It has been a long time since I’ve finished a book on such a note of intensity and I believe my heart has broken.

Earlier this year I read and loved The Blood-Tainted Winter and immediately picked up The Hills of Home. Somehow it got lost within Mount TBR and I only just got to it earlier this week. I thoroughly regret waiting so long to read book two in The Song of the Ash Tree series…it is stunningly beautiful.

Raef Skallagrim returns to the coast of home after the great battle of the burning lake only to be mysteriously attacked by a hidden foe. He later awakens in a dragon boat as it crashes upon the shores of a faraway land beneath stars unknown to him, revealing he has somehow travelled beyond the realm of men. He begins the long and arduous journey to once again see the hills of home, his path replete with trials that would break the strongest of will. In his absence, the wolves circle seeking power, threatening everything Raef longs and cares for. If he is able to find his way, will there be anything of significance or anyone loyal to him remaining as the End Times approach?

This story is intense and alluring and violent. Told with such a vivid voice, it’s almost impossible not to mentally envision the characters and landscapes throughout with ease. Greylock has painted a masterpiece, each page a carefully crafted brush stroke.

The three realms we’re transported to are so amazingly distinct with their own exotic and dangerous inhabitants. Characters we’re introduced to in book one, as well as interesting newcomers, venture to make their mark on the world, but their true intentions remain shrouded. Intrigue and betrayal lie in wait around each and every corner. The saga of Skallagrim is so well-designed I feel like I am reading a Norse myth of old.

I absolutely loved The Hills of Home and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of book three, which was ordered within seconds of finishing this one. The final chapters had me on the edge of my seat and I NEED to see what happens next!