Temple of No God was a good read. It would have been a great read if one part of it was either changed or omitted.

<i>I have received this book in exchange for an honest review, thank you Titan Books and NetGalley for the opportunity.</i>

I have my own blog now (https://www.daysinotherworlds.com), so please do pay it a visit if you're interested in my other reviews :)

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I only became an ARC reader in January 2021. And my first read ARC ever was Hall of Smoke, which was one incredible experience. Learning that there is more to the story now, and a further expansion to come later was brilliant. In turn, I stalked the accounts of both the author and the publisher till Temple of No God became available. To which, I was lucky to get an approval for the ARC.

The plot this time deals with another big choice that will affect their lives moving forward. Like last time though, there is still a discussion of the fascinating themes of worship, faith and devotion. Hessa is now tasked of settling an internal strife in Arpa, while trying to get the best possible outcome for her people. Technically, this sounds doable, but considering the many outsider elements she has to deal with, mortals and higher beings, makes it a much difficult choice.

Once again, I’m taken back to this inspired Norse world, while seeing a much older Hessa navigate it. The main difference to see here, is that it’s no longer a solo journey. She has allies, people to take care of, friends, one very weird dog and many other duties. To me, this was fantastic to read about, because I really enjoy seeing the culture H. M. Long created here.

The rituals (so to speak) before battle, how different countries perceive their warriors, new sayings based on earlier events… While I happen to be a fan of info dumps, I do appreciate this more subtle approach as well. The brutality of the battles, is another aspect I really enjoy. Any depiction anywhere of a Norsemen is bloody, gory and vicious, to name a few elements and I got that part of it here.

The thing that makes it better is the connection to the in-verse Gods. Or rather, the magic they bring with them. It’s always more interesting when it’s not a single type of magic, in my humble opinion, and there are quite a few to see in this series. Never before seen ones in this book as well. Temple of No God details a different side to the conflict this time along though, but overall, that aspect of it remains consistent.

Which reminds me, that I seem to have a weird connection with this series and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. I was playing the game while reading the first book, and I revisited it again while reading this book to play the newly released crossover between it and an earlier game in the franchise. Considering that they both handle Norsemen in a way, I could easily see the similarities and that was fun in another way entirely.

Alongside all of this however, the one thing that really made it a better read was Hessa herself. She’s incredibly logical as a main character, isn’t primarily governed by her emotional side and is now much more powerful than she used to be. This shift in her personality from the average naïve war-priestess I started out with to the badass priestess she is now, was simply brilliant.

With her, there are more characters to meet, old and new. I wouldn’t say that they were all memorable name wise, as I did go back to the glossary several times to read back on who was who. For those not in the immediate vicinity or I haven’t seen past the first few chapters mind you. To better clarify on this point, the events are etched in my mind, it’s just the people responsible who got jumbled up sometimes.

But overall, I really enjoyed being around them, especially Uspa and Thray.

When taking all of this in, this book has many many elements that I personally enjoyed reading about. However, I still couldn’t get over how much the “alliance she forged” between the northern tribes actually ruins this book for me. She knows it’s not a good thing, dear friends know it’s not a good thing, the other party knows it’s not a good thing.

Yet, it doesn’t stop.

It’s continuously a point of discussion for, in my humble opinion, no good reason. Nothing good comes out of it. Hessa’s unbelievably logical approach to it, is always brushed to the side in the end for some reason I have failed to see. Before it goes back to this continuous cycle of gaslighting that I loathed with every fiber of my being. Adding “tragic backstories or situations” doesn’t justify anything, not in this fictional world and not in the real one either.

Especially if, the other party is an edgy pathetic idiot with zero redeeming qualities for 95% of the narrative. There are more than enough conflicts in the series. This one, feels cheap in comparison and was not needed whatsoever.

Ultimately, I enjoyed myself quite a bit and many elements in the book. I did wish for the omission, or at least the complete change of that one thing. But overall, it was still a good experience. I can’t wait to come back to the series for the next installments and/or see what else the author could come up with. The next work is seemingly a nautical fantasy duology with witches, dark magic and pirates… and that sounds amazing!

In my review for Hall of Smoke I wrote about how I had a feeling as I was reading that author has a such a firm grip on these characters and world she created she can write countless pages more about it. Hence, I wasn't very surprised by the news of more books set in Algatt, Eangen and the northern territories of the Arpa Empire. For a story focused primarily on a journey of one character it was simply too rich; too history and mythology heavy to be left alone like that.
So, yes, Hessa is once again wrapped up in wars between Gods and establishing the new Emperor, while leading her own people. Emperor to be wants Hessa to crown him and act as a his bodyguard against new, sinter cult of Larun, mysterious deity whose priests seem to draw deadly powers from unknown source. Thwynder and Omaskat have different agenda in mind and Hessa is the most important piece of all of their plans.
First things first: I know that author wrote that this is a stand-alone novel and you don't have to read HoS before this one. I wouldn't necessarily agree with this, because the story may be set years after the events of HoS, but it references many events and characters from first book, and newcomers may be lost. There is a glossary at the end of book that helps, but for better understanding of the world I would recommend you read Hall of Smoke.
Another reason for my recommendation is so that you can witness how far has Hessa come from that wide-eyed, clueless human who was used by Eang, her goddess, to do her dirty work and other powerful character she came across. This is a more mature Hessa, one who has came to peace about her place in the world and who fights for betterment of Eangan and other tribes first, not Gods. It's interesting because Hessa as a High Priestess has a direct contact and a blessing of Thwynder, one of the old deities she helped establishing, but she is not his servant in the way she was with Eang. Last book was all about her inner doubts about absolutes of her goddess and it's an interesting contrast. So, she is closer than ever to her God, but more her own person than she was before. So her own conflict and doubts she had in previous book made this Hessa. This self-assurance reflects in her interaction with other characters in the position of power, because she is more cunning. She was a fierce warrior priestess in previous book as well, but she really shines in this one. She gained an almost mythological reputation and her powers only feed into it, so others watch her with awe and look up to her. Still a warrior we know her to be, but more epic.
The only conflict Hessa has is actually letting go her grief and deciding on her second husband Imnir. It's a complicated relationship that started as a practical solution for their people, but with a potential to be more. Considering where the plot leads and revelation at the end, their marriage adds another layer to story and raises the stakes.
Plot was more forward and faster, but I enjoyed the character development of HoS more. I just love when authors destroy everything their main character believed in and then build them again. Long loves writing introspective passages and there was just not that much inner turmoil for Hessa in ToNG, or it's not as riveting.
Other reason for my rating is that I am not a fan when it turns out that motive of female character(s) is jealousy over a man. For some reason, in this world with powerful warrior priestesses and goddesses, I was just annoyed that insecurities of this type we've only seen with them.
All in all, it was fun to be back in this world. I am looking forward to next book in the series, because I am sure Gods will find the way to mess it all up for Hessa's people again. :)

Temple of No God (Hall of Smoke #2)

Plot:
After a brutal war between the gods, Hessa – High Priestess of the Eangen – has brokered a fragile peace. Through great sacrifice, she has forged an alliance between warring tribes and introduced her people to the true god.

But a new threat is growing across the southern border. In the remnants of the once-great Arpa Empire, three factions are vying for the imperial throne, and the vast well of raw magical power only accessible to the Arpa Emperor. Already beating back former Arpa legionaries at her borders, Hessa knows she cannot let this chance slip by. She must intervene, for the safety of her people.

Writing:
As it was in HOS, the writing is stunning. The pacing is perfect, the action scenes are ferocious which makes the tender moments even more touching. I didn't ever feel bored, though I knew the eventual destination, I had no idea how to journey would play out.

Loved:
@hmlong has an amazing ability to humanise her characters, though we follow a God like warrior priestess into battle, we see relatable human concerns for starting a family and saving relationships. Something a lot of people have or will struggle with.

Favourite part:
I could include so many things but ...spoilers. Nui the dog was a great edition, something I didn't realise was missing from Hall of Smoke. My absolute favourite part was seeing Hessa become a better leader and Priestess than her old God, truly putting her people first.

I connected far more easily with Temple of No God than with its predecessor. It has far more interest in interpersonal relationships this time, keeping the worldbuilding to a minimum, and that made a lot of difference to how I related to Hessa, whose (slightly) older perspective is also refreshing. Not all characters got as much attention as I would have liked (including a few who are pivotal), but I still felt invested in the main players. The actual plot interested me less, although it is confidently written and generally well paced - my big issue with it is the ending, though, and the implications for some of the characters. But overall there is a mature feel to this narrative without needing to be dark, and, although this is not a book I loved, I'm glad to have my mind changed on this author and series.

Its 10 years after the events of Hall of Smoke and Hessa is still the baddest warrior high priestess you ever met. Now remarried, the head of one big clan of ex warring clans, infamously magical and brutal and leading her group of priests on missions around the peninsula... she's just trying to live her life when an almighty threat threatens to ruin the peace she's tried to so hard to broker.
So I read book 1 as an ARC and absolutely adored it, shouted about it on booksta (@trippingontales !) and when u found out book 2 was a thing INSTANTLY jumped on getting it as an ARC and then a preorder. Basically I love this world and I love Hessa. I think shes empathetic and a fighter and a woman who just wants what is right for her and her people. She wants as much peace as a warrior priestess could ever want and its just Not. Happening.

The writing in this book was great, the story in general moved quite fast even though there was not a huge amount going on but that isn't to say the quiet moments with Hessa being a real person trying to deal with awful situations and trying to learn from past mistakes weren't great. She really grew between books 1 and 2 and i really appreciated that we got flashbacks, it really helped to fill the gap!

Plus, I love a badass warrior woman fighting scene and this one *deliveredddd* I was v happy with this one, I wish it was longer though!

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this arc.

EDITED TO FIND BETTER WORDING/MAKE MORE SENSE

Temple of No God had a few good moments that I quite enjoyed. Unfortunately these didn't seem to happen very often. There was a lot of times where the characters weren't doing much--most likely because they were traveling. There were also characters I didn't seem to remember at all. I don't know if they were in the first, and I just forgot or if they were new characters altogether. The two main ones being Uspa and Iminir. I'm not positive I spelled those right, as I'm going off of memory. Other characters I remembered, but I had no connection with. Hessa was the main character again, so I knew her best. I recall Nis and Omaskat and Casper, but Casper was really the only one of those who had a bigger role in this book. I didn't find myself caring about the rest. I was also unsure of the plot 95% of the time. I knew where they were heading and what they were trying to figure out. But was that it? Did I miss something? I'm not sure. So, yes, I think it would help if the first book was read right before this in order to understand some of the gods and characters better--to form better connections. However, I had multiple problems that I don't think would've made much of a difference even if I had just read the first. There is a glossary in the back to help with terms, but I was still left confused at times.

ORIGINAL REVIEW: I think this book would be better if read close to the first. There is a lot of information about the gods and whatnot that is needed for the second. At least to make sense of Temple of No God. I read the first probably a year ago and don’t recall much, so this story was very confusing to me. I didn’t remember any of the lore or gods. I barely remembered a couple characters. It was definitely rough. I didn’t know what was really happening or what the plot was. It just wasn’t for me.

H.M. Long's Hall of Smoke was such a great journey, and I could not wait to get my hands on the next installment in the world. Temple of No God did not disappoint!

Taking place a decade after Hall of Smoke, Temple of No God once again centered the journey of Hessa, the slayer of Eang and follower of Thvynder. Since the last time we saw her, she has ascended to High Priestess, made decisions that fostered a level of peace with some, and continued on the legacy of pillaging the villages of others. But news of a new god rising to power in Arpa--and with the support of warring clans nonetheless--has come about.

It was really enjoyable to read Long's writing style. There was a perfect mix of wit or humor in dialogue, and the balance of Hessa's personal journey with the drama and uncertainties outside of her control. I enjoyed Hessa's character arc and growth since Hall of Smoke, and thought that the flashbacks were a nice literary way to fill in the gap of years. The foreshadowing was well done, and the ending a complete surprise! It was a joy to reach it all unfold and piece together.

It didn't greatly affect my reading experience, but I will say that I forgot some of the lore and events of Hall of Smoke (read in Jan 2021). This is where the map and glossary were especially helpful, but they also make Temple of No God book readable as a stand alone.

Truly, I cannot wait for the sequel to see where H.M. Long takes us next in the world of Hall of Smoke. I would especially recommend Temple of No God to those who generally enjoy fantasy, are interested in Norse- & viking-inspired lands, or those who enjoyed book one and want to see what Hessa is up to next.

4.5/5 stars for Temple of No God! Thank you to NetGalley and Titan books for the ARC in exchange for my review.

Temple of no God by HM Long is a thrilling adventurous tale, brilliantly brought to life.

After a brutal war between the gods, Hessa - High Priestess of the Eangen - has brokered a fragile peace. Through great sacrifice, she has forged an alliance between warring tribes and introduced her people to the true god.

But a new threat is growing across the southern border. In the remnants of the once-great Arpa Empire, three factions are vying for the imperial throne, and the vast well of raw magical power only accessible to the Arpa Emperor. Already beating back former Arpa legionaries at her borders, Hessa knows she cannot let this chance slip by. She must intervene, for the safety of her people.

The settings are wonderfully described and it is so easy to imagine this story being brought to the screen. This is a fraught and troubled world, filled with kick-ass characters and is action packed with awesome fight scenes!

Even though I've not read anything by HM Long before, I shall certainly be looking be up their backlist!

Filled with adventures, action and fast paced plot- this was a thrill a minute to read and I loved it. A brilliant follow up novel

HM Long has done it again! I loved her debut Hall of Smoke. If you love viking/norse-inspired adult fantasy fiction, add Temple of No God to your reading list!

Temple of No God is set in the same world as Hall of Smoke. Set ten years after the events in the debut novel, Hessa, the high priestess of the Eangen has brokered an uneasy peace after a brutal war in her homeland. Warring tribes are now working together under the new true god. In the once-powerful empire of Arpa, a new magical force is at play, threatening Hessa and her people. She must intervene to ensure their safety and struggles to make some very difficult decisions which will have a huge impact on her people.

I love Long's writing style. She brings the fantastical landscape to life on the pages and immerses the reader into this tumultuous and treacherous world. I love the inclusion of the map at the beginning of the book which helps to visualise the immense landscape and world which Long has created.

Temple of No God is action-packed, full of battle scenes and close combat fights (with plenty of gruesome injuries) which really makes the heart rate jump up a notch! As the main protagonist, Long presents Hessa as not only a fierce leader and warrior, but also a woman who has to deal with self-doubt when it comes to making big decisions and who she should put her trust in. The characters in this book are fascinating, and the network of relationships within the novel are intriguing and draws the reader in. I love Hessa's relationship with her fellow Eangi- you really get a sense of their bond and camaraderie in this story. She will do literally anything to ensure their safety.

Temple of No God is a perfect adult fantasy read with intrigue, magic, and violence galore! It is due for release on the 18th of January 2022. Thank you to NetGalley and Titan Books for the arc in exchange for my review.