Citadel of Fear
Gertrude Barrows Bennett and Francis Stevens
Read by Mark Nelson
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
Reviews
Really good read!
Karebil
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.
sherbk
Exciting from beginning to the end. Very visually described. Main hero had quite the flair for adventure. Very well read
Dazzling descriptions & action
Dangerous L. Journey
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!
A LibriVox Listener
An excellent book and very well read. A horror story with links to Aztec mythology.
Wonderful!
Katia
Totally absorbing and beautifully read!
A Classic That Holds Up Well
Unknown
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!
Bobby P.
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
hlnorris
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