In the city of Eldra, the people live under the constant and watchful eye of the Council, a group of elite citizens organised to maintain control of the city after a rebellion that lasted 100 years. Guided by the infallible prophecies of powerful rooks of the bygone age, the council have been unstoppable and unrelenting in their quest for power. Now however, the events of the last prophecy have come to pass and their future is unknown.
Cassa Valera lives overshadowed by the legacy of her dead parents, the last leaders of the Rebellion’s final stand. Cut down while Cassa was just a child, she relies on her friends to help her through. Tired of the Council’s unending lies and manipulation, she decides to take a stand. Will her scheming pay off? Or will her efforts lead to her own demise?
The story starts out with four teenagers—Cassa, Evander, Alys and Newt—going before the council to have their fate determined; they have been caught breaking into the Citadel (the seat of power of the Council), an offense punishable by death. Each of them had their own role to play and will be punished accordingly. There was however supposed to be a fifth conspirator, Vesper, a rather smart lass who was nowhere to be found when the plan went down—obviously she must have turned.
After being sentenced to death, the quartet are escorted back to their individual cells to await their execution. Being a resourceful bunch, each doomed teen utilises their skills to make a daring escape from the prison. Once they have gained their freedom, they must escape the city, however, fate has other plans for the group. Finding themselves lost in the endless tunnels under the Citadel, Alys makes a choice that changes the course of their young lives, thrusting them right into the path of their supposed executioner.
At times, this novel was a struggle to finish as the narrative seemed to hit regular lulls—these were quickly forgotten once the story hit a point of action. The idea that rooks (seers/oracles) and sentients (mind readers/seers of the past) were two completely separate ‘breeds’ was an interesting one departing from the traditionally clairvoyant character. Also, the idea of having to undergo a transformation to be bloodbound to an element rather than being born with the ability was a refreshing change from the norm.
The world building within was nothing less than amazing. Regardless of whether there was a map present or not, the ability to track characters movements was relatively simple, enabling the audience to get a fairly thorough idea of where and when events took place.
Taking place from varying characters point of views could have caused an audible groan from those who prefer single narrators. In Citadel, the transitions were logical and relatively smooth as events were told in chronological order. This enabled each character to firmly know their place and undergo their own journey of self discovery; their individual personalities allow different interpretations of the events, moulding the character path through the world of Eldra.
The villains of this novel have distinct purpose and while initially seeming to take on the traditional role, by the conclusion each has undergone their own transformation. Solan is especially of note with his first presentation being that of a helpless old man being held hostage by a society who wish to use him for their own personal gain. In the final chapters, however, it is quite obvious that he is a diabolical genius and deserves an Oscar for his previous performances.
While not a particularly obvious LGBQT+ novel, this book includes a relationships between two same-sex characters. While initially single sided, by the end a relationship has formed. Traditionally these sorts of interactions are thrown in the face of the reader and can become quite obnoxious—within Citadel, it is oft alluded to however serves as more of an undertone rather than a primary plot point.
Overall, Beneath the Citadel is a well written entry into the world of YA fantasy. The character development, relationships, and fast pacing throughout the majority make it an enjoyable read with the worldbuilding greatly influencing potential enjoyment of the tale. While the sexual orientation of at least two major players may be seen as unacceptable within mainstream fiction by some, I would strongly recommend at least giving it a go.
Beneath The Citadel will be released in October and it will be available from Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
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Synopsis | Goodreads
In the city of Eldra, people are ruled by ancient prophecies. For centuries, the high council has stayed in power by virtue of the prophecies of the elder seers. After the last infallible prophecy came to pass, growing unrest led to murders and an eventual rebellion that raged for more than a decade.
In the present day, Cassa, the orphaned daughter of rebels, is determined to fight back against the high council, which governs Eldra from behind the walls of the citadel. Her only allies are no-nonsense Alys, easygoing Evander, and perpetually underestimated Newt, and Cassa struggles to come to terms with the legacy of rebellion her dead parents have left her — and the fear that she may be inadequate to shoulder the burden. But by the time Cassa and her friends uncover the mystery of the final infallible prophecy, it may be too late to save the city — or themselves.
