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Shadowman

Alabaster Penitentiary, Book 5

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Shadowman

By: Nyla K.
Narrated by: Emil Archer, Owen Corrigan
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For three years, I’ve resided in Alabaster Penitentiary. Surrounded by the same faces day in and day out, the deranged souls I now call my friends. We eat our meals together, shower together… Hell, we even fool around on occasion.

Still, after all that, not one of them truly knows me.

It’s my fault. I’m a withdrawn hoarder of secrets. A shadowman, dwelling on the sidelines, damned to this pit of despair for reasons I still can’t accept.

Being the outsider in a group of weirdos isn’t always fun. After all, if no one sees me, do I even exist?

Okay, let’s not go there.

I’m resenting my permanent sidekick status when a distraction arrives. A newcomer—tall, mysterious, and severely beautiful, with black hair and violet eyes. His abrupt arrival has my prison pals suspicious. But not me. I’m instantly intrigued by that peculiar gaze, following me like nothing has before.

He actually sees me. And it’s intoxicating.

Trevel Fenwick could be an ally. Maybe he could be… more.

My body sure seems to think so. But the brighter he lights me up, the deeper he slips into the shadows himself.

What is this striking stranger hiding behind that charming accent and penetrating stare? Why is his need to seek revenge so strong? And can we fight past our demons enough to become real partners in crime?

When a brutal storm ravages Alabaster Isle, we’re left sifting through the rubble. The fences are down. Stress cracks in the foundation, secrets escape, fragile loyalties tested. But the war is far from over…

In fact, it’s only just begun.

**Shadowman is a dark MM romance that must be listened to in order. For CW's visit author's website.

©2025 Nyla K (P)2026 Nyla K, ANKE LLC
Crime Fiction Romance War
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All stars
Most relevant

Listener received this title free

I can't believe this series is nearly over. I did enjoy Brainwashed and Fragments better than this but I needed this one to progress the story. The Trvel and Byron romance was just fine to me. I was hooked for the bigger story.

book 5

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Having listened to the rest of the series I ran to this as soon as it came out. It was well worth the wait. Nyla K’s ability to turn the least interesting character into the most was extraordinary. The connections of strands and return to stories from the other books was nothing short of genius. Just hands down brilliant storytelling and characterisation. While the narrators were great at their own voices they struggled a bit with each others. Especially the ‘British’ accent. It made me smile at times. However, it didn’t take away from the enjoyment of the book. Love love love it! Can’t wait for The Ivory. But I might cry when the whole thing ends.

Epic Storytelling

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Amazing performance!! Loved the narration from Emil and Owen. The continuation was everything. Byron and Trevel are two great characters who are perfectly imperfect. My favourite of the series so far. The pacing of the book was done really well to explain the story and give detail. The writing is beautiful and detailed, the banter and spice were also top tier.

This was worth the wait

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Listener received this title free

Let’s start with the magic: the narrators absolutely carried this story. Their performances added depth, emotion, and tension that made scenes hit harder than they might’ve on the page. The voices, the pacing, the atmosphere—everything felt elevated. It turned long stretches into something immersive, almost hypnotic. Without that narration? I definitely would’ve struggled more.

Now… the honest bit.

This is a long story—and I felt it. The beginning dragged, and there were moments where it felt like I was wading through déjà vu instead of moving forward. I wanted to connect more deeply with the characters, especially Byron and Trevel, but that emotional spark just didn’t fully land for me. I kept waiting for that obsession-level attachment… and it stayed just out of reach.

But—and this is important—it’s not a miss.

Because when the story finally picks up? The tension, the chaos, the stakes? YES. That’s where it shines. The action hits, the world expands, and seeing all the characters come together again brings that addictive energy the series is known for. And let’s be real… the spice? Still delivering. 🌶️

So here’s the vibe:

✨ Audiobook = immersive, emotional, elevated
✨ Story = slow burn that takes its time (maybe too much time)
✨ Payoff = worth it… if you’re patient

Final rating: 3.5 ⭐

Would I recommend? Yes—especially in audio. The narrators turn this into an experience, not just a story. And sometimes… that makes all the difference.

This audiobook experience? Oh, it did something… just not always what I expected.

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Listener received this title free

"There’s an abundance of D available in Alabaster Pen… But definitely not the kind you get from sunshine." 🤎

Shadowman has officially broken me in the best way possible. I swear I say this every time, but this series genuinely just keeps getting better, especially on a re-read. Adding the audiobook this time made it even more immersive and I loved experiencing it that way alongside reading.

There’s something about this book that felt deeper, more introspective. The whole “being unseen” theme really hit and watching that shift as connections start to form was so satisfying. The dynamic between the characters pulled me in completely, there’s mystery, tension and that addictive slow unravel of who people really are beneath everything they hide.

And then… the ending. O-M-G. It left me desperate for more immediately. I need The Ivory audiobook in my ears right now because there is no way I’m ready to pause after that 😭

Tropes & Themes
🖤 Dark Romance
🌈 M/M Romance
⛓️ Prison Setting
🧠 Psychological Themes
🔍 Mystery & Secrets
🩶 Morally Grey Characters

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, how is there not a documentary about you?” 👤

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