Citadel

De: C. M. Alongi

Narrado por: Emily Lawrence

In this luminous sci-fi debut, a nonverbal autistic woman refuses to crumble as she stands against a dogmatic society clinging to a centuries-long conflict built on lies.

Citadel is the only human city on the alien planet Edalide, ruled by the biweekly tides that bring both deadly danger and much-needed resources. But the drowning waters, constant threat of starvation, and eternal cold aren’t the most dangerous challenge. For the Flooded Forest is ruled by demons: monsters from Hell sent by their vengeful god as penance for their ancestors’ rebellion. To save their souls and return to their former glory, Citadel must kill every single one.

Or so they believe.

Olivia lost her lover to the demons almost a year ago. But during a scientific expedition, a chance encounter reveals that the demons are sentient—a startling discovery that would get Olivia executed if she exposed it.

Driven by the burning need for answers, Olivia embarks on a dangerous journey into the Forest. There, she must face alien monsters, zealous warriors, and the demons of her own past. But change comes slowly, and always with a price…

©2023 Christina Alongi (P)2023 Blackstone Publishing

I want more!

Sequel? Sequel? This story is so good I literally just finished it while in the stands at a soccer game because I didn’t want to pause and wait until after!

Almost Quit at the Beginning

When I heard the author's preface, I almost stopped right there, thinking I might as well not waste my time. It was so opinionated, bitter, and hateful that I didn't see this author being able to write a book I would enjoy. It wasn't that I disagreed with her message. But, as they say, 'If you've got a message, call Western Union.' I read and listen for enjoyment and escapism, not to be force-fed someone else's beliefs.

Well. I'm glad I gave it a chance. I enjoyed the book, and the author did not take every opportunity to turn it into a rant. Sure, it is a virtual soapbox, and it seemed like she took nearly every American point of disagreement and piled it into her patriarchal society. But it was done in a way that still kept the reader interested in the story. I thought the author did a wonderful job of balancing character traits throughout the book. They're not simply bad vs. good. Most, as in real life, are on a spectrum. Just like autism.

The story feels like a YA sci-fi/fantasy, and that's fine. It makes the dialogue a little more simplistic, but it was really the storyline itself that was intriguing, so again, no big deal. Olivia, the protagonist nonverbal autistic is a likable girl with an unenviable life. It's easy to understand why she reacts as she does since we're allowed into her headspace. But probably my favorite part of the characterization was her relationship with her biological father, who she considers a villain. As the story plays out we begin to realize that he's not an evil, hateful man. He's a complex man following known traditions and doing what he believes is right, even when it hurts to do so. I came to like his character best.

The narration was a slight issue for me, as some of the voicing was unpleasant at best, with a screechy quality that grated on my nerves. While most of the voices were unique, some of them were hard to distinguish as far as gender.

For fans of YA dystopian and post-apocalyptic reads who have stayed away from this book on the assumption that it is too woke (like me), I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. I was.

goods tory can't wait for more

I want to write a well written review but I can't even see what I'm typing thanks to a glitch in audible mobile app good bookhope I don't have a glaring typo

Autism Rep!!

I really loved this book. It's not the typical genre I read but the autism representation is amazing and it really captures the frustration of not being able to communicate. I honestly don't have any complaints. Citadel shows how the Autistic community experiences ableism without it being the main point of the story. If I could give more stars I would.

Amazing world building

This book has such amazing characters and world building. It had me hook from the start. I hope there is a sequel because I want to know what happens next.