Citadel Audiobook By C. M. Alongi cover art

Citadel

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Citadel

By: C. M. Alongi
Narrated by: Emily Lawrence
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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 Action & Adventure Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction Adventure
Engaging Storyline • Rich Worldbuilding • Distinctive Character Voices • Relatable Protagonist • Authentic Representation
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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!

I want more!

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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.

Amazing world building

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narrator was brilliant. exactly what you expect of Audible.
I am a sci fi nut. when I could see, i would read one or two titles a week. I never quit before the end. I have assumed that any writer had to have some kind of story and the ends of stories are often the point.
I am a blood spitting atheist, however, so I have aggressively avoided magical stories in general, Tolkien being a major exception.
Tales of CaFae Latte caught my attention on Tic Toc and I was seduced by Alongi, her elves , etc.
I gave Citadel a try and it was brilliant.
it is a very good story and it was well told. it really pisses me off when I am kicked in my prejudices.
SRT

Pleasantly Surprised

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I was not sure what to expect but this is a very accessible accessible story. I was a bit disappointed in the main character. Probably due to my own lack of knowledge about people with autism. It seemed that she just could not talk and sometimes had a problem with reading facial expressions. She mentioned a few irritations with touch but her thinking seemed normal. I guess I was expecting more. But over all I enjoyed the story very much and will be looking for more from this author.

Surprisingly good

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I feel in love with this book the characters are smart the world is amazing I want more.

Luv this book.

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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.

Almost Quit at the Beginning

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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

goods tory can't wait for more

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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.

Autism Rep!!

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Found this author thanks to TikTok and became enthralled by the story they are creating with their skits, had to get a copy of this book while awaiting their next work. Highly recommend giving this a listen/read.

The depth of each character, the plot, and the flow of the story was all I hoped for and more. A heart wrenching experience at times, a thrill for discoveries, and far more than I wish to reveal in a simple review. I wish I could give more stars.

Citadel

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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

YES

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