DOUBLE-CROSSING THE BRIDGE

A group of trolls plans to rob a greedy corporation in Sover’s fantasy debut.

Troll protagonist Granu is jobless and struggling to pay rent in New Metta, a subterranean city hidden from the sun. The former teacher was scarred physically and mentally by an attack by a group of troll students, and she spends most of her time at her favorite bar, Goron’s. Her friend Kradduk, a playboy with a heart of gold, works at The Covered Bridge (“TCB” for short), whose administrators lucratively charge humans a toll to cross. When Fillig, another pal, drunkenly suggests robbing TCB, they’re soon consumed by the plan—Fillig and Granu for financial reasons and Kradduk to settle a score. Granu recruits Len, a rather creepy hacker neighbor, while Fillig reveals details of the heist to Lyssa, an attractive troll with more intelligence than she lets on. New Metta is teeming with other oddly named creatures, including zimbles, molents, grawbacks, and swogs; the latter are powerful piglike beings with tiny wings who run TCB like a fraternity house. Eventually, the five trolls hatch a plan to outsmart the swogs, keep out of the sun (which would turn them to stone) and avoid the harassing billy goats who roam New Metta. Sover’s ability to gross out readers is nothing short of gleeful; Granu and the gang feast on kittens and “Unicorn fillets” and even contemplate eating one another in fits of rage. But they also have embarrassing one-night stands and are saddled with student loan debt. The worldbuilding is immersive, although it’s mostly just everyday human life with a few grotesque descriptors tacked on. Sover also attempts a twist on beauty standards: Granu is petite, green-eyed, and smooth-skinned, which her world finds humanoid and ugly; however, all three male supporting characters seem to be attracted to her nonetheless. Sover’s prose is strong, and her passion for her story is evident. A hopeful ending leaves room for further adventures.

Comedy-fantasy fans with strong stomachs will enjoy this book.