Darkworld

Darklight #3

by Bella Forrest

What lies beyond the tear?

After achieving sanctuary in Scotland, Lyra, Dorian, and their clan have earned a much-deserved reprieve. But they cannot sit still for long.

Darkness rises, unchecked, in both realms, while the tear continues to widen. With Alan’s chilling words ringing in their ears, it is time to face what Dorian has put off for so long: a return to the Immortal Plane.

Lyra remembers her small glimpse into that world, but this time, she will be on the ground, along with a small human-vampire team led by Dorian and Kane. It would be treacherous enough without Dorian’s attraction for her causing near-lethal heartburn... but maybe this journey will help them with that, too.

Together, the team must search for the truth to end the madness.

And discover just how deep the darkness lies.

Buy now.

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

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

406 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 30, 2019

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

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series keeps engaging my curiosity and admiration for Forrest’s imagination while proving a continuing struggle to read. Given how prolific Forrest is and Amazon’s promotion of her books, I assume I’m in the minority on the latter issue, but in defiance of Stephen King’s advice to writers to allow the reader to do some of the work and imagining, Forrest persists on overwriting (though I am very impressed that there are virtually no copyediting errors, a rarity in publishing today, especially given she is churning out close to a novel a month.) This novel, in which Dorian and Lyra and cohorts head to the Immortal Plane, is little more than a setup for the next novel. My major frustration is Dorian and Lyra and their relationship or lack there of.

Forrest is following the tried and true formula of keeping romantic partners at odds the first 2-3 novels of a series. The problem is that not only are their obstacles extraordinarily prohibitive, but these characters are not expressive people. The dangers leave little time for interaction leaving a growing void in the center of these novels where a deepening relationship should be. We rarely learn much at all about Dorian because the first-person narrative is so exclusively Lyra’s POV. When they do manage alone time in circumstances that allow physical contact they spend it kissing. They rarely talk about their lives, their likes and dislikes or share their lives. In this novel rather than lessening the things dividing them, Forrest intensifies their separateness. For now I choose to believe there is a reason for this continuing choice, but I found it increasingly difficult to feel any connection to these characters.

[Preri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing happened in this book? It was entirely a setup for the next one. This fell prey to the classic middle book syndrome. I'm going to read the next one in hopes that it picks up, but this was a disappointment.

We didn't even have Lyra and Dorian's relationship as a buffer because they're both dying or whatever. And if Forrest tells me one more time exactly who gets on which bird, I will shoot someone. Every time someone needs to ride a redbill, Forrest think it's very important to mention who exactly partners up to sit on the redbill for the five-minute journey. God, it's infuriating.

More than that, though, I'm mad that absolutely nothing was resolved in this book, and it just set up a bunch of things for the ending. Disappointing.

And I'm out.

[Nicole*bookaholic* · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really cool to get a look into the Immortal Plane. It reminds me a bit of Avatar.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good story, a positive 3.5 stars for me. It's not great, but it's pretty good. The only thing I'll say is that, when I'm reading a series that I've fallen in love with, I can't wait to read the one following the book I've just finished reading. I look at the total number of series books and hate knowing that the story will come to an end.

With the Darklight series, the thought of reading another book, much less the next 4 or 5, just makes me feel tired. The individual books aren't that long in terms of actual story development and plot movement, although they seem long enough. In truth, the author fills the length with way too much repetitive inner dialogue, so, to me, it drags on too much. I like the characters, but somehow this is more a dry telling of a potentially excellent story instead of a narrative that keeps me mentally and emotionally fully engaged.

I'm putting the series aside for now. I need something to light my fire. And it's not this.

[Lizzie J · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

It's a decrease down from 2.5 stars for book two, but still an overall increase in what I've since considered a primarily one star series.

Overall, there's nothing really to complain about that I haven't already mentioned in my reviews of the two previous books. The writing is long winded and filled primarily with filter (which is especially the case for this book, in which absolutely nothing happens. The dialogue is awkward, and I still don't understand the vampires (as in how many are in the group and what they do and do not know about the "mortal" world.)

The one good thing that I do enjoy about the series is Lyra and Dorian's relationship. I feel like, in the realm of vampire romances, it's actually moderately realistic. I suppose it's mostly from their inability to go near each other, but it's nice to see a little bit more of a slow-burn. I also like that, when it comes to their relationship, they aren't stupid about it and realize that there are more important things going on that they need to be prepared for.

But definitely the biggest issue with this one is the fact that it's basically pointless. I feel like this should have just been cut down to 50 pages or so and put into one of the other books, instead of just trying to increase revenue and sales by sticking a couple of pointless books in the middle of the series.

[louise sumner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly unputdownable!

Every page is filled with excitement, despair and a close bond that our heroes share. The author has a wealth of imagination. Often when an author describes another world, it comes across as 'cartooney' but this author has given this other world real depth and character. It is in equal parts terrifying and fascinating.

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

Darkworld is the third book in Bella Forrest’s Darklight series and is yet another steady and easily enjoyable vampiric tale that features an intriguing storyline and characters you can’t help but care for.

Having found unexpected sanctuary in Scotland after bringing down the corrupt Occult Bureau board members in Chicago, Lyra, Dorian and their clan are enjoying the reprieve from life on the run. Safe for the first time in a long time, they are content to enjoy their downtime but unfortunately darkness cannot be held at bay forever. The tear between the two planes is worse than ever and if there is any hope of fixing it, Lyra and her friends will need to venture into the Immortal Plane. Dorian hopes to find allies in his home world, but the grisly glimpses Lyra recalls doesn’t give her much hope. Venturing into the desolate world is treacherous enough without the pain Dorian’s attraction brings but Lyra has no choice but to withstand if the vampires and humans have any hope of saving both their worlds……

Picking up a few weeks after book two let off, Darkworld begins with Lyra and her friends in Scotland, having found an unexpected safe haven there before quickly giving us our first real glimpse of the Immortal Plane. I was super excited to see Bella Forrest finally begin exploring the vampires home world in this third book. I have so many questions about the vampires heritage and enemies and society and felt Forrest did a great job enticing and building on this curiosity.

The Immortal Plane is dark and dangerous; full of monsters and creatures that are deadly and brutal. The Immortals themselves are still much of a mystery but I’m appreciating the little hints here and there as to what they might be and what they can do. Forrest has crafted a dark but captivating world. It is enchanting in its own unique way and I enjoyed what we discovered. I certainly can’t wait to see more!

All the characters I’ve loved are back with them facing new dangers. If they thought overthrowing the Bureau was their biggest challenge, they haven’t seen anything yet as Forrest throws more threats their way. I’m still loving Lyra and Dorian as individuals and as a couple. Their relationship faces unique dangers and I really hope they can overcome in. Especially given that Louise and Sike are facing similar trials now and I’m even starting to pair others in my mind, specifically Roxy and Kane and Bryce and Arlonne. I want lots of romance and happiness for the characters in this series.

Ending at another climactic ending, Darkworld was an enjoyable read and leaves me ready to see what Bella Forrest has planned next!

[debturk1970_bookvibes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Otherworldly, Fascinating But Equally Horrifying!!🌐✨💫😱
(Read using Kindle Unlimited)
Darkworld: Darklight #3

Lyra, Dorian & co are still initially in Scotland. A mixed team head to America to assist with another breach from the tear that's potentially devastating!!😳 Dorian's main goal is still to re-enter the Immortal Plane to try & find more Vampires, gain proof that the old Bureau Board were working with the Immortal Enemies all along & to hopefully discover a way to close the tear!!

A very small team is given the all clear to attempt it. For the first time the core group of humans will be split up, possibly forever if the operation is a failure & they don't survive!💔😢 With two planes of existence on the line they have little choice though.😕 Its a tearful farewell.

The immortal Plane is unlike anything they could've prepared themselves for. It's hostile, completely foreign & it's frightening with its ease to confuse & disturb the senses!😱🙈 However, it also has wonder & beauty too. The way vampires feed, the darkness in souls, is more believable here.🙏

It all started to make a bit more sense for me in this book, I think?👍🙈😂 In some respects I wish I'd either never read any of the 'Shade of Vampire' books or that I hadn't gotten bored of them, at least then I wouldn't care as I knew nothing about their lore or I'd know if these 'Worlds' are connected!😔🙈 Stradling the line has been confusing me, I believe now it's a completely new & separate story world, there are just too many differences, phew.🎉 (I think. Lol)

This was a horribly fascinating insight into how the Vampire's have lived. There are revelations big & small that could have lasting impact on our heroes!! I'm so glad book #4 has already been released.😍💥

Debbie, 1970, UK

[Yo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I've ever read. I honestly have no idea how Bella even thinks of the things she writes, but her brilliant mind has made the perfect place for me. Personally the things I look for in a book are mainly the feeling of excitement while reading it and of course as a person from 21th century being thrown in a world which we all have been dreaming of living in. And supernaturals and some danger are all I want in there. Not only did I get that by reading this book and the previous two but I also received a great and badass protagonist (certainly not a damsel in distress thank goodness) whom I loved from the start. So if you've read the other two books and are trying to decide whether to read this one as well the only thing I have to say is: "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR???". And if you haven't then the same goes for you, but make sure you read the other ones before this one. Otherwise you won't understand anything. Unfortunately I can't say I've read any other books from Bella Forrest, but I can promise that I will and if they're as good as these three then I guess I'll have to prepare some snacks and coke for a one month Bella Forrest marathon and stay at home for awhile. Certainly buying the next one in the series.

[Kristina Harrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was both thrilling and captivating.

The romance between Lyra and Dorian are both exciting and saddening at the same time. She feels strong for him but won't say anything. He says romantic things but she doesn't respond. Grrr. You think she would jump to trying a way to fix there problem but she holds back. Her dreams about his brother left me befuddled, y is she having them and what do they mean. Time and time again do I wish i could hear Dorian thoughts but the book is written from her point of the story. I love the letters it kinda give you what he's thinking. Both need to voice there feelings before it's to late. I'll end with that. A great book and cannot wait til the next one!!! Bella I have to say this series is really great next to Shade of Vampire book series. The novack series. :) Keep writing I can't wait to see where this series goes.

[Cristy Upshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

What lies beyond the tear?

After achieving sanctuary in Scotland, Lyra, Dorian, and their clan have earned a much-deserved reprieve. But they cannot sit still for long.

Darkness rises, unchecked, in both realms, while the tear continues to widen. With Alan’s chilling words ringing in their ears, it is time to face what Dorian has put off for so long: a return to the Immortal Plane.

Lyra remembers her small glimpse into that world, but this time, she will be on the ground, along with a small human-vampire team led by Dorian and Kane. It would be treacherous enough without Dorian’s attraction for her causing near-lethal heartburn... but maybe this journey will help them with that, too.

Together, the team must search for the truth to end the madness.

And discover just how deep the darkness lies.

[Heidi Hanley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot stop reading this series. If anyone feels the beginning is slower than the first two, don't despair. The last half of the book more than makes up for it. The stakes have never been higher for the vampires or for Dorian and Lyra personally. I love how Bella Forest just keeps raising the stakes in our world and in the Immortal Planes, which, by the way is a fantastically beautiful, scary and amazing place. The colors, the souls, the Harvesters. I was enthralled by this journey. Bella is also doing a wonderful job at growing the individual characters in this series. And, by the way, if Dorian Clave ever called me "His Heidi" I'd follow him to the Immortal Planes and beyond. I nearly swooned! I had to hurry and write this review so I could download Darklight 4!

[Larry Coppock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite A Verbose Continuation

The first 2 offerings in this series kept me enthralled and motivated to continue reading. I had hoped that would have continued with this, the 3rd in the series so far. With everything previously building up to a return to the immortal plane I was disappointed at the amount of time spent reading prior to reaching the actual return. This by no means is the fault of the author, who includes sufficient minute details as to fill every nook and cranny of curiosity, but is my fault for being an impatient reader. I’m beginning to feel as if this is a love story between vampires rather than an adventure to save mankind. Depending on your reading preferences, if you love details and long drawn out scenarios, this is the book for you.

[Kirsten Ensman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey to the other side

We go to the vampires world in this book. A world not like anything I have read before. A world where souls go and many stay. A world full of new characters and a way of life full of scary moments for humans and even for vampires. I enjoyed the adventure and even found some humor in some of the characters. Lyra and Dorian find more issues with their love in his world that really puts a stop to all contact within 15 ft because they both now experience the pain. The vampires they find are looking out for themselves and do not care about what they have to share with them. They are on their own. Injuries and difficulties with no information on what to do in the city make their mission next to impossible. Very good and intense read!

[Melanie Chatterley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing happened, mostly awkward dialogue and listening to Lyra’s brain talk mostly about resting and needing to talk to Dorian about every small thing that happens. I’ve tried to stick with the series, but after this book I can’t.

It’s definitely a buffer book, the story seems to float around its self and never really engage the reader. We have great descriptions of places yet the characters get nothing. The dialogue between the characters is awful, and the timings of them are strange.

I’ve loved previous books, but anyone wanted to read Bella Forrest avoid this series and go for child thief, the girl who or the gender wars. They are brilliant, this feels lack lustre.

[Winkinblinkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshing divergence from BF's beloved 'Shade' series

As a fan of all 'BF' books, the 'Darklight' series is so vividly written, that I can't help but hope to see it turned into a blockbuster movie series, a Pixar series or, perhaps, something in between, like 'Avatar'. Beautifully, imaginative, with increasingly well rounded and developed characters. Just when I am sure all angles have been approached, BF, once again, presents a seemingly impossible new take on what it is to be a vampire.

[Jackie Feeler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Drags on and on

I love the story line of this saga, however it has become a bit boring. It is the same old same old. Every encounter with a new character has so much detail that is irrelevant to the story line. I skipped several paragraphs towards the end of this book because I was tired of reading the same thing over and over. Given the complexity, I understand some needed details but for real...zzzz....zzzz. Oh I’m awake now and nothing significant happened during my reading nap.

[Adriana Baxter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyra and Dorian! I seriously love them i can’t wait to see what this journey takes them to solve the curse that is affecting them it sucks but it keeps everything very Interesting ...Now the immortal world seem something so fascinating & so scary! I can’t wait to see more of the immortals honestly and meet some of the new interesting characters ... I can’t wait for the next book!!! I need answers!!

[Nereid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Defensive tactics

Another interesting instalment and there is a lot going on. Vampire human relations are progressing but the tear is a very real threat and the team need to find out how to close it. Lora and Dorian are struggling with maintaining distance from each other and outside forces are working against them. Just another day on the VAMPS team. A fun read and I am enjoying this series.

[BookwormMomma7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative

Dorian and the crew finally go into the immortal world looking for allies to help their cause and the journey there is like nothing a human has ever experienced and have some new experiences for the vampires too.

I love how the actor blends paranormal and sci-fi into its own story and how well executed it is. Be ready for the next book this one ends in a cliffhanger.

[Trisha Kane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets go to another world and can we survive?

The story just keeps getting better and better. Now we learn a bit more about the group of mismatched people in our favorite outcasts. The relationship goes a little farther between Dorian and Lyra. Then they go to the Mortal Plane! It gets crazy, but the visualization that is described is so intense. I'm loving exploring through this new land as I read. Ends on a cliffhanger and now is and wait to get to the next one.

[Katie Santa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am falling in love with Lyra and Dorian! I’m so excited that they talked things through and will try to figure out a way to stop this curse which seems to not only affect Lyra, but now Dorian as well. I’m also excited that we were introduced to the immortal plane more...but those immortals suck! I hate them! What a amazing new world. Definitely will be staying caught up with this series 💕

[Tina Oeffler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing as Always

Bella never disappoints, it was very thrilling and exciting. I love the romance between Lyra and Doria, my heart aches for them though. I do hope they figure something out and soon. The anticipation is killing me. As for the Immortals, I really look forward and hope they get what’s coming to them.

[Laurie Cork · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly intense, I couldn't put it down!

The romantic tension between Lyra and Dorian keeps you on your toes waiting for a solution to their torture. The past of the action in the book keeps you reading because there is never a lack of something happening. It id's never boring! I can't wait for the next addition to their story;

[Tricia Gauslin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

This book was very exciting. Learning g more about the immortal world and the curse between Dorian and Lyra. What will happen next? Will they beat the immortals? Will they find a cure for the curse? Can't wait to go d out in the next few books! Sorry g on the edge of my seat!

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall rating: 5

These brave characters manage to secure a level of temporary safety but still need to forge for a m=better future. Thus means facing even more dangers from a different realm. This storyline is epic, and I just can’t get enough answers. Definitely compelled to load in the next! Hooked yet again. All my reviews are always voluntarily written.

[J.C. Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

A glimpse into the other side

I would love to know what the Immortal Plane was like before the Tear. The suspense continues as the curse gains more traction but also more information. Im glad despite the ...hardship...Dorian & Lyra want to push forward. Nothing new on the unholy alliance so I hope it's coming in the next book.

[Jessica Pritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes vampires and romances! I chose this rating because I really did enjoy this book! I really love how descriptive Bella Forrest is at explaining things! She doesn't over do it or under do it! Can't wait to get started on book 4!!! Luckily I don't have to wait for it to come out!

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better

This book was better than the last and kept me more interested. I'm still not a fan of the series. I'm a little tired of "the curse". My favorite character so far is the harvester and even he was cryptic. I'm continuing on with the series though. Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment.

[timothy rishel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing

Loving this series as much as The Shade! I'm pulling for Lyra and Dorian to find the cure soon so they can finally be together. Bella has an endless imagination. That she can write about vampires, in different books, and put a whole other spin on their etiquette is just one example. I'm a fan of Bella Forrest!