It’s been a long time coming (2 years since I began the first draft!), but I am beyond excited to finally reveal the next installment in the Nineteen Minutes to Midnight series!

When I finished writing Nineteen Minutes to Midnight, I knew Jerome and Arabella’s story was far from over. Over the past couple of years, I’ve been deep in the drafting and editing trenches crafting a massive, heart-pounding sequel that takes this world to a whole new level!

Today, I’m thrilled to officially announce Book 2: The Shadow Awakening!

What is The Shadow Awakening About?

Here is a look at the official blurb:

Darkness will prevail. A shadow is awakening…

Four years after a mysterious grandfather clock appeared in his attic, Jerome Adewale has made his choice: he’s done travelling back in time. He knows how it ends. He and Arabella Wentworth can never be together.

But then come the stories. Sightings of monstrous creatures with hellish red eyes, lurking at the edge of the dark. And Jerome’s biggest fear is confirmed. It’s not over.

When a familiar figure from his past turns up, Jerome, along with Sam and Olly, are dragged into a fight they never asked for… again. Reluctantly, Jerome returns to 1905, where he and Arabella are reunited at last. But something is different about her. Something he believes has been awakening for a very long time.

Across the world, tech juggernaut Kurt Epoch promises mankind’s first steps on Mars, televised live for all to see. But Arabella has seen Epoch’s face before. Or, at least, something wearing it.

Now, as the countdown begins, they must uncover what Epoch is really planning before it’s too late. And as Arabella discovers what she truly is, one truth becomes impossible to ignore: if Jerome can’t help her in time, there won’t be a future left to fight for…

Bigger Stakes & Long-Awaited Answers

If you loved the time travel, character dynamics, and historical mystery of Book 1, The Shadow Awakening ramps up the tension in every possible way.

We’re returning to Victorian-era 1905, but we’re also jumping into modern-day space-tech conspiracies with Kurt Epoch, introducing terrifying new monstrous threats, and digging deep into the truth of who (and what) Arabella actually is. At 180,000 words, this is an epic entry in every sense of the word!

When is it out?

The manuscript is in its final polish stages, and I am currently aiming for a Spring 2027 release. Pre-order details will be available soon!

Thank you to every single reader who picked up Nineteen Minutes to Midnight, left a review, sent a message, or asked when Jerome and Arabella would be back. Your enthusiasm is what keeps these books flowing.

Alex