The Hanging City

In a brand-new fairytale story from Wall Street Journal and Amazon Charts bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg, a young woman who possesses the power of dread finds that humanity's greatest enemy is her only hope.

Lark has been running from her violent father for seven years, and now that there are fewer and fewer pockets of human civilization, she has nowhere to go. Her only weapon is a cursed power that she can use to make others fearful and send any threats running screaming. She uses it as a means of surviving while looking for a place to call home. Lark's last hope for safety, if the tales spoken around the campfires in her early years are accurate, may be in Cagmar, the city of trolls—a vicious race that is humanity's declared enemy.

The troll high council, who values combat prowess, is interested. Compared to the low-caste humans that work as laborers in Cagmar, Lark could be far more valuable. Suspended over a bridge over an unending dark gorge, the trolls' hanging city is home to horrific creatures that must be slain, and her gift makes her an essential monster slayer.

Lark is determined to make Cagmar her home, but she has been given a dangerous new role: if she uses her power against a troll, she risks death. Her allegiance is soon called into question as she incites the wrath of a formidable troll who despises mankind. Nevertheless, she discovers surprise love and friendship in the city. If all else fails to destabilize her, becoming entangled in a troll's arms will undoubtedly do so. Lark is currently facing her greatest battle yet. She has a lot to learn about her past, about hope and trust in the face of despair, and most importantly, about the incredible power of fear.