Reviews

Pillar of Ash by H.M. Long

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ioannap_author's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

"Pillar of Ash" by H.M.Long is the final instalment of the 'Hall of Smoke' series. In this book, the story follows Yske, the daughter of Hessa, who was the main character for the first two books.

Like the previous 'Hall of Smoke' books this one is not a direct sequel and in many ways can act as a standalone book, but the reader will get a lot more from it if they have already read the previous books.

Like the previous books, I enjoyed this story immensely! I really love and admire Long's ability to offer a fast-paced, deeply personal writing style that never has a dull moment.

Unlike the previous main characters in this series, Yske is not a natural fighter and adventurer. She is a healer and a dedicated pacifist, which immediately contrasts with the dangers of her journey. Her personal arc to only heal and avoid conflict is one of the main threads of the book, and Yske is tested throughout the story. It is really interesting and unique to have a fantasy book from the point of view of someone who not only doesn't know how to fight but has a deep, traumatic dislike towards violence. It is refreshingly modern.

Another theme that is lovingly explored in this book is family relationships, and especially siblings. Yske's resolution to fulfil this journey stems from her sisterly love towards her twin, Berin, who is much more the stereotypical fantasy hero. I really loved the swap and how it was Yske's healing and self sacrificial power that brought the book to a close, instead of the traditional fantasy trope of the hero warrior. Their relationship also grows, reflecting within it Yske's controversial place in her mainly warrior society. Berin's approach to his sister changes as he realises her value beyond his own love for her, and he also matures watching her. There is a lot he can learn from his twin about life.

Unlike the previous books in the series, in "Pillar of Ash," there is a stronger romantic subelement. I began shipping Yske and Isik from their first interaction. I really adored that this wasn't a relationship that just began but a rekindling of an older quietened flame. It was slow and real and never the focus of Yske's life. It was, though, always important.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book. It had many cameos from previous books and was a wonderful finalé to all these separate stories taking place in the same world. I am sad that this world is saying goodbye. I will always hold a tiny hope that as the years pass, Long might want to give us one more story in this world.

Like others, I would also comp this series with Skyrim and, even if we never get another book, maybe someone in a game studio will read these stories and make an RPG game where more details of this world will come out.

I received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.