The Citadel Protocol

A man dressed as a soldier standing in a narrow concrete alley, wearing tactical gear with a large backpack featuring a white cross, with the text 'The Citadel Protocol' at the top and 'Glover Bentley' at the bottom.

The Citadel Protocol

by Grover Bentley

Stephen Chase is a man already drowning—in debt, in despair, and in the relentless struggle to keep his young son alive. When a low-paying night shift security job becomes his only lifeline, he takes it, hoping the quiet hours in a crumbling warehouse will buy his family more time. But the silence of the night hides something much worse than loneliness. As riots tear through cities and strange murders paint the streets red, Stephen stumbles into a darkness that doesn't follow human rules.

What begins as a desperate attempt to keep the lights on turns into a terrifying spiral into secrecy, sacrifice, and survival. When the government rolls out its so-called Citadel Protocol to “protect” what’s left of the population, Stephen finds himself caught between loyalty to his family and a chilling new reality that hunts in plain sight. He will have to decide what he believes in—before belief is all he has left.

When the world ends in whispers and shadows, the greatest danger isn't what you fight—it's what you let in.

What are people saying?

"A gripping descent into a world collapsing under its own secrets—this book doesn’t just thrill, it haunts."

Marla Jennings, Midwest Readers Circle

"Bentley delivers a masterclass in slow-burn horror with heart, where every chapter tightens the tension like a noose."


Derrick Knox, Reviewer, The Post-Apocalyptic Journal

"The Citadel Protocol is what happens when The Road meets The X-Files, and it absolutely floored me."


Samantha Teague, @PagesAndPanic on X

About Grover

Grover Bentley is a passionate storyteller who thrives in the realm of dystopian fiction and suspenseful thrillers. With a talent for crafting complex characters and immersive worlds, he captivates readers with gripping narratives and unexpected twists. When not writing, Grover Bentley enjoys exploring the outdoors and studying history for inspiration. The Citadel Protocol is his latest novel, blending intrigue and heart-pounding action in a world where truth is the ultimate weapon.

Cartoon man with a bald head, glasses, and a beard wearing a black suit and a yellow tie, with an American flag in the background.