A Fork of Paths

A Shade of Vampire #22

by Bella Forrest

"That vial of potion may have given me life... But what kind of life is this?"
As we gear up for Ben and River's explosive finale in Book 24, heart-pounding adventure, challenged love, and thrilling discoveries await you in A Fork of Paths...

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

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2016

About the author

UPDATE MARCH 11, 2024:

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*** 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

[Leah H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of all the books in this series, this one was the worst, and I've read all 22. I don't understand why the majority of readers rated it 4 or 5 stars. The book focused more on Julie's story than Ben and River, you know - the couple the book is supposed to be about... Anyways, I read it to keep up with the series. Hopefully Bella Forrest can wrap it up better in the next and final book.

[Laurielu Bona Fide Reflections · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first half of this book was hard to get through for me. Getting into Julie's story and the issue of Ben being a sentient ghost was almost boring which caused me no end of frustration. River's abduction by the Hunters was the most interesting to me and when Ben finally learned how to interact with River in a solid form, the story got much better for me. But that was waaaay into the book.

I am invested in this story. So, I will read the next book when it comes out since that one is supposed by Ben and River's finale. I like both of their characters since their hearts are in the right place and they are honorable.

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poor Ben

Living in the spiritual world now, Ben watches over his family and his beloved River. He soon finds out that he can inhabit animals bodies. So when he finds a Hawk he inhabits it to help rescue River and take her back to the shade. But after leaving her he is left with and emptiness and wonder if forever he would be stuck in this world alone.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's time

This series has been really good but I'm ready to say goodbye to The Shade. I can't wait for the end don't get me wrong I will miss the series when I don't have a new one every month to read but it's time to let go and see an ending.

[Judy Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

CAPTIVATING, COMPELLING AND WONDERFULLY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: A Fork of Paths
Series: A Shade of Vampire
Designation: Book Twenty Two of a Multi-Novel Serial, NOT a Standalone Read
Author: Bella Forrest
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FOUR CAPTIVATING STARS *****
Best-selling author Bella Forrest has dazzled her fans yet again with A Vial of Life, the latest release in her spellbinding A Shade of Vampire Series and has totally left me breathless! Like thousands of my fellow Shaddicts, I've been hooked from the very first book of the series and now anxiously await each release. And it's no surprise that Bella has delivered another riveting adventure that curls our toes, makes our hearts pound and keeps us begging for more! This is a supernatural/fantasy/adventure saga unlike anything I've ever read. It is exciting, well crafted, original, unique, imaginative, thrilling, fast paced, riveting, action packed, mysterious, suspenseful, enchanting, heartbreaking, heartwarming and oh so romantic. Whew, what a mouthful, but these are only a few of the words that come to mind after reading this incredible chronicle of the Shade, its inhabitants and their enemies. Can you tell that I really love this story? The narrative is exceptionally well written in the first person with multiple points of view. Each chapter is told by one of the characters which I believe gives more depth, intensity and perspective to the story and adds understanding and insight into the motivations of the characters. The dialogue is smart, well executed and flows effortlessly. Although the story is compelling, it's truly the magnificent cast of larger than life characters that makes the biggest impact. They are well developed, captivating, intriguing, engaging, endearing and quite literally, out of this world! They explode from the pages, grab your imagination, capture your heart and hold you totally enthralled from beginning to end. Forrest skillfully combines these elements to craft a beautifully written paranormal romance filled to the brim with action, adventure, fantasy, mystery, suspense, magic, supernatural beings, love, passion, loyalty, heartbreak, angst, hope and plot twists that will blow your mind.

Ben has been betrayed by Julie Duan, a vampire he recently met at The Tavern while seeking information to free himself from the Jinn and the cursed destiny that has been forced upon him by the Elders. As Ben is faced with an impossible decision, he chooses the ultimate sacrifice in order to free himself of the influence of Basilius and hopefully save both the human and supernatural realms from the ominous threat of the resurrection of the malevolent Elders thereby preventing their return to power. Tragically, Ben learns that sometimes, those perceived as friends should never be trusted and now finds himself trapped between life and death. As the events of the prophecy come to pass, Ben finds himself again and again with not only the weight of worlds upon his shoulders, but also the safety and wellbeing of River, his family and quite possibly both the human and supernatural realms. Once again, Ben has relied on the beautiful River Giovanni for help and tragically, has placed her in mortal danger. Sadly, this time, he may not be in a position to save the beautiful, courageous River but that doesn't mean he won't try. In Book 22, A Fork of Paths, we follow Ben as he, once again, attempts the impossible in order to rescue his beloved River from the Hunters. This book gives us valuable insight into the fates of Ben's betrayers as well as a disturbing look into the new organization of Hunters that are threatening not only the safety of The Shade but apparently, all supernatural creatures. Oh my! More pieces to the puzzle are slowly revealed only to be replaced by even more perplexing questions. Will Ben discover the answers he so desperately needs before it's too late??? Will Ben ever be able to free himself from the life with which he has now been cursed to live??? Will he somehow find a way to rescue River? Will Jeremiah finally be able to exact his revenge or will Derek find a way to offer him a lesson in tough love??? We'll see!!! No spoilers from me but I will say this......Handsome, guilt-stricken, newly turned vampire who can't control his bloodlust-check! Beautiful half-blood heroine who gets caught up in what she once thought to be only fantasy and fairy tales-check! A plethora of supernatural characters including vampires, werewolves, witches, dragons, harpies, ogres, hawks, jinn, mermaids, mermen and even a hellhound-you bet! Danger, drama, adventure, suspense, mind blowing plot twists, an unexpected betrayal, a heartbreaking loss, an old enemy returns and a dangerous new enemy emerges-you bet! A confession of love between Ben and River-oh yes!!! That and a whole lot more! I love it! I never tire of visiting my friends of 'The Shade'. It always feels like returning home. If you love heart-wrenching young adult paranormal romance, heartbreaking angst, tantalizing magic, out of this world fantasy, spine-tingling suspense, heart-stopping action, malevolent enemies, evil machinations, unexpected plot twists and heart-pounding adventure, then you will surely enjoy A Shade of Vampire series. Buckle up my lovelies! It's another thrilling ride! Please keep in mind, this is a serial - not a stand alone story and the books should be read in order of their release - and it does contain nail biting cliffhangers that will leave you on the edge of your seat panting for more - which I love! Bella always keeps us on our toes but lovingly rewards our patience with each new release. I was a wee bit disappointed in the direction taken in this book, but still very well done! I felt that it was somewhat disjointed with too much time spent on the secondary characters. I'm sure all the filler in this book may be important in the overall storyline but it was at times, difficult to follow so many characters going in so many different directions with less and less time being devoted to Ben and River. Fortunately, with two books left in Ben and River's story, I'm sure Forrest will be able to tie all these rather confusing threads into a neatly orchestrated bow. I can hardly wait to read what happens next with Derek, Sophia, Caleb, Rose, Ben, River, Claudia, Yuri, Vivienne, Xavier, Aiden, Corrine, Ibrahim and all the other wonderful residents of the Shade when Ben's adventure continues in Book 23! Completely captivating, seriously sexy, powerfully compelling and delightfully entertaining!!!
My Rating: FIVE ENTERTAINING STARS *****

[Toni Vincett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yeah was okay

Yeah it was an okay not rly keen on Ben but I am still enjoying the series that is for sure

[Ariana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book just felt like the author was running out of ideas at this point with these last few books. It felt like I could hear the agents pressuring for more stories not realizing good books come to an end, there's not 22 Harry Potter books for a reason. My only motivation in reading it was because I've read all the others before this and wanted to know what happened but it has been a struggle to push through.

[Cely · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good but not great.

I love Bella Forrest however, half of this book is focused on Aisha and Julie. Being that everyone wanted a longer Ben and River story, I felt the author just started to throw ideas together to make it longer to prolong their happily ever after. So to me the book wasn't my favorite. It was good but it wasn't great.

[Angi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was starting to get a little bored with River and Ben's story. I think this was the most interesting out of all of them but it's strange to me that this is a story of River and Ben since they spend almost no time together. I hope the next two books live up to the expectation that the first two stories in the series gave me.

[D.R.Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fork of paths

I am looking forward to get on with another novel. Don't get me wrong I was so rapped up with this series that I read all twenty- two in less that a month. I hate to see the last novel but I am glad to jump to the Dragon series. I like to know what they've been up to with the humans in the Shade. Thank you Bella Forrest for the wonderful storytelling.

[Roberta Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best

I love these books once you start them you will not be able to stop! I an infatuated with them and wish i would've found them sooner than i did! Great Books

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars for this one as I was disappointed that there was so much content on Julie and Ashia. I can't stand her character especially now she's not directly linked to Ben. I also haven't much interest in the bloodless and hated the giant crab species all of which felt unnecessary.
I however loved that Ben and river shared more time together even without her realising it. Finding out Ben had inhabited the griffin was my favourite part of the book. I just hope that they will somehow be reunited in person at some point.
I'm somewhat curious to Dereks plan but I hope not too much of the next book focuses on him turning back into a vampire yet again... well shall see. I love the series especially Ben and rivers, this one just just wasn't my favourite.

Best parts:
-Ben protecting River despite all odds
-Ben being able to inhabit animals!
-river being to protect herself from the hunters
-the hunters lair and experiments on their captures. I wonder what they have actually done to river

Worst parts:
-focus and long chapters on Julie and the bloodless. I honesty don't care if her character is killed off and I like the chapters short and sharp
-new species such as the crabs that feel like filler
-not much effort seemed to be made from the people of the shade to find river

[Yasmin Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I mentally prepare myself for Ben and Rivers explosive finale, we are also thrown into the upcoming of what is to become of the Bloodless.

As a result, I have never felt more torn as to how I feel about this book:

In the background of this story, we have Julie and her (not so friendly) companion, Aisha. Aisha by far is a character I have genuinely grown to love because she absolutely hilarious even when her motives are for the greater good though her actions are arguable.

“She just dumped me down on the railing, right next to a crowd of Bloodless. Now I was sure that she intended to kill me”.

*excitedly yelling*
*I NEED MORE ANSWERS ABOUT THE BLOODLESS..!*

In the forefront, we have Ben who is discovering who he is and what is the place (if any) beyond death for all of them; whether we be humans, or supernaturals….But most aren’t willing to find out. As a result of still figuring out himself he finally finds a way to express himself in the physical in the most bizarre but beautiful way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ I felt this book didn’t justify being a 3 or 5!

My mind is reeling as I consider what would really become of Earth if the balance is tipped?

CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!

[Jess Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alors, un tome où les points de vue changent un peu et se centrent moins sur les Novak. Dans ce tome nous suivons surtout Julie et, par son intermédiaire, nous en apprenons plus sur les vampires zombies apparus dans le tome précédent. Son équipée avec Aisha (la djinn) et Uma (la sorcière) est bien mise en scène et je suis contente d'avoir déjà eu un début d'explication sur la nature des créatures. L'histoire est cruelle pour Julie (le passage où Aisha massacre tous ses amis est bien mené). En parallèle, on suit l'épopée de River (aux mains des chasseurs) et de Ben (toujours en forme spectrale) qui tente de l'aider. Les recherches menées par les chasseurs sont inquiétantes (je suis certaines que celà aura des conséquences pour River) et j'aime la nouvelle habilité de Ben.


Ce que j'aime : le fait que le tome soit centré sur autre chose que les Novak , les nouvelles capacités de Ben et les recherches menées par les chasseurs


Ce que j'aime moins : on avance quand même lentement


En bref : Un tome qui se centre sur les créatures trouvées sur Cruor et qui ouvre de nouveaux mystères


Ma note


7/10

[Amanda Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worst one so far

I'm in the middle of a serious binge read on this series. There have been many ups and downs on this journey and while I adore this series and this writer is awesome this is my least favorite book by far. While the paranormal is the main focus its also suppose to be a love story right?? So where's the love bella?? WAY too many character chapters which makes the story drag horribly..I found my self skimming paragraphs many times just to get to the point. With so many characters focused on it seemed like not much truly happens. I love this series but this one missed the mark

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to kill a Bloodless..

On his way to get help to free River, Ben discovers something new about his new ghostly form. Julie and Aisha team up and enlist the help of a witch to stop the bloodless. Although Julies main agenda is to find a cure so she can get her loved ones back. I really dont have a clue as to where things are headed for Ben in hisnghostly form but I really hope he gets his HEA. I do find it annoying thatbhe hasn't told anyone whats happened to him and wonder if he ever will.

[Roey Bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

My least favorite book in the series so far. I find Julie and Aisha to be super annoying characters, and Ben as a ghost just doesn't have the same level of action that I crave. Lots of him floating around trying to find himself. I did enjoy the very end when he takes control of the griffin; I am excited to see how that story line evolves.

[Maria Banales · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Sad

I can’t believe what bad luck Ben keeps getting.. I keep reading because I want things to get better for Ben but they haven’t yet, but I’m not giving up yet so I’m off to read book 23.. I really love these books..

[Deanna Darnell · Rating 3 out of 5]

least favorite out of the series so far. Usually I can not out the book down and finish within 2 days. This book I had to push myself to get through. (Good news is, I am on book 67 now, and I have not had that problem again.)

[Tiffany C · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one took me awhile. It’s just not as exciting as the other ones have been. Here’s to hoping the penultimate of River and Ben’s story is better! Honestly I’m more interested in the Jeremiah storyline than I am in Ben’s boring ghost life and he and River’s boring love life.

[Marisol Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another nail biting episode ....

Well, Ben sure has his hands full or not. Witches, Griffins, ghosts, oh my!!!!

Things can only get better for the people of The Shade right?????

Off to book #23

[Amber Gonzales · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I had more stars!!

I honestly wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. As the Novaks are always getting into something I enjoyed nothing more than how Ben overcame many obstacles and I cannot wait to read more!!

[Dania Mcclanahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

really liking this series

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great book in the Shade of Vampire series!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Getting to learn more about new supernaturals in every book. Will Ben and River ever get to be a happy couple? I keep reading to find out how their story will end.

[Sheila gullick · Rating 3 out of 5]

love this series

Love this series. This biok wasnt as good as the others but.still interesting and glad I read it. Ready for book 23.now

[Kelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

For sure one of my faves from 'A Shade of Vampire'!! I love Ben & River! I found this book to be very exciting and just want to keep reading page after page. I absolutely loved Hero!

[Penni Hollins 📚🐉 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found this book a bit long winded and being this is supposed to be Ben & Rivers story, it focused a great deal on Julie. Still let’s see what the next book does......

[Lisa W · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was SUCH a snore, I will be glad once Ben and River's story is over, and will probably take a break from the residents of The Shade for awhile

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finally gave up with the series at this point.