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Shadows of the Night
“Nothing good ever comes without sacrifice. Some of us just found clarity in the darkness of those shadows.”
*
Nyx Monroe grew up with terrifying tales of golden-eyed beasts with nightmarish fangs and murderous tendencies but as time passed, she forgot about them, convinced they were just scary stories. When her father, Azeil Monroe, is tasked with solving the murders plaguing the coastal city of Celacali, it’s a chance at a fresh start.
However, Nyx discovers everything is not what it seems beneath the veneer of the popular tourist location, also known as the City of the Dead. Something dark resides there—death and carnage reincarnate.
Plunged into the city’s shadows, Nyx stumbles into the open arms of notorious Orion, Kotori, Niko, and Kade—the boardwalk is their blood-stained domain.
They’ve been waiting for twenty-five years to exact their revenge for a debt long overdue, luring Nyx and her father back to where it all began. Whilst they distract Azeil with one murder case after the other, their focus shifts to Nyx.
Soon, there’s nowhere left for her to run—to hide—from the true beasts of legend, or from the darkness of her past.
*
Nyx Monroe grew up with terrifying tales of golden-eyed beasts with nightmarish fangs and murderous tendencies but as time passed, she forgot about them, convinced they were just scary stories. When her father, Azeil Monroe, is tasked with solving the murders plaguing the coastal city of Celacali, it’s a chance at a fresh start.
However, Nyx discovers everything is not what it seems beneath the veneer of the popular tourist location, also known as the City of the Dead. Something dark resides there—death and carnage reincarnate.
Plunged into the city’s shadows, Nyx stumbles into the open arms of notorious Orion, Kotori, Niko, and Kade—the boardwalk is their blood-stained domain.
They’ve been waiting for twenty-five years to exact their revenge for a debt long overdue, luring Nyx and her father back to where it all began. Whilst they distract Azeil with one murder case after the other, their focus shifts to Nyx.
Soon, there’s nowhere left for her to run—to hide—from the true beasts of legend, or from the darkness of her past.
294 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2023
39 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Charlize K. Kelly
4 books49 followersCharlize K. Kelly writes dark, paranormal romance with unorthodox characters and adventures of the deliciously corrupt kind. She’s a villain’s villain and quests for the ethereal of eighties glam rock, bridging the then and now in every chapter.
When she’s not creating fictional worlds, she spends her time reading, hanging out with her dog Satan, and blasting Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi from the coast to the Wheatbelt.
Charlize lives in Western Australia and dreams of the day somebody will bring the eighties back with a modern edge.
When she’s not creating fictional worlds, she spends her time reading, hanging out with her dog Satan, and blasting Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and Bon Jovi from the coast to the Wheatbelt.
Charlize lives in Western Australia and dreams of the day somebody will bring the eighties back with a modern edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
August 3, 2025
You guys know I’m a sucker for Vampires, and this one is a WHY CHOOSE romance! 🖤if you love books like The Crow Lord and Stalked by Seduction and Shadows, and also you are a fan of The Lost Boys, you will love this! This series is DARK 😈 not for the faint of heart so make sure to check the triggers!
The world building is so intriguing, I was captivated by the murder mysteries, the supernatural creatures and how this all links to Nyx’s past. The vampire lore is well done and the story is character driven (my fav type!). The descriptions at times were a bit long, I feel like it could have been shortened down a bit. But overall I love morally grey characters so I really connected to the story ! Nyx is a strong and layered female lead and honestly a perfect match for the four vampire men who are unapologetically bloodthirsty 🩸like… they 💀 people and don’t even flinch.
The world building is so intriguing, I was captivated by the murder mysteries, the supernatural creatures and how this all links to Nyx’s past. The vampire lore is well done and the story is character driven (my fav type!). The descriptions at times were a bit long, I feel like it could have been shortened down a bit. But overall I love morally grey characters so I really connected to the story ! Nyx is a strong and layered female lead and honestly a perfect match for the four vampire men who are unapologetically bloodthirsty 🩸like… they 💀 people and don’t even flinch.
October 31, 2023
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book from the author and all I have to say is I’m glad I did. As soon as I picked up the book I couldn’t put it down, and binge read it in almost two days. The romance simmered in the beginning, but the further you got through the book the better. I do warn that it is not for the faint of heart and that you should read the content warnings first. Apart from that it is so addicting I am glad I read it and will be recommending to friends!!!
October 24, 2023
ARC REVIEW WITH VERY LITTLE SPOILERS (Barely any)
Rating: 4.5
I'm very picky when it comes to books but-
Despite being a dark romance, this reminds me more of a psychological horror with elements of darker romance in it blending into the plot. It's one of those stories where the gore isn't what bothers you, rather it's the way the characters interact with each other. It's the way that they constantly use trust and friendship, family and love as weapons. It's about becoming the monster you swore to defeat. That's what makes it truly terrifying. In the wake of reading this novel, I rewatched "The Lost Boys." I admit, it's been years since I watched the film but this book reminded me of why I loved it so much. It was the undertones. "The Lost Boys" was never about vampires, sure it was on the surface, but it was always about the way that different forms for families effect people. As " The Atlantic" article quotes:
"The movie’s portrayal of a seemingly wayward mother and her adolescent sons debuted at a time when many Americans feared the deterioration of traditional dynamics in the home—between parent and child, husband and wife. More so than the other films of its era, The Lost Boys subtly challenged dominant cultural expectations that saw the nuclear family as a social and moral ideal."
The film came out in a time when Ronald Regan (Yes, the literal devil) had done his grand damage to the US and so many other countries. When the Moral Majority, a group who worked hard to demonize people for their sexualities, women for having choices over their own bodies and the satanic panic. It stooped down to cuddle the Christian right, a group who still harms so many people today. The film challenged that man and woman relationship that the group held so dear. Lucy Emerson was doing well, she found a job and did what she needed to take care of her family. Only when Max came along did it ruin her family structure. The notorious vampires was just as fine without a mother. The Lost Boys challenged the way we see family and the way that movements such as the Moral Majority view those who live lives outside of their margins. Now less about The Lost Boys.
Shadows Of The Night did just that. As a retelling, I must applaud Charlize for writing a masterpiece with so many undertones, with so many different directions. As their debut piece, I have to admit I was astounded by the work and effort that was put into this. They made a world where I actually feel like I could go and belong. The setting is beautiful and reminds me of my own place in the states as I live near on the east coast of the US.
This book in itself is a critique of morality.
It asks us is it okay to protect ourselves and when is it enough? Does protecting ourselves make us just as much as a monster as the perpetrator? What are we to do when people use our past pains and traumas to control us? When do we forgive the people who hurt us and do we ever have to? I love these thought provoking questions.
My only main problem is why didn't the mother beg her daughter to stay if she knew what danger returning would be?
Azeil is a symbol generational trauma and passed by oral or physical fear. He in his own way seems to be both a slave to his past and the fear of losing his daughter by being too protective or lenient. Nyx's personal questions are interesting and adds a special edge to the story. It's made me question what was really going on but with Azeil's pov anchoring the reality, it's a really cool dynamic. Both seem to question their reality. Nyx represents breaking generational trauma or the way that newer generations suffer with the consequences of the older generations fear/trauma/mental illnesses. Kade represents the taste of freedom, the gateway that coaxs one out of generational fear. Niko represents the recklessness that can come from the freedom from generational trauma or toxic spaces(religion/family/relationships/living situations/etc.), Kotori represents relent and maturing as well as a fight with internal morality while Orion is the final step towards complete freedom. As someone who has had to leave high control groups led by fear of the " Outside" Nyx resonates with me. We mention things like Chinese food and spices. How does geography work in this world?
“I understand why we chose Nyx but I …” He shook his head, dark hair hurriedly raked out of his eyes when it fell in front of his face. “That’s not my revenge, Orion. That’s yours. I didn’t want to kill those girls to entice Azeil back here … but I did. Because it was part of our plan. They didn’t have to die but they needed to … for our plan.” (Kotori)(My favorite quote from this book which really challenges the way we view the villains.)
Why didn't they order her to the station for questioning? I actually think that in a way, it's genius not having her being questioned to show the unfairness that can come from police and law, the way they can protect their own and go above the law. I love the way Azeil's rage at his daughter is depicted, the way that trauma can make some of the most level headed people forget their past, forget their faults. His fear, not telling her the dangers is what put her in harms way. I think that author was absolutely genius in this portrayal. He doesn't look at the way that he put his daughter in harms way, that it's just as much his fault as hers. His fear warped his perception and I love this. He takes his daughter to a place where danger is, doesn't warn her and then blames her, throwing her to the curve.
I can not express how much I love Kotori(Asher too but more on him later.). He's the reasonable character, the one who seems to have more compassion that the other vampires, but is snared and a prisoner to this fate. He doesn't want to do the things that he does but what choice does he have? Even though he doesn't have much time on the pages, he's still a symbol of morality. I won't get off topic but this book holds so many parallels, not just to other pieces of media but humans in general. Orion tries to make Kotori seem like he's faking at being moral when, he himself is far too blinded by rage and revenge to see his faults. He sees Nyx and his brothers as possessions which makes him a both interesting and narcissistic character. Nico seems to be the most genuine of them all with Kade behind, a slave to his weakness and lack of control over higher ups. Asher is such a great character, the parent Azeil needed to be, caring, gentle and loving as well as forgiving.
One of the best things about this book is the fact that it's forcing the reader to chose an evil(I'm using this world very lightly). The vampires are evil, Azeil's fear is evil, turning him into a evil. Nyx is constantly torn between two sides who use faux veneers of love and care that with a simple attempt at independence will strike at her. She is a hostage to both, loving both but can only choose one and I really hope that she chooses herself. Nyx doesn't need her father, nor the vampires and she's proven that. She's rather smart and savvy.
This book reminded me that I don't need to choose someone when I can chose myself. That depending on other people, placing your life in the hands of others is a place no young person wants to be in. Nyx reminds me of younger me, the me who forgot herself. Who forgot that sometimes it's better to be alone. Though I won't spoil the ending, it's wonderful and I can't wait for the sequel.
The description is flowery, I must admit but beautiful none the less. It doesn't obstruct the reading at all, but gives it life. I love all the Lost Boys references and references to real life comics, bands and books, it makes this book a total jem. The setting is glorious, one of my favorite things about the book.
All I have to say is keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your novel!
Rating: 4.5
I'm very picky when it comes to books but-
Despite being a dark romance, this reminds me more of a psychological horror with elements of darker romance in it blending into the plot. It's one of those stories where the gore isn't what bothers you, rather it's the way the characters interact with each other. It's the way that they constantly use trust and friendship, family and love as weapons. It's about becoming the monster you swore to defeat. That's what makes it truly terrifying. In the wake of reading this novel, I rewatched "The Lost Boys." I admit, it's been years since I watched the film but this book reminded me of why I loved it so much. It was the undertones. "The Lost Boys" was never about vampires, sure it was on the surface, but it was always about the way that different forms for families effect people. As " The Atlantic" article quotes:
"The movie’s portrayal of a seemingly wayward mother and her adolescent sons debuted at a time when many Americans feared the deterioration of traditional dynamics in the home—between parent and child, husband and wife. More so than the other films of its era, The Lost Boys subtly challenged dominant cultural expectations that saw the nuclear family as a social and moral ideal."
The film came out in a time when Ronald Regan (Yes, the literal devil) had done his grand damage to the US and so many other countries. When the Moral Majority, a group who worked hard to demonize people for their sexualities, women for having choices over their own bodies and the satanic panic. It stooped down to cuddle the Christian right, a group who still harms so many people today. The film challenged that man and woman relationship that the group held so dear. Lucy Emerson was doing well, she found a job and did what she needed to take care of her family. Only when Max came along did it ruin her family structure. The notorious vampires was just as fine without a mother. The Lost Boys challenged the way we see family and the way that movements such as the Moral Majority view those who live lives outside of their margins. Now less about The Lost Boys.
Shadows Of The Night did just that. As a retelling, I must applaud Charlize for writing a masterpiece with so many undertones, with so many different directions. As their debut piece, I have to admit I was astounded by the work and effort that was put into this. They made a world where I actually feel like I could go and belong. The setting is beautiful and reminds me of my own place in the states as I live near on the east coast of the US.
This book in itself is a critique of morality.
It asks us is it okay to protect ourselves and when is it enough? Does protecting ourselves make us just as much as a monster as the perpetrator? What are we to do when people use our past pains and traumas to control us? When do we forgive the people who hurt us and do we ever have to? I love these thought provoking questions.
My only main problem is why didn't the mother beg her daughter to stay if she knew what danger returning would be?
Azeil is a symbol generational trauma and passed by oral or physical fear. He in his own way seems to be both a slave to his past and the fear of losing his daughter by being too protective or lenient. Nyx's personal questions are interesting and adds a special edge to the story. It's made me question what was really going on but with Azeil's pov anchoring the reality, it's a really cool dynamic. Both seem to question their reality. Nyx represents breaking generational trauma or the way that newer generations suffer with the consequences of the older generations fear/trauma/mental illnesses. Kade represents the taste of freedom, the gateway that coaxs one out of generational fear. Niko represents the recklessness that can come from the freedom from generational trauma or toxic spaces(religion/family/relationships/living situations/etc.), Kotori represents relent and maturing as well as a fight with internal morality while Orion is the final step towards complete freedom. As someone who has had to leave high control groups led by fear of the " Outside" Nyx resonates with me. We mention things like Chinese food and spices. How does geography work in this world?
“I understand why we chose Nyx but I …” He shook his head, dark hair hurriedly raked out of his eyes when it fell in front of his face. “That’s not my revenge, Orion. That’s yours. I didn’t want to kill those girls to entice Azeil back here … but I did. Because it was part of our plan. They didn’t have to die but they needed to … for our plan.” (Kotori)(My favorite quote from this book which really challenges the way we view the villains.)
Why didn't they order her to the station for questioning? I actually think that in a way, it's genius not having her being questioned to show the unfairness that can come from police and law, the way they can protect their own and go above the law. I love the way Azeil's rage at his daughter is depicted, the way that trauma can make some of the most level headed people forget their past, forget their faults. His fear, not telling her the dangers is what put her in harms way. I think that author was absolutely genius in this portrayal. He doesn't look at the way that he put his daughter in harms way, that it's just as much his fault as hers. His fear warped his perception and I love this. He takes his daughter to a place where danger is, doesn't warn her and then blames her, throwing her to the curve.
I can not express how much I love Kotori(Asher too but more on him later.). He's the reasonable character, the one who seems to have more compassion that the other vampires, but is snared and a prisoner to this fate. He doesn't want to do the things that he does but what choice does he have? Even though he doesn't have much time on the pages, he's still a symbol of morality. I won't get off topic but this book holds so many parallels, not just to other pieces of media but humans in general. Orion tries to make Kotori seem like he's faking at being moral when, he himself is far too blinded by rage and revenge to see his faults. He sees Nyx and his brothers as possessions which makes him a both interesting and narcissistic character. Nico seems to be the most genuine of them all with Kade behind, a slave to his weakness and lack of control over higher ups. Asher is such a great character, the parent Azeil needed to be, caring, gentle and loving as well as forgiving.
One of the best things about this book is the fact that it's forcing the reader to chose an evil(I'm using this world very lightly). The vampires are evil, Azeil's fear is evil, turning him into a evil. Nyx is constantly torn between two sides who use faux veneers of love and care that with a simple attempt at independence will strike at her. She is a hostage to both, loving both but can only choose one and I really hope that she chooses herself. Nyx doesn't need her father, nor the vampires and she's proven that. She's rather smart and savvy.
This book reminded me that I don't need to choose someone when I can chose myself. That depending on other people, placing your life in the hands of others is a place no young person wants to be in. Nyx reminds me of younger me, the me who forgot herself. Who forgot that sometimes it's better to be alone. Though I won't spoil the ending, it's wonderful and I can't wait for the sequel.
The description is flowery, I must admit but beautiful none the less. It doesn't obstruct the reading at all, but gives it life. I love all the Lost Boys references and references to real life comics, bands and books, it makes this book a total jem. The setting is glorious, one of my favorite things about the book.
All I have to say is keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read your novel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2024
I tried so hard to finish this but it’s just so terrible. It’s like the author had a quota to reach and used all of the cringy, ick, and unnecessary adjectives…over and over and over. If I have to read “saline encrusted breeze” one more time I might off myself. The story had potential but it really goes nowhere. It jumps around from one extreme emotion to the next and makes no progress. It’s impossible to grow attached to any character because you’re constantly thinking, “what the fuck…”.
August 9, 2025
If you like descriptive writing and your vampires dark and morally gray, then you will love the vampires in the Shadows of the Night duet.
(Also, the second and last book, Shadows of Vengeance) released recently so the duet is complete!
The story follows Nyx, who follows her father to the coastal city of Celacali, also known as the City of the Dead. Her father, Azeil, is a detective charged with solving some recent murder cases. He also has history with the city, a city that Nyx begins to explore starting with the popular boardwalk, where she meets Orion, Kotori, Niko, and Kade, four men that the locals seem to do their best to avoid. Soon, Nyx realizes that the things she used to see in the dark were not fruit of her fantasy, and that the four men she’s befriending are inexplicably tied to her parents. And they want revenge. So while Azeil is distracted with solving the murders, their focus shifts to his daughter.
This is a series that is perfect for vampire fans—real, dark vampires who are unapologetic about their nature. Among the characters, I was especially intrigued by the four vampires. I don’t know what it says about me, but while I find Kade and Niko, the more friendly guys from the group, very lovable, the one who became my favorite is Orion, who is by far the most unhinged. Nyx’s dark side made her fit in with the vampires well, despite she tries to fight the connection she feels multiple times. The why choose dynamic works well with this group, but the hate to love energy she has with Orion is my favorite. (I know, nobody is surprised.)
I also found the family dynamics interesting. There are several, and most of them are complicated, though the two main ones are the four vampires, who are a found family and would do anything for one another, and Nyx and her father, Azeil. They’re close, but it gets complicated fast once the vampires return into the picture. From a reader perspective, the drama was interesting. From a purely human and empathetic point of view, there were moments I wanted to smack Azeil.
Here are some tropes!
❤️🔥 Why Choose
🩸Dark vampires
🩸Blood bonds
🗡️ Love and hate
❤️🩹 Grief and trauma rep
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
(Also, the second and last book, Shadows of Vengeance) released recently so the duet is complete!
The story follows Nyx, who follows her father to the coastal city of Celacali, also known as the City of the Dead. Her father, Azeil, is a detective charged with solving some recent murder cases. He also has history with the city, a city that Nyx begins to explore starting with the popular boardwalk, where she meets Orion, Kotori, Niko, and Kade, four men that the locals seem to do their best to avoid. Soon, Nyx realizes that the things she used to see in the dark were not fruit of her fantasy, and that the four men she’s befriending are inexplicably tied to her parents. And they want revenge. So while Azeil is distracted with solving the murders, their focus shifts to his daughter.
This is a series that is perfect for vampire fans—real, dark vampires who are unapologetic about their nature. Among the characters, I was especially intrigued by the four vampires. I don’t know what it says about me, but while I find Kade and Niko, the more friendly guys from the group, very lovable, the one who became my favorite is Orion, who is by far the most unhinged. Nyx’s dark side made her fit in with the vampires well, despite she tries to fight the connection she feels multiple times. The why choose dynamic works well with this group, but the hate to love energy she has with Orion is my favorite. (I know, nobody is surprised.)
I also found the family dynamics interesting. There are several, and most of them are complicated, though the two main ones are the four vampires, who are a found family and would do anything for one another, and Nyx and her father, Azeil. They’re close, but it gets complicated fast once the vampires return into the picture. From a reader perspective, the drama was interesting. From a purely human and empathetic point of view, there were moments I wanted to smack Azeil.
Here are some tropes!
❤️🔥 Why Choose
🩸Dark vampires
🩸Blood bonds
🗡️ Love and hate
❤️🩹 Grief and trauma rep
Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy. Opinions are my own.
June 21, 2025
Book Review: Shadows of the Night by Charlize Kelly
If you thought vampires were just sexy boys who sparkle in the sun and write poetry in their diaries—get ready to be slapped in the face with blood, eyeliner, and a whole lotta murder. These boys? These monsters? They are not here to seduce you gently—they’re gonna ruin your life and make you thank them for it.
Welcome to Celacali, where murder is just background noise, eyeliner is apparently a personality trait. These vamps? They’re broken, mean, manipulative, and wear rockstar jeans like it’s 1987. We’re talking Lost Boys energy turned up to 666. If you’ve never seen The Lost Boys, pause your entire life and fix that immediately then come back and devour this book like it’s your last warm-blooded meal.
Enter Nyx Monroe Smart. Sad. Traumatised. Waking up every night screaming about golden-eyed monsters. She’s looking for answers… but instead finds herself face-first in a horror movie with four (4!) morally questionable vampires who have the audacity to be hot while acting like absolute feral trashbags.
This book? It’s a full-on emotional jump scare. I was sweating. I was yelling. I might have called one of the boys a “red flag wrapped in leather” out loud to my dog. But also? I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked like a baby bat at a blood bank.
💔 Angst? ✅
🔪 Betrayal? ✅
🧠 Psychological torment? ✅
🩸 Enough blood to fill a Slipknot tour bus? You BET.
Also let’s talk about this: Nyx is the true MVP. I don’t care if she’s surrounded by undead thirst traps and a dad who couldn’t emotionally support a toaster Nyx carries this book. She’s smart. She’s resourceful. She’s getting manipulated from all sides but STILL trying to find herself through the trauma, the lies, and the morally ambiguous male aggression.
This book reminded me of younger me—the one who forgot how powerful it is to be alone, to be your own damn savior. Nyx is a slap in the face and a warm hug all in one.
Now let’s talk about that ending. THAT. CLIFFHANGER.
EXCUSE ME, CHARLIZE—WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT’S WHERE IT ENDS?! YOU CANT STAB A GIRL LIKE THIS!
The writing is lush, dark, brutal but never overwhelming. The pop culture references?? Chef’s kiss. I felt like I was back in my goth era listening to The Cure and writing bad poetry under moonlight. The setting? 10/10—Celacali is a whole vibe. I would live there
Do I hate the dad? YES.
Am I emotionally invested in every single one of these dumpster fire characters? Abso-freakin-lutely.
If you like your vampires unhinged, your romance complicated, and your trauma character-driven Shadows of the Night is your new obsession. Just don’t read it before bed unless you want to dream of blood-soaked beaches and seductive monsters whispering betrayal in your ear.
Book 2, I’m coming for you. Bring tissues. And Probably a therapist.
If you thought vampires were just sexy boys who sparkle in the sun and write poetry in their diaries—get ready to be slapped in the face with blood, eyeliner, and a whole lotta murder. These boys? These monsters? They are not here to seduce you gently—they’re gonna ruin your life and make you thank them for it.
Welcome to Celacali, where murder is just background noise, eyeliner is apparently a personality trait. These vamps? They’re broken, mean, manipulative, and wear rockstar jeans like it’s 1987. We’re talking Lost Boys energy turned up to 666. If you’ve never seen The Lost Boys, pause your entire life and fix that immediately then come back and devour this book like it’s your last warm-blooded meal.
Enter Nyx Monroe Smart. Sad. Traumatised. Waking up every night screaming about golden-eyed monsters. She’s looking for answers… but instead finds herself face-first in a horror movie with four (4!) morally questionable vampires who have the audacity to be hot while acting like absolute feral trashbags.
This book? It’s a full-on emotional jump scare. I was sweating. I was yelling. I might have called one of the boys a “red flag wrapped in leather” out loud to my dog. But also? I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked like a baby bat at a blood bank.
💔 Angst? ✅
🔪 Betrayal? ✅
🧠 Psychological torment? ✅
🩸 Enough blood to fill a Slipknot tour bus? You BET.
Also let’s talk about this: Nyx is the true MVP. I don’t care if she’s surrounded by undead thirst traps and a dad who couldn’t emotionally support a toaster Nyx carries this book. She’s smart. She’s resourceful. She’s getting manipulated from all sides but STILL trying to find herself through the trauma, the lies, and the morally ambiguous male aggression.
This book reminded me of younger me—the one who forgot how powerful it is to be alone, to be your own damn savior. Nyx is a slap in the face and a warm hug all in one.
Now let’s talk about that ending. THAT. CLIFFHANGER.
EXCUSE ME, CHARLIZE—WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT’S WHERE IT ENDS?! YOU CANT STAB A GIRL LIKE THIS!
The writing is lush, dark, brutal but never overwhelming. The pop culture references?? Chef’s kiss. I felt like I was back in my goth era listening to The Cure and writing bad poetry under moonlight. The setting? 10/10—Celacali is a whole vibe. I would live there
Do I hate the dad? YES.
Am I emotionally invested in every single one of these dumpster fire characters? Abso-freakin-lutely.
If you like your vampires unhinged, your romance complicated, and your trauma character-driven Shadows of the Night is your new obsession. Just don’t read it before bed unless you want to dream of blood-soaked beaches and seductive monsters whispering betrayal in your ear.
Book 2, I’m coming for you. Bring tissues. And Probably a therapist.
December 19, 2025
Spoiler free ARC review!!
Am I crying as I write this review? Absolutely. This book consumed me. Charlize truly captured the essence of “The Lost Boys” while making this story her own original masterpiece.
The way EVERY character was written with care and has an important part in the story, to the relationships each and every character has with each other. It was hard to hate any of them (except like 3, but again, I’m trying to remain spoiler free!😅)
This book made me feel so many emotions and had me sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the ENTIRE book. One twist after another, that i just had to keep reading as much as I could. The relationship between Nyx, our BADASS FMC, and the four men is just so thrilling to read! The pet names had me giggling and blushing like a school girl, I swear.
There were so many quotes that were just so beautifully written, that I had to bookmark them. One of my absolute favorites being… ❗️SLIGHT SPOILERS HERE, READ NEXT PARAGRAPH TO AVOID❗️
“I’m saying that you’re the monsters society tells us to fear, but men have done far worse than what you do,”
This book has easily become a favorite that I know I will reread frequently, having already told many of my friends that they need to buy as soon as it releases. I can’t recommend this book enough between how well it was written, but more-so how the book made me feel while reading and the emotions it invoked.
Am I crying as I write this review? Absolutely. This book consumed me. Charlize truly captured the essence of “The Lost Boys” while making this story her own original masterpiece.
The way EVERY character was written with care and has an important part in the story, to the relationships each and every character has with each other. It was hard to hate any of them (except like 3, but again, I’m trying to remain spoiler free!😅)
This book made me feel so many emotions and had me sitting on the edge of my seat throughout the ENTIRE book. One twist after another, that i just had to keep reading as much as I could. The relationship between Nyx, our BADASS FMC, and the four men is just so thrilling to read! The pet names had me giggling and blushing like a school girl, I swear.
There were so many quotes that were just so beautifully written, that I had to bookmark them. One of my absolute favorites being… ❗️SLIGHT SPOILERS HERE, READ NEXT PARAGRAPH TO AVOID❗️
“I’m saying that you’re the monsters society tells us to fear, but men have done far worse than what you do,”
This book has easily become a favorite that I know I will reread frequently, having already told many of my friends that they need to buy as soon as it releases. I can’t recommend this book enough between how well it was written, but more-so how the book made me feel while reading and the emotions it invoked.
November 5, 2023
This dark, paranormal romance is inspired by the Lost Boys - and has vampires. I thought that idea was pretty cool as well as refreshing to read. Not going to lie, seeing the long trigger warning list sang to my little dark romance heart.
Shadows of the Night is a thrilling read as Nyx navigates her new life in Celacali especially as she comes across a group of mysterious men who would literally unalive for her. There’s the dynamic of a found family that unfolds as she walks the path of light and darkness, learning the realities of her new world and that some monsters are made. It’s dark and definitely smutty - some of my favorite combinations - and leaves on a cliffhanger. It’ll be intriguing to see the dynamic develop between the vampires and our main girl.
🖤Blo0dplay
🖤stalking and kidnapping
🖤knife to throat
🖤corruption k!nk
Shadows of the Night is a thrilling read as Nyx navigates her new life in Celacali especially as she comes across a group of mysterious men who would literally unalive for her. There’s the dynamic of a found family that unfolds as she walks the path of light and darkness, learning the realities of her new world and that some monsters are made. It’s dark and definitely smutty - some of my favorite combinations - and leaves on a cliffhanger. It’ll be intriguing to see the dynamic develop between the vampires and our main girl.
🖤Blo0dplay
🖤stalking and kidnapping
🖤knife to throat
🖤corruption k!nk
October 29, 2023
If you're someone like me who is fascinated by the abilities and mysteries of vampires in stories, then you too will be intrigued by a book such as this. Long ago I was introduced to the world of vampires by various romance novels tucked away in the library. Monster love stories were quite popular back when I was growing up, as Twilight was at the height of popularity. But for me, that was a mere stepping stone into my exploration into combining the terrifying with the seductive. This book is most definitely a part of that wondrous world.
Much like Charlize, I too am quite a big fan of the movie The Lost Boys. It's held up to the test of time as showing the power and sexuality of vampires, luring us in with beautiful men and promises of pleasure before trapping us in with bloodshed. However, it has also been quite neglected in the realm of pop culture, as many people look past it as just another 80's horror movie. But there's so much potential in it, and Charlize has created the ultimate love letter by creating Shadows of the Night.
Though the beginning can come off as a beat-for-beat mimic of how the events of the movie play out, do not be fooled by the simplicity. It may be seen as a bit slow to some who are just starting out the book, but think of it more as the slow, vertical climb of a roller coaster. It's unassuming and more calm, but when you reach the top (or in this case, the climax of act 1), then you're in for the ride of your life. You'll be rushed at incredible speed, zig-zagging across the tracks and flipping upside down on loops. You're in for a truly wild journey with this story and I guarantee you will be left in pure shock. And much like a roller coaster, you may find yourself saying "let's do it again!"
Much like other vampire fiction, Shadows of the Night has a beginning that focuses more on budding romance between vampire and human. A young love with a dark shadow looming over it. But be warned, this is no teen, puppy love style book. This story has plenty of erotic elements that would make anyone hot and bothered. Charlize is truly a master of romance, both in sexual tones and more softer moments. It's a true feast for the eyes, especially if you find other romance books lacking in that department.
Shadows of the Night isn't just for lovers of romance though. It has a little bit of everything to offer. An exciting mystery with a seasoned detective that's running from his past, family drama that brings heartache to a new level, playful, slice-of-life fun, and plenty of dark, spine-tingling horror to make you want to sleep with the light on. This book is much like a layered cake with al of it's unique and delicious layers for all to enjoy.
Still, my only complaint was that I wanted more! Things like smaller characters with their own arcs and personalities, more background of the Monroe family, and more of a detailed battle of wits as our leading lady fights between her humanity and unholy desires. It goes to show how much of a promising story this is if my primary issue is wanting MORE of what was given.
I truly am honored to get to read this early on. Charlize is so young, yet she has already proven to have immense potential as a writer. I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for her work, and I can't recommend this book enough. Enjoy!
Much like Charlize, I too am quite a big fan of the movie The Lost Boys. It's held up to the test of time as showing the power and sexuality of vampires, luring us in with beautiful men and promises of pleasure before trapping us in with bloodshed. However, it has also been quite neglected in the realm of pop culture, as many people look past it as just another 80's horror movie. But there's so much potential in it, and Charlize has created the ultimate love letter by creating Shadows of the Night.
Though the beginning can come off as a beat-for-beat mimic of how the events of the movie play out, do not be fooled by the simplicity. It may be seen as a bit slow to some who are just starting out the book, but think of it more as the slow, vertical climb of a roller coaster. It's unassuming and more calm, but when you reach the top (or in this case, the climax of act 1), then you're in for the ride of your life. You'll be rushed at incredible speed, zig-zagging across the tracks and flipping upside down on loops. You're in for a truly wild journey with this story and I guarantee you will be left in pure shock. And much like a roller coaster, you may find yourself saying "let's do it again!"
Much like other vampire fiction, Shadows of the Night has a beginning that focuses more on budding romance between vampire and human. A young love with a dark shadow looming over it. But be warned, this is no teen, puppy love style book. This story has plenty of erotic elements that would make anyone hot and bothered. Charlize is truly a master of romance, both in sexual tones and more softer moments. It's a true feast for the eyes, especially if you find other romance books lacking in that department.
Shadows of the Night isn't just for lovers of romance though. It has a little bit of everything to offer. An exciting mystery with a seasoned detective that's running from his past, family drama that brings heartache to a new level, playful, slice-of-life fun, and plenty of dark, spine-tingling horror to make you want to sleep with the light on. This book is much like a layered cake with al of it's unique and delicious layers for all to enjoy.
Still, my only complaint was that I wanted more! Things like smaller characters with their own arcs and personalities, more background of the Monroe family, and more of a detailed battle of wits as our leading lady fights between her humanity and unholy desires. It goes to show how much of a promising story this is if my primary issue is wanting MORE of what was given.
I truly am honored to get to read this early on. Charlize is so young, yet she has already proven to have immense potential as a writer. I truly cannot wait to see what the future holds for her work, and I can't recommend this book enough. Enjoy!
October 7, 2023
Spoiler-Free (ARC) Review
Hold onto your garlic, folks, because "Shadows of the Night" by Charlize K. Kelly is about to sink its fangs into your literary soul. In a coffin, I mean, nutshell, "Shadows of the Night" is a (very) dark romance and a twisty retelling of 'The Lost Boys.' I can't vouch for the accuracy because I haven't seen the movie, but who cares when you have this bewitching tale of four vampires (Kotori, Orion, Niko, and Kade) luring Nyx Monroe into their sinister vendetta against Azeil, Ryder, Asher, and Amir?
I've laughed, I've cried (I mean, seriously, my nose bled, and I sought refuge in my closet at one point. I have pics and vids to prove it), I've gasped, and I've yelled with enough anger to wake the undead (hehe). I've even pulled faces of disgust (Orion, I'm looking at you, buddy, but don't worry, I'm probably the sole Orion hater out there). But most importantly, I've found a home within Celacali. It's honestly a little crazy, and I'm questioning my sanity, but isn't that what great books are all about? What sets "Shadows of the Night" apart is the incredible sense of belonging it evokes. The world Charlize has crafted feels strikingly REAL, and this found family of vampires has captured me as a part of them.
Charlize's character writing is so on point that you'll find yourself empathizing with these morally gray creatures of the night. Though, are they really in the wrong, or is society just being a bit judgmental?
Now, let's talk murder scenes. Charlize must have an unusually vivid imagination or some very interesting Google search history (Charlize, babe, are you okay?). I, for one, was hooked, and the detective and forensics bits were incredibly descriptive and intriguing. It's possibly what captivated me most about this story.
I'll keep this short (I already failed at that, lol) because I know nobody wants to read a review as long as the book itself, but here's the gist: hot vampires, a gripping storyline, found family galore. Also, Niko is mine (hands off, folks). Kotori is also mine (I have a tattoo to prove it).
One last thing: READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS, for the love of garlic bread. "Shadows of the Night" is NOT a sappy romance novel!
Charlize, my dear, I'm over the moon for you, and I'm shouting it from the tops of Elveszett Bluff—everyone, pre-order this book NOW. Trust me, you're in for a thrilling vampire-infested ride.
With that being said, "Welcome to the club, little dove."
Hold onto your garlic, folks, because "Shadows of the Night" by Charlize K. Kelly is about to sink its fangs into your literary soul. In a coffin, I mean, nutshell, "Shadows of the Night" is a (very) dark romance and a twisty retelling of 'The Lost Boys.' I can't vouch for the accuracy because I haven't seen the movie, but who cares when you have this bewitching tale of four vampires (Kotori, Orion, Niko, and Kade) luring Nyx Monroe into their sinister vendetta against Azeil, Ryder, Asher, and Amir?
I've laughed, I've cried (I mean, seriously, my nose bled, and I sought refuge in my closet at one point. I have pics and vids to prove it), I've gasped, and I've yelled with enough anger to wake the undead (hehe). I've even pulled faces of disgust (Orion, I'm looking at you, buddy, but don't worry, I'm probably the sole Orion hater out there). But most importantly, I've found a home within Celacali. It's honestly a little crazy, and I'm questioning my sanity, but isn't that what great books are all about? What sets "Shadows of the Night" apart is the incredible sense of belonging it evokes. The world Charlize has crafted feels strikingly REAL, and this found family of vampires has captured me as a part of them.
Charlize's character writing is so on point that you'll find yourself empathizing with these morally gray creatures of the night. Though, are they really in the wrong, or is society just being a bit judgmental?
Now, let's talk murder scenes. Charlize must have an unusually vivid imagination or some very interesting Google search history (Charlize, babe, are you okay?). I, for one, was hooked, and the detective and forensics bits were incredibly descriptive and intriguing. It's possibly what captivated me most about this story.
I'll keep this short (I already failed at that, lol) because I know nobody wants to read a review as long as the book itself, but here's the gist: hot vampires, a gripping storyline, found family galore. Also, Niko is mine (hands off, folks). Kotori is also mine (I have a tattoo to prove it).
One last thing: READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS, for the love of garlic bread. "Shadows of the Night" is NOT a sappy romance novel!
Charlize, my dear, I'm over the moon for you, and I'm shouting it from the tops of Elveszett Bluff—everyone, pre-order this book NOW. Trust me, you're in for a thrilling vampire-infested ride.
With that being said, "Welcome to the club, little dove."
August 9, 2025
Thank you to the author for gifting me an ebook copy. Opinions are my own.
I'm forever stuck in my vampire phase since the Twilight and The Vampire Diaries days. So whenever I have the chance to add a vampire to my book boyfriend harem, I take it! In this case...I'm adding four.
Shadows of the Night is the first book in a recently completed paranormal romance duet. The story follows Nyx as she goes with her father (who is a detective) to the coastal city of Celacali, also known as The City of the Dead. On the popular boardwalk she meets Orion, Kotori, Niko and Kade.
Everyone seems to be afraid of them, but Nyx begins to befriend them until she soon realizes these men are inexplicably tied to her parents, and they want revenge. And the things she saw in the dark that she thought were just her imagination? They're very real.
This is the PERFECT book for readers who, like me, love their vampires dark and wicked, and also for those who like a descriptive prose. The characters and their dynamics are complex. I am especially loving the four vampire boys-especially Orion. While they all have a layer of morally gray, Orion is definitely the more villainous and ruthless of the group. Villain lovers, this one is for us! Nyx is also a great protagonist, with a good balance of light and dark. She has a good dynamic with all four vampires, but I especially liked her interactions with Orion. They hate each other, she even wants to unalive him, and yet they’re also undeniably drawn to one another. Hate to love at its finest! And she has a dog!! As a dog mom I really love seeing more dogs in fantasy books (no hate to cats but dogs are the best).
Here are some tropes:
Why Choose
Dark vampires
Blood bonds
Love and hate
Grief and trauma rep
I'm forever stuck in my vampire phase since the Twilight and The Vampire Diaries days. So whenever I have the chance to add a vampire to my book boyfriend harem, I take it! In this case...I'm adding four.
Shadows of the Night is the first book in a recently completed paranormal romance duet. The story follows Nyx as she goes with her father (who is a detective) to the coastal city of Celacali, also known as The City of the Dead. On the popular boardwalk she meets Orion, Kotori, Niko and Kade.
Everyone seems to be afraid of them, but Nyx begins to befriend them until she soon realizes these men are inexplicably tied to her parents, and they want revenge. And the things she saw in the dark that she thought were just her imagination? They're very real.
This is the PERFECT book for readers who, like me, love their vampires dark and wicked, and also for those who like a descriptive prose. The characters and their dynamics are complex. I am especially loving the four vampire boys-especially Orion. While they all have a layer of morally gray, Orion is definitely the more villainous and ruthless of the group. Villain lovers, this one is for us! Nyx is also a great protagonist, with a good balance of light and dark. She has a good dynamic with all four vampires, but I especially liked her interactions with Orion. They hate each other, she even wants to unalive him, and yet they’re also undeniably drawn to one another. Hate to love at its finest! And she has a dog!! As a dog mom I really love seeing more dogs in fantasy books (no hate to cats but dogs are the best).
Here are some tropes:
Why Choose
Dark vampires
Blood bonds
Love and hate
Grief and trauma rep
October 8, 2023
Oh my god I don’t even know where to begin with this book. First of all don’t read it at work I truly had to fight tears lol I’m still at work so I can’t go into to much depth and I’m terrible at reviews but here we go.
The characters and world building that we see in this book is phenomenal in my opinion. We get to see how Nyx struggles with a darker side of herself that the boys nurture while also helping her understand that nothing and no one is truly good or evil. Also I relate a little bit more to Alex and Tobias than I’d like to admit but seeing them do everything they can to help Nyx was extremely comforting to me personally.
Onto the gore lol the descriptions of the murders we see are so detailed I’m sure the FBI may be a little curious about how Charlize knows these things. But I absolutely loved the crime aspect and how those scenes were written.
Also I’ve been annoying the crap of my friends with this book like they’re tired of me talking about it lol but this will be the last thing I’ll say. Please READ THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS
I might edit this later just FYI
The characters and world building that we see in this book is phenomenal in my opinion. We get to see how Nyx struggles with a darker side of herself that the boys nurture while also helping her understand that nothing and no one is truly good or evil. Also I relate a little bit more to Alex and Tobias than I’d like to admit but seeing them do everything they can to help Nyx was extremely comforting to me personally.
Onto the gore lol the descriptions of the murders we see are so detailed I’m sure the FBI may be a little curious about how Charlize knows these things. But I absolutely loved the crime aspect and how those scenes were written.
Also I’ve been annoying the crap of my friends with this book like they’re tired of me talking about it lol but this will be the last thing I’ll say. Please READ THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. READ THE CONTENT WARNINGS
I might edit this later just FYI
October 15, 2023
Everyone who knows me just a little bit knows I am obsessed with The Lost Boys. Hence it shouldn't be a surprise I absolutely loved this book. The author is clearly a fan of the source material and created this work out of a deep place of their heart. Still, they did make it their own. By creating their own lore, own places, changing names and making the vampires older than they are in the movie, they each still resemble their movie counterparts, but are still very unique.
It was fun trying to guess who is who, and I always squealed when a scene from the movie passed by.
The spice was absolutely amazing and I highlighted quite a few sentences.
My only 'annoyance' was the constant switching of Nyx between wanting to stay with the boys and wanting to escape them, sometimes without having a clear lead on, and the pacing was sometimes a tad off.
But that said, I am extremely hyped for the sequel of this book and am definitely reading that one as well!
Thank you Charlize K. Kelly for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
It was fun trying to guess who is who, and I always squealed when a scene from the movie passed by.
The spice was absolutely amazing and I highlighted quite a few sentences.
My only 'annoyance' was the constant switching of Nyx between wanting to stay with the boys and wanting to escape them, sometimes without having a clear lead on, and the pacing was sometimes a tad off.
But that said, I am extremely hyped for the sequel of this book and am definitely reading that one as well!
Thank you Charlize K. Kelly for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 13, 2023
Yes, Yes, and Yes!
For everybody who loves/needs their main characters to be *a little* shady and murderous, this is it!
(Also for everyone who didnt like The Lost Boys ending)
Ive read this book twice now, granted the first time was the beta, but thats besides the point lol. Both times I totally loved it, and devoured it. I want to read this book for the first time again. I want to be sucked into the world of Nyx again. And most of all, I want to be one of the shadows lurking through Celacali at night.
yes yes yes!
For everybody who loves/needs their main characters to be *a little* shady and murderous, this is it!
(Also for everyone who didnt like The Lost Boys ending)
Ive read this book twice now, granted the first time was the beta, but thats besides the point lol. Both times I totally loved it, and devoured it. I want to read this book for the first time again. I want to be sucked into the world of Nyx again. And most of all, I want to be one of the shadows lurking through Celacali at night.
yes yes yes!
October 31, 2023
Now I've finally calmed down from reading this I'm going to start by saying this book is my best read of the year. I've been waiting for this for SO LONG and it more than delivered.
To say Charlize is an excellent writer isn't doing her justice. The story and world building in this book will make you fall in love. Every twist and turn will keep you hooked and if you find yourself rooting for the bad guys... dont worry, we all did. For anyone who enjoys dark, erotic, fantasy worlds you'll feel right at home in Celacali and will never want to leave.
The character building in this book is incredible! Nyx is perfect for anyone who is tired of the main character being a perfect hero and the boys... are not good people in the most *desirable* ways possible. They will have you questioning your own morality and I LOVED IT. Shadows of the Night blurs the lines between "good vs evil" and "light vs dark"... except you Ares, you're a true good boy. We love you.
The relationships between all the characters will have you laughing, crying and screaming (believe me I did all 3). Charlize will have you smiling at every happy moment and feeling their anger as if it was your own. I've been on an emotional journey and loved every second.
Overall this book is PHENOMENAL. I picked it up and couldn't put it down (really, I finished it at work and was sobbing). To read this for the first time was a truly memorable experience that I would want to relive over and over. Charlize is a devil with a keyboard and someone needs to stop her... but not really.
To say Charlize is an excellent writer isn't doing her justice. The story and world building in this book will make you fall in love. Every twist and turn will keep you hooked and if you find yourself rooting for the bad guys... dont worry, we all did. For anyone who enjoys dark, erotic, fantasy worlds you'll feel right at home in Celacali and will never want to leave.
The character building in this book is incredible! Nyx is perfect for anyone who is tired of the main character being a perfect hero and the boys... are not good people in the most *desirable* ways possible. They will have you questioning your own morality and I LOVED IT. Shadows of the Night blurs the lines between "good vs evil" and "light vs dark"... except you Ares, you're a true good boy. We love you.
The relationships between all the characters will have you laughing, crying and screaming (believe me I did all 3). Charlize will have you smiling at every happy moment and feeling their anger as if it was your own. I've been on an emotional journey and loved every second.
Overall this book is PHENOMENAL. I picked it up and couldn't put it down (really, I finished it at work and was sobbing). To read this for the first time was a truly memorable experience that I would want to relive over and over. Charlize is a devil with a keyboard and someone needs to stop her... but not really.
December 17, 2023
If there was a way to give this book more stars, I would. As a fan of the 1987 movie The Lost Boys, this book called to me. From months ago, when the author posted to tiktok little teases of what the book would become, to now, when I finally finished the book, I was enthralled. The way she wrote this gave a refreshing twist to the story we all know and love. Keeping it familiar, but at the same time transferring us to a new world where it allows our mind to wander. Charlize K. Kelly, thank you for sharing this world with us and allowing us to delve into the night we longed to be a part of when we first saw the movie.
December 7, 2023
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH THIS IS A DAMN GOOD BOOK BUT OH MY GOSH!!!!
February 2, 2024
If there is one thing about me and reading, it's that I don't like to venture too far from what I typically enjoy, which is dark romances or cute romance books with a bit of spice. However, when I saw Charlize was creating a book about vampires and a whole universe, I couldn't help but be curious and read her book. It has been one of the best decisions I've made.
Her writing, gods, her writing is so beautifully spoken and written that it amazes me how one person could be such a good writer. The way Charlize portrayed each character in their own different ways was something I've only seen in a few books. Typically, characters tend to blend together and have the same personalities, but Charlize made them all distinct yet similar in different ways.
The suspense in this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more, and I can't wait to read more books by Charlize. If you haven't already, check out her page and her books, because trust me, they won't disappoint.
Tropes :
🦇 Touch her and 💀
🦇 Polyamory
🦇Knife-to-throat
🦇Agathokakological characters
🦇 Corruption kink
🦇 Delphic heroine
🦇 Blood play
🦇 Fang-for-a-fang
Her writing, gods, her writing is so beautifully spoken and written that it amazes me how one person could be such a good writer. The way Charlize portrayed each character in their own different ways was something I've only seen in a few books. Typically, characters tend to blend together and have the same personalities, but Charlize made them all distinct yet similar in different ways.
The suspense in this book had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. The ending was absolutely everything I could have asked for and more, and I can't wait to read more books by Charlize. If you haven't already, check out her page and her books, because trust me, they won't disappoint.
Tropes :
🦇 Touch her and 💀
🦇 Polyamory
🦇Knife-to-throat
🦇Agathokakological characters
🦇 Corruption kink
🦇 Delphic heroine
🦇 Blood play
🦇 Fang-for-a-fang
January 5, 2024
Love, love, LOVE this book!
The writing is sooo lyrical and everything is constructed so well! The story is well thought out and the flow and pacing is incredible. The settings are so well described and the boys Lair I want to live there! The whole way things and people are described is so lush and well done. The characters are fleshed out wonderfully and the boys are just something else! The dynamics are all different and all really well done, especially Nyx and the boys whether it be flirtatious or threatening. The relationships between Nyx and the boys are each so different and so interesting that they hook you from the first meeting. I was right in the preview I read when I said these characters and their diolgue is wonderfully matched to the person saying it. The established links and family roles are wonderfully done and the banter between everyone feels so natural!
I highlighted so much! And I absolutely can't wait for book 2!
The writing is sooo lyrical and everything is constructed so well! The story is well thought out and the flow and pacing is incredible. The settings are so well described and the boys Lair I want to live there! The whole way things and people are described is so lush and well done. The characters are fleshed out wonderfully and the boys are just something else! The dynamics are all different and all really well done, especially Nyx and the boys whether it be flirtatious or threatening. The relationships between Nyx and the boys are each so different and so interesting that they hook you from the first meeting. I was right in the preview I read when I said these characters and their diolgue is wonderfully matched to the person saying it. The established links and family roles are wonderfully done and the banter between everyone feels so natural!
I highlighted so much! And I absolutely can't wait for book 2!
February 1, 2024
Holy shit this book, I loved this so much, Charlize thank you so much for writing this masterpiece, easily one of my top 3 books I’ve read this year, even if the year barely started😅, it felt as if you’d known the characters for years already, they start to grow on you so badly, and i had such blast reading through this sweetheart! I would be lying if I said I didn’t shed a tear at the end :( once again thank you so much Charlize, for making a book based off of ‘The Lost Boys.’ And managing to nail it so beautifully and realistically<3.
October 31, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Ever since I heard about it on TikTok. I’m a major fan of The Lost Boys and this book had the Lost Boys vibe. I honestly wasn’t expecting a modern day twist too it. I definitely would recommend this book to anyone.
I am going to have to go back to read a bit because at one point there was a twist in the story that puzzled me. I blame that on reader error though.
I am going to have to go back to read a bit because at one point there was a twist in the story that puzzled me. I blame that on reader error though.
April 8, 2025
As I do whenever I download a book, I like to check out the introduction or a quick glimpse of a book, it's usually the authors notes at the start that give me an indication of what the read will be like. The warnings and the way they were written, compelled me to read a few pages and shoot, before I knew it, I was close to 100 pages in! Yep, like a compulsion I was powerless to oppose, I read on and on and on....lost in these very grey characters, that had me suspicious of them, then liking them, then sympathising with them, a whole array of emotions! Stephen King with a bite, and no, no pun intended, but it had surprisingly comical moments dribbled with menace. Yes, I know it sounds like a contradiction but heck, this book was a conflicting turmoil of conflicted characters. And each one drew me in, "come into my parlour, said the spider to the fiy" and I raced towards it!
Although this is technically YA, the FMC is 19, it's got a lot more bite to it than you'd imagine (no pun intended) and as Orion said "there's always something to be afraid of after dark" but again, not what one would imagine. A lot is not what one would image, what it is, is an enticingly complex plot, with enticing complex characters that begged to be unravelled, understood....I really enjoyed how the author presented this story, after an explosively tense prologue to a seemingly innocuous story of a young girl moving with her newly divorced father to a dubiously named town, unofficially, as City of the Dead, ready to spread her wings. But she encounters more than exerting her free will, she encounters 4 biker guys who were just the right amount of dangerous but boy was she in for a shocker! There's a kernel of darkness in everyone, sometimes lying dormant forever, sometimes coming to the fore with fervour but it's a choice whether to give in to the dark or not.
The déjà vu's, flashbacks to elusive memories and a feeling of grasping at something just out of reach was so tantalising! This author led me on a merry chance, me chasing my tail, because I sure as heck couldn't decipher the good guys from the bad guys. I so enjoyed getting insight into the lives of Orion, Kade, Kotori and Niko, the 4 biker guys with a dark past and an even darker present. All the secrets wrapped up tighter than a spring, are not exclusive to the 4, nope, the secrets run deep in Nyx, her father Aziel, in so many in this city of doom. When the secrets start to leak out, my head spun. Far more intricate, far more convoluted, far more shattering than alluded to. Murder, revenge, cops, gore and a very fierce FMC who refuses to allow herself to be intimidated, refuses to show the fear, literally spits at the hunter with these words "It's not the lion the antelope fears, it's the lioness that crushes its windpipe in it's jaws" The big burley biker vamps are actual softies at heart. If one disregards their violent"feeding", which, let's be real, they can't help, right? The tenderness they show Nyx is counter to all assumptions for their....breed. Surprisingly Nyx revels in the attention and it gets mighty steamy too!
There's lots more to appreciate and enjoy in this book, there is the friendship Nyx has with Alexander and Tobias, another 2 characters that were superbly moulded into the story, relevantly but again, unusually. There's betrayal and vengeance seeking The author mentioned unorthodox and that is the perfect description! Dark? Yes. Gore? Definitely? All mentioned in the introduction (which was like a calling card to me) but, as these triggers are subjective, and differ from person to person, I do have to add this wasn't the as gruesome as the introduction implied. I've read far darker/gorier/emotionally traumatic reads than this one. I value an author's dedicated to include all the triggers, it really is a guideline for many as to whether they can or cannot. And I can...😁 While I did, at times, find a few things didn't quite flow as well and an over usage of italics which was distracting, I enjoyed it.... so, a well written book, with cool characters, strong plot, mystery, murder, sexual awakening, the works, which works for me!
Although this is technically YA, the FMC is 19, it's got a lot more bite to it than you'd imagine (no pun intended) and as Orion said "there's always something to be afraid of after dark" but again, not what one would imagine. A lot is not what one would image, what it is, is an enticingly complex plot, with enticing complex characters that begged to be unravelled, understood....I really enjoyed how the author presented this story, after an explosively tense prologue to a seemingly innocuous story of a young girl moving with her newly divorced father to a dubiously named town, unofficially, as City of the Dead, ready to spread her wings. But she encounters more than exerting her free will, she encounters 4 biker guys who were just the right amount of dangerous but boy was she in for a shocker! There's a kernel of darkness in everyone, sometimes lying dormant forever, sometimes coming to the fore with fervour but it's a choice whether to give in to the dark or not.
The déjà vu's, flashbacks to elusive memories and a feeling of grasping at something just out of reach was so tantalising! This author led me on a merry chance, me chasing my tail, because I sure as heck couldn't decipher the good guys from the bad guys. I so enjoyed getting insight into the lives of Orion, Kade, Kotori and Niko, the 4 biker guys with a dark past and an even darker present. All the secrets wrapped up tighter than a spring, are not exclusive to the 4, nope, the secrets run deep in Nyx, her father Aziel, in so many in this city of doom. When the secrets start to leak out, my head spun. Far more intricate, far more convoluted, far more shattering than alluded to. Murder, revenge, cops, gore and a very fierce FMC who refuses to allow herself to be intimidated, refuses to show the fear, literally spits at the hunter with these words "It's not the lion the antelope fears, it's the lioness that crushes its windpipe in it's jaws" The big burley biker vamps are actual softies at heart. If one disregards their violent"feeding", which, let's be real, they can't help, right? The tenderness they show Nyx is counter to all assumptions for their....breed. Surprisingly Nyx revels in the attention and it gets mighty steamy too!
There's lots more to appreciate and enjoy in this book, there is the friendship Nyx has with Alexander and Tobias, another 2 characters that were superbly moulded into the story, relevantly but again, unusually. There's betrayal and vengeance seeking The author mentioned unorthodox and that is the perfect description! Dark? Yes. Gore? Definitely? All mentioned in the introduction (which was like a calling card to me) but, as these triggers are subjective, and differ from person to person, I do have to add this wasn't the as gruesome as the introduction implied. I've read far darker/gorier/emotionally traumatic reads than this one. I value an author's dedicated to include all the triggers, it really is a guideline for many as to whether they can or cannot. And I can...😁 While I did, at times, find a few things didn't quite flow as well and an over usage of italics which was distracting, I enjoyed it.... so, a well written book, with cool characters, strong plot, mystery, murder, sexual awakening, the works, which works for me!
June 16, 2025
This is a vampire book, but not the vampires you might be used to. Sure, they may brood, look ridiculously good in eyeliner and ripped jeans, have depthless eyes you can fall into and hold an allure that draws victims people to their lair. But don't be fooled - these vampires are out for blood and don't care who gets in the way. They are broken, tormented, mean and ruthless... yet so very appealing still.
If you have ever watched the 1987 film The Lost Boys (and if you haven't, what are you doing with your life? {I won't disclose how many times I've seen it... it's obscene}) and found Kieffer Sutherlands vampire magnetic - then you are going to flip out and love this homage to the movie. Charlize has pulled everything brilliant from that storyline and twisted it into her own tale; which is dark, relentless and almost familiar with settings and characters. It also has an incredible amount of blood, gore and torture (you know - everything we love about a good romance!)
Nyx Monroe, our main character is smart, youthful, plagued with nightmares of golden-eyed creatures and looking for something that's missing in her life, something she can't quite figure out. When her and her father move to Celacali so her father can investigate a spate of bloody murders - Nyx finds herself drawn to 4 dangerous men... who might not be men at all, and who might know more about the murders than they should.
What follows is a dark, compelling and brutal story full of angst, betrayals, jump scares and murder. These vampires may be sexy, but they have a hidden agenda, and Nyx is tangled up in it so bad - she might never escape.
Honestly, this book took me out, I was nervous, worried and unable to put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. But also, it was filled with nostalgia, moments of fun and laughter and of course, incredibly good looking vampires (unhinged at times, but still - handsome has to count for something).
If you want:
🦇 vampires
🦇 why choose
🦇 possessiveness
🦇 touch her and die
🦇 murder mystery
🦇 family secrets
🦇 stalking, kidnapping and captives
🦇 blood play
🦇 torture and revenge
Then check out those wonderful TW and jump on in!
If you have ever watched the 1987 film The Lost Boys (and if you haven't, what are you doing with your life? {I won't disclose how many times I've seen it... it's obscene}) and found Kieffer Sutherlands vampire magnetic - then you are going to flip out and love this homage to the movie. Charlize has pulled everything brilliant from that storyline and twisted it into her own tale; which is dark, relentless and almost familiar with settings and characters. It also has an incredible amount of blood, gore and torture (you know - everything we love about a good romance!)
Nyx Monroe, our main character is smart, youthful, plagued with nightmares of golden-eyed creatures and looking for something that's missing in her life, something she can't quite figure out. When her and her father move to Celacali so her father can investigate a spate of bloody murders - Nyx finds herself drawn to 4 dangerous men... who might not be men at all, and who might know more about the murders than they should.
What follows is a dark, compelling and brutal story full of angst, betrayals, jump scares and murder. These vampires may be sexy, but they have a hidden agenda, and Nyx is tangled up in it so bad - she might never escape.
Honestly, this book took me out, I was nervous, worried and unable to put it down because I needed to know what would happen next. But also, it was filled with nostalgia, moments of fun and laughter and of course, incredibly good looking vampires (unhinged at times, but still - handsome has to count for something).
If you want:
🦇 vampires
🦇 why choose
🦇 possessiveness
🦇 touch her and die
🦇 murder mystery
🦇 family secrets
🦇 stalking, kidnapping and captives
🦇 blood play
🦇 torture and revenge
Then check out those wonderful TW and jump on in!
September 28, 2023
So- *lol* you're gunna cry. I certainly did. But to say I enjoyed this book is an understatement! This book promised chaos and bloodshed and Holy wow yup, did it deliver! This Lost Boys retelling is so in line with the original movie it's perfection.
This is not a romance on its face, however. This is a book about a woman's decent into her own darkness, who just so happens to have four psychotic (and insanely hot) hooligans as her guides! And who could really ask for more, honestly. It's a dark gritty story, this not a "hurt/comfort" book, this is a "hurt/hurt" book, but the ending is your pay off! Listen- you're gunna think they don't care. Nyx might think they don't care. **But they care.** They care so much they look stupid! They care so much **I looked stupid!**
And they understand and value consent!! What a fantastic concept. Don't worry, they are not nice guys. They are absolutely *bad guys!* But isn't it hotter when a beautiful man that's covered in blood **asks for permission?!*
And the "enemies to lovers" between a certain grump and our girl is, so fantastic. Listen there's four of them so if you have a type, good chance they're in there. To say "grumpy black cat" is my favorite is an understatement. He's hard to love, but ooo when he loves he loves BIG. Boy is losing his mind, it's fantastic.
Would we have the same morality dilemmas as Nyx? Maybe. Maybe not. But you never know what you'd do until you're in the hallway with a candle stick with Colonel Mustard. And to me, that's a big part of what this book is about. It's about choice, questioning everything you knew and valued, and ultimately, I think it's gunna be about love. All kinds of love, and how it grows and evolves and complicates our lives. And as much as I rage cried sometimes over the two days I devoured this story, I can say it was all worth it. My only regret is finishing it so quickly so I couldn't suffer a little longer.
This is not a romance on its face, however. This is a book about a woman's decent into her own darkness, who just so happens to have four psychotic (and insanely hot) hooligans as her guides! And who could really ask for more, honestly. It's a dark gritty story, this not a "hurt/comfort" book, this is a "hurt/hurt" book, but the ending is your pay off! Listen- you're gunna think they don't care. Nyx might think they don't care. **But they care.** They care so much they look stupid! They care so much **I looked stupid!**
And they understand and value consent!! What a fantastic concept. Don't worry, they are not nice guys. They are absolutely *bad guys!* But isn't it hotter when a beautiful man that's covered in blood **asks for permission?!*
And the "enemies to lovers" between a certain grump and our girl is, so fantastic. Listen there's four of them so if you have a type, good chance they're in there. To say "grumpy black cat" is my favorite is an understatement. He's hard to love, but ooo when he loves he loves BIG. Boy is losing his mind, it's fantastic.
Would we have the same morality dilemmas as Nyx? Maybe. Maybe not. But you never know what you'd do until you're in the hallway with a candle stick with Colonel Mustard. And to me, that's a big part of what this book is about. It's about choice, questioning everything you knew and valued, and ultimately, I think it's gunna be about love. All kinds of love, and how it grows and evolves and complicates our lives. And as much as I rage cried sometimes over the two days I devoured this story, I can say it was all worth it. My only regret is finishing it so quickly so I couldn't suffer a little longer.
May 18, 2025
This is PNR WhyChoose Romantic Suspense Horror
- Multiple-POV
- Many Mysterious Paranormal Angles
- Cast of intriguing characters
- True revenge - buckle up- innocents die along the way
- Expect breadcrumbs of bodies piling up to attract attention as sleuths race to get to bottom of what is the true end game.
- Unreedeemable MCs.
- Primal horror and wonderful 80s nostalgia.
- Dark Corrupt Sinister world with no Fucks given.
What I enjoyed - #Spoilers#
I was page turning to see what how Nyx handles the eventual betrayal and whether it matters to her the twisted road of innocents that paid the price to lure her & her father to town.
Romance is not the focus not that this distracts the story( its slow burn), I already was aware it was heavy plot focussed before starting.
MMCs Early Aloofness and the distance in the connection instead of the chemistry that Nyx feels on meeting and supports the trap they are setting - but you can see something developing as they get to see Nyx on a personal level instead of vehicle for ultimate betrayal and revenge. As that period of time in the books pages does drag on - but I feel it's important to show readers false sense of security Nyx developed.
I was intrigued by Nyx next steps once she realised what the f*ck was going on & would she call it out even as they declared they wouldn't hurt her as they hurt others. This was fascinating human morality vs Vampire natural affinity to be the ultimate predator and top of the food chain killing machine.
The Characters Orion,Kotori, Niko and Kade become intriging and irritatingly attractive as they untangle the web that they've pushed Nyx into as surprises them as she makes her next move - Nyx is no pushover
Enjoyable & refreshing - not your usual whychoose, its something much better.
Head to the Authors socials check out the amazing character art.
Jasmin E Reads
- Multiple-POV
- Many Mysterious Paranormal Angles
- Cast of intriguing characters
- True revenge - buckle up- innocents die along the way
- Expect breadcrumbs of bodies piling up to attract attention as sleuths race to get to bottom of what is the true end game.
- Unreedeemable MCs.
- Primal horror and wonderful 80s nostalgia.
- Dark Corrupt Sinister world with no Fucks given.
What I enjoyed - #Spoilers#
I was page turning to see what how Nyx handles the eventual betrayal and whether it matters to her the twisted road of innocents that paid the price to lure her & her father to town.
Romance is not the focus not that this distracts the story( its slow burn), I already was aware it was heavy plot focussed before starting.
MMCs Early Aloofness and the distance in the connection instead of the chemistry that Nyx feels on meeting and supports the trap they are setting - but you can see something developing as they get to see Nyx on a personal level instead of vehicle for ultimate betrayal and revenge. As that period of time in the books pages does drag on - but I feel it's important to show readers false sense of security Nyx developed.
I was intrigued by Nyx next steps once she realised what the f*ck was going on & would she call it out even as they declared they wouldn't hurt her as they hurt others. This was fascinating human morality vs Vampire natural affinity to be the ultimate predator and top of the food chain killing machine.
The Characters Orion,Kotori, Niko and Kade become intriging and irritatingly attractive as they untangle the web that they've pushed Nyx into as surprises them as she makes her next move - Nyx is no pushover
Enjoyable & refreshing - not your usual whychoose, its something much better.
Head to the Authors socials check out the amazing character art.
Jasmin E Reads
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2025
This is my THIRD read through of the book, but I have only just downloaded this app. After reading this book the first time, because I am such a big fan of The Lost Boys, I was infatuated. I tried for months to find another vampire romance that quenched the thirst (haha get it) that this book left but I was never even close to satiated. I could read this book for the rest of my life and will. It is DELICIOUSLY dark, and explored actual morally grey characters and genuinly creates and prompts your own inner conflict, making it an enthralling and addictive read. I giggled, I laughed, I cried, I swooned, this book did everything and MORE. And now that the second book Shadows Of Vengeance has been announced I am absalout my desperate to read what Kelly has in store for Celacali next. I have spoke to her a little on TikTok and love her passion for writing. A fantastic author, I like that in the books she does not give you everything you want on a silver platter, it leaves you longing and makes the book feel more immersive because it replicates real life’s tendency to withhold gratification. There are even some questions I have unanswered, things that I am DYING to happen in the next book, cough cough, Kotori and Orion. This book has the most tantalizing blend of good and evil, romance and heartbreak, lust and betrayal. It is mind blowing that Kelly managed to fit all of this in one book while it is still constantly action packed. Clearly I could go on for hours about this book, but I will stop here. A FANTASTIC read wether you like the lost boys or not, there is something in here for everyone
October 23, 2023
"Life is just the art of dying. It’s how you choose to die that truly matters,”
Being inspired off of The lost boys and as a massive lost boys fan girl this novel perfectly captures the atmosphere and things you loved about the movie with some nods here and there for us fans but in its own unique world which such distinct characters.
The world of calacai is such a dark wonder that you just want to know more and the plot of the novel never drags but is perfectly sharp to every beat that you just can't put it down.
Nyx goes on a journey that we can all see in ourselves trying to accept who who she is no matter how hard it gets.
The boys well they are the best type of red flags you could ask for and all deviously handsome. I was definitely stuck between Kotori and Niko. They all had their own unique quirks that kept you wanting more.
The aspect of how the lore of vampires work in the novel is also nicely explained so you're never questioning about how things work which can often happen with vampire literature.
All in all I simply love this book and that ending killed me
Being inspired off of The lost boys and as a massive lost boys fan girl this novel perfectly captures the atmosphere and things you loved about the movie with some nods here and there for us fans but in its own unique world which such distinct characters.
The world of calacai is such a dark wonder that you just want to know more and the plot of the novel never drags but is perfectly sharp to every beat that you just can't put it down.
Nyx goes on a journey that we can all see in ourselves trying to accept who who she is no matter how hard it gets.
The boys well they are the best type of red flags you could ask for and all deviously handsome. I was definitely stuck between Kotori and Niko. They all had their own unique quirks that kept you wanting more.
The aspect of how the lore of vampires work in the novel is also nicely explained so you're never questioning about how things work which can often happen with vampire literature.
All in all I simply love this book and that ending killed me
July 15, 2024
I wanted to absolutely love this so bad!!!
I was sold at The Lost Boys but make it spicy. I'm obsessed with The Lost Boys, and I've always thought that movie would be absolute perfection if it had a little more spice! I was so excited when I heard about this book via the author's tiktok.
I love the concept and the overall plot, vibe, and characters, but it was a little too long, and the writing was kinda clunky? Maybe it's too descriptive? I'm not exactly sure what it was with the writing.... It didn't flow well, and I was unable to stay engrossed and breeze through like I do with so many books in a similar category. This book has all the check marks for me to love and fly through the pages, yet somehow fell a little flat. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book and most likely with read book 2 injust hope the writing gets a little smoother!
Again, the characters and plot of the book I loved so much and are perfect!
I was sold at The Lost Boys but make it spicy. I'm obsessed with The Lost Boys, and I've always thought that movie would be absolute perfection if it had a little more spice! I was so excited when I heard about this book via the author's tiktok.
I love the concept and the overall plot, vibe, and characters, but it was a little too long, and the writing was kinda clunky? Maybe it's too descriptive? I'm not exactly sure what it was with the writing.... It didn't flow well, and I was unable to stay engrossed and breeze through like I do with so many books in a similar category. This book has all the check marks for me to love and fly through the pages, yet somehow fell a little flat. Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy this book and most likely with read book 2 injust hope the writing gets a little smoother!
Again, the characters and plot of the book I loved so much and are perfect!
December 11, 2023
i was sent an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review 🫶
after taking over a month to get through this book i can say it’s a solid debut novel. my star ratings are always subjective and i’m giving this three stars as going in i knew very little about this book and my expectations for this where waaay off. i went in expecting a full why-choose vampire romance and this is a part of the story but this reads more as a murder-mystery/thriller than a romance. i think the focus on the murder-mystery plotline took away from the romance plotline and in turn the characters and their relationship developments. objectively the dark tone and atmosphere is there and i think if this book had a bit more consistency with plot-pacing and honestly less murder-vampires and more sexy-vampires scenes this would have been a 4-5 star read for me
after taking over a month to get through this book i can say it’s a solid debut novel. my star ratings are always subjective and i’m giving this three stars as going in i knew very little about this book and my expectations for this where waaay off. i went in expecting a full why-choose vampire romance and this is a part of the story but this reads more as a murder-mystery/thriller than a romance. i think the focus on the murder-mystery plotline took away from the romance plotline and in turn the characters and their relationship developments. objectively the dark tone and atmosphere is there and i think if this book had a bit more consistency with plot-pacing and honestly less murder-vampires and more sexy-vampires scenes this would have been a 4-5 star read for me
December 23, 2024
I was tossing up between a 4 star and a five as I read this book, but the end really did it and took it all the way home for a 5 star.
With a mysterious start of a murder, we then jump into the life of Nyx as she and her father Az move back to his hometown. Az has a dark secret he has never shared with his daughter, and because of this, Nyx falls right into the hands of four incredible attractive and dangerous vampiers.
With motorcycles, danger, death, sex and revenge, you will be on the edge of your set.
⁵
With a slow burn, why choose romance, we watch as Nyx falls for these dangerous men. I enjoyed the slow burn as often as why choose just launched straight into it. So it is nice to see her getting used to each man individually.
The end of this book will leave you wanting more.
🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 spice
With a mysterious start of a murder, we then jump into the life of Nyx as she and her father Az move back to his hometown. Az has a dark secret he has never shared with his daughter, and because of this, Nyx falls right into the hands of four incredible attractive and dangerous vampiers.
With motorcycles, danger, death, sex and revenge, you will be on the edge of your set.
⁵
With a slow burn, why choose romance, we watch as Nyx falls for these dangerous men. I enjoyed the slow burn as often as why choose just launched straight into it. So it is nice to see her getting used to each man individually.
The end of this book will leave you wanting more.
🌶🌶🌶 out of 5 spice
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