Umbral Stalker

Groom to the Shadow Maiden

By: Charles Arlington

Narrated by: Anthony Proctor

Length: 7 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Gratoul city: the home to degenerates, criminals, labor men and women, and few noble souls. A city of tragedy, grief, and probable collusion.

After receiving a promotion at his construction firm, Nescien visits the hospital bed of his ill wife, Seresa. When his visit becomes the last, Nescien is torn with grief and despair, begging for his deceased wife’s revival.

An ominous figure observes his grief from the shadows; donning an odd hat, and carrying a chilling cold with him. He offers Nescien a deal, an exchange for his wife’s revival with a service to the powers of shadow. In this exchange, Nescien begets the name Umbral Stalker, and pledges his fealty to the mysterious man.

Through this power, Umbral Stalker emerges alongside the cries of those suffering, and even those past death. Arising from the shadows of perpetrators, the looming vigilante’s silhouette becomes the last image that the criminals of Gratoul will surely remember. For Umbral Stalker has only one obligation to honor: To intervene the world’s cruel fate.

With his life transformed, Umbral Stalker arises to punish all who honor death.

Story Tone: Dark, Mature, and Speculative

©2023 Charles Arlington (P)2024 Charles Arlington

Good book!

"Umbral Stalker: Groom to the Shadow Maiden" is more than an audiobook; it's an immersive experience. The darkly enchanting adventure transports you to a fantastical world of shadows and heroism. Whether you're a fantasy fan or new to the genre, this audiobook leaves a lasting impression. It's a spellbinding experience that is both thrilling and unforgettable. Highly recommended!

Cool concept

I enjoyed this. It was a mood - lol. Really well-drawn characters. Great pace. And then the narrator is excellent. I enjoyed it!

Book Club

This would be a great book club book. My friend and I read it together and it sparked some of the most intense and engaging discussions we've had to date. Each chapter peeled back layers of the complex relationship between power and morality, driving us to question not just the characters' decisions, but our own ethical boundaries. It's a compelling read for any group interested in dissecting the nuances of character development and thematic depth.

A Gripping Tale of Vengeance and Redemption

I recently finished listening to this audiobook, and it was an absolutely riveting experience. The dark and atmospheric setting of Gratoul city, filled with crime and corruption, drew me in from the start. Nescien's journey from a grief-stricken husband to the formidable Umbral Stalker was both tragic and thrilling, reminiscent of classic vigilante tales like "The Crow." The mysterious figure who offers Nescien a deal adds a chilling, supernatural element that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, fantasy, and suspense, creating a complex world where justice is served from the shadows. The transformation of Nescien into the Umbral Stalker is haunting and captivating, making for an unforgettable protagonist. Fans of dark, morally complex heroes will find themselves deeply engrossed in this tale of vengeance and redemption. This audiobook is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a compelling, dark narrative with rich character development and a touch of the supernatural.

Sort of a Dark Knight, revistied

"Umbral Stalker: Groom to the Shadow Maiden" by Charles Arlington is an immersive audiobook set in a grim city filled with criminals, laborers, and a few noble souls. After the protagonist receives a promotion, he visits his ill wife for the last time, consumed by grief and desperate for her revival. An ominous figure offers him a dark deal: his wife's life in exchange for his service to the powers of shadow... and so he becomes the Umbral Stalker, a vigilante who punishes the wicked. This dark, mature, and speculative tale explores themes of loss, despair, and justice... it reminded me of Batman Dark Knight in a way..

Keeps you guessing!

if you are looking for a story with a constantly twisting plot that keeps you guessing this book is definitely for you! With strong character development and a great narrator this is an excellent audiobook worth a listen.

So mant twists!

The dark and mature theme was captured perfectly in this audio book. The narration is top notch and it provides a great partnership with the story full of twists. It's a roller coaster which kept me hooked till the very end. Highly recommended for people who are into fantasy, horror and adventure genres.

A great novel

I really enjoyed this. Very creative. A great escape.
The characters are rich and the world they inhabit makes for great fantasy and intrigue.
A very mature work of fiction.
The narration is exceptional.

Welcome to Gratoul City

I loved escaping into this grimy world. The story was dark and had mature themes, just the way I like them! The writing was amazing and the atmosphere grabbed me and pulled me through the gutters. Anthony Proctor also performed one of the best narration pieces I've ever had the pleasure of listening too. There's nothing to dislike here, I was on the edge of my seat the entire ride, and it was a wild ride indeed! Well done! Highly recommended!

A Dark and Gripping Tale of Revenge and Redemption

Umbral Stalker Groom to the Shadow Maiden is a thrilling and dark journey through the crime-ridden streets of Gratoul city. The story follows Nescien, whose life is shattered by the death of his wife, Seresa. The depth of his grief leads him to make a pact with a mysterious figure, transforming into the vigilante Umbral Stalker. This novel masterfully weaves themes of tragedy, love, and revenge, as Nescien hunts down the criminals of Gratoul with a chilling vengeance. The atmospheric writing and complex characters kept me hooked from start to finish. A must-read for fans of dark fantasy and vigilante justice!