Beneath the Citadel

480 pages

Published Oct. 9, 2018 by Harry N. Abrams.

ISBN:: 978-1-4197-3146-4

(1 review)

Four friends —Alys, Evander, Newt, and protagonist Cassa—find themselves facing off with the sinister High Council who have been ruling the city of Eldra for centuries. But a rebellion has been playing out for more than a decade, and Cass, the daughter of rebels, is determined to follow in her parents’ footstep, despite her fear that it might be more than she is capable of. Mysterious prophecies, a fight against oppressive leaders, and a city on the brink of destruction—this book is every bit as dark and magical as that oh so creepy cover would imply!

4 editions

Books That Burn reviewed Beneath the Citadel by Destiny Soria

Review of 'Beneath the Citadel' on 'Storygraph'

5 stars

Beneath The Citadel plays with identity and memory to tell a riveting story of intrigue, revolution, and desperation. It's unapologetically queer in a way that feels like finally breathing, blending sweetness and exasperation to make an amazing ride.

I'm so happy this book exists, and I hope to read many more like it. The characters have complex relationships with each other that are informed by their queerness but not wholly defined by it. I only mentioned it so much because it feels amazing to read a story which doesn't treat straightness as a default. Another thing I haven't seen before is a teen friendship between former lovers where there's no jealousy about one of them moving on to exploring new relationships. I'm always looking at how YA books handle relationship triangles, and I like how this kind of dodges that entire premise while also keeping some of what makes that …

Beneath The Citadel plays with identity and memory to tell a riveting story of intrigue, revolution, and desperation. It's unapologetically queer in a way that feels like finally breathing, blending sweetness and exasperation to make an amazing ride.

I'm so happy this book exists, and I hope to read many more like it. The characters have complex relationships with each other that are informed by their queerness but not wholly defined by it. I only mentioned it so much because it feels amazing to read a story which doesn't treat straightness as a default. Another thing I haven't seen before is a teen friendship between former lovers where there's no jealousy about one of them moving on to exploring new relationships. I'm always looking at how YA books handle relationship triangles, and I like how this kind of dodges that entire premise while also keeping some of what makes that dynamic fascinating as a trope. As for the flow of the book, there's a really good mix of figuring out the tumult and constant stress of the main action, while also having quiet intimate moments where everyone gets a moment to breath and reassess.

I love the book, I love the premise, I love heist stories... I wish this were a series, but I also feel like it would be a betrayal of the conclusion of the book to try and have a related story in this space. It would be interesting to read more things in this world, but due to its nature as a portrayal of the last gasp of a dying and defunct societal paradigm, it's probably for the best that it's standalone.