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The Heart of the Troll
In a world where science is the new religion and health is a monopoly, only the obedient survive.
After climate disasters and a global health collapse, salvation comes with the “Pharma Care” genetic edits, monthly boosters, and mandatory screenings — all tracked through a health file implanted in every citizen’s hand.
Comply — you stay in the city. Refuse — you become a renegade.
Ernest Goodman tries to follow the rules — until his time starts running out. Divorced and stuck in his mother’s basement, he works as a paid troll in the Global Network. His 3D-printed heart is failing, but a chance for a real one appears — at a terrifying cost.
His path crosses with Grace Holly, an eccentric bookseller determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s murder and his final message.
Do the Troll and the bookseller stand a chance in a world where social responsibility is law, propaganda is deafening, and survival of renegades plays out in the reality show “Rumble for Crumble” — where the prizes are essentials, but death is all too possible?
After climate disasters and a global health collapse, salvation comes with the “Pharma Care” genetic edits, monthly boosters, and mandatory screenings — all tracked through a health file implanted in every citizen’s hand.
Comply — you stay in the city. Refuse — you become a renegade.
Ernest Goodman tries to follow the rules — until his time starts running out. Divorced and stuck in his mother’s basement, he works as a paid troll in the Global Network. His 3D-printed heart is failing, but a chance for a real one appears — at a terrifying cost.
His path crosses with Grace Holly, an eccentric bookseller determined to uncover the truth behind her father’s murder and his final message.
Do the Troll and the bookseller stand a chance in a world where social responsibility is law, propaganda is deafening, and survival of renegades plays out in the reality show “Rumble for Crumble” — where the prizes are essentials, but death is all too possible?
328 pages, Paperback
Published August 10, 2025
1 person is currently reading
1 person want to read
About the author
Iva Dimitrova
2 books17 followersInstead of a biography
Human nature has always fascinated me. Surprised and amazed. Shocked and horrified. Impressed and made me laugh.
Why does someone do what they do? How did they become the way they are? In what aspects of their life are life lessons learned and unlearned, past experience and self-improvement evident? Does the environment shape them and how much? Or the greatest influence is themselves and how they want to be? How does he choose his lifestyle?
To what extent are the decisions theirs, dictated by the needs of their personality and their beliefs, and to what extent are they the result of an accumulation of ideas and perceptions, the influence of external factors?
Do we decide at every moment what will happen and under what circumstances, or are we in blissful ignorance and delusion of who we really are, what we are and how far our possibilities extend? Puppets of invisible forces?
All questions out of which more arise - more and more, because the thirst for knowledge is inherent in us. Eternal seekers of answers - for the world, for us as a species, for man as a multicolored ball of twine vibrating with emotions, for which you cannot predict how, with what force and where it will roll and unfold its thread. How far can it go? What will its impact be and how many lives will it touch? Will it change anyone's mind? Or someone's thinking, their ideas, their choices, their way of interacting with the world? What will be the effect of the butterfly?
It seems to me that whatever excitement for searching you may have, you must know where to search and how to discern the truth. To learn to see the true colors of life and everything in it. To discover the second plan. To delve into the detail. Hey this is my aspiration that I want to share. And if you have some, it would be great to exchange them.
I.D.
Human nature has always fascinated me. Surprised and amazed. Shocked and horrified. Impressed and made me laugh.
Why does someone do what they do? How did they become the way they are? In what aspects of their life are life lessons learned and unlearned, past experience and self-improvement evident? Does the environment shape them and how much? Or the greatest influence is themselves and how they want to be? How does he choose his lifestyle?
To what extent are the decisions theirs, dictated by the needs of their personality and their beliefs, and to what extent are they the result of an accumulation of ideas and perceptions, the influence of external factors?
Do we decide at every moment what will happen and under what circumstances, or are we in blissful ignorance and delusion of who we really are, what we are and how far our possibilities extend? Puppets of invisible forces?
All questions out of which more arise - more and more, because the thirst for knowledge is inherent in us. Eternal seekers of answers - for the world, for us as a species, for man as a multicolored ball of twine vibrating with emotions, for which you cannot predict how, with what force and where it will roll and unfold its thread. How far can it go? What will its impact be and how many lives will it touch? Will it change anyone's mind? Or someone's thinking, their ideas, their choices, their way of interacting with the world? What will be the effect of the butterfly?
It seems to me that whatever excitement for searching you may have, you must know where to search and how to discern the truth. To learn to see the true colors of life and everything in it. To discover the second plan. To delve into the detail. Hey this is my aspiration that I want to share. And if you have some, it would be great to exchange them.
I.D.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 22, 2025
I enjoyed the STORY of The Heart of the Troll - but it seemed to drag on and on. Too much introspection and waiting for action. The characters don't start out likeable, but they quickly become people you care about as they react realistically to the events thrown at them. Unfortunately, it takes far too long for promised danger becomes real.
It would be interesting to see where the Troll and the Bookseller go next.
I received a free advance review copy , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It would be interesting to see where the Troll and the Bookseller go next.
I received a free advance review copy , and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 14, 2025
3 stars!
I found this book to have a really interesting flow, it seemed jerky and surreal in most instances, but I couldn't help but feel interested the more I read. The characters all have very clear personality, but there was a lot of telling rather than showing. That was the biggest gripe for me, but this seems like an early work where the author can flourish later on.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me access to this arc-read!
I found this book to have a really interesting flow, it seemed jerky and surreal in most instances, but I couldn't help but feel interested the more I read. The characters all have very clear personality, but there was a lot of telling rather than showing. That was the biggest gripe for me, but this seems like an early work where the author can flourish later on.
Thank you Netgalley for giving me access to this arc-read!
August 22, 2025
The concept of this book got me very interested in its story, and I also wanted to read a good dystopian novel. However, I felt like there was a lot of telling and almost no showing. Even the biggest reveals were told through other characters' POVs. The only thing that was a surprise for me was Pablo
I was a bit confused at the beginning, but the following chapters made it easier to understand the worldbuilding.
Ernest was an interesting main character, and Grace was too. She was a little annoying for a while, but then went back to being likeable again.
The ending was nice, and I am curious to see what’s going to happen next. My main (and maybe, only) issue with it was definitely the writing, which relied too much on telling.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just wish there had been more showing instead of telling. Hopefully the next book fixes that.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was a bit confused at the beginning, but the following chapters made it easier to understand the worldbuilding.
Ernest was an interesting main character, and Grace was too. She was a little annoying for a while, but then went back to being likeable again.
The ending was nice, and I am curious to see what’s going to happen next. My main (and maybe, only) issue with it was definitely the writing, which relied too much on telling.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I just wish there had been more showing instead of telling. Hopefully the next book fixes that.
Thanks to BookSirens and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2025
In a blend of dystopia and science fiction, The Heart of the Troll tells the story of a world taken over by a pharmacological company named PharmaCare. In an attempt to help humanity survive climate change, science has advanced to the level of genetic editing. Monthly boosters will help keep you healthy, and extra procedures can help you with predisposed conditions or cosmetic desires. But if you don't comply with the medical reform? You will be kicked out of the city and stripped of your rights. A renegade.
The books tell the stories of our two main characters. Ernest Goodman is a Troll, meaning he writes blog posts as an online influencer advertising PharmaCare products he knows are bogus. Grace Holly is a bookstore owner, daughter of the leader of the renegades. When Ernest needs a heart transplant, both of their stories collide.
The science parts of this story are very interesting. A society that has access to gene editing to combat major health problems should be an utopia, but we see this medical accomplishment be twisted into a vehicle for eugenics. We also get an interesting glimpse into how PharmaCare managed to manipulate the population, the existence of the Troll shine a light on our own influencers and their powers and responsibilities. Although I wished Ernest's feelings about his work were explored a bit more in depth, it is already a cool concept.
However, the story lost me when it started veering away from the science. It is a fictional book, so obviously I don't expect it to be accurate. But I prefer science fiction books that remain in the level of plausible; or at least of consistency. Without spoiling too much, the renegades end up closer to the side of mysticism or magic, with a lot of the fundamental plot points simply not having an explanation. Not having opportunities to run scientific testing of their group is not a read I, as a reader, can accept for such integral parts of the story such as what made the Leader so special.
Regardless, I probably would have like this book a lot more if it weren't for the narrative style. A lot of the exposition is shared through the characters talking to themselves, for starters. It was sometimes also hard to identify when a character was talking to themselves or to someone else, since both texts used quotation marks. Additionally, the way characters were referred to made me very irritated. The Troll, the Tall One, the Traitor, etc. It caused a strong disconnect to the characters and reminded me of when people try to overcorrect not repeating character names.
I am very sad I did not love this book. I genuinely think it has a fascinating premise and an interesting take in a dystopian/science fiction novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Iva Dimitrova for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.
The books tell the stories of our two main characters. Ernest Goodman is a Troll, meaning he writes blog posts as an online influencer advertising PharmaCare products he knows are bogus. Grace Holly is a bookstore owner, daughter of the leader of the renegades. When Ernest needs a heart transplant, both of their stories collide.
The science parts of this story are very interesting. A society that has access to gene editing to combat major health problems should be an utopia, but we see this medical accomplishment be twisted into a vehicle for eugenics. We also get an interesting glimpse into how PharmaCare managed to manipulate the population, the existence of the Troll shine a light on our own influencers and their powers and responsibilities. Although I wished Ernest's feelings about his work were explored a bit more in depth, it is already a cool concept.
However, the story lost me when it started veering away from the science. It is a fictional book, so obviously I don't expect it to be accurate. But I prefer science fiction books that remain in the level of plausible; or at least of consistency. Without spoiling too much, the renegades end up closer to the side of mysticism or magic, with a lot of the fundamental plot points simply not having an explanation. Not having opportunities to run scientific testing of their group is not a read I, as a reader, can accept for such integral parts of the story such as what made the Leader so special.
Regardless, I probably would have like this book a lot more if it weren't for the narrative style. A lot of the exposition is shared through the characters talking to themselves, for starters. It was sometimes also hard to identify when a character was talking to themselves or to someone else, since both texts used quotation marks. Additionally, the way characters were referred to made me very irritated. The Troll, the Tall One, the Traitor, etc. It caused a strong disconnect to the characters and reminded me of when people try to overcorrect not repeating character names.
I am very sad I did not love this book. I genuinely think it has a fascinating premise and an interesting take in a dystopian/science fiction novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and Iva Dimitrova for the advanced copy. This review is left voluntarily and honestly.
August 20, 2025
The heart of the Troll by Iva Dimitrova
To succeed in life, we need a few key things. A job that pays enough to keep the bills under control, friends and family to love and care about, and good health, because really, without your health, the others can start to fall apart. What if life was completely governed by your health? What if, you were cast out, if you didn’t keep up to date with everything expected by the head healthcare company?
This is the life that Ernest is living. Everything that is left in his life after his divorce, is controlled by Pharma Care. His job is working for the company, an occupation that pays so little he is back living with his mother. His health is controlled by a 3D printed heart that beats ineffectually within him and is slowly counting down to the day it will wear out and cease to function.
What would you do if this was your life? What would you do, if a heart became available, even if under slightly illegal circumstances? These are the decisions that lead Ernest to a thrilling and challenging new world, where he meets Grace, the last bookseller in the city, and someone who will change his life forever. Whether this is good or not will be for you to decide as you follow them on their journey to answers and possible freedom from their rule-bound lives.
Published on August 10 2025
#Netgalley
To succeed in life, we need a few key things. A job that pays enough to keep the bills under control, friends and family to love and care about, and good health, because really, without your health, the others can start to fall apart. What if life was completely governed by your health? What if, you were cast out, if you didn’t keep up to date with everything expected by the head healthcare company?
This is the life that Ernest is living. Everything that is left in his life after his divorce, is controlled by Pharma Care. His job is working for the company, an occupation that pays so little he is back living with his mother. His health is controlled by a 3D printed heart that beats ineffectually within him and is slowly counting down to the day it will wear out and cease to function.
What would you do if this was your life? What would you do, if a heart became available, even if under slightly illegal circumstances? These are the decisions that lead Ernest to a thrilling and challenging new world, where he meets Grace, the last bookseller in the city, and someone who will change his life forever. Whether this is good or not will be for you to decide as you follow them on their journey to answers and possible freedom from their rule-bound lives.
Published on August 10 2025
#Netgalley
January 5, 2026
The Heart of a Troll pulled me into a richly imagined fantasy world that blends myth, emotion, and moral complexity in a way that feels both classic and fresh. I.V. takes a creature often cast as purely monstrous and gives it depth, heart, and humanity—challenging the reader to look beyond appearances and question what truly defines good and evil.
The worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and I especially enjoyed how folklore elements were woven naturally into the story. The characters felt layered and emotionally grounded, with motivations that made their choices believable—even when those choices were difficult or uncomfortable. There’s a strong emotional core here, and moments that linger long after the final page.
What stood out most to me was the theme of compassion and identity. This story isn’t just about trolls or magic—it’s about belonging, prejudice, and the courage it takes to embrace who you are in a world that may fear you for it.
Fans of character-driven fantasy with a darker, thoughtful edge will appreciate this book. The Heart of a Troll is a compelling read that offers both adventure and meaning, and I’m very interested to see where I.V. takes this world next.
The worldbuilding is immersive without being overwhelming, and I especially enjoyed how folklore elements were woven naturally into the story. The characters felt layered and emotionally grounded, with motivations that made their choices believable—even when those choices were difficult or uncomfortable. There’s a strong emotional core here, and moments that linger long after the final page.
What stood out most to me was the theme of compassion and identity. This story isn’t just about trolls or magic—it’s about belonging, prejudice, and the courage it takes to embrace who you are in a world that may fear you for it.
Fans of character-driven fantasy with a darker, thoughtful edge will appreciate this book. The Heart of a Troll is a compelling read that offers both adventure and meaning, and I’m very interested to see where I.V. takes this world next.
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August 13, 2025Unfortunately this one was a DNF for me, so I won’t leave a rating here as I don’t think that’s fair to the author, because while I didn’t necessarily vibe with it myself, I do think others will definitely enjoy this.
I think my biggest issue with this was that I really struggled to connect to the characters, whether that was the writing or maybe just characters that I didn’t really relate to I’m not entirely sure, but I do think that the plot is a really unique premise. I love a great dystopian, sci-fi plot line and people who love speculative fiction will thoroughly enjoy this, as it follows heavily along the idea of the control behind big pharma. It raises a lot of questions, a lot that I really don’t feel equipped myself to think about too much as I’m not really in a position where pharma is a big part of my life, but I can definitely see how others would relate this.
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
I think my biggest issue with this was that I really struggled to connect to the characters, whether that was the writing or maybe just characters that I didn’t really relate to I’m not entirely sure, but I do think that the plot is a really unique premise. I love a great dystopian, sci-fi plot line and people who love speculative fiction will thoroughly enjoy this, as it follows heavily along the idea of the control behind big pharma. It raises a lot of questions, a lot that I really don’t feel equipped myself to think about too much as I’m not really in a position where pharma is a big part of my life, but I can definitely see how others would relate this.
Thank you so much to the author for reaching out, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.
February 6, 2026
I enjoyed the story's premise, the world seemed to be well throughout, and I liked learning more about it. Unfortunately, I didn't like how slowly the story progressed; it seemed to go on for far too long before there was any danger or action. I would have liked to see a little more showing in this book, but there was a lot of narrating instead of showing, which can work in some situations but I don't believe this was it. The characters' interactions with one another were entertaining and compelling. I only wish there had been more of that and that the two main characters we're following had met much earlier.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews