Pillar of Ash

by H. M. Long

Overview

Yske, a healer and daughter of the warrior priestess Hessa, holds the balance of power in a world—shattering war of the gods, in this thrilling, mythical and emotional epic fantasy saga.


The enthralling conclusion to the HALL OF SMOKE saga, perfect for fans of Ragnarök, Claire LeGrand, Margaret Owen, V. E. Schwab and Melissa Caruso

Yske, daughter of the legendary warrior priestess Hessa, has dedicated her life to medicine and pacifism in service to Aita, the Great Healer. When her twin brother Berin, hungry for glory, gathers a party to investigate rumours of strange sightings in the Unmade – shadows in the darkness at the end of the world – Yske joins the mission, to keep him safe.

Their journey east takes them through primal forests, walking paths last trod when gods were at war and ancient, powerful beasts were defeated and bound. And the closer they get to the Unmade, the more strange and terrible things haunt them from the shadows, corruptions in nature and monstrous creatures of moss and bone.

Earning the respect of Berin and his warriors, Yske must forge a place for mercy and healing in a world of violence and sacrifice. She must survive murderous ambushes and brutal sieges and take her place at the centre of the oldest war of all.

Thrust into a desperate conflict of survival, Yske and Berin will wage the final war with the gods – in the shadow of a vast and ancient tree, the fate of creation is about to be decided.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781803360041
Publisher:	Titan
Publication date:	01/16/2024
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 7.70(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

H. M. Long is a Canadian fantasy writer, author of HALL OF SMOKE and TEMPLE OF NO GOD, who loves history, hiking, and exploring the world. She lives in Ontario, but can often be spotted snooping about European museums or wandering the Alps with her German husband.

Editorial Reviews

A worthy conclusion to Long’s series.”—Grimdark Magazine


PRAISE FOR H. M. LONG


“An epic fantasy set in a rich and wintry world of warriors, gods and monsters, with epic battles, dangerous magic, and complex family bonds. Thray is a heroine both powerful and vulnerable, and I loved her journey.”
Sue Lynn Tan, bestselling author of Daughter of the Moon Goddess.


“Brimming with magic and intrigue, Barrow of Winter is a spellbinding read. Thray’s northern quest had me turning pages late into the night, as did Long’s beautiful winter-sharp prose. A vivid story that lingers long after the last word.”
Rebecca Ross, internationally bestselling author of A River Enchanted
 
"A world so vividly rendered you'll feel the ice on the pages"
Richard Swan, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Justice of Kings
 
“Long's story of a woman caught between the mortal and mythical worlds is evocative, lyrical, and brimming with fierce magic. Another brilliant addition to this clever, Norse-inspired series.”
Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters
 
"Sharp as the winter wind, Barrow of Winter grabbed my attention and wouldn't let go. Long's latest is a compelling portrait of a woman coming to know herself—woven through with betrayal, darkness, thunderingly epic stakes, and a cast of prickly immortals I couldn't get enough of. It's fantasy at its very best."
Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman
 
“An epic fantasy adventure that reminds me why I love the genre, Barrow of Winter pulls you in and doesn’t let go. It’s a masterclass in world-building, with descriptions so visceral you can almost feel the icy winds. Thray is a complex, powerful character I would follow into the cold again and again. A superb new addition to the Hall of Smoke universe.” 
M.K. Lobb, author of Seven Faceless Saints
 
"H. M. Long has done it again! Barrow of Winter is possibly even more captivating and transportive than the gorgeous first two installments in the Hall of Smoke series.
This unputdownable tale features cinematic action, lush worldbuilding, and a conflicted main character who is deeply relatable despite her demigod status. Barrow of Winter offers all the action and adventure of high fantasy while also taking the time to offer deep, thoughtful exploration of the meanings of life and death, family and enmity.
Barrow of Winter is the perfect read for any reader looking for fascinating magic, adventurous heroines, and a fantasy world that feels real enough to book a plane ticket to visit."
M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves 
 
“An epic journey into a strange and wintery world filled with intrigue, adventure, secrets, loss, battles and monsters. At its centre is Thray, a young woman who is half mortal, half god and determined to discover the truth of her own immortality. Can she be killed? Or will she live on after everyone she knows is dead? Her bravery and fragility captured me from the very first page.”
Kell Woods, author of After the Forest 
 
“H. M. Long goes from strength to strength. Transportive and charged with intrigue, Barrow of Winter has a heroine in Thray whose appeal is in her turmoil and her flaws. She’s unsure yet indomitable as she journeys through a story steeped in ancient, terrifying magic and potential betrayal at every turn. With layers of lore and a sense of a vast, intricate history, Long expands on a world so vibrantly wrought I could taste the winter winds.”
Hannah Mathewson, author of Witherward
 
“Steeped in natural beauty cold to the touch and yet crackling with warmth, Barrow of Winter is about a young woman on an age-old quest of self-discovery that nevertheless feels as fresh and crisp as new snow. For fans of fantasy and adventure, this is a must read.”
Olesya Salnikova Gilmore, author of The Witch and the Tsar
 
“H. M. Long is a master of her craft, so I was delighted to get an early read of Barrow of Winter, and she did not disappoint! I thoroughly enjoyed this gritty, atmospheric tale of family versus faith and country. Barrow of Winter delivered exactly what I look for in epic fantasy: An immersive world of gods and warriors, with badass characters who will stick with me long after I reach the end. I especially loved Thray's relationship with her siblings, and how the power of each sibling is shaped by the clash of their mother's bloodline with their father’s divinity.”
Gabriela Romero Lacruz, author of The Sun and the Void
 
“A tale of old gods, new gods, and a search for identity in the darkness of winter. Epic fantasy teeming with adventure and wonder.”
Christopher Irvin, author of Ragged


"Barrow of Winter is a slow burn of a novel that quickly catches fire... It’s the perfect winter read. Atmospheric and richly detailed, I think fans of fantasy will adore this book."
Shauna Lawless, author of The Children of Gods and Fighting Men


"An intricate world tapestry with colorful threads of myth and magic...Readers will want to stick with this stalwart heroine through her chilly treks and blood-stained battles." 
Publishers Weekly


“I am obsessed with what H. M. Long has created—the clear, vivid prose, the captivating mythology, and the absolute force of nature that is Hessa. Utterly enthralling, and a world I loved getting lost in. I can’t wait for the next book.” 
Claire Legrand, New York Times-bestselling author of Furyborn 


“H.M. Long takes us on another epic, fast-paced adventure in Temple of No God. As exciting and gripping as its predecessor, this standalone in the same world starts with a bang and doesn’t let up, full of intrigue, betrayal, and action sequences that don’t disappoint. Hessa is a heroine to be reckoned with.”
Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch’s Heart


“Once again, H. M. Long pulls us effortlessly into a landscape of warring gods, tribes and impulses. What a joy to return to Hessa's side as, having battled herself and won, she draws her axes again – this time to build a better world. Sure, there's a fantastic fight scene for everyone and the pace never falters, but where this book really shines is in its emotionally nuanced depiction of character. I can't wait to see what she does next.”
Lucy Holland, author of Sistersong


"Long certainly made her entrance known with Hall of Smoke, but with Temple of No God, she solidifies herself as one of the great new voices in epic fantasy. Temple of No God is a story about adventure, war, and godly strife, but at its heart, it is also a poetic yet action-packed exploration of grief, longing, and obligation. Bold characters, shocking twists, and heart-pounding action will keep you turning pages long after lights out." 
M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves


“This book is a bonfire on a bleak winter night. Exciting and dangerous, brilliantly plotted and paced, this is the perfect followup to Hall of Smoke. Come for the axe-smash battles, the crumbling empire, the dangerous cults, and the perfect puppy companion, and then stay for all of that stuff, because it rules.”
Joshua Johnson, author of The Forever Sea


“While knowledge and responsibility weigh on Hessa in a manner reminiscent of many warrior-legends of popular European mythology and heroic fantasy, Temple of No God does not succumb to the dreary moroseness of the aftermath of conquest. Instead, we get to witness Hessa relish her role as victor while contending with her status as a vanquisher. Fantasy readers who like their heroes battle-hardened yet thoughtful and tender–not in spite of war but because of it–will enjoy Temple of No God.”
Suyi Davies Okungbowa, author of Son of the Storm


PRAISE FOR HALL OF SMOKE:


Hall of Smoke is the kind of fantasy I love, filled with both high stakes and tender, nuanced human emotion. Add to that lyrical writing and intriguing world building, and you have a truly special debut. Not to be missed. - Jessica Cluess, author of the Kingdom on Fire series and House of Dragons


Long gives us a flawed hero, a woman battling grief, rage and – perhaps most poignant of all – doubt. It is thrilling to stand beside Hessa as she stares into the abyss and begins to reassemble herself there. Long's writing is elegantly understated, filling out Hessa's complex world without ever stranding us – we are with her through every stumble and triumph. Hall of Smoke is ultimately a book about what it means to have your deepest illusions shattered and still scrape together the courage to begin again. A vivid and compelling debut. - Lucy Holland, author of Sistersong


Hall of Smoke is a breath of fresh air. The world is unique, the fights are top-notch, and the cast is unforgettable. A dazzling, fast-paced story with clashing civilizations, squabbling gods, and an indomitable heroine caught in the center of it all, Hessa's is a tale that will grab you from the very first line and won't let you go. I can't wait to see what Long comes up with next. - Genevieve Gornichec, author of The Witch's Heart


Hessa is a brilliantly written heroine, and I could easily have spent another 400 pages with her. The book's world-building is intricate and refreshingly original, and it all ramps up to a finale that is the dictionary definition of epic. - Allison Epstein, author of A Tip for the Hangman


The story world was rich and real, and I have rarely read a fantasy novel that transported me like Hall of Smoke did. If you are a fan of myths and legends where gods and goddesses roam the earth and meddle with the poor mortals that serve them, you are in for an absolute treat with this book. - M. J. Kuhn, author of Among Thieves

From the Publisher