Dark Destiny

The Dark Creatures Saga #2

by Ella Stone

Having finally discovered her true nature and escaped from the clutches of the Vampire Council, Narissa finds herself immediately thrust into a new and dangerous world.

Her new family is hesitant and suspicious, especially as she has Calin in tow. With revelations about her heritage and the traditions of her people coming at her thick and fast, she increasingly turns to Calin for support.

Unfortunately, things are not all they seem, and as two supernatural worlds threaten to collide, it is hard to know exactly who can be trusted.

Will Narissa’s instinct lead her down the right path? Or will her very presence bring destruction upon them all.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 6, 2021

About the author

I am an author of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Fiction. I'm passionate about my family, reading, writing and cats. The order of which can change on a day to day basis.

Reviews

[Noone · Rating 1 out of 5]

All the major plot points that move the story along were already contrived and outright contradictory in the first book and I hoped it would get better in this one.
Instead, it got even worse, and on top of all that, we now get a TSTL heroine.
But I can be sure that the author will pull some bs out of her arse to get her heroine out of the shit she got herself into by sheer and utter stupidity after a sufficient amount of drama has commenced.

[Marion Over · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Stone is a great writer. I'm enjoying the story even though I don't like Naz. I really like all the other characters, but for some reason I can't wrap my head around her whininess, selfishness and thoughtlessness. I think this is a character I would throttle in real life (she would knock my lights out in a second) but I am hoping as she grows up she will grow on me.
I still can't put the book down and that's all Ella Stone. Great world building.

[Toni Glitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Naz is in trouble. Again. Worse than before. How is she going to survive this time?

This is the second book in the Dark Creatures Saga, an Urban Fantasy / PNR series from Ella Stone, set in modern day Britain. There is some romance and some fade to black scenes of sexual activity.

I really enjoy Ella Stone’s writing. Her style is easy to read and well paced. The world building is great and the characters are interesting and well developed. There are some I love and some I love to hate, which makes for a really interesting read.

Naz is in trouble. Again. She’s avenged her father but the consequences of that are far greater than even she could have imagined. The Vampire Council wants her dead and she finds herself being whisked north to Scotland by Calin, her only ally within Vampire society. She’s heading to hide with a remote and secluded pack of Werewolves. The pack contains more surprises; one in particular which no-one saw coming.

Naz will have to do a lot of learning and growing up and she doesn’t have the luxury of time. Secrets from her past come to light and she has to learn to live with her new reality. Her relationship with Calin is changing both of them. They have both spent each of their lives in a very insular bubble until now: Naz being solely fixated on her own needs; surviving and avenging her father were the only things she could focus on. Calin spending his time as a Vampire just existing rather than living. The chaos Naz has brought to his ordered existence seems to have woken him up and given him purpose.

There are several new characters who I hope are carried into the rest of the series. The interaction between all characters is believable, even when some of them make questionable decisions. The motives are clear and the outcomes are feasible. The character development in this book is excellent. There is growth and change in both main characters as a result of the events around them. The story is well paced and the writing is easy to read and flows with the pacing. As with the first book, this one ends with an unexpected twist and now I want to dive straight into the next one.

More from this author, please!

[Beba Andric · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book carries the momentum of the first one and, in fact, gets more exciting as it continues. It seems that Naz goes from the frying pan into the fire! Trying to adjust to her new life, Naz is all set sorts of confused. She revels in her wolf form, loving the freedom but she finds it hard to accept being part of a pack, especially as her mother, a mother she thought dead, is the Alpha. The emotions Naz has concerning her mother are heartfelt and understandable, after all, Naz was abandoned by her or so she this. Naz soon realises that nothing is as clear cut as she thought. I loved by Calin and Naz get closer and how he feels a need to save and protect her. Who would have thought a vampire, with no heart, literally, could be so loving? Lou was a delightful addition, a character so unpretentious, albeit a chatterbox of note! I really enjoyed her. Naz has an uncanny ability to mess things up, her fierce independent streak, her rash decisions, inevitably has her and all around her, scrambling. Now not only are the vampires after her, the wolves want her dead too! I enjoyed the steady pace, the way the storyline develops, as do the characters, especially Naz, who's character grows and expands. And so, Naz is once again on the run and I'm very excited to see where she goes next! Great read

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Destiny by Ella Stone.
The dark creatures saga #2.
Having finally discovered her true nature and escaped from the clutches of the Vampire Council, Narissa finds herself immediately thrust into a new and dangerous world.Her new family is hesitant and suspicious, especially as she has Calin in tow. With revelations about her heritage and the traditions of her people coming at her thick and fast, she increasingly turns to Calin for support.Unfortunately, things are not all they seem, and as two supernatural worlds threaten to collide, it is hard to know exactly who can be trusted.Will Narissa’s instinct lead her down the right path? Or will her very presence bring destruction upon them all.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved Narissa and Calin. I'm really enjoying this series. I loved the cover too. 4*.

[Charity humeniuk · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found your query on Facebook.

I saw your question about unpublishing and was curious. Here’s my feedback. I liked the world. I thought in the first book it took a long time to kick off and she was whiny about going after her dads killer, first 1/3 of the book is tinny, no momentum. You need a better “story motivating first scene” and bluntly some additional personal interests. She’s 2d. Second book flows better, more personality is shown and she shows personal growth. But. All the situations are straw men, propped up for her to knock down and there is too much exposition. So. It needs a rewrite and first cover to match the next 3. But don’t toss it. Give the first one more punch and personality and show, don’t tell in second. The premise is fun and the world is great. Not my fave, but not bad.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I really like the building blocks of the first book this second one was exactly as I hoped it would be.
Great character development, and interesting storyline that just keeps getting better.
It seems Naz just keeps getting herself in deeper trouble and no quite getting the concept that her behavior has consequences for not only herself but others.
This book has lots of emotional situations and even a bit of heat.
When all is said and done, Naz is in deeper than ever at the end of this book and it's going to be interesting to see how she is going to get out of it.
I can't wait to see what happens next.

[ConniW · Rating 5 out of 5]

“From the frying pan to the fire” springs to mind.

Second book in on this series and I still loved the characters and I have to say, I loved the fact that Narissa/Naz is a bit of a tomboy. I personally was thrilled she wasn’t the vapid cutesy girl that was more worried about her makeup than actually doing what she needed to.
The focus gets tighter in this book and the characters have to face some hard truths and a lot of growing pains are faced as well.
This was definitely a winner for a sequel and set events perfectly for the third book to pick up and run.
Family friendly for 16 and up.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, after the cliffhanger finish of book 1 I was eager to read this next book and I was not disappointed. It is a very emotional read, Naz has had a hard life and finds it hard to lower her defences, she also makes many mistakes because of this which leads to disastrous consequences. I found myself feeling angry on her behalf, sad and a touch of love. I was not happy with another cliffhanger finish will now have to wait for the next book.

[A' · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately picks up where the first one stops. Narissa and Calin are headed up to Scotland to take her to a wolf shifter pack, where she will learn how to stay safe...for a while. Plenty of surprises upon arrival and to come. Lots of action and possibly the winds of war beginning to blow amongst the humans, vampires and wolves, as loyalties are tested....on to book 3...quickly!
* I was given a copy of this book for an honest [always] review. *

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s more like three and a half stars. I enjoyed this one more than the first in the series. The action and story really picked up more in this second book. I’d say if you’re really into fantasy, vampires, werewolves, etc., you’ll enjoy this series. I have only read the first two books in the series and I’m not sure when/if I’ll continue reading. Check out my blog (link in bio) for my more in depth review of this book and the first book.

[E.M. Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sequel amps up the stakes as Narissa navigates her newfound identity and the perilous dynamics of the supernatural world. With the Vampire Council behind her and a hesitant new family ahead, tension simmers as alliances are tested. The complex relationship with Calin adds emotional depth to a fast-paced story of trust, betrayal, and survival. Perfect for fans of werewolf urban fantasy, Dark Destiny is an action-packed and emotionally charged continuation of The Dark Creatures Saga.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was even better than the first book and I loved the first book. Naz is in hiding and things from her past have resurfaced unexpectedly. I loved seeing how Naz and Calin’s relationship deepened. He definitely loosened up in the book and it was great. There are so many secrets that seem to be building towards quite an explosion. I look forward to seeing what happens next.

[Miss Lorna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story but frustrating main character

I loved aspects of this book, but I struggled to fully connect with it at times because Naz is just so frustrating. At times, I felt like shaking the book just to shake some sense into her. Overall, I am enjoying this series and looking forward to getting stuck into book 3.

[Shelly Shoemaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost and found. Creature's of all sort. Love broken and regained!! Narissa learns harsh lessons and definitely learns from them. You will enjoy this read especially from a paranormal romance. So far book 3 is definitely good. You won't wanna miss it. 😄

[Shelly Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It keeps going

Will Naz ever be safe? Keep reading this brilliant series and we will see what trouble she gets into and if she ever truly finds safety for herself.

This a fantastic, fast paced series.

[Debbie Lawrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was wary this was going to be a gushing love story. I predicted the vampire, werewolf relationship but the savage brutality of any mixed relationship suffers some perils. I like the way the history is unravelling and perceived ideas quashed.

[Laura A. Leever · Rating 4 out of 5]

well it’s getting more and more interesting

Ok so the book is getting more interesting, but man there just seems to be a lack of speed with this. Is there spice..ehhh maybe 1 🌶️ but you don’t read about it. It’s very “safe”.

[MaD · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment better than the first. This picks up where the first ended. Calin is taking Naz to the werewolf pack, but things aren't all warm and fuzzy. The characters are showing more development, the storyline draws you in, and the cliffhanger leaves you breathless.
Nice read.

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

The ending series he's you wanting more. Narissa is still learning what UT means to be a wolf when she goes to hide with a pack. She finds some surprises when she gets there

[Beccy Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series and continues from the end of the first book
A lovely writing style with an engaging continuation of Naz’s story
An enjoyable read

[Gemma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Naz

Poor Naz really goes through an emotional roller coaster since finding out she is a werewolf

Am really enjoying the series, on to book 3 x

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deception

Deception surrounds Naz. Werewolves, vampires, witches are all playing mind and life and death games. Who can she trust? Will she survive? Enjoy the run.

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story and interesting characters are my favourite aspects of this book, I enjoyed it a lot.

[Bethany McCrady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book and the author is hitting her stride for the word and characters. The cliffhanger endings to the last 2 books are really the only thing I don’t like about the series.

[Blake · Rating 1 out of 5]

(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)

Book 1 was a 2.5, since I alredy owned it, I read book 2 straight after and it went downhill.
I'm sorry but needing a vampire to activate the werewolf gene is just beyond dumb.

Freya was the issue for me. She had unreasonable expectations for the MC & just didn't seem to think things through. Shocked that the MC didn't trust her to stay in her cabin without an explanation. The fact that she didn't explain that by her words the MC had made herself a lone wolf & no longer under Freya's protection so would be in danger from Daniel, was just beyond stupid. The plot could still have worked, Naz could still have been tricked to leave the cabin.
Then Naz was all 'I'm sorry' when she did not have all the facts so thought going for a run with her friend while the rest of the pack was occupied would be safe. Freya & the others kept encouraging the runs, & no one thought to give her a basic pack life lesson in the days she'd been there, so not her fault.

Freya rubbed me the wrong way from the start. She left her daughter because she had a 'calling' to return & save her pack. The one she ran from & didn't take Naz back with her so she'd not have to grow up with the same life.... Yet she selfishly had a child, who might have been discovered by a werewolf crossing paths with her so dragged back into the pack anyway... As soon as she had Naz, that meant her pack was with Naz & her husband, not the one she was born into. Totally selfish woman, when you have a child, their needs come first.
She again compounds being selfish by attending Naz's dad's funeral, but doesn't bring Naz home to the pack, nope she knowingly lets her be dumped into foster care. Oh but she had werewolves look for her when they were in London & 3 years ago one showed her that Naz had two friends & was laughing and happy.... Right so a short moment in time Naz is happy so continually abandoning her is fine then.
Also if Naz is supposed to be a secret, getting wolves to check on her is beyond stupid when its established that all were have telepathy & the stronger ones can break the blocks & see memories of weaker wolves!

Also she's a fool in that she didn't take out Daniel when he was going to kill Naz, then would have killed Freya. So we all know he's going to be an issue again in later books. Daniel is right, she's not fit to lead because she can't defend the pack properly. Letting Art live was the right call, but Daniel needed to be put down.
None of Freya's actions spoke to being a good alpha. As someone used to reading books about shifters, no actual alpha would abandon a child, let alone their own just to run off to take control of a bigger pack. Which is what Freya did boils down to, she wanted the pack that had 400 members, not to be alpha of a pack of three.
All I could think of when Freya died, was that great, Naz will have to face two werewolf threats, Juliette and Daniel, now due to Freya's being a crap mother and crap alpha.

I understand why Naz's dad did not tell her about werewolves, he could not chance Naz going to look for her mother's pack, that he had to rescue Freya from. I don't know why Freya thought that he'd go to see her abusive pack to tell them in person she'd died, when she'd already said that they pack thought her dead to begin with! Again Freya IMO kept proving that she's not alpha material.

I also didn't like Calin. It was not his call to force Naz to interact with her egg donor. -- So that turned me right off of him. He also should have told Naz that he cares too much for her to have sex while she's still reeling from multiple shocks. Then he could have just snuggled with her.

MC also lost me by the end.

I feel most sorry for the poor man who was framed as the killer of Naz's dad and is now in prison.

First time read the author's work?: No -- I read book 1 of this series just before I read book 2.

Will you be reading more?: No

Would you recommend?: No


------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)

All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked

Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book continues pretty well off the first one! We get more development of a certain vampire and Naz's newfound heritage. There are plenty of new characters to get attached to. And if you thought vampires were crazy, wait until you get into this! The expanses this book makes in world-building are really cool and vital for later books. Naz still makes questionable choices but it's fun to see her in a new environment. The characters bonding and the exploration of Naz's heritage was my favorite! Beware, the ending hurts!

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah Lentz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. The author really knows how to keep you on your toes. The character development of Narissa has been great and im really enjoying Calins character. I can't wait to see what happens next!