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City of Sorrow
When love and loyalty demand impossible choices—who will pay the price?
Kas is certain that Emilia’s in danger. To save her, he’ll risk everything by heading behind enemy lines and deep into the heart of the Divvinium. But in a den of vipers, every step brings him closer to an impossible the woman who has his heart, or the friends who have become his family.
And Emilia’s fate may be worse than he ever imagined. Caught in a place where every ally is a liar and trust is a weapon, Emilia knows that freedom could prove the deadliest trap of all.
But Kas and Emilia aren’t the only ones in peril. War threatens to shatter Valoris, and Cassandra must lead her people even while her heart is tearing her in two directions. Mira is unsure about the Ancient’s motives, but her whispers warn of calamity, and if Mira can’t uncover the truth, the consequences will be devastating. And Tia struggles to deal with her loss, but embracing her inner dragon may end up destroying all she holds dear.
Valoris will burn. Bonds will break. And in the end, love will cost them everything.
Book three in the epic fantasy series, The City Chronicles, City of Sorrow is a devastating story full of betrayal, sacrifice, and found family on the brink of ruin.
Kas is certain that Emilia’s in danger. To save her, he’ll risk everything by heading behind enemy lines and deep into the heart of the Divvinium. But in a den of vipers, every step brings him closer to an impossible the woman who has his heart, or the friends who have become his family.
And Emilia’s fate may be worse than he ever imagined. Caught in a place where every ally is a liar and trust is a weapon, Emilia knows that freedom could prove the deadliest trap of all.
But Kas and Emilia aren’t the only ones in peril. War threatens to shatter Valoris, and Cassandra must lead her people even while her heart is tearing her in two directions. Mira is unsure about the Ancient’s motives, but her whispers warn of calamity, and if Mira can’t uncover the truth, the consequences will be devastating. And Tia struggles to deal with her loss, but embracing her inner dragon may end up destroying all she holds dear.
Valoris will burn. Bonds will break. And in the end, love will cost them everything.
Book three in the epic fantasy series, The City Chronicles, City of Sorrow is a devastating story full of betrayal, sacrifice, and found family on the brink of ruin.
476 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
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2 people want to read
About the author
K.T. Holder
7 books27 followersK.T. Holder is a Taswegian who currently lives in Texas with her wife and three small fluffy dogs. When she’s not writing (or pretending to) she enjoys reading, watching documentaries (mainly true crime), watching “documentaries” (ie reality tv), and fulfilling the needs of her fluffy overlords.
A fifteen year army veteran, K.T. decided that she’d much prefer to make things up for a living, and so rekindled her love of writing.
Though pairing a foray into writing with quitting her job and moving internationally may not have been the smartest thing she has ever done, she loves writing (not as much as her amazing, supportive and understanding wife) and is excited about this next chapter (see what she did there?)
Get free prequel novellas to both K.T. Holder's series' over at her website (Https://www.ktholder.com/regent) and don't forget to drop her a line while you're there!
A fifteen year army veteran, K.T. decided that she’d much prefer to make things up for a living, and so rekindled her love of writing.
Though pairing a foray into writing with quitting her job and moving internationally may not have been the smartest thing she has ever done, she loves writing (not as much as her amazing, supportive and understanding wife) and is excited about this next chapter (see what she did there?)
Get free prequel novellas to both K.T. Holder's series' over at her website (Https://www.ktholder.com/regent) and don't forget to drop her a line while you're there!
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 3, 2026
City of Sorrow by K.T. Holder is a gripping, plot-heavy continuation that proves just how ambitious and emotionally devastating this series is willing to be. I devoured this book in a matter of days. As the third installment, this book juggles numerous characters and intertwining storylines, with multiple romances unfolding alongside the larger narrative. What impressed me most is how seamlessly everything ties back into the main plot, nothing feels extraneous, even when the scope of the story continues to expand. The depictions of war are vivid and visceral. Holder excels at painting the strategy behind the battles just as much as the battles themselves, showing how leaders plan, maneuver, and execute under impossible pressure. Every character is forced to make unimaginable, often life-or-death decisions, and the weight of those choices is felt through how they all unfold. This is not a comfortable read, and that’s exactly why it works. The tension never lets up. Twists come when you least expect them, loyalties are constantly in question, and even when you know a character is making the wrong choice, you’re helplessly yelling at the page as they do it anyway. Holder doesn’t wait until the end to break your heart. It’s being torn open throughout the entire story. The uncertainty surrounding everyone’s true intentions keeps the story razor sharp and deeply immersive. Achingly beautiful in its tragedy and sorrow, City of Sorrow is named appropriately, emotionally heavy, morally complex, and relentlessly gripping. I’m anxiously awaiting the remaining books to see how this devastating, brilliantly crafted story is finally brought to its conclusion. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2026
Quick question for the author: Why do you put me through so much heartache?
CITY OF SORROW is the third installment and delivers an intimate gut punch right in all the feels. The characters we’ve come to love are undeniably stressed. Their relationships and loyalties are tested, and the emotional weight behind their decisions is heavy.
The ongoing war is devastating. There’s no room for the characters to breathe, but their only choice is to keep pushing forward. To keep trying. Some step up and face the challenges; others have a selfish agenda. I didn’t know who to trust. Couldn’t decide who was right or wrong. The characters feel REAL in all the painful ways it means to be human, and they’re all trying to survive. This is a ‘buckle-up for the ride’ sort of character-driven story. No posted speed zones, no guard rails, no crosswalks. Just hop in and hope everyone is doing their part before it’s too late.
How K.T. Holder manages to weave together intricate storylines is beyond me, but I’m so happy I found this series! The world-building, the characters, the politics, and betrayals. Binge this series… now.
CITY OF SORROW is the third installment and delivers an intimate gut punch right in all the feels. The characters we’ve come to love are undeniably stressed. Their relationships and loyalties are tested, and the emotional weight behind their decisions is heavy.
The ongoing war is devastating. There’s no room for the characters to breathe, but their only choice is to keep pushing forward. To keep trying. Some step up and face the challenges; others have a selfish agenda. I didn’t know who to trust. Couldn’t decide who was right or wrong. The characters feel REAL in all the painful ways it means to be human, and they’re all trying to survive. This is a ‘buckle-up for the ride’ sort of character-driven story. No posted speed zones, no guard rails, no crosswalks. Just hop in and hope everyone is doing their part before it’s too late.
How K.T. Holder manages to weave together intricate storylines is beyond me, but I’m so happy I found this series! The world-building, the characters, the politics, and betrayals. Binge this series… now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW!! Incredible!! The third book of The City Chronicles by K. T. Holder is as captivating as the first two books. It grabbed my attention from the very first sentence to the very last word. There is plenty of action, adventure, found family, A bit of romance, and magic. The characters are well written and has shown a lot of growth with even more room to grow. Kas and Emilia,the two MC's, show a lot of chemistry between them and I can't wait to read more of their story. The world of the City Chronicles is a fantastic, beautiful and magical world developed brilliantly by Holder! I absolutely love this book and series and highly recommend reading it!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Epic ending! This whole series has been keeping me on the edge. Characters that will create inner turmoil within the reader like they are your own family. An action packed world built with great skill from this authors writing style. So many plot twists that made me want to throw the book but then run and get it so i can keep reading. I LOVED THIS SERIES!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews