Citadel
Books | Fiction / Science Fiction / Alien Contact
5
C. M. Alongi
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...
AD
Buy now:
More Details:
Author
C. M. Alongi
Pages
430
Publisher
Blackstone Publishing
Published Date
2023-06-20
ISBN
9798200836444
Community ReviewsSee all
"Main character is a nonverbal autistic named Olivia (I think-?) who lives in the city of Citadel, one of the only human settlements left on an alien planet that is overrun with demons and monsters. Basically she can’t go back to the city in fear of execution (For reasons I will not spoil). Lots of queer, witchy, and neurodivergent themes! "
Mars🪐
"I purchased this book because I follow the writer's video series on tiktok and knew her to have a diverse cast of characters in her stories. I was not disappointed with this book!
The main character is autistic. Already a level of representation that is not often seen. While this, and the fact that she is nonverbal, affect how the main character functions in society, she is a strong character who is never infantilized for being neurodivergent. She does not live in a very accepting society, and we see that in the way that many characters treat her, but the character herself is a strong, intelligent person who is actively trying to fix the issues of the society she lives in.
The story is engaging and interesting, showing many different political and personal motivations working against one another. There are characters who show that strength is not always a physical thing, but also an emotional one. With two peoples at war for generations, will they have the strength to find forgiveness and forge new bonds in the face of opposing political, religious, and cultural pressures?
I loved every minute of this book and look forward to reading the sequel when it comes out!"
A.J. The Human
"I had a great time reading this book! I love the author's writing style, and her characters and world building can't be beat!"
Ashley Beard
"This is one of the best books I've ever read. It's very hard to find autistic rep in media. Although I am not nonverbal I am autistic and I related heavy to Olivia and can't wait for more books from this author."
Alfie