The Hanging City

By: Charlie N. Holmberg

Narrated by: Amy Bentley

For a young woman who wields the power of fear, humanity’s greatest enemy is her only hope in a new romantic, adventure-filled fantasy by Amazon Charts and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

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 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.

©2023 Charlie N. Holmberg (P)2023 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Narrator Amy Bentley's many talents are showcased in her portrayal of the inhabitants of Lark's world. With subtle vocal changes, she flows through each character's personality, highlighting their individual natures. She is especially skillful in conveying the differences between humans and trolls and between Lark's love interest, Azmar's quiet reserve, and the forceful nature exhibited by many of his fellow trolls. Bentley's expressive and entertaining narration provides a captivating look into the underground world of Cagmar and its inhabitants. Holmberg's (Heir of Uncertain Magic) latest is a winner for fans of intricately plotted fantasy in the vein of Trent Jamieson's The Stone Road.”—Library Journal

“Amy Bentley leisurely narrates this magical audiobook full of intriguing world-building and a slow-burn romance.… Lark's voice is higher pitched, youthful, and cautious around the trolls' brutal strength. Bentley lowers her pitch and speaks emphatically for the trolls but voices love interest Azmar with a breathy gentleness that enchants Lark and listeners alike.”—AudioFile Magazine

“Original, fun, and fascinating, the narrative storytelling skills of Amy Bentley bring author Charlie Holmberg's high fantasy action/adventure novel…come alive in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience.”—Midwest Book Review

Great Story!

This was one of the best of Holmberg's. would love a sequel as well.

Good, but not her best.

I adore Charlie Holmberg books. I haven’t read all of them but if the ones I’ve read, this one is the least entertaining. I’m not sure why, but this one doesn’t leaving waiting to turn the next page like most of the other ones I’ve read do. But it was nice and a decent story. I thought the narrating was really done well. Glad I read it, but it’s not up for a second read for me.

Not her best

I normally like Charlie Holmberg’s work, but this was not her best. The main character is supposed to be 19-20 years old, and on her own since she was 12, but comes off as much younger. Not at all the street-smart survivor she would have had to be to survive on her own, and across so many different cities, for 7+ years.

The way she clings to anyone who shows her the least little scrap of kindness (or at least is not physically/mentally abusive) comes off as Stockholm syndrome.

As far as the romance goes, to paraphrase an old Seinfeld episode, the author yada yada’d sex.

Narrator did a decent job on the side characters, but I found the main character whiny and annoying.

I’ll be reurning this if Audible will allow it.

Enjoyable

Loved the story. Very well read with a lot of feeling and expression hence my rating of 5 for performance.

Charlie N Holmburg never let's me down.

yet another great book from my very favorite author. If she wrote it, I know it'll be a great read! Most of her books I revisit again and again.. this will probably be another.

Fun surprise!

This author has a lot of books that are very similar- it was fun to read something so different. Many questions keep you hooked throughout and all get answered by the end, spicy romance, adventure- this book has it!

Fun listen

The narrator did such a great job. All the characters were clearly defined and made for a really great listen.

One of my favorite authors

I am drawn to Holmberg’s storytelling! I especially enjoy her out of the box creation themes as well as the love stories!!

Great story and narration

Very different story with a great main character, impossible type romance and chain of events.
Definitely recommend!

Fun and clean but troubling themes

I loved the character development and skillful world building, but I should have done a little research. I got half way through and couldn’t finish because it was a bit too ‘pick me’ and weirdly racial. If only for those reasons it felt less safe, I love the gentle tone and compassion around fear.