The Citadel of Fear

The Citadel of Fear (1918) is a science fiction novel by Francis Stevens, published under the pseudonym Gertrude Barrows Bennett. The novel follows two Irish American prospectors who journey through the Mexican desert in search of a lost tribe of Aztecs. Despite facing challenges and dangers, they persevere and discover the underground city of Tlapallam. The book is a classic lost world novel in the tradition of H. Rider Haggard and Edgar Rice Burroughs and has been recognized as a powerful tale of adventure. This edition of the novel features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Citadel of Fear, a science fiction novel by Francis Stevens, was published in 1918 under the pseudonym Gertrude Barrows Bennett. Bennett is renowned for her contributions to the genre of science fiction, creating some of the most celebrated and influential stories and novels of the twentieth century.

The Citadel of Fear, Bennett's debut novel, is considered a seminal work in the lost world genre of adventure literature. It holds a prominent place in Stevens's reputation as a pioneering author of fantasy and science fiction. Set against the backdrop of the Great War, the story follows the journey of two Irish American prospectors, Kennedy and Colin OHara, as they traverse the Mexican desert in search of fortune. Despite facing extreme heat and harsh conditions, they survive and stumble upon a dense jungle rumored to be the dwelling place of a lost tribe of Aztecs, deeply devoted to the serpent god Quetzalcoatl.

Undeterred by their fears, Kennedy and Colin OHara remain steadfast in their mission to complete it, regardless of the cost. As they venture deeper into the jungle, they encounter the underground city of Tlapallam, where Kennedy is taken captive by a group of assailants. Left alone to navigate the desert and return to his friend, OHara makes a solemn vow to rescue Kennedy and reunite them.

Published during the peak of Stevens's career as a popular storyteller in the nation's leading fantasy magazines, The Citadel of Fear stands as a lost world novel in the tradition of H. Rider Haggard and Edgar Rice Burroughs. Over a century after its initial publication, the novel continues to captivate and amaze readers with its timeless storytelling and immersive world-building. This edition of Francis Stevens' The Citadel of Fear, featuring a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, presents a classic work of American science fiction reimagined for contemporary audiences.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133546