Title: The Troll Bridge
Author: Larry P. Auerbach
Publisher: Book Vine Press
ISBN: 978-1949574401
Pages: 407
Genre: Young Adult/Action-Adventure
Reviewed by: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Review
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Truth is the property of no individual but is the treasure of all men.” In author Larry P Auerbach’s novel The Troll Bridge, a group of young teens discovers that their adventurous hunt for gold is nothing in comparison to the dark truth that awaits them.
In this novel, best friends Duane and Anthony (Tony for short), decide to follow up on a legend that has grown in their small town about a mysterious creature buried underneath a cave years earlier by some Texas Rangers. Sure that some sort of gold or artifacts reside within these hidden caves, the boys team up with teens Ron and Abbie to try and learn what prized treasures await them. Yet for these 1935 era teens, their adventure turns deadly as the truth about this legend awakens, and one of the teens find themselves changing before the other’s eyes in ways they could never have imagined.
The author does an amazing job of conveying the historical and suspenseful story into a YA genre novel. Exploring not only the bonds between these teens in an era rarely ever explored, this story also introduced the often forgotten treatment of Native American people during that time and prior, highlighting the injustices they faced and the racism that followed them around, especially in this Midwest setting. The author’s attention to historical detail and detailed imagery brought the horror and fear that these teens discovered to vivid life.
This is the perfect read for young adults and adults alike who enjoy historical or period piece horror stories, mythology and lore related to the Midwest United States and the Native American people as a whole, and supernatural action-adventures. As someone who is always fascinated to learn about various culture’s beliefs and history, it was interesting and sad to see how mistreated the Native American people were, especially during those decades. Blending this message with a chilling and adventurous horror story was an inspired choice, and the author’s use of dialogue made the story flow smoothly rather than feel forced.
This was yet another fantastic read from author Larry Auerbach. Filled with adventure, surprising relationships formed between the characters and a great mythology, the story will keep readers enraptured and interested throughout. The novel was an “edge of your seat” horror adventure like no other, so if you haven’t yet be sure to grab your copy of The Troll Bridge today!