geo_ix's review against another edition
3.0
I liked reading this, but I don’t think I could ever love it. If I had have read this around the time I first read AH’s work, (which would be well before this existed), I probably would have loved it, but I guess I’ve just moved on from liking teens who… whine? She kept getting told she was there unfairly & was given her spot because of connections & as a favour to the royals and she kept denying it, saying she worked hard to be there because she nannied for a family with 6 kids & learned some languages at night… yes, helping raise 6 kids IS working hard but I still wouldn’t say that that specifically is hard work that lead to getting her job there? She says many times the guy she nannies for called in a favour with the queen & then when people bring that up she’s offended & claims she worked hard to be there. It’s like a celebrities kid going in about how they studied (like everyone else has to, to get in) but their parents fame and money secured the spot for them over someone else without the connections? & honestly the more she got annoyed the more I hated her.
She also had no issue with one of the kids being a stowaway, and doesn’t get mad when the bratty little shit tries to say she kidnapped her when she isn’t getting her own way? What? Hanna was AWFUL & her and her new friend demand a place at this poor flatmates house, never asks (also they never ask her if the dogs allowed either when that happens) and they really just gave way too much rich girl, entitled vibes and I don’t even think it was meant to because no one ever had a problem? It’s like with her strength, she basically yeets some guy because he bumps into her and she’s like whoops hehe so clumsy my bad. Whaaaaaat? For a place that didn’t recently like half breeds, I expected more than one person to be snobby & that chick was only really mad she bought her way in & I was kinda on her side lol.
I’m a little interested in what’s going to happen, but I might leave book two for a little and pick up again at a later time.
She also had no issue with one of the kids being a stowaway, and doesn’t get mad when the bratty little shit tries to say she kidnapped her when she isn’t getting her own way? What? Hanna was AWFUL & her and her new friend demand a place at this poor flatmates house, never asks (also they never ask her if the dogs allowed either when that happens) and they really just gave way too much rich girl, entitled vibes and I don’t even think it was meant to because no one ever had a problem? It’s like with her strength, she basically yeets some guy because he bumps into her and she’s like whoops hehe so clumsy my bad. Whaaaaaat? For a place that didn’t recently like half breeds, I expected more than one person to be snobby & that chick was only really mad she bought her way in & I was kinda on her side lol.
I’m a little interested in what’s going to happen, but I might leave book two for a little and pick up again at a later time.
rikakohlrabi's review against another edition
5.0
Just as a disclaimer, I received an ARC of this book through a goodreads giveaway. There was no incentive to give a review but, in thanks of the generosity, I felt I should write one anyway. That I received this for free in no way changes my feelings about this novel.
This was a great, quick read! Equal parts coming of age story, near-world fantasy, family/office place sitcom/drama, and general mystery. Most of the characters are quite familiar, despite none of them being human, and are wonderfully relatable as a result. Though the one character who is far more off in left field is certainly the brightest spot and draws the most intrigue. The pacing is fantastic and is easy to pick up and put down. I sped through the last of it as it certainly amps up the interest for what I assume to be whatever comes next in the series.
I will say that I've never read the prior books in Hocking's Trylle series but they were not necessary as far as I'm concerned to enjoy this readthrough. That said, this has me positive enough on the author that I imagine I will check them out at some point, as well as continue the series.
This was a great, quick read! Equal parts coming of age story, near-world fantasy, family/office place sitcom/drama, and general mystery. Most of the characters are quite familiar, despite none of them being human, and are wonderfully relatable as a result. Though the one character who is far more off in left field is certainly the brightest spot and draws the most intrigue. The pacing is fantastic and is easy to pick up and put down. I sped through the last of it as it certainly amps up the interest for what I assume to be whatever comes next in the series.
I will say that I've never read the prior books in Hocking's Trylle series but they were not necessary as far as I'm concerned to enjoy this readthrough. That said, this has me positive enough on the author that I imagine I will check them out at some point, as well as continue the series.
charlsie4's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
honestrabbit's review
adventurous
challenging
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
storiedadventures's review against another edition
4.0
Full review on my blog, Storied Adventures!
This was so cute! Ulla is plus sized, y'all! I loved it! And it was a normal thing! That was really nice to see in a YA book especially! Ulla is smart, bold, and not afraid to go after what she wants! She is also really kind which I always love in an MC! There are a few twists that I can't wait to see where they lead in the second book. Oh, and I totally ship Pan and Ulla! He's so freaking nice!
This really reminded me of Gail Carsen Levine's books! Very nostalgic feel for sure!
This was so cute! Ulla is plus sized, y'all! I loved it! And it was a normal thing! That was really nice to see in a YA book especially! Ulla is smart, bold, and not afraid to go after what she wants! She is also really kind which I always love in an MC! There are a few twists that I can't wait to see where they lead in the second book. Oh, and I totally ship Pan and Ulla! He's so freaking nice!
This really reminded me of Gail Carsen Levine's books! Very nostalgic feel for sure!
alyson7's review against another edition
2.0
Ulla Tulin has always wondered who her parents were. After being left at an inn as an infant, Ulla has found that she has never felt quite at home among the Kanin and Trylle trolls. When the chance for an internship at the Mimirin arises, Ulla quickly accepts. She wants to be able to look into the archives to find her parents. But there are hidden secrets in the Mimirin, secrets that even Ulla could never have imagined.
The Lost City began with a promising premise and an interesting main character. Then… nothing happened. Most of the book is focused on Ulla going through the troll archives and reading the legends of the troll people. I was very impressed with Hocking’s world-building skills, but all of the information and terms about the trolls became just too much to retain. I lost interest pretty early on into the book and waited for things to get interesting. There were many times when I wanted to give up on the book entirely.
The Lost City does have its good points. I really wanted to know more about where Ulla came from and who her parents were. Also, the troll universe that Hocking created is unique and very imaginative. The issue lies in the plot. It was like being on a rollercoaster that flatlined the entire time. There were no thrilling descents, just slight climbs that will hopefully fuel more speculation into the sequels to come.
While I am still curious about Ulla’s parentage, I don’t think I will continue reading The Omte Origins series. One book was enough for me.
*I received an advanced reader’s copy of The Lost City from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.*
The Lost City began with a promising premise and an interesting main character. Then… nothing happened. Most of the book is focused on Ulla going through the troll archives and reading the legends of the troll people. I was very impressed with Hocking’s world-building skills, but all of the information and terms about the trolls became just too much to retain. I lost interest pretty early on into the book and waited for things to get interesting. There were many times when I wanted to give up on the book entirely.
The Lost City does have its good points. I really wanted to know more about where Ulla came from and who her parents were. Also, the troll universe that Hocking created is unique and very imaginative. The issue lies in the plot. It was like being on a rollercoaster that flatlined the entire time. There were no thrilling descents, just slight climbs that will hopefully fuel more speculation into the sequels to come.
While I am still curious about Ulla’s parentage, I don’t think I will continue reading The Omte Origins series. One book was enough for me.
*I received an advanced reader’s copy of The Lost City from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.*
story_sanctuary's review against another edition
The last books I read by Amanda Hocking were in her Watersong series, about a cursed group of Sirens, so this book is a lot different!
Ulla and her friends are trolls– which seem to be very much like humans except in skin color and some features. Some tribes also have magic. One tribe is characterized by asymmetrical facial features.
On her internship, Ulla learns lots about the history and lore of various troll tribes and some of the politics between them. She’s curious about her mother, and hopes the resources available during her internship will help Ulla find her.
Though it’s populated with mythical creatures, THE LOST CITY is set squarely in our world with mentions of cell phones, fashion, familiar food, etc. I think this is something this author does well. She creates a familiar landscape and then tells an otherworldly story in it. I find that I really like those two things juxtaposed together.
This is a bit of a slower story, though. There are lots of tribes, lots of history. Many descriptions of food and furniture. Lots of conversations about those things. And lots of troll politics.
I felt like Ulla’s goal (finding her mom) kind of gets diluted with helping Eliana and her feelings toward Pan. That kind of made the level of action in the story feel flat at times rather than rising.
Despite that, I really liked the cast of characters. Ulla is great, of course. Her roommate, Dagny, an aloof, highly intelligent warrior-type, might be my favorite. Pan is sweet and funny.
Ulla’s search for her mom in a fragmented, politically volatile landscape makes for an interesting story, peppered with a variety of great characters. I think readers who enjoyed THE GOBLIN EMPEROR by Katherine Addison or HAVENFALL by Sara Holland will want to check out this book.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ulla and her friends are trolls– which seem to be very much like humans except in skin color and some features. Some tribes also have magic. One tribe is characterized by asymmetrical facial features.
On her internship, Ulla learns lots about the history and lore of various troll tribes and some of the politics between them. She’s curious about her mother, and hopes the resources available during her internship will help Ulla find her.
Though it’s populated with mythical creatures, THE LOST CITY is set squarely in our world with mentions of cell phones, fashion, familiar food, etc. I think this is something this author does well. She creates a familiar landscape and then tells an otherworldly story in it. I find that I really like those two things juxtaposed together.
This is a bit of a slower story, though. There are lots of tribes, lots of history. Many descriptions of food and furniture. Lots of conversations about those things. And lots of troll politics.
I felt like Ulla’s goal (finding her mom) kind of gets diluted with helping Eliana and her feelings toward Pan. That kind of made the level of action in the story feel flat at times rather than rising.
Despite that, I really liked the cast of characters. Ulla is great, of course. Her roommate, Dagny, an aloof, highly intelligent warrior-type, might be my favorite. Pan is sweet and funny.
Ulla’s search for her mom in a fragmented, politically volatile landscape makes for an interesting story, peppered with a variety of great characters. I think readers who enjoyed THE GOBLIN EMPEROR by Katherine Addison or HAVENFALL by Sara Holland will want to check out this book.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
lisaluvsliterature's review against another edition
5.0
Of course when I saw this, I had to pick it up because I loved the first two series that go with this, the Trylle which began with Switched, and the Kanin Chronicles which began with Frostfire. I didn’t really remember Ulla that much from the Kanin Chronicles, but I remembered the family she was a nanny for of course. But I loved being dumped back into this world that the author created and really enjoyed all the new folklore and things about different types of trolls that we learned. I did learn that I might be part troll, because I also hate wearing shoes. It was definitely interesting to have the author kind of use the whole different color hair trend that has been going around, one that I participated in with pinks and purples and blues a couple years ago, to describe some of the characters in the book. The aspect of being part of a museum type of situation for Ulla as well as the whole science lab aspect that her roommate Dagny worked in really was kind of a combination of two things I could see as jobs I’d love. Having the stowaway and then their new guest Eliana really added to the story and made Ulla’s time in the new city pass by quickly. Although to be fair, it was really only a few weeks. I have to say how glad I am to already have the second book to read. Because even though it wasn’t a HUGE cliffhanger, I am definitely eager to read on and find out what did happen and what Ulla’s past may actually be.
If you have enjoyed the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one. And honestly, you can read this series without having read those, but you’ll want to go back and read them when you can. I also like how the author gives us all the info on the different troll tribes at the end, as well as a glossary.
Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.
If you have enjoyed the other books in the series, you will enjoy this one. And honestly, you can read this series without having read those, but you’ll want to go back and read them when you can. I also like how the author gives us all the info on the different troll tribes at the end, as well as a glossary.
Review first published at Lisa Loves Literature.
tarnkaur99's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, this book was not it. It took me way longer to get into the actual story but then i got lost again after.
There’s so much going on that it just felt like rambling. The other two trilogies sent me in with really high expectations..so this was really disappointing
There’s so much going on that it just felt like rambling. The other two trilogies sent me in with really high expectations..so this was really disappointing
luckyliza13's review
3.0
I really enjoyed the Trylle trilogy when I first read it, so I was excited when this came out. But, I thought it lagged a bit and there wasn’t much of anything really happening. Perhaps this is just setting the background for what is to come? One thing to note- there is a glossary of terms, names, and phrases in the back of the book! I so wish I had realized that from the get-go.