Scarlet Citadel

Walking Shadow, Book 1

By: Jack Fields

Narrated by: Neil Hellegers, Tess Irondale

The doors of fire await him...

Set in the metropolis of Corinth City where steampunk meets neon gothic. Haunted by a recent heartbreak, Hughes is indebted to the city's most terrifying criminal gang. Desperate for salvation, Hughes sets his sights on joining the Scarlet Citadel, an enigmatic organization of pageant fighters, monster hunters, and keepers of secrets. As a member of their illustrious ranks, surely he can pay off his debts and change his life for the better.

On the way, he will have to enlist the help of oracles who live in a cottage made from the fiberglass bones of a carousel, an old codger with an immensely flatulent dog, and a poster of a dead man who gives entertainment advice. More importantly, Hughes will have to rely on the magic he has at his beck and call—a power to shift and twist the minds of others.

But the ladder of progression is harsh and dark, its rungs ever-slippery. As Hughes struggles onward, one misstep would spell disaster. Not to mention the otherwordly monsters, flaming skeleton biker gangs, and a plague of sinister dreams sweeping the city, promising a wicked autumn born from a summer of insanity. And while the threat of falling off the ladder of progression is bad, it turns out falling in love is even worse.

Join Hughes on this exhilarating adventure, created by one of the writers of the award-winning game of the year Baldur's Gate 3, and acclaimed Game Master, inspired by years of D&D and video game development. This tale will cast you into a stormy, scary, oddly cozy world in which villains are as colorful and engaging as the heroes they seek to destroy. Fans of Perdido Street Station will love this fantastical tale.

Narrated in duet style.

©2024 Jack Fields (P)2024 Podium Audio

elegant prose

The Scarlet Citadel by Jack Fields is a beautifully written LitRPG novel set in an alternate reality of Earth. It masterfully combines the grim realities of a dark fantasy world with the subtle allure of game mechanics, offering a refreshing take on the genre. While it belongs to the LitRPG category, the game mechanics are understated and low-key, serving as a subtle framework rather than dominating the narrative. For now, it appears that only the protagonist interacts with these mechanics, leaving it ambiguous whether the average citizen experiences them at all—a mystery that adds depth to the world-building.

The setting is a striking blend of abject poverty and unexpected technological sophistication. At first glance, the world feels primitive, with the main character unable to afford basic necessities like a blanket. Yet hints of advanced technology, such as "computers" owned by the wealthy and cybernetic limbs, create a fascinating contrast. These elements aren’t fully explained but suggest a clockwork or magitech society rather than the steampunk label some have applied. This ambiguity enhances the intrigue and leaves the reader eager to learn more.

The protagonist is a standout—a plucky, smart, and ethical character whose resourcefulness is balanced by some shockingly poor life decisions. One such misstep involves borrowing an enormous sum of money from a loan shark to impress a girlfriend and maintain the illusion of wealth. Despite their flaws, the main character’s charm and determination make them easy to root for.

The magic system centers on the protagonist’s power, "Perform," which does exactly what its name implies: it convinces others to act as desired. This power, tied directly to the LitRPG mechanics, is cleverly used throughout the story without overwhelming the narrative.

Fields’ writing is exceptional, elevating this novel well above the typical quality found in the LitRPG genre. The prose is elegant and poetic without becoming obtuse, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience. The dialogue is particularly sharp, with Mrs. Gleam standing out as a delightful character to read or listen to.

The audiobook narration deserves special mention. Featuring the narrators Neil Hellegers and Tess Irondale, the performance is seamless and captivating, avoiding the disjointed feeling that sometimes plagues multi-narrator productions. The chemistry between narrators brings the story to life in a magical way, making it a joy to listen to.

Fans of dark fantasy, grim alternate-reality sci-fi, or anyone looking for a high-quality LitRPG with immersive world-building will find much to love here. The story’s tone and intelligence remind me of He Who Fights with Monsters, but with its own unique voice and style. If you’re seeking well-written LitRPG with depth and elegance, The Scarlet Citadel is not to be missed.

My new favorite dual narrators

Neil Hellegers and Tess Irondale need to work together from now on this was very well done.