A Flight of Souls

A Shade of Vampire #23

by Bella Forrest

Expect the unexpected...

The PENULTIMATE BOOK in Ben and River's story as we move toward the enthralling finale in Book 24.

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

314 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 21, 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

[J. Kahele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ben

After Ben is able to use the oracle to speak to his girlfriend, mother and sister he is determined to find a way to escape his ghost for and return to a human. But that is soon disrupted when he is kidnapped by faes who take him to the ghoul realm.

In this realm he finds two people he knows very well Kaitlyn and his uncle Lucas. He needs to escape her if he is ever to return to his loved ones but each time he tried the ghouls stop him. Will Ben ever find his way out?

[Judy Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY! OH MY! OH MY! FABULOUSLY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: A Flight of Souls
Series: A Shade of Vampire
Designation: Book Twenty Three of a Multi-Novel Serial, NOT a Standalone Read
Author: Bella Forrest
Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: FIVE CAPTIVATING STARS *****
A Flight of Souls by Bella Forrest is the twenty third release in the spellbinding A Shade of Vampire Series and has totally left me breathless - again! 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 beautifully written supernatural/fantasy/adventure saga unlike anything I've ever read. The story is exceptionally well crafted, unique, imaginative, thrilling, fast paced, riveting, action packed, suspenseful, sweet, romantic and at times, deeply disturbing. 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. After twenty three books in a series, some might think that the story has grown old and stale but nothing could be farther from the truth. In each book, Forrest takes her readers on a psychological roller coaster ride that keeps us on the edge of our seat and riveted to each page with our impassioned emotions alternating between heartbreaking and heartwarming. And the icing on the cake, Forrest's books are always well edited, perfectly 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.

A Flight of Souls is the penultimate book in the story of Ben Novak, Prince of the Shade and the beautiful River Giovanni, the woman who captured his heart. Since this is the next to last book in Ben and River's story, I knew before I began reading that this release would be exceptional as Forrest prepares her readers for the long awaited conclusion of Ben's saga. And Forrest did not disappoint! Our story immediately picks up after Ben's miraculous rescue of River from the Hunters. Against all odds, he was able to save River and return her to her family at the Shade but sadly, his predicament has not changed. After Ben was faced with an impossible decision, he chose the ultimate sacrifice in order to free himself of the influence of the Elder Basilius to save both the human and supernatural realms from the ominous threat of the resurrection of the Elders thereby preventing their return to power. Tragically, Ben has learned that sometimes, those perceived as friends should never be trusted and finds himself still trapped between life and death. At this point, Ben is weary and discouraged with very few choices and even less hope. With limited options, Ben decides to leave the Shade and return to the The Tavern in hopes that he can find someone who can help. But before he can cross through the portal back to the Supernatural Realm, Ben is pulled back to the cave of Hortencia the Oracle where he finds his mother Sophia, his sister Rose and his beloved River. Ben once again attempts to decipher the puzzling ramblings of the enigmatic Oracle. But are her statements meant to help or harm? Are they meant to inspire hope or do they warn of the future doom to come? As the prophecy comes 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. In Book 23, A Flight of Souls, we continue to follow Ben on his journey as he, once again, attempts the impossible in order to save himself and return to the lovely, kindhearted River and his loving family at the Shade. Startling pieces to the puzzle are slowly revealed only to be replaced by even more perplexing questions as we also revisit ghosts from the past. 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 his way back to the woman he loves??? 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, fae, ghouls and even a hellhound-you bet! Danger, drama, adventure, suspense, mind blowing plot twists, an unexpected betrayal, a heartbreaking loss, an old enemy returns, a dangerous new enemy emerges along with several unexpected and very surprising ghosts from the past-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. This is one book you don't want to miss as Forrest expertly weaves the threads of the story together for what I can only guess will be an explosive conclusion. 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 24! Completely captivating, seriously sexy, powerfully compelling and delightfully entertaining!!!
My Rating: FIVE ENTERTAINING STARS *****

[Laurielu Bona Fide Reflections · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was not Ben and River's HEA. There is another book that is coming before readers actually get that (sigh). But, the ending left you wanting to read for more reasons than just Ben and River's HEA. Some characters are resurrected and you want to see how that pans out; as well as the time constraints Ben and 5 other friends/family that were let out of the ghoul realm must meet in order to remain "living." The path before them will be laborious especially with the time constraint they have before them.

[Toni Vincett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was okay

I still am not a fan for Ben sadly but I did enjoy the story. I am looking forward to reading more

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I've really liked and enjoyed this series and it has certainly kept me entertained; I feel sometimes the author is grasping at straws to keep it going. It gets a little out there (for being a book about mystical creatures even lol), it's like the never ending story. The poor residents of the shade just keep going round and round, jumping from one issue to the next. There have been some nice surprises along the way and introductions to characters I thought we were done seeing anything from. Definitely interesting...

[Emma Jefferson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story really was a roller coaster of emtions as ben the ghost had to fight to get back to his family and the journey he had to take in order to feel whole again. The ghouls realm was creepy. I would of hated to be in ben shoes. It was increiable espically as Ben meet a man from the past who i through would never been seen again. talk about surpises.

[Sinead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite mind blowing how Bella has managed to keep this tale alive through so many books and still evoke 5 stars out of me. Ben & Rivers story certainly hasn't disappointed! I've marked the date for the final instalment! I look forward to wrapping this story up, but I have sincerely enjoyed every single book. I look forward to seeing what this author offers in the future.

[Yasmin Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series and whilst I loved the intentions for the development of this particular story, I wouldn’t say this is my favourite book of all.

In the beginning few chapters we learn different characters point of views which is refreshing and as such, we understand that Ben finally gets to open up to the ones he loves even if it wasn’t his choice or way of doing things.

Having informed his beloved of the current predicament, he is then rather rudely instructed that he needs to stop being a coward by wandering around as he currently has accepted. Ben needs to take charge and find out what is on ‘the other side’.

This book reiterated that the Novak’s, whilst may face some hardships, are determined to show their strength mentally even when the physical has been taken away from them.

As for the fathers in this book, we learn what it’s like to deal with having lost their sons only to be reunited with them in one way, shape or form. The consequences of how long being away from their children has impacted their moral compass; for better or worse?

So whilst I would definitely recommend reading these books, This is first time I have struggled as I couldn’t imagine the underworld vividly in Bella’s writing, even though you may understand the concept.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

BUT I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK BECAUSE.... a war hero is coming. Will they win or fall?

Which is why I’m thinking it’s more 4 Stars 🚨😁

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Another good read however I thought the jeriamiah and Derek plot was pointless and the story dragged a little more than others. That being said I feel that this was mostly unavoidable due to Ben being in the underworld. I'd also like to learn more about Marcilla in the next book as we didn't get much in this one.
I enjoyed the reaction to Lucas returning to the shade and I'm intrigued to see what happens next and what Claudia makes of it.

My favourite parts of this book were Ben being reunited with river and Ben temporarily getting his body back. I liked the idea of the ghouls punishment how how this tied into the previous narrative where monk left the shade believing Kiev had cheated.

I wasn't sure at first about the return of Lucas and I'm still on the fence about having him back at the shade.

I am looking forward to Ashia visiting the shade and also reading of Kaitlyn and Aidens reunion.

[Jess Swann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Un nouveau tome, centré sur Ben qui nous présente une nouvelle partie du monde surnaturel.J'ai beaucoup aimé l'idée des goules et de l'enfer ainsi que la manière dont se constituent les fantômes. Le retour d'anciens personnages m'a également énormément plu ! Bon d'accord, pour celle qui revient ça m'était un peu égal mais je suis ravie du retour de Lucas. Le pacte fait avec les fées est bien amenés et on sent que celà va être tendu au vu de ce qui est arrivé aux Djinns en l'absence de Ben... Par contre, j'ai complétement perdu de vue Julie et les créatures : j'espère que nous les reverrons dans le prochain tome !


Ce que j'aime : le retour de Lucas et la méthode Derek pour Jeremiah


Ce que j'aime moins : beaucoup de longueurs (le passage dans les enfers dure un temps fou) et j'ai complétement perdu de vue l'intrigue des créatures


En bref : Un tome qui vaut surtout par ses rebondissements mais souffre de longueurs et oublie complètement une partie de l'intrigue


Ma note


7/10

[D.R.Slater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fight of souls

I was hoping for a rap up of the Shade series and we go on as slaughtered lamps another novel now number twenty four. Ben has a promise to fulfill, will the faithful reader's ever see a happy ending. Oh ! how Bella Forrest has weaved her web of storytelling and held her reader's to this everlasting, never-ending , turmoil of a shaded path that never seem to end. Yet, we find ourselves unable to place this story down and say no more . . . how much more can this family get into trouble.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the penultimate book in the River and Ben segment of the Shade of Vampires series. Previous sections of the series have been quite entertaining, but the story of Ben’s wanderings just flops around from one weird scenario to the next, each more preposterous than the previous one. It lacks focus and fails to hold this reader’s attention. I give it two stars instead of one because the story to this point has been sufficiently engaging that I want to find out how Ben’s dilemma is resolved. But it seems an endless journey.

[Maria Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was utterly ghoulish😁

Oh wow! I can barely believe the turn that Ben's life has taken and what he has become. I was on pins and needles reading this. And then to discover the two people he did in the underworld of all places. I'm blown away. Add on the new supernatural beings that are introduced....wow. How Bella still manages to surprise me with all her twists is beyond me. She is incredibly creative and talented and I'm glad for it. This was such a GOOD read.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this book had me on the edge of my seat multiple times, breathless and excited to say the least! No other series has had me captivated like this one, and so glad its gone on and on, never becoming boring or mundane. Already reading the next one no doubt it will be as awesome as all the rest.

[Ashley Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smoke!!!

I cannot begin to explain this book. Amazon would let me review the last one but this one was AMAZING compared to the last. The secon tonlast book in Ben and Rivers story is dire to the series!!!

[Marisol Acevedo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah Didn’t see that coming!!!

So much has transpired with the members of the Shade. Vivianne, Ibriham, Sophia, Derek, River, Rose, Ben, Celeb, Jeremiah, and Lucas, wait...what?!?!?!

Lmao off too #24

[Tenna Chatman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing creatures of all kinds

This book not only has a strong story, but also lots of different creatures. If you don't like one just wait, more are coming. Also Ben is a true hero and River too. They both have grown so much and been through a lot!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waiting to find out what happens

Ready to see what happens to Ben and River. Also interested to see if we learn anything more about the fae, the bloodless, and the ghouls.

[Sheila gullick · Rating 4 out of 5]

love the series

Love the series. Ben is a strong character. Along with the rest. I'm follow ben and river character. Hopefully they can make it. I will find out soon

[Maria Banales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yea Ben

I am so in love with these books.. I am totally team Ben.. I can’t wait to see what happens next.. Well I’m off to book 24..

[Kelly Gunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow and wow. I'm not gonna spoil it for anyone but wow

[Kelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one. I just love Ben and River. I have to admit I almost lost interest at one point. I'm glad I didn't. The ending is wonderful!

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all these books

It made me cry at one point when he had to tell river his mum and sister he was dead

[BookDragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too many story lines

Too much going on really wish she would just stick to one storyline and not spread it out through so many books.

[Tiffany C · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was great! Kept me hooked the whole time. Can’t wait to read the next!!

[Lou shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ben's story has gone further then expected in the book I'm excited too see where Bella takes this story

[Katie Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I kept saying just one more chapter.... and ended up staying up until 1am finishing. Soooo good!!

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite book of the series so far!

[Elizbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRAZY STUFF HAPPENS IN THIS BOOK!! SOOOO GOOD!!!!

[J.E. Benoit · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely the buildup I was waiting for to what’s shaping up to be an epic finale for Ben and River’s story! My biggest gripe about the previous book was that Ben and River were not featured quite enough in it, well that was rectified in this one with Ben being the primary narrator throughout. There were a few chapters here and there from Derek and River but mainly this was Ben doing whatever he could to make his way back to River and his family. As always, I am in awe that after all this time the author can still find ways to surprise me. I was not expecting at all many of the things that happened in this book but it sucked me right in and kept me glued to the pages. I loved where this leg of the journey ended, I was even left with tears in my eyes at a few scenes. But there is still quite the uphill battle left for Ben and his friends before we can say this is a HEA and I am super excited to pick up the final book to see how it all ends up!