The Hanging City by Charlie N. Holmberg

Title: The Hanging City

Author: Charlie N. Holmberg

Release Date: August 1, 2023

Publisher: 47North

Genre: Romantasy

Source: digital, Amazon First Reads

TW: violence, physical abuse, war, sexual assault (attempted), blood, abandonment, moderate sexual content, emotional abuse, death of parent, child abuse

Synopsis

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.

Thoughts

I got a copy of this book through Amazon First Reads, and I’m so glad I did. It has easily become my favorite book of the year, and the year is only halfway through! The premise immediately drew me in. I’ve never encountered a story where trolls (or trollis, as they are called) weren’t the BBEG, and the concept of a massive, hanging city beneath a bridge was captivating. The originality of the setting alone was enough to pique my interest.

Once I started reading, I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down and ended up devouring it in just a few sittings. Every chapter left me on the edge of my seat, eager to find out what would happen next. The author did an incredible job building this world of humans and trollis. The mythology and lore were so well-crafted that they left me yearning to know more about the history and intricacies of this unique world.

The characters were another highlight for me. Each one was so well-developed and multi-dimensional that I found myself deeply invested in their journeys. My heart broke time and again for the characters, especially during the more emotional moments. I love when a book makes me cry because the characters’ pain feels so real, almost as if it were my own. The author’s ability to evoke such strong emotions is truly commendable.

As soon as I finished the book, I wanted to read it again immediately. It's rare for me to feel such a strong connection to a story that I crave a re-read right away. This book not only entertained me but also left a lasting impact. It's a story that will stay with me for a long time. This is definitely my highest recommendation for the year, and I can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next.