Citadel

By: C. M. Alongi

Narrated by: 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

YES

As someone who's on the spectrum I'm absolutely in love with this book I hope for a sequel or even a prequel either way I definitely want more i have about 4ish hrs left of listening to this book but im in love with this book

My comfort book!

Absolutely stunning world building and character development. The protagonist is my comfort character and i want to be as amazing and outspoken (pun intended) as her. I cant wait to read the sequel and see how the world continues to build and what twists await us!

An amazing experience

Though I don’t listen or read to many novels often, I was hook to this book. Could be me, I didn’t get hooked until about chapter 8 or 9. But honestly it’s a great listen.

Thought the voice over did an amazing job. Has a phenomenal range. This book may have gotten me into binging more audiobooks.

Unique

Wonderful characters full of potential and flaws. Appreciated the lead character with autism who was the heroine of the tale!

Need a second book now

This book was so good it was chosen somewhat at random and I have been telling everyone about it since starting, the only downside is I need a second book now so I can keep going!

citadel

I loved every min of this book the suspense the characters the creatures. I can't wait to read the next book.

Best book I've ever listened to

Absolutely amazing, zero complaints, author is amazing, and amazing to listen to when playing calm games

Intriguing!

C.M. Alongi has masterfully built a world like nothing ever seen before. I feel like I’ve been to Citadel and seen the town, its people, the forest that surrounds it, and the demons that live within the forest. Even more, I feel the worries the citizens live with; dwindling resources, neighbors turning on neighbors, demons living outside the city walls, and worst of all the fear of easily losing your life because of your beliefs, or lack of. Fantastic world building.
I enjoyed seeing various characters' lives and how they were impacted by their society’s view on people who weren’t worth resources because they were 'less than', that occupations were assigned gender, and the levels of access one needed for knowledge. The characters and their circumstance were so well presented, you understood them, even the 'bad guys'.
This story starts slow, but it does so to show us the world it takes place in and how it impacts the characters. It’s definitely worth staying with and things start moving as the storyline is laid out.
I enjoyed this story. Without speaking Olivia was an expressive communicator. She was also hilariously clever at getting access to things she wanted. And so very determined. Loved watching her puzzle with her mystery. I loved Riley and his devotion to Olivia. I rooted for Riley as he kept planning for the future he wanted, instead of the one his father wanted for him. I wanted the Doves to be able to come into the light. I wanted more resolution with Elias’ killer. And most of all for Olivia’s discovery to be told.
But none of that happened. And worst of all, speaking the truth would be a death sentence. Crushing.
That is life, not all stories have a happy ending. Still, it's definitely worth a listen.
(Maybe there’s going to be more?? One can hope!)

Couldn't stop listening!

Everything! I love it all, from beginning to end, the story, the narrator, all of it. please get more of your books on audible! My daughter is a fan on tiktok, she found your book and we were supposed to listen together. I was so enthralled that I just couldn't help myself and finish listening without her, lol. I need more!!!

A Unique Character gives a fresh view of everyday

With a strong main character and moving story, I can't wait to return to Citadel.