Destined: A Slow Burn Dystopian Vampire Romance

Elite #3

by Charley Black

428 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication August 12, 2026

About the author

Charley Black is an up-and-coming writer and author who has been creating stories since she was twelve years old. Her early short stories dabbled in different genres, but her passion for romance novels — paranormal romance in particular — always shone through. Charley currently resides in Rhode Island, with her family and works at a local university. Entwined will be the first of three novels set in the Within the Darkness universe.

Reviews

[Geri • GardensandGrimoires · Rating 5 out of 5]

Destined is the explosive finale to the Elite Series trilogy, and what a way to end it. I devoured this in just 24 hours because I simply had to know how it all unfolded.

Celearius is on the brink of war. Fractured relationships, betrayal, newly forged bonds, and a human rebellion armed with a weapon capable of destroying everything had me racing through the pages, desperate to find out who would survive.

At its heart, this story is about trust. After everything that happened in book two, I genuinely didn't see one of the major twists coming, but it perfectly showcased just how much these characters have grown over the course of the trilogy. Kane, in particular, was such a satisfying character to watch evolve. He's the definition of a morally grey vampire whose carefully built walls have been crumbling ever since Serenity walked into his life.

A quick side note... this book brings the heat. I expected plenty of tension and spice between our two leads Serenity and Kane, but I was completely caught off guard by Rhyzan and Nox. That little side story was unexpectedly delicious, and I'd happily read an entire novella about them.

I also loved the ending. A little bit of revenge, a bit of redemption and a lot of hope for the future. The ARC included the bonus epilogues, which tied up lingering questions beautifully while leaving just enough of a tease to hint that this world may not be finished with us yet.

A thoroughly satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Thank you to the author for the eARC copy.

[Mandy Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charley Black has truly outdone herself with Destined, the explosive and breathtaking final installment in The Elite Series.

Ending a beloved series is never easy, but Black concludes her trilogy with a masterclass in dystopian paranormal dark romance that demands to be read in one sitting.

Celearius is on the absolute brink of destruction, featuring fractured relationships, devastating betrayals, newly forged alliances, and a human rebellion wielding a world-ending weapon.

Black delivers jaw-dropping plot twists, including a major revelation that genuinely catches you off guard, while masterfully showcasing profound character growth.

Serenity and Kane remain one of the most captivating couples in contemporary dark romance, battling through unimaginable obstacles to fight for their hard-earned happily ever after.

Kane stands out as the ultimate morally grey vampire whose carefully built walls have been crumbling ever since Serenity walked into his life.

Beyond the main couple, the book brings the heat with unexpected romantic tension, featuring Rhyzan and Nox alongside a strong found-family core that adds so much heart to the story.

Featuring multiple points of view and a rich cast, the narrative flows effortlessly from chapter to chapter.

The ending strikes a phenomenal balance of revenge, powerful redemption, and hope for the future. It is a brilliant, heart-stopping, and thoroughly satisfying conclusion to an incredible series that leaves an unforgettable impression.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to be a part of this world; Charley, you are an amazing author, and I just know your next series, hopefully the Blackwater Chronicles, will be just as amazing.

[Coffeebooklibrary Rhea Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whew ! I was right there the whole way through 😮‍💨

One quote that sums up all 3 books - “ He had handed her that truth and let it feel like an opening, like the one honest thing in a house built of strategy.”

There’s nothing I love more than a satisfying ending to heart stomping, throughly captivating story. As far as dystopian/paranormal dark romance goes this one had so many plot twist, multiple POV and interconnecting side characters. I literally felt like I was experiencing every chapter in real time as if it was a movie.

If I could give this a million starts I really would, thank you soo much Charley for having me on your ARC team, once again your writing has blown me away and I can’t wait to read more of your stories in the future.

Forever a life long fan ! 🤎

[Alijo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so so so much Charley Black for letting me be part of your arc team!

I love this series so much and I’m so sad to be leaving this world behind. I could not have asked for a better ending though.

I love Serenity and Kane are by far one of my favorite book couples. They went through it and I was a little worried at times they would not get the HEA they deserved.

The found family, specifically Nox and Rhyzan, they were perfect and I would 100% LOVE to read a novella or a spin off about them.

[V Brown LetsBeRealBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Destined" by Charley Black is the perfect, bittersweet conclusion to this incredible trilogy. I was so deeply invested in Kane and Serenity's journey that I genuinely didn't want their story to end. This book put me through an absolute emotional ringer—I laughed, cried, raged, and cheered. At one point, I almost threw my Kindle across the room (which is always the sign of a truly unforgettable read!). Charley Black's masterful storytelling never disappoints, and she delivered an unforgettable finale.

[Angelbelle Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Charley for the early copy

I guess this is what they mean when they say a hard won HEA cause 🫩😬🫩😬 they had me worried throughout the series. Blood pressure all the way up lol

They got there in the end though ❤️

Also lots of twisties and turnsies