From the violence of her father’s home, straight into the fear and filth of the City of Cannibals, sixteen-year-old Dell flees into the streets of King Henry VIII’s London. Set during Henry’s separation for the Catholic Church, author Thompson crafts a seemingly authentic depiction of 16th century London and one groups’ plot to protect themselves from Henry’s soldiers who intent on suppressing Roman Catholic allegiance. Vulgarity, violence, intrigue, and the love between Dell and a young novice monk pull this original story together. As a historical fiction City of Cannibals is authentic but bleak, which some might say reinforces the authenticity. Also recommend M. Cadnum’s Ship of Fire (2003). ( )