Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
If you want to experience the Shade of Kiev trilogy, you have two primary options depending on how deep you want to dive into Bella Forrest's massive supernatural universe. The first option is reading the trilogy as a standalone story, while the second is integrating it chronologically into the main series, which is highly recommended by both the author and dedicated fans.
Option 1: The Standalone Route
For readers who only want to follow the redemption arc of the brooding vampire Kiev Novalic without committing to the massive multi-season parent series, A Shade of Vampire, you can read the trilogy straight through. In this case, simply read the books in order of their release:
- A Shade of Kiev (Book 1)
- A Shade of Kiev 2 (Book 2)
- A Shade of Kiev 3 (Book 3)
This path focuses strictly on Kiev's trial, his banishment to a remote island of misfits, his encounter with the powerless witch Mona, and their eventual bond. However, you will miss out on the initial context of why Kiev is despised and feared by the main characters of the universe, as well as the aftermath of his actions.
Option 2: The Intertwined Universe Route (Recommended)
Because the events of Kiev's story directly spin off from and loop back into the main storyline, reading the books in the author's recommended order prevents major spoilers. If you want the full context of Kiev's dark history, his villainous role, and his transition into a redemptive antihero, follow this exact sequence:
- A Shade of Vampire Books 1–7: This comprises Season 1 (the Derek and Sofia arc). You will see Kiev at his absolute worst as a ruthless enforcer, setting the stage for his fall and eventual quest for redemption.
- A Shade of Kiev (Book 1) & A Shade of Kiev 2: Read these two books immediately after completing Book 7 (A Break of Day). This covers Kiev's trial, exile, and his early interactions with Mona.
- A Shade of Vampire Book 8 (A Shade of Novak): Jump back to the main series to read Book 8, which progresses the main plot line and aligns the timelines.
- A Shade of Kiev 3: Read the conclusion of the Kiev trilogy here to finish his immediate romance and redemption arc with Mona.
- A Shade of Vampire Book 9 (A Bond of Blood): Return to the main series to continue the overarching plot.
- The remaining A Shade of Vampire books: Continue onward through the subsequent seasons.
Publication Order of Shade of Kiev Books
Bella Forrest published the trilogy in quick succession between late 2014 and early 2015. Because the series was released as a companion to the rapidly expanding main series, there is no difference between the publication order and the chronological order of the spin-off itself. The publication sequence is as follows:
- A Shade of Kiev (Published: 2014) – Kiev Novalic faces execution for his past misdeeds on the island of The Shade but escapes to a new island alongside a powerless witch named Mona.
- A Shade of Kiev 2 (Published: 2014) – Tensions rise as Kiev is forced to gain Mona's trust while navigating the politics of a sanctuary populated by vampires, werewolves, ogres, and other outcasts.
- A Shade of Kiev 3 (Published: 2015) – The explosive finale where Mona unlocks her dormant magical abilities, Kiev confronts the shadows of his past, and they secure their place together.
Deep Dive: The Misfit Sanctuary and Cast of Characters
The setting of the Shade of Kiev trilogy is one of its most unique elements. Unlike the structured, often oppressive vampire hierarchy found in the main series, Kiev and Mona escape to an uncharted island sanctuary populated by supernatural outcasts. Here, vampires live alongside werewolves, ogres, and witches in an uneasy peace. This diverse cast of species forces Kiev—who spent centuries viewing other creatures as lesser beings or tools—to adapt to a community built on mutual survival.
Mona is the heart of this sanctuary. Originally introduced as a powerless witch enslaved by hawk-like creatures, her journey from vulnerability to immense magical authority is a primary focus of the trilogy. Her connection to the island's unique wildlife, including her dolphin companions, adds a whimsical, high-fantasy layer to the story. The interaction between Kiev’s dark, brooding vampire nature and Mona's bright, resilient spirit forms the core romantic tension that drives the narrative forward across all three volumes.
Chronological Caveats and Universe Connections
While the trilogy wraps up Kiev and Mona’s primary romance, their story does not end with A Shade of Kiev 3. Bella Forrest designed the series not as a completely isolated pocket universe, but as a thread that weaves back into the main tapestry. Readers should keep the following connections and caveats in mind:
The Legend of Brock Novalic: Kiev and Mona later have a son named Brock Novalic. Brock grows up to become a prominent character in the later seasons of the main A Shade of Vampire series (particularly starting around Season 4, A Clan of Novaks). If you skip the Kiev trilogy, you will miss the vital history of Brock's parents, making his appearances in the main series feel less impactful.
A Shade of Dragon Tie-ins: Another companion spin-off trilogy, A Shade of Dragon, features the dragon-shifter Theon. The best place to read the Dragon trilogy is immediately after completing A Shade of Vampire Book 16 (An End of Night), which is when Theon is first introduced to the reader. Just like the Kiev books, the Dragon spin-off adds rich lore to the wider universe and should be read before continuing into the later arcs of the main series.
What to Know Before You Start
Before you jump into the dark, romantic world of the Shade of Kiev, here are a few practical tips to enhance your reading experience:
A Shift in Tone: The Shade of Kiev books feature a noticeably darker, more gritty tone compared to the early Derek and Sofia books in A Shade of Vampire. Kiev is a severely flawed protagonist with a history of terrible crimes, and his redemption is slow, hard-fought, and morally complex. The setting also shifts from the familiar locations of the main series to a unique island of supernatural misfits, complete with dolphin-powered transport and ogre craftsmanship.
No Co-Authors: Unlike many modern long-running paranormal romance series that use ghostwriters or co-authors, the Shade of Kiev trilogy was written entirely by Bella Forrest. This ensures a consistent voice and seamless continuity with the first season of the main series.
The "Eye Color" Detail: Fans of the series often note the symbolic changes in Kiev's eyes—shifting from the crimson red of a classic vampire to an emerald green as he progresses along his path of redemption and humanity. Paying attention to these subtle visual cues highlights his internal transformation.
Summary of the Reading Order Options
To help you decide, here is a quick comparison of the two paths:
- The Quick Route (Trilogy Only): Read A Shade of Kiev 1, 2, and 3 back-to-back. Best for readers who only care about Kiev and Mona, but lacks deep context on why Kiev needs redemption.
- The Complete Experience (Intertwined): Read A Shade of Vampire 1–7, then Kiev 1–2, then Vampire 8, then Kiev 3, then Vampire 9+. Best for full emotional payoff and complete understanding of the wider universe, including the future generation characters like Brock Novalic.