after I finish this series!!

[kate...l · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars again , loving the adventures from the shade .a great read ,now on to the next book ,

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

i enjoyed this story was glad that tejus got to be king and hope that his and hazels relationship grows I was glad the parents finally realized the kids are missing now the story can take on a whole new meaning once derek and sofia are involved would recommend this book

[Donna Morrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS!!!!!
This series gets better and more intense with every new book.
This book picks up from the last book with Hazel and Ruby working with Ash and Tejus to compete for the title of King of Hellswan. Even though they are both friends and consider each other family from the closeness they have shared from living in The Shade they still want to work with their person to help them win.
You will follow along with them on their journey's through the trials. You will see their mind-melds make both couples stronger and grow closer together. Ash is falling for Ruby and she is starting to fall for him too, but, she is more concerned with getting home than starting a romance. Hazel is falling for Tejus or she is growing closer to him but he is keeping her at arm's length and it is driving her crazy. Especially when he is rude.
I am not sure what is going on with Benedict but something with those jewels has gotten him doing crazy stuff and I am not sure what the outcome is supposed to be. It is driving me crazy to try to come up with conclusions to what is going on there.
Julian is getting fed up sitting around waiting on one of the two sentries to win king and let them go. The boarders are closed so they are stuck there until after the trials are done. He tries to find a weak spot in the border with Benedict and a group of other humans that they have been watching over, but that was a fail.
As Benedict continues his antics when he is asleep it is getting worse. The last episode that he has leaves Julian missing. I am wondering who is behind it. I have a thought on it, but I will have to wait and see.
I am all for Ruby and Ash getting together, and now that he is not king maybe when they are set free he will go with her. I want so bad for Hazel and Tejus to get together, but I am fearing that is not going to happen. He says he will have to destroy her to make her a sentry. Not sure how that happens but from hearing Tejus talk about it, it would ruin her. She had talked to him about making choices and that everyone has the choice, but sometimes we make the easy choice because we are afraid. Maybe he will decide to give up being a king and go back with her.
I don't really see that happening but who knows. Maybe, Hazel will decide to stay. She really is falling for him and after a very steamy kiss I know she is not going to want to give up. But, sadly I will have to wait a couple of weeks to find out.
In other news back on earth they found out who was doing the kidnapping and destruction. I do not want to reveal who or what it is. We don't know why they were doing it yet but maybe that will come out in the next book as well. After they get back to the Shade the parents of the kids that were kidnapped to Nevertide find out that something is up. They get ready to head to Murkbeech to see what is up.
There is an epilogue from Sherus. He is a fae who gave Ben, Lucas, and Katelyn the gift of life after they had passed away. He made them into a fae so they could be returned to their family. He is the king of the fire fae and is about to turn over the kingdom to his son who is about to get married. He is having a bad feeling that something is up and that it is coming. It is going to be big. He thought that maybe something might be brewing between the other fae kingdom but resources told him that all was well there and everyone was happy.  
So what is going to happen that has him so on edge? I guess we will find out soon hopefully.
I left a lot out of this review because I want you to read the book and not just get a short version of all of the good parts that happen.
Here is some questions you will be asking after the book is over:
What is going to happen to Hazel and Tejus?
What is going to happen to Ruby and Ash?
What is going on with Benedict?
Where is Julian and who has him?
Will they get to go home?
Will Rose and the rest of the group find them or even get a clue as to where they are once they find out they are missing and for how long?
I hope you pick up this series and you love it as much as I do.
Until next time: Happy Reading.

[Wendy Thorpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it.

[Kellyann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable

Once again a remarkable story. It was a bit slow in the beginning but worth it. I can't wait to start the next book. This Series is fantastic!

[Suey Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let the Trials continue! Who will win? Team Ash and Ruby or team Tejus and Hazel? One of them has to win for the borders to be lowered and the humans to be freed.

Personalities are tested, relationships strained and lives endangered! The trials test the strengths and weaknesses of the champions and keep us guessing all the way through as to who will win in the end; the commoner or the royal?

There’s obvious bias going on from the ministers towards Tejus, but Queen Trina evens it out with her expressive input and obvious bias towards Ash. One has to wonder, what of her motives? I for one do not trust her.

The dark entity that Benedict and Julius stumbled upon on whilst wondering the castle is yet to be revealed, but as Benedict starts to fall under its control he finds himself with time lapses in his memory from sleep walking. This leads to a disastrous out come for two of our other Shadians, one more than the other.

We start to get a little insight into Tejus’s feelings for Hazel and their romance is definitely progressing despite the pair trying to stay focused on what’s important to them; Tejus’s Kingship and Hazel’s escape of Nevertide. But there could be someone else out to steal Hazel’s affections! Will Tejus win her heart over this new Sentry or will Hazel fall for his sickly charms? We can only hope she takes after her Mother and Grand Mother and falls for the brooding bad boy! – Yes I’m team Tejus!

Tejus and Hazel hit another bump in the road as Tejus finally learns of the green stone that Hazel’s been using. To add more trouble to the situation a certain person over hears Tejus and Hazel arguing about it – I’m not telling who! Ruby and Ash also grow closer to one another as the Trials progress.

Our original Shadians complete their mysterious mission in Greece and finally realise their children are missing. I have a feeling once they learn they have been taken by Sentries things might get ugly...

And of course in true Bella style we are left with a cryptic ending, visiting supernatural beings we haven’t read about for quite a while and keeping one’s mind curious for more information.

Fabulous

[Jade Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again we dive into the mysterious world of Hellswan. How Bella has all these world swirling in her head amazes me!! After reading all of her books I am still not disappointed. She still takes me to each world as if I am a character!! I love it!!

What in the world is going on with Benedict & him 'not feeling like himself', the nightmares and all the mystery surrounding him!!

Hazel and Tejus..... I don't know how to fully express myself other than to say Tejus is a love one minute, hate the next minute type of deal. I really wish he would get himself together!!

Ash and Ruby seem to be a pair destined for each other. Ash might 'peoples champion' but he is slowly becoming mine as well. The relationship between these two are what 'romantic daydreams' are made from!!

Queen Trina....Needless to say, she is on my very last nerve! What is it with this woman?!? Is she scorned? Does she have a higher motive?

Overall, it is still a great read! It moves the story along and you're better able to understand what is going on and how the Sentries live! However. It is also filled with mystery around every corner!! After this read, I am left with many, many unanswered questions just lingering there waiting to be answered, however nothing is lacking what so ever. It's almost like a kid waiting for christmas ♡

[Tanisha Frazier · Rating 4 out of 5]

The trials are over

I knew something was going to happen between Tejus and Hazel I could feel it. Reminds me of Beauty and the Beast you know falling in love with your captor. I want to know though will Tejus choose duty over love. Can't wait to find out. I'm going to keep reading.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay what's going on

Spoilers alert......where is Julian? I got a bad feeling just like the fey king that it's some shit in the game sorry for the bad word anyway what is there some love for ruby and hazel in this other dimension? I so glad the parents finally got a feeling all is not well with the shade children. I so want hazel guy to be hers and I don't know why but ash is almost to good I just don't know what's gonna happen but best believe I'm waiting on the next visit to the shade love you bella

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succession to the throne takes a dangerous twist in this new realm. This writer created yet another unique environment for our young Shadians to overcome. The sheer brilliance just captivates me each and every time. Right when I think the obstacles have been overcome, not everything is completely solved. I enjoy the mystery and suspense and each book never fails to deliver! This voluntary review is based against a KU copy.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

A whole lot of nothing.

Of all the 30+ books I have purchased and read in this series this is the most disappointing. I felt there was alot of useless information and nothing really happening. I generally enjoy the books, but this one just seemed like she was at a loss of what to write. Hopefully the next one will have a little more substance to it then just fillers.

[PAMELA D ALEXANDER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shade 36

And AGAIN. .... BELLA Does not disappointe! I can't believe 'The Shade " is going on 36 books . I mean full novels and the storyline still keep my interest and makes me want more..... !!!!!! Can't wait for the next book !!! BELLA is a wonderful, gifted Author . Just can't find the words to say more So happy I found "The Shade"

[qiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will love win over the throne?

Will both girls find love in the same deminsion or will they return home and the two worlds never cross again. What does the Queen have up her sleeve? How is the Fae involved? Can't wait to find out.