Grieving and abandoned, Nyx Monroe feels like she is drowning. Orion, Kotori, Niko and Kade have disappeared, trapped, leaving her to transition from mortal to vampire alone, and Leon is back, this time with his daughters.
Qadira and Phaelyn, his mindless girls, use their fang arsenal to guard the truth he tries to hide. Leon dictates the rules for a bloody family ever after—you must do as he says and not as he does. But, there is one thing he needs to ensure Hell freezes over; and Nyx is the only one who can get it.
What can she, a fledgling do against a sire and why do all the dead fingers point to Uncle Asher's elusive book of research? She's got to hurry, free will is running out. To save the men she loves, she must trade her past for a bloodstained future in a vow that binds. For bloodier, for gorier, whose death will us part?
Charlize 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.
Book review 🩸 Shadows of Vengeance by Charlize Kelly:
BABES. Strap in and grab a cold drink because Shadows of Vengeance came at me like a leather-clad vampire on a murder-high. Book two of this duet said “you want blood, vengeance, spice and soul-binding darkness?” AND THEN PROCEEDED TO BODY SLAM ME INTO THE ABYSS.
We’ve got action. We’ve got gore. We’ve got a heroine out for blood (literally) and the unholy sire-bond that needs to BURN IN HELL. And through it all? Vampires. Sexy, kneel-at-your-throne, I-would-die-for-you queen-worshipping VAMPIRES. I was frothing. I am frothing.
The writing? Flows like blood on the battlefield. I was sucked in, chewed up, and spit out in the best way. I didn’t want it to end. I want to live in this world. I want to wear head-to-toe leather, ride a vamp bike, and have a sexy supernatural king fall at my feet.
AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE HOUND?! I want one. I need one. Who do I sell my soul to for one? Asking for a friend (me).
HEA? Oh we get it. And it is DELICIOUS. The spice level? 🔥🔥🔥 Someone call the fire department because my panties almost combusted. Bring a fan. Or two. Maybe a fire extinguisher..
This is dark fantasy romance. This is why-choose biker vampire madness. This is exactly the kind of unhinged chaos I live for and I loved every blood-splattered, thigh-clenching second
Okay, let me just start by saying I did not think Charlize could outdo Shadows of the Night. I was wrong. I was so very wrong. Shadows of Vengeance didn’t just raise the bar; it dropkicked it into another dimension.
From page one, I was on my toes. Intrigued. And the writing? Beautiful. Like poetic punches to the gut (I'm in pain). Charlize doesn’t just tell a story. She weaves it. Everything from Book One came full circle in a way that felt effortless and intentional. Open questions were answered, and loose threads tied.
The character development was chef’s kiss. Watching these characters grow from where they were in Book One (especially Orion) to who they become here was a rollercoaster of emotions. I laughed, I sobbed (Charlize has evidence), I cursed fictional people like they had personally wronged me. If a book can make you feel all the emotions (including the “kicking your feet and giggling like an idiot) the writer has done something very right.
Let’s talk pacing. The first half strings you along in the best possible way. You’re reading like, “I KNOW something’s coming,” and then the second half hits and suddenly you’re breathing (but also not breathing because so many things are happening.)
Charlize knows her craft. Hell, she can WRITE MEN. She writes villains that you truly despise and builds morally corrupt characters that somehow earn your sympathy. You’re questioning your own standards while bookmarking your favorite lines.
Also, side characters: Usually, I’m the person who forgets who they are the moment they leave the page. Not here. Not with this Duet. Not with Donovan (I LOVE YOU DONOVAN). Every single one of them sticks with you, not because they’re forced into the spotlight but because they’re written with purpose and presence.
So yeah. I didn’t think it would get better than Book 1. But guess what? It did. And now I need like 20 Novellas (I'm begging.) ((Begging.)) (((I will write fanfics if you don’t feed me with more Vampire content.)))
To say I devoured this book is an understatement. Book one left me gasping for more, needing to know what would happen to Nyx and her bloody brood of vampires, and so I picked up book two with some trepidation at what Charlize was about to put me through.
It was just as intense and consuming as book one (with a few extra harrowing scenes). We watch as Nyx grows into herself, her confidence expanding, her desires and needs at the forefront and she is one hell of a strong character - you can't help but fall in love with her. But there is one other complex character who the light shines on in this book and although I was wary of Orion in book one, I utterly fell under his spell in book two (and that just shows how impressive Charlizes' writing is, to go from despising to loving).
This book is full of heart, excitement, sitting on the edge of your seat and some breathtakingly soft and intimate moments between morally grey characters who you can't help but connect with. There is also violence, gore, blood and moments that suck the air from your lungs.
Nyx, Orion, Kade, Niko and Kotori's story is one that will stick with you as they fight for their freedom from a Sire that ultimately wants to destroy them. It's gritty and so well written.
If you enjoy:
- dark supernatural romance - why choose - morally grey characters - violence and blood play - strong FMC - hard but soft for her MMCs - touch her and die - dark vampires - 80s rock aesthetic (Lost Boys & Def Leppard rep)
How does one begin to write a review about such a masterpiece of a book? Because I truly do not know. I also very much fall short when it comes to writing reviews — especially so when books leave me speechless.
Vampires have been a love of mine since I was a child, and this beauty of a story spanning across novels has only amplified my love for the bloodthirsty creatures of the night. If you were to tell me that, after reading the first book in this duology, that I would be left utterly floored by this instalment… Well, I would have told you that nothing could compete with the first novel. However, I have very much been proven wrong. It may be slightly biased in opinion due to how much I love Charlize's works, but I consider 'Shadows of Vengeance' to be far superior to its much loved predecessor 'Shadows of the Night'.
The pacing of the story across the deliciously rich chapters is perfect, and the settings are utterly exquisite in my honest opinion. The characters are beautiful (as well as being beautifully written), and I could swear that they are almost tangible at times. They come to life on the pages and leave you wondering whether the lines of reality and fiction have begun to blur at the edges. 'Shadows of Vengeance' is on a different level in terms of the darkness lingering upon the fringes, curling around every word, and it sinks its fangs in, refusing to let you go once you've ventured past the title page of the novel.
I was lucky enough to receive an adavance copy of Shadows of vengeance by @authorckkelly, and the amazing PR box that she curated for it back in May but it is available now & book 1 is on KU 😍
SoV is the second book in her paranormal romance duet and you know I am an absolute fiend for dark paranormal romance AND why choose 🥰
This books has so many elements I absolutely love: we’ve got leather-clad vampires, blood & gore, why choose, a little spice and most importantly a irredeemable villain 🙇🏻♀️ Charlize really tied all these things together brilliantly and with such wonderful prose.
I was lucky enough to be able to read both book 1 & 2 in quick succession and it definitely made for an emotional rollercoaster of a binge read, like just stab me in the heart already, I really felt like I was right there with Nyx - the immersion was unparalleled (and sometimes stressful lol) 🥲
I am going to miss Celacali and Nyx, Orion, Niko, Kade & Kotori but what a conclusion! 🫣🥹
🖤Why Choose goodness ❤️Dark vampires 🖤Villain arc ❤️Blood bonds & nasty sires 🖤 Nostalgic vibes ❤️ Formidable love interests 🖤 Glam metal but make it bloodthirsty ❤️ Did I mention vampires? 🖤 Badass (and just kinda bad) FMC ❤️ Can be paired with 80’s soundtrack ❤️ Once again, hot vampires?
If you want to support a fantastic Australian author I highly recommend, go go go!
What may have started in Shadows of the Night as "they can make her worse" evolves into- "what if she was always bad?" The evolution of our girl Nyx in book two takes us into new places of darkness and excitement!
We return to the world Charlize Kelly gave us in book one but this time it's grittier, it's teeth have been sharpened, it's colours take on a deeper more visceral tone. She gives us a true villain we all want to see get what he has coming! And who we may have thought of as villains in book one may not become angels- that would be so boring let's be real- turn out to be the most beautiful blood soaked demons of salvation, fangs and all.
The story becomes its own in this book, each character fully coming into their own with their own history and heartbreaks. The agony, the yearning! Oh the sweet beautiful earth shattering surrender 😍 I don't need to list the tropes for you, you've read this far into the review, we both know you're invested. If you like a walk on the wild side and don't flinch at the sight of gore, there are four beautiful men waiting for you between these pages and a MC we can all root for.
ARC review of Shadows of Vengeance 🧛 Release date: 03 August 2025 || 📣OUT NOW📣
5/5 ⭐️ 3/5 🌶️
Tropes: - vampire bikers - reverse harem - why choose - dark morally grey men - dark fantasy - found family - touch her and 💀
This is book two of the duet. It was action-packed right from the beginning and kept me on my toes. We have morally grey vampire bikers for MMCs - YUP I said vampire bikers - and a sassy and strong FMC. The combo is top tier and the chemistry shot through the roof. Orion, Kotori, Kade and Niko all had different personalities, each one matching Nyx. An absolute ‘why choose’ and if I was Nyx, I wouldn’t be able to choose. However, I am feral for Kotori and everything he is in this book 🤭🥰
Lots of character development and I enjoyed their individual history the most! The world building was so well established since book one and it played so well in book two. It was like knowing the City of Celacali inside out even as a reader.
Thank you to the author, Charlize Kelly, for my PR copy. I’m forever treasuring this copy! 💖
10/10 recommend you to pick this up! All opinions in this review are my own.
This book is part of a duel of so I strongly advice you to read Shadows of the night before you dive into this one. To understand everything a little bit more.
This book is a dark fantasy romance with why-choose and if you love vampires not the scary kind but the scary super hot version then this book is your kind of thing.
From the first page she drove me in lusting to know more as badly as a vampire needs blood.
In pretty knew to this authors work but she surely dosent disepoint she brings you into a world you don’t want to leave, she dosent just tell a story she makes you feel like your apart of it, apart of that world.
You will feel all kind of emotions crying litterly sobbing, laughing, cursed allot. (Don’t throw your reading device into your wall even if you feel like it you will regret it 😉 if an author can make you feel those things she is doing her job right.
I absolutely LOVED Shadows of the Night, and I'm so happy to say that Shadows of Vengeance is even better! The stakes are higher, the villains are more dangerous, and the spice....well😏
In Shadows of Vengeance, all bets are off as the Celacali Crew (Nyx, Orion, Niko, Kade & Kotori) must literally fight fang and claw to free themselves from the control of vicious sire Leon, while facing off against his deadly "daughters" and trying to keep Nyx's loved ones out of the crosshairs. Will they succeed? Or will Leon find a way to retain control once and for all while destroying everything they love in the process? Find out for yourself when Shadows of Vengeance releases this summer!
(ARC review) I have been waiting for this book since finishing the first book almost 2 years ago! Charlize outdid herself with going darker and sexier than the first, and I was HOOKED the whole way through.
I always appreciate a well written villain, who had no redemption and is just truly a monster, and with this book, you get that AND MORE. The banter and tension had me giggling and kicking my feet, the spice had me biting my fists, and the characters made me wish I was a part of the story myself!
I’m sad it’s over, but the ending really was just so satisfying and wrapped up the Celecali crews story beautifully.
What can I say? Charlize K. Kelly has created a literary masterpiece. “I was planning on being a casual fan but thought, why not let it consume my soul instead”
This duet was dramatic and heartbreaking, full of surprises and twists all throughout. The characters enrapture your heart and steal your soul, and it feels as though you’re living the life of Nyx Monroe, right beside her.
I’m excited to see what more Charlize can create, the latest and greatest in literature.
fantastic book! kicked stirght on from book one. Very intense and fast-paced story, lots happening, and the Spice was excellent 👏
I loved how we got answers, and the vengeance was perfect 👌 this wild ride had uou laughing, crying, and so much more.
Charlize has done a fantastic job at creating well-rounded characters and a world to get lost in. You want the villain's to get the girl, and you cheer her on as her dark side comes out to play.
I devoured Shadows of the Night, but Shadows of Vengeance? Somehow even more intense, more unhinged, and honestly… kind of perfect.
The stakes? Higher. The villains? Utterly unhinged. The spice? Let’s just say I had to pause. More than once.
In Shadows of Vengeance, the Celacali Crew (Nyx, Orion, Niko, Kade, and Kotori) are pushed to their absolute limits. With Leon—their sadistic sire—tightening his grip, and his “daughters” out for blood, every chapter feels like a countdown to either freedom or total destruction. And with Nyx’s heart (and her people) hanging in the balance, it’s not just a fight, it’s a war.
Will they finally break free, or will Leon burn everything they love to the ground?
Find out when Shadows of Vengeance. You’re not ready.
If you like a modern day setting that has an authentic nostalgic feel as well as why-choose, vampires and villains you love to hate, you’ve come to the right place. Dark, spicy and incredible writing makes you want to jump right into the world of Celacali.
I absolutely devoured this book! I thought book one was fantastic but book two took it to another level!
A dark romance, why choose, retelling of The Lost Boys with a list of triggers that reads like a menu. And I ate it up! Nyx really comes into her own and embraces her new found confidence. And those men have my heart! Full of action, gore, spice, intensity and intrigue this is a must!
I’m all for a why choose vampire story. If you love vampires and dark lore and atmosphere, time to pick up book one Shadows of the Night. Nyx Monroe moves with her father to a coastal city to solve murders. Okay firstly, Nyx is one of my fav names. My cat is actually named Nyxie 😂 bc Nyx is the goddess of night. So… name is appropriate since this is a vampire romance 👀did I mention that if you love The Lost Boys, this book is very similar. The boys, dark and dangerous. I was squealing over the tension. Orion and Nyx for sure. But welcome to the city of the dead where nothing is as what it seems.
Nyx is so lost and doesn't know where to turn. She is trapped alone to transition into a vampire. Leon is the head vampire, and only Nyx can help him get. And really, what can she do? A young vampire who needs to hurry up before all of her free will leaves her. Can she save the man she loves? I read this book in one sitting, such a great story!!! I received an advance review copy at no cost and am leaving this review voluntarily. 🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛🐦⬛