Trollheim Books: Tale of Sýstir Guide

The term Trollheim books currently refers to the upcoming literary release Trollheim: Tale of Sýstir by Sunday Times bestselling author Georgia Summers. Set for release on May 19, 2026, the book is a work of magical realism rooted in Nordic folklore, following a young Huldra named Sýstir as she seeks sanctuary in a mythical forest after her mother is accused of witchcraft.

Plot Overview and Setting

Trollheim: Tale of Sýstir is described as a lyrical and "quietly devastating" story that explores the cost of existing in a world that perceives you as dangerous. The narrative begins with a traumatic catalyst: the mother of the protagonist, Sýstir, and her sister, Ada, is burned at the stake.

Faced with the choice to "run or die," the sisters attempt to escape their small, secret-shrouded world. However, only Sýstir successfully reaches safety. She is rescued by a rogue troll named Agagkantor, who brings her into the Dark Forest, a legendary realm known as Trollheim.

The World of Trollheim

In this setting, Trollheim serves as:

• A Sanctuary: A hidden magical realm specifically for mythical beings who have nowhere else to turn.
• A Community: A place where Sýstir can forge a "new family" and live as her true self without the threat of being hunted.
• A Place of Secrets: While a sanctuary, the forest is threatened by a secret held by Agagkantor—a secret that has the potential to unravel Sýstir’s past and lead to the total destruction of the Dark Forest.

Character Profiles

Based on official descriptions, the story centers on a small cast of nuanced characters:

• Sýstir: The protagonist and a Huldra. In Nordic folklore, Huldra are often depicted as forest creatures; in this narrative, she is viewed by the human world as "unwanted" and "dangerous." Her journey involves a search for her missing sister and the struggle to find a place where she belongs.
• Ada: Sýstir’s sister. Unlike Sýstir, she does not successfully escape to the Dark Forest during the initial flight from their home, leaving her fate a central mystery of the book.
• Agagkantor: A "rogue troll" who acts as Sýstir's protector and guide into Trollheim. He is a complex figure who carries a hidden burden that drives the secondary conflict of the novel.

Publication and Format Details

Trollheim: Tale of Sýstir is published by Titan Books. The release is scheduled for May 19, 2026, and will be available in multiple formats.

The book is currently listed for pre-order at major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, Bookshop.org, Hudson Booksellers, Powell's, Target, and Walmart.

Literary Style and Influences

Georgia Summers’ writing in this volume is noted for its "patient, precise" prose. The book is frequently compared to other high-profile works of magical realism and dark fantasy, specifically:

• The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
• The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow
• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Critics and fellow authors have described the tone as "Gaiman-esque," noting that it blends ancient mythos with a timeless feel. The story focuses heavily on the "power of love in its many forms," including toxic, destructive, and loyal variations.

About the Author: Georgia Summers

Georgia Summers is a No. 1 Sunday Times bestselling author. Prior to the announcement of the Trollheim series, she gained significant acclaim for her debut novel, The City of Stardust.

The City of Stardust established Summers' reputation for writing "darkly gorgeous" tales involving family curses, soul-stealing gods, and scholarly magic. Many of the themes found in her debut—such as the choice between survival and sacrifice—are expected to carry over into the Trollheim books.

Critical Reception (Pre-Release)

Early praise for Trollheim: Tale of Sýstir highlights its emotional depth:

• Ginger Nuts of Horror described the work as "quietly devastating" and praised its honest take on Nordic folklore.
• Bloody Flicks noted the "nuanced characters" and the detailed fleshing out of the Dark Forest setting.
• Laini Taylor (author of Daughter of Smoke and Bone) has previously praised Summers for creating a "new mythos that feels both timeless and original."

FAQ

What kind of creature is Sýstir?
Sýstir is a Huldra, a being from Nordic folklore. In the context of the book, being Huldra makes her a target for those who fear magic and non-human entities.

Is this a sequel to The City of Stardust?
No. While written by the same author, Trollheim: Tale of Sýstir is a standalone narrative rooted in Nordic folklore, whereas The City of Stardust follows a different mythos involving a family curse and a hidden city.

Who is the publisher for the Trollheim books?
The book is published by Titan Books, with distribution through major networks including Penguin Random House.