Hall of Smoke

Hessa’s world is crumbling around her. Her goddess has abandoned her and her people, the Eangen. She is the only survivor of her village. She might be the only Eangi left in the world at all. Hessa’s only hope is to continue on the last mission she was given from her goddess. Kill the man named Omaskat. However, that is easier said than done, and when she finally finds him, will she have the strength to carry out her orders?

Hall of Smoke by H.M. Long is a mythology lover’s dream. There is so much complexity to the world, its religions, and its cultures. I found it so interesting to learn about the gods and goddesses that watch over this fantasy world and all the layers of worship. There are main gods/goddesses which are above the lower gods/goddesses that follow them. There are old gods and goddesses that were bound and cast out by the newer ones. It truly is a very complex set of religions built into this world. Not only that, but these deities are actual characters in the story who interact with each other and with the mortals they govern over. In many ways, it reminded me of Greek mythology with its many stories of how the gods came into power as well as their constant interaction with humans. Anyone who likes to read books with the world’s religion or mythology as a big part of the story will really enjoy this novel. Long really does an excellent job creating deities with cultures and people to match them.

Not only are the gods great, but Long also created some excellent human characters as well. Hessa is a great main character that really grows and changes. As she learns more about the gods and their origins and motivations, she, herself, grows and changes. She is constantly reflecting and assessing herself and her faith. For me, this is what I look for in a main character. Hessa isn’t a blindly faithful person or someone who closes herself off from the thoughts of others. Instead, she is a very smart woman who is faithful because of what her goddess provides her or doesn’t. She chooses to have faith, but also listens and absorbs both good and bad information. I loved to watch her grow and change as she faces the many obstacles in her path.