Citadel of Fear


Read by Mark Nelson

(4.4 stars; 233 reviews)

Gertrude Barrows Bennett was the first major female writer of fantasy and science fiction in the United States, publishing her stories under the pseudonym Francis Stevens. Bennett wrote a number of highly acclaimed fantasies between 1917 and 1923 and has been called "the woman who invented dark fantasy". Citadel of Fear is considered Francis Stevens' masterpiece, by Lovecraft's acclaim. Two adventurers discover a lost city in the Mexican jungle. One is taken over by an evil god while the other falls in love with a woman from the ancient Mexican city of Tlapallan. Citadel of Fear was first published as a serial in Argosy Magazine in 1918-1919. It was eventually republished as a novel in 1970. It is now considered a "lost classic". (Summary by Wikipedia and Mark Nelson) (9 hr 53 min)

Chapters

Chapter 1 - Hidden in the Hills 33:03 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 2 - The Moth Girl 16:36 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 3 - The Guardians of the Hills 27:46 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 4 - Tlapallan or -- 20:37 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 5 - Gold 16:39 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 6 - The Black Eidolon 15:24 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 7 - The Cloak of Xolotl 16:48 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 8 - Before the Black Shrine 21:20 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 9 - Maxatla Speaks 22:32 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 10 - The First Visitation 26:16 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 11 - The Red-Black Trail 13:25 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 12 - The Opinion of Mr. MacClellan 9:05 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 13 - The Bungalow Sold 11:27 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 14 - The Second Visitation 8:29 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 15 - The Third Visitation 19:09 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 16 - Admitted 30:06 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 17 - A Surprise and a Disappointment 20:03 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 18 - A Voice 26:09 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 19 - Cliona Receives a Guest 35:50 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 20 - The Fourth Visitation 27:12 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 21 - Cliona Meets a Stranger 12:38 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 22 - A Herder of Goblins 10:53 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 23 - The "Lord of Fear" 11:41 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 24 - The Lonely Traveler 2:10 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 25 - The White Beast-Hand 39:23 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 26 - To Undine 6:00 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 27 - Strange Victim - Stranger Conqueror 2:42 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 28 - Rival Claimants 21:31 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 29 - A Golden Flask 12:15 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 30 - The Gate Lodge Again 6:55 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 31 - A Strange Battlefield 8:20 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 32 - The Battle of the Doorway 31:10 Read by Mark Nelson
Chapter 33 - As One Triumphant 9:47 Read by Mark Nelson

Reviews

Really good read!


(5 stars)

Well writen and well read. Fast paced bit long enough to get really emotionally involved with the characters. Appropriate only for adults due to its very graphic descriptions of unpleasant processes and events.

Captivating story.


(5 stars)

Exciting from beginning to the end. Very visually described. Main hero had quite the flair for adventure. Very well read

Dazzling descriptions & action


(5 stars)

This was a ride into adventure that wouldn't have been half as fun without the terrific volunteer, Mark Nelson! The main character, had such a great Irish accent, that I found myself lost in the story time & time again. I'd listen to this again & recommend it to everyone!


(5 stars)

An excellent book and very well read. A horror story with links to Aztec mythology.

Wonderful!


(5 stars)

Totally absorbing and beautifully read!

A Classic That Holds Up Well


(5 stars)

I tried reading this when I was in college (due to Lovecraft's praise of the story) but I didn't get beyond the kooky beginning in the Aztec setting. I wish I had pushed on because the book really opens up after that. This is a fantastic classic that still feels quite modern. The reading is sensational. I highly recommend this title.

A wild, fantastic ride!


(5 stars)

The reader, Mark Nelson, drew me in, along with the interesting summary. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which is a mix of fanstasy, mystery, and horror. A vivid tale of two men's encouters with a ancient god and the struggles that ensue. Would recommend the book, and I would definitely read this author again.

Unexpectedly great


(5 stars)

Fast paced and with consistently written characters! This was creepy and fantastical in turns. I was also rather happy that somehow this tale missed the ridiculous heights of ethnocentrism this genre tends to reach. Definitely written with the bias of the times, but significantly more respectful of other cultures than, say, Tarzan