The Hanging City Review

 

The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg

Publisher: 47North

Page Count: 344

Format: ebook

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Source: Amazon First Read

Content Warnings: violence, death or dying, blood, murder.

Seven years on the run from her abusive father, and with no hope of sanctuary among the dwindling pockets of human civilization, Lark is out of options. Her only leverage is a cursed power: she can thrust her fear onto others, leaving all threats fleeing in terror. It’s a means of survival as she searches for a place to call home. If the campfire myths of her childhood are true, Lark’s sole chance for refuge could lie in Cagmar, the city of trolls—a brutal species and the sworn enemies of humanity.

Valuing combat prowess, the troll high council is intrigued. Lark could be much more useful than the low-caste humans who merely labor in Cagmar. Her gift makes her invaluable as a monster slayer to fight off the unspeakable creatures that torment the trolls’ hanging city, suspended from a bridge over an endless dark canyon.

Lark will do anything to make Cagmar her home, but her new role comes with a caveat: use her power against a troll, and she’ll be killed. Her loyalty is quickly put to the test when she draws the hatred of a powerful troll who loathes humankind. Still, she finds unexpected friendship in the city and, even more surprisingly, love. But if everything else doesn’t undo her, being caught in the arms of a troll surely will. Now in the fight of her life, Lark has a lot to learn—about her past, about trust and hope when all seems lost, and above all, about the extraordinary power of fear itself.

I got a copy of this book for Amazon First Reads, and I’m so glad I did. It is absolutely my favorite book of the year, and the year is only half over!

I was immediately interested in the premise. I’ve never read a story where trolls (trollis, I should say) weren’t the BBEG, and the idea of this huge, hanging city beneath a bridge was fascinating. As soon as I started reading, I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down, and I devoured it. I had to know what was going to happen next! The author did such an amazing job building this world of humans and trollis. The mythology made me want to know more. My heart broke time and again for the characters. I love a book that makes me cry because the character’s pain is so real it feels like your own. As soon as I finished it, I immediately wanted to read it again. This is definitely my highest recommend for the year.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (can't live without it)

Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (mild)

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