Castor Away

The Black Sigil of Naphal #3

by Paige Alexandria

In Castor Away, Castor Davidian and Sam Vandella must face the ultimate what are they willing to sacrifice—for freedom, for the truth, and for each other? The fight against the ENA isn’t over. For Castor and Sam, it’s only just beginning.


CASTOR

It should’ve been simple—one more assignment, one more life saved before I disappeared.

But then came Sam Vandella and I haven’t let go of her since.

Now we’re undercover, walking straight into the enemy’s fire to save a friend. But all I can think about is getting her out alive and dragging myself out with her.

She thinks I’ll either save her or destroy her.

The truth? I might do both.



SAM

He was chaos. He was temptation. And the moment I said yes, my life stopped belonging to me.

Castor Davidian is the kind of man you don’t survive unscathed. Every secret he carries takes us deeper into the enemy’s fire, and every choice we make pulls us closer to the point of no return.

Maybe he’s the fire that saves me.

Maybe he’s the fire that burns us down.

All I know is—I’ll follow him into the flames.

Genres: Dark Romance

399 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

Reviews

[Valisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars 🌟

A huge thank you to Paige Alexandria for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book and read Sam and Castor’s story!

This story is so incredibly intense and dark that it kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages one after another.

I liked Sam and Castor in the previous books, but in this instalment we find out what really happened to them. My sweet Sam... I couldn’t read the chapters from her perspective without getting emotional...

Stories about secret societies have always fascinated me, but this one was special🥹

I’m really looking forward to the next book, because it’s bound to be a cracker!

[Nelli Lakatos · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙸'𝚍 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔. 𝙸'𝚍 𝚛𝚞𝚗. 𝙸'𝚍 𝚐𝚘 𝚋𝚊𝚛𝚎𝚏𝚘𝚘𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝚑𝚎𝚕𝚕 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚋𝚊𝚌𝚔 𝚒𝚏 𝚒𝚝 𝚖𝚎𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚋𝚢 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚍𝚎."

Stepping back into this universe felt like stepping back home, hugging my fur babies after a long day away. This cover mesmerized me from the first moment I laid eyes on it. Green is my absolute favorite color. I knew that it's a sign that I will adore this installment too.

It was so weird and unfamiliar that after two books in this series, there was a switch in POV's and this book was written back in time and from Castor's & Sam's point of views instead of Reich's & Sage's. But at the same time I adore all these characters so much and learning more about their inner worlds was the biggest gift ever. Sam was like sunshine after too many rainy days, the best friend everyone should have in their lives. Her energy can brighten even the darkest minds. And she did everything she could for the people she loved.

And Blondie as a nickname?! It was the most heartwarming thing ever. I love these characters so much. Even calling them "characters" feel wrong. They became family to me.

When I found out that the next book will be about Keenan and Blythe. I got so excited! While I was reading this book I was literally thinking about how special it would be to have a full novel about them. They deserve their happy ending. I mean, I do like Jasper too, but Keenan deserves every bit of joy. I cannot wait for book four to come!

I highly recommend reading this beautiful series to everyone! These books became such a huge comfort to me. I usually am horrible at finishing series, especially when it's not complete yet. But with ᴛʜᴇ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ sɪɢɪʟ ᴏғ ɴᴀᴘʜᴀʟ?! I honestly cannot wait to read about these people. I am so incredibly grateful to be on Paige's ARC team.

[Alyssa Kunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Paige for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review

6 ⭐️ read for me !! 🙌

Castor Away book 3 in The Black Sigil of Naphal series is addictive, raw, beautifully written, and immersive. The whole series is that way.

From page 1 it was intense that had me on the edge of my seat. When I got 60% in… holy crap I was hyperventilating thinking I was gonna have a heart attack. From there until the end oooh that was a wild ride. Castor and Sam I knew were special in the other books, and in this book you find out what really happened with them. After reading their story they are just more special, I’ll be holding them close to my heart.

The depth of darkness to this one was absolutely incredible. (Paige wasn’t kidding that each book is digging deeper, and darker.) My emotions were all over the place while reading. Paige’s writing is exceptional, I start reading and the next thing I know is I’m lost in the book, I’m so emotionally invested, turning page after page wanting more because the words stick to you like glue. This series easily consumes you, once those claws are in there’s no turning back. I’m so happy that I’m deep in the series, I wouldn’t want any other way. This journey is amazing and means the world to me, I have a lot of love for this world.

6 ⭐️
4 🌶️

[Melissa Mejia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of receiving this as an e-ARC and voluntarily will be giving my honest review. This book had me at the edge of my seat from the very start!! This was dark emotional roller coaster and what a ride!! This is book 3 in The Black Sigil of Naphal series and was written phenomenally and I can’t wait for the next book because i know it will be just as unhinged as this one!!

“In Castor Away, Castor Davidian and Sam Vandella must face the ultimate question: what are they willing to sacrifice—for freedom, for the truth, and for each other? The fight against the ENA isn’t over. For Castor and Sam, it’s only just beginning.”

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 picks up with the fight against the ENA and it’s far from over! The stakes are higher than ever, everything feels more dangerous and the emotional damage? Absolutely maxed out 😭

Sam absolutely stole my heart in this one! I adored her so much. She’s thrown into impossible situations and surrounded by chaos, yet she keeps pushing forward. Even when everything around her is unraveling, she refuses to back down & keeps fighting. Continues to choose the people she loves despite everything stacked against her. Her quiet resilience made me love her even more!

Castor, WHEWWW. This man 😭 He is chaos, temptation & emotional destruction wrapped into one. He carries so much on his shoulders and every secret feels heavier than the last. He’s protective in that obsessive, all consuming way while still feeling like he’s constantly walking the line between saving Sam & becoming the thing that destroys them both. He had me kicking my feet one minute and stressing the next!

The spice is SPICINN, the ribbon scene?!🥵 Sam & Castors connection is intense, addictive and so messy! It’s devotion tangled with danger & two people willing to burn for each other even if the flames consume them. Yall my heart was STEADILY beating out of my chest!

I FLEW through this, I’m obsessed with Sam & Castor so much!! This series continues to surprise me! We kinda get some answers?? Not really, somehow STILL end up with even more?! The deeper we go into the ENA, the more secrets unravel, nothing feels certain & its all just chaos! Paige’s writing is so beautifully layered and raw. She handles trauma and healing with so much depth and this series genuinely has some of the best mental health rep! I loved that we continue to see the whole crew! Super excited for Keenan & Blythes story especially if it involves a certain guard named jasper🤭

[Stephie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am in love with this series! Thank you to the author for gifting me this amazing ARC! Castor Away is a dual POV Dark romance novel and is the third book in the Black Sigil of Naphal series. It follows Sam and Castor and picks up right after they leave Reich's bunker in the second book

I loved that this book was happening at the same time as the events in Reich and Ruin. I kept trying to figure out the timelines and where each pair of characters were when the events were taking place. Sam and Castor's story is nuts. I loved Sam in the first book and to see her again and act so selflessly to save others really tugged at my heart strings. You can literally see how much Castor loves her and will do anything for her. You can feel his anguish when he has to make hard decisions. I loved Keenan and Nael seemed a lot nicer in this book. Jasper was also a pleasant surprise. The writing was perfect and did a great job at showing us everything. I also liked how some side characters are introduced. I'm hoping Torryn, Thorne, and Lucian will make appearances in upcoming books. I did think it was a bit convenient that Sam found Blythe pretty much right away, but that's ok. I still have so many questions! Why tf are ENA doing this to people? Who are the ENA? What is the connection with Sage's mother?

This series has me in its grip and won't let me go until I know all the answers!

4 out of 5 stars
2 out of 5 spicy peppers
Memorable line: “I'm going to take my time tonight… You're going to feel me long after I'm done.”
Read this if you like: Dark romance, breaking her will, deliberate isolation, locked away FMC, mind games, possessive protector, secret society, trauma bonding
F*ck appears: 44 times
Spicy chapters: 6, 13, 14, 44, 49, 63

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Arc Review✨

5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2 🌶️🌶️

In Castor Away, book 3 of the Black Sigil of Naphal series, we see what happened in book 2 from Castor and Sam's POV, which answered so many questions I'd previously had. I loved getting a glimpse of how their relationship started and how everything between them unfolded. It added so much depth and tied the series together as a whole. Ultimately, this is by far my favorite book in the series.

As always, the writing hooks you right away - it's beautiful and so descriptive. This story takes a darker turn, in the sense that they go undercover to rescue a friend and sadly, Sam ends up being a prisoner. While locked up she endures being tortured and psychologically manipulated, all part of the new program the ENA society runs with kidnapped women.

Move over Reich and Sage, because Sam and Castor have officially become my new favorite couple.❤️‍🔥 The chemistry between them is palpable and so hot, you literally feel the heat pouring through the pages. Besides their chemistry, the dedication and trust they have for each other is immeasurable. They compliment each other so well, despite having different personalities. She’s the sunshine in his abyss of darkness.🖤

I CANT wait for book 4!!! Omg I am so excited to read what is coming, I will be anxiously waiting for it to arrive!

Thank you so much to the author for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

[Derric Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castor Away Book Review:
Castor Away is Paige’s third book in her five part series. Unlike the first two novels, this book is from the perspective of Castor and Sam. Castor is shocked by a forbidden knowledge that changes everything. Sam is forced to make a dangerous and costly sacrifice to try to save a long lost friend. The story takes place concurrent with the events of in Reich and Ruin. Seeing the world through their eyes is a definite change of pace, but in the best way possible! The story has so many twists and turns and it keeps you guessing what’s going to happen next and somehow the resolution meets the hype. Countless times I literally jumped up from lying down from the hype or suspense. I rarely have time to read books all the way through, but towards the middle of the book I just couldn’t put it down. I had to finish the rest of the book in one sitting. It’s THAT good. You won’t be able to put it down. Then once the answers start coming in all the questions from book two start to fall into place. And without giving another cliff hanger, the end of the book perfectly sets up book four. That sneak peak at the end? Chefs Kiss. Definitely my favorite of the series so far. Also, on the spicy side of things, let’s just say Sam and Castor know how to take it to the next level 😉

[Cait · Rating 5 out of 5]

PAIGE YOU HAVE DONE IT AGAIN.
6⭐️ absolutely phenomenal. The writing, keeps getting better with each book, The Black Sigil of Naphal series is so beautifully written, so dark, twisted, and it draws you in and keeps you hooked. It's addictive in the way you simply can't stop reading once you've started. and Paige just has a way with words, I could have highlighted probably at least over half of the book.

I thought I loved Sage & Reich with everything in me (which don't let me fool you, I adore them so incredibly much) but then we get Sam & Castor's story, and 🤌🏻 HOLY. These two had me in a chokehold. I am holding them so dearly, they're truly a special pair.

This story and the darkness of it, it's more intense but there's even more depth. The more we're digging into the story and the ENA. The more we're learning as we go, and while this is taking place in the same timeline as In Reich and Ruin, I loved the little moments where I'm reading and like "I REMEMBER THIS" from the opposite perspective. This world has its claws hooked into me, I can't and will never get enough. and the way Sam would drop it all to save those she cares about, what she goes through, just her selfless sacrifice.

I still have SO many questions about the ENA just as a whole, and I can't wait for more to keep unraveling as we go!!

Thank you SO much Paige for the ARC to read for my honest review.

[OooLaLa Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Survived... Just Barely

Besties... first things first: if you have not read this series in order, do not pass go.🛑 "Castor Away" overlaps with the timeline from Book 2 and finally gives us Castor and Sam’s side of the chaos, and TRUST... you need that full emotional setup before diving in.

The second Sam volunteered herself, I literally gasped and yelled "NOOOOOOO!" because excuse me?! Why are we volunteering for stress and anxiety?! From that moment on, my nerves packed their bags and moved into this book permanently. This undercover rescue mission had me clutching my Kindle, chewing my nails, and mentally screaming at every page. 😳 The suspense? Brutal. There was a moment where I genuinely shouted "WHY TF DID YOU STOP?!" because Paige Alexandria knew exactly where to leave me emotionally dangling.

And Sam? Whew. My heart hurt for everything she endured. The trauma and emotional weight hit hard. But can we discuss the spice for a second? Because unlike me, this book came prepared. The spice was SPICING, Besties. 🥵

Paige’s writing still has that romantic yet ominous atmosphere I’m obsessed with, and I’ve officially fallen headfirst into this series. Also… Blythe, Keenan, and Jasper are next?! Immediate TBR addition! 💯

My Ratings:  ⭐ 4.5/5  ▪︎  🥵 3.5/5

🥀 My ratings and review are my own. For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤

[KC · Rating 4 out of 5]

Castor Away by Paige Alexandria
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Paige does it again! Leaving you with so many questions and none of your previous questions answered.

I really enjoyed Castor and Sam’s book and their POV’s. I love their love for one another and truly admire their trust in one another. Especially with the events that happen in this book. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of a different side of the ENA. And Man oh man! All kinds of messed up!

This book was fast paced! Things did NOT slow down. I needed to get to the next chapter to figure out what was going on and then there was several moments where I had to put the book down and process what was happening… because whyyyyyyyyy 🤯

This is the third book of The Black Sigil of Naphal series and I am sooooo excited for the next book. As always, we are all Paige’s Pawns’ and we are at her whim with getting answers and to uncovered secrets and questions left unanswered. You could theorize what happens but Paige would completely squash it with some epic twist or cliffhanger.

This is a dark psychological romance so please check your trigger warnings! Your mental health matters!

[Sydney Santillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is nothing short of phenomenal. I was completely hooked from start to finish.
One of my favorite things about this book is how the timeline unfolds. Getting to see the events of the previous book through the characters' perspectives, was such a brilliant storytelling choice. It added so much depth to the story and made everything hit even harder.
Paige's writing style is beautifully descriptive without ever feeling overwhelming or hard to follow. She has this rare ability to paint vivid, immersive scenes while keeping the narrative accessible and easy to stay lost in. She also does an incredible job capturing the mental and emotional inner world of her characters, which made them feel so real and layered.
And the spicy scenes are perfectly timed. Never overdone. She knows exactly when to dial up the tension and when to let it breathe, which honestly just made those moments even better.
Paige Alexandria has quickly become one of my favorite authors, and I cannot wait to see where this series goes next!

[Marelize Kruger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Paige pulled us back into the absolute shit show that is the ENA, and I was so damn excited to finally get Sam and Castor’s story.

I was a little scared going into this one after everything that happened in In Reich and Ruin, and yeah… we are definitely back in the middle of the ENA’s mind games and torture.

Sam and Cas’s love story is anything but normal, but it was so freaking good getting to know them better and seeing how everything between them unfolded.

That being said, thanks a fucking lot, Paige, for giving us basically NO answers about the ENA. Which means book 5 is probably going to slap the absolute shit out of all of us with the answers we’ve been dying for. I am so damn ready for it.

And honestly? I’m also ridiculously excited for Keenen and Blythe’s story because that is going to be one wild ride, especially with Jasper thrown into the mix for a fun time.

Castor Away releases May 19th!

[Kimberly Kendall · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved how the story worked alongside the second in the series, In Reich and Ruin. Revisiting the same scenario from a different perspective made this such a familiar, smooth read.

As far as the characters, I LOVE Castor and Sam! I knew from the previous two books that I would love their love story, and I was not disappointed! The fun banter, the loyalty and trust they have to one another in order to survive the “always watching” secret society, the ENA…. 🤌🏻

This was a high stakes, undercover mission romance, and the build up of suspense was very well written, keeping me engaged throughout the entire book! This is DEFINITELY my favorite of the series so far. And that rescue mission toward the end?! 🔥😭 I’m looking forward to the next installment to the Black Sigil of Nephals series! And dare I say… it involves a love triangle 😍

Thank you to @authorpaigealexandria for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Desirae Clouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading In Reich and Ruin, I was in a bit of a reading slump but I had to finish this series. After Castor disappeared in the beginning of the series I was intrigued.

Finding out this was a whole planned thing wasn’t on my bingo card, but I’m so glad it was. Sam and Castor having a plan in the ENA to get Blair out and it was going to work until SOMEONE had to stand up *cough cough* Castor *cough cough*

I absolutely hated Jasper in the beginning and I think that was the point until you realise that he developed a small bond with Blair. There’s a deep part of me that just wants them to be together but there’s another part of me that wants Keenan to have a happy ending after finding out that he spent all this time trying to find her.

I am so excited to start reading the next book (even if it doesn’t come out for the next couple of months).

Another thank you to Paige Alexandria for letting me be an ARC member for this series.

[Tara Troxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Huge thanks to Paige Alexandria for gifting me an eARC of Castor Away. As the third book in the Black Sigil of Naphal series, this dual-POV dark romance is a total emotional rollercoaster. 🥹🥹

Why you need to read this:

The Timeline: It runs parallel to Reich and Ruin, which makes the world-building feel so immersive and clever.

The Heart: ohhhh Sam… her selfless heart makes her such a compelling protagonist. Reading her POV was *chefs kiss*

The Romance: Castor’s love and his internal struggle to make the hard choices is written so well!!! Love is anything but easy.

The Mystery: Secret societies always fascinate me, but this one is special. The questions surrounding the society … eeeeek!!

The writing is amazing and had me hooked right at the start. I’m already waiting for the next book!!! Do yourself a favor and read this series. ❤️‍🔥

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

“𝑾𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒎𝒆?”

Castor Away by Paige Alexandria
4⭐️
3🌶️

I’m always so excited to read Paige’s books and book three of The Black Sigil of Nephal did not disappoint! It’s dark, addictive, raw, painful and healing. This time we follow Castor and Sam’s story. We find out the “why” and the “where” that we were questioning in book two. Castor and Sam go through it, but even bruised and broken, they still find each other.

Paige’s writing is so immersive and you get sucked into her stories so easily. I flew through this book, as I did with the others.

Thank you Paige for the book mail!! I loved this book so much! I’m so happy to have been gifted a physical copy, and the page overlays are stunning 🤩

Preorder Castor Away now! Coming 5/19!

[Danielle Stricklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of these books. I like how we switched POV's and got to be in Castor and Sam's this book. I loved learning more about them and seeing how they are together. Of course I loved getting some of Sage and Reich. The way this story continues but took such a turn was amazing. I was not expecting any of the twists that happened. I like that we got more into the ENA and found out a little bit more. Sam is so brave and strong and really did whatever needed to be done during this book. Castor was so sweet and protective. I could not get enough of them! I can't wait to read the next book! I need to know what is going to happen!! Thank you so much @authorpaigealexandria for the ARC copy!!❤️❤️❤️

[Mrs Reads Between The Lines · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gritty storyline and profound emotional stakes had me hooked from the very first page. I was completely pulled into Sam and Castor's unforgettable journey. This multi-layered read grabs your heart and soul, refusing to let go. As for the world and character building? It’s phenomenal, somehow getting better with each book—and I cannot wait for the next one! Go ahead and tuck Castor Away onto your TBR.

(This is book 3 and the first two must be read in order.)

*Please read trigger and content warnings.*

I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me STRESSED the entire time in the best way 😭.

The tension never really lets up, and I mean that as a compliment. Every chapter felt heavy in that “okay now I need to know what happens next” kind of way, so I kept reading way later than I meant to.

I also loved how consuming the overall vibe felt. The emotions, the danger, the connection between the characters… everything felt really heightened and intense without losing the heart underneath it all.

And honestly this is one of those books where you can feel the chaos building the deeper you get into it. I was fully locked in from start to finish.

Definitely not a light read emotionally, but wow was it addictive.

[Bookish_Winnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Paige Alexandria for the opportunity to read the 3rd book in this series. I have had the pleasure of reading all 3 as arcs and they do 👏🏻 not 👏🏻 disappoint 👏🏻

I fell in love with Sage haven and as the story continued in book 2 and 3 the way this series has had me in it clutches. Book 3 castor away did not let me down and I was completely and utterly captivated into this story on the edge of my seat grasping the pages so tight. The twist and turns, suspense, and Sam and castors story absolutely amazing!

I can’t wait for the next book and im impatiently waiting again

If you haven’t added this to your TBR I highly recommend jumping on this series asap

[Shannon Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy from the author

Castor away is the third book in The Black Sigil of Nathan series. This book is emotional and beautifully written. This book had me gripped in a chokehold finding out all the secrets and the backstories of what really happened. You may want tissues at the ready! This book is dark so please read at your own pace but it is extremely heartfelt and really leaves an emotional impact that you carry with you 🙏 I loved Sam and Castor from previous books but this book just cemented them a place in my heart ❤️

[Samantha McJunkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza!!!! This is Castor and Sam’s story that coincides with Reich and Sage and I love seeing the same scenes from different perspectives!!! This one hit differently my lawwwd! Make sure to check your trigger warnings! Still in the midst of their fight with the ENA these two are trying to not only survive but save others. I cannot wait for the next book!
“Let them stand in the ashes and wonder how everything they built turned to nothing.”

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely wonderful book. This is book three in the series. The series is the black sigil of naphal. The characters for absolutely phenomenal I felt the world was built up perfect. Paige Alexandria get a phenomenal job with all of these books. I cannot wait to see how this continues.

[BombshellDanielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeeeeeeebus that was rough.

This world is dark and so messed up. But these broody dudes keep us all so entwined!!

Ahhhhhhh I need the next book now. Stooooooppppp!!!

[Nessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam and Castor story as one that will sit in my soul for the rest of my life. I absolutely love every single bit of the story, and I’ve had such a hard time writing the review, purely based I’m not wanting to give away too much in their story. From the first page, I could not put this book down I reread chapters wanting to make sure I absorbed every single detail. I love seeing bits of Sage and Reich and how their story into waves into Sam and Castor’s story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series. This world building is amazing and so complex.

I did get the opportunity to read this book as an arc read. This is my honest review of it.