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.

Very enjoyable adventure

Interesting story, different from "usual" romantic fantasy with an intriguing new world of trolls and humans... narrator does a very good job as well

Wonderful listen.

I’m really enjoying reading through all of Charlie N. holmbergs books, this is my fourth book by her, I highly recommend her books!

Great Story

This is a great story. Holmberg never fails to weave a wonderful plot in so many ways.