Release Date: October 9, 2018
Publisher: Amulet
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Description
“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.” (via Goodreads)
My Thoughts
On the surface, Beneath the Citadel is an action-adventure novel that’s part heist and part teenage rebellion. But beneath its tropey top layer is a catacomb of heavy topics and social commentary. Hard truths lurk in the shadows of each word sentence, in the dark corners of each page, in the caverns of each chapter. You’ve read other YA fantasies just like this one…until suddenly you realize there’s nothing else quite like it…
Read the rest of this review at Tor.com.
“Cassandra Valera,” the chancellor read from the paper in front of him, frowning at the surname.
“Present and accounted for,” she replied. “The name is Cassa though.”
The chancellor looked at her, surprised at her light tone. The two guards had stepped to the side, leaving her alone in the center of the room. Her stance was relaxed, almost casual. She lifted her manacled hands absently to scratch her cheek as she stared around the room in open curiosity.
“Do you know why you’re here?” the chancellor asked.
“I’d be pretty dim if I didn’t,” she said, finally casting her gaze in his direction. “I mean, even more than I was in getting caught.”
“So you don’t deny your crimes?” The chancellor looked at the other council members, at a loss. They seemed just as perplexed as he was. He’d been expecting terror and pleading or hatred and vitriol. It had never occurred to him to expect this.
“Why would I deny successfully infiltration the Central Keep with nothing but some barrels and a pry bar? I’m really quite proud of myself.”
Thanks to Amulet for sending me a review copy.
Do the world a favor and buy this book from your local indie bookstore or get it from your public library.
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