A review by forthesanityof1
Hall of Smoke by H.M. Long

adventurous inspiring mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Absolutely gorgeous debut! Loved every second of it. The premise was so interesting and, for once, Booktok did not let me down. Magic and gods and traitors and this wonderful thread woven through tight, fast-paced events and narration. I loved Hessa and her conflicts within herself and with others. She is a divine warrior but so painfully human in so many ways, it was delightful to see her journey. I loved the world building and the way the gods were introduced as they came. Some moments needed a bit more clarity, but nothing major and nothing that took me out of the story. I loved this idea of a faith that one loves and relishes in through community and power and love becoming a collar/shackle (literally) and how one may deal with that. Hessa's struggle with her faith and her ultimate rejection of it in the face of the truth was so perfectly done. I thought, if anything, the ending was a bit rushed. I would have liked one scene immediately post-epic climax to allow this real idea of change to drop from this lofty ideal into a tangible thing, but that's being nitpicky. I can't wait to see where this author takes it next!
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