What do you think?
Rate this book
Walking Shadow #1
Scarlet Citadel
Gormon Hughes is 19, thin as a broom, and has - not for the first time in his life - been swept into the path of trouble.
Poor, recently heartbroken, and indebted to the sort of people who file their teeth into needle points and devour wriggling bloated spiders for fun, Hughes sets his sights on salvation.
That salvation is the Scarlet Citadel, a wealthy organization of pageant fighters, monster hunters, and secret keepers. With the aid of strange oracles, rare good fortune, and a unique power that bubbles like champagne in the core of Hughes’ being, he must join the Citadel and advance himself.
But the ladder of progression is harsh and dark. The rungs are slippery.
And falling means disaster…
Poor, recently heartbroken, and indebted to the sort of people who file their teeth into needle points and devour wriggling bloated spiders for fun, Hughes sets his sights on salvation.
That salvation is the Scarlet Citadel, a wealthy organization of pageant fighters, monster hunters, and secret keepers. With the aid of strange oracles, rare good fortune, and a unique power that bubbles like champagne in the core of Hughes’ being, he must join the Citadel and advance himself.
But the ladder of progression is harsh and dark. The rungs are slippery.
And falling means disaster…
- GenresFantasy
630 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 7, 2024
69 people are currently reading
402 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 9, 2024
Interesting New Beginning
This new opening book from Newbie author Jack Fields is surprisingly intricate and detailed ,setting a scene for Hughes our MCs tale from lowly poverty to the fame and fortune of the upper echelons. I found the world building to be a great and interesting mystery / fantasy where the darker side gets as much attention as the more glamorous side of things. Although this clears up part of the opening chapter, the series looks to have a lot more to discover and will be on my to watch list.
This new opening book from Newbie author Jack Fields is surprisingly intricate and detailed ,setting a scene for Hughes our MCs tale from lowly poverty to the fame and fortune of the upper echelons. I found the world building to be a great and interesting mystery / fantasy where the darker side gets as much attention as the more glamorous side of things. Although this clears up part of the opening chapter, the series looks to have a lot more to discover and will be on my to watch list.
June 18, 2024
I’m new to the LitRPG genre but I couldn’t put this book down. The prose is akin to the depth and magic Neil Gaiman brings to his stories and the characters are enriched and interesting. I love intrigue built through the style. Most of all, I was swept away by how this book made me feel. Reading this is like stepping into the sun on the first day of summer, encapsulating that first breeze which has me begging for more. I savored every page. I only wish there were more to read!
July 13, 2024
Fantastic - give it a read
A really good story set in a well laid out world.
If you're expecting a typical power creep litrpg this book isn't that but I'd recommend reading it anyway. It blends litrpg elements in with some fantastic world building and a story that starts as a jumble of disparate pieces but that comes together fantastically.
If I was to say anything constructive I'd say that some smaller moments of the book could be fleshed out more rather than being rushed past in the downtime, but that's just because I personally loved those moments. There's one particular chapter in a pub that captured the feeling of a first date and budding romance better than anything I've read before.
Very much looking forward to Jack's further work!
A really good story set in a well laid out world.
If you're expecting a typical power creep litrpg this book isn't that but I'd recommend reading it anyway. It blends litrpg elements in with some fantastic world building and a story that starts as a jumble of disparate pieces but that comes together fantastically.
If I was to say anything constructive I'd say that some smaller moments of the book could be fleshed out more rather than being rushed past in the downtime, but that's just because I personally loved those moments. There's one particular chapter in a pub that captured the feeling of a first date and budding romance better than anything I've read before.
Very much looking forward to Jack's further work!
June 12, 2024
Had been recommended by a friend who knows my taste in books. Don't normally leave reviews but felt the need to with this one. The main character Hughes was the real reason I couldn't put the book down. The diverse characters he encounters are absolutely captivating—each one vividly realistic and gripping (thanks to some really good writing!), whether they are virtuous, villainous, or somewhere in between. I won’t spoil the surprise by naming names, but these characters infuse the city with life.
The city itself feels like a living entity. It’s as if you’re transported right into its heart, sensing every sight, sound, and the vibrant pulse of this dark, enchanting world.
The city itself feels like a living entity. It’s as if you’re transported right into its heart, sensing every sight, sound, and the vibrant pulse of this dark, enchanting world.
July 10, 2024
I'm very sad that this didn't really work for me. I'd seen several very positive reviews and liked the blurb. The blurb is completely true but after reading it, I imagined a very different story, perhaps a more 'traditional' type of LitRPG novel?
I simply didn´t connect with Hughes or any of the other characters. I can see and appreciate the efforts put into writing it but the storyline, the references and most importantly, the characters didn´t resonate with me.
I simply didn´t connect with Hughes or any of the other characters. I can see and appreciate the efforts put into writing it but the storyline, the references and most importantly, the characters didn´t resonate with me.
December 27, 2024
"In fact he claimed life was better this way, as he no longer had to worry about what people thought about him, since what they almost always thought was 'oh god oh god what is that thing?'"
Relatable.
Relatable.
June 30, 2025
Engaging, funny, fantasy
This was such an unexpected delight! Wonderful characters, fascinating world . A great start to a series with a big heart and so funny. Loved it.
This was such an unexpected delight! Wonderful characters, fascinating world . A great start to a series with a big heart and so funny. Loved it.
August 24, 2025
Absolutely not my genre, but still enjoyed it! ❤️ Good job Jack! ❤️
September 12, 2025
A delightfully entertaining story to kick your imagination into overdrive. Colorful language and poetic words paint a landscape of adventure!
December 11, 2024
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.
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.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews