Picture a Canadian storyteller weaving epic tales of gods and warriors from a cozy Ontario cabin—meet H. M. Long! This fantasy author burst onto the scene with her 2021 debut, Hall of Smoke, a Viking-inspired saga that hooked readers with its vivid world-building and fierce heroine. Known for her knack for blending history, mythology, and heart-pounding action, Long’s stories transport you to realms where gods meddle and mortals rise.
With a love for hiking, history, and snooping around European museums, Long crafts immersive worlds that feel both ancient and fresh. Her discovery writing style—letting the story unfold as she writes—creates unpredictable narratives that keep readers on their toes. Let’s dive into the life, works, and magic of H. M. Long!
The Making of H. M. Long
Hannah M. Long, known as H. M. Long, grew up surrounded by the rugged beauty of Ontario’s Canadian Shield, where lakes, forests, and cliffs sparked her imagination. Her childhood camping trips in places like Algonquin Park laid the groundwork for the vivid landscapes in her novels. A lifelong history buff, Long’s travels through the Alps and visits to European historical sites fueled her passion for crafting worlds with a real-world feel. She began writing young, penning a 60,000-word fantasy tale as a preteen, complete with swords and pretty dresses. After years of honing her craft and querying around 100 agents, Long landed a book deal for Hall of Smoke, marking her rise as a fantasy star.
H. M. Long’s Unforgettable Stories
Long’s debut, Hall of Smoke (2021), follows Hessa, a disgraced warrior priestess of the Goddess of War, navigating a world of clashing gods and fading afterlives. Its Viking-inspired setting, rich with mythology and action, earned praise for its intricate world-building and emotional depth. The sequel, Temple of No God (2022), picks up a decade later, with Hessa posing as a mercenary in a crumbling empire, showcasing Long’s ability to evolve her characters while keeping the stakes high.
The Four Pillars Quartet, which includes Barrow of Winter and Pillar of Ash (2024), continues to explore this universe, blending epic battles with themes of faith and redemption. Long’s Winter Sea Trilogy, starting with Dark Water Daughter (2023), shifts to a swashbuckling, nautical fantasy inspired by Horatio Hornblower. Her discovery writing style shines here, weaving complex plots that avoid predictable tropes, while her prose evokes misty forests and stormy seas. Long’s upcoming Entwined Duology (2025/26) and Ashmarked (2027) promise to expand her diverse portfolio.
Long’s stories stand out for their balance of cinematic action and introspective character arcs. She often writes action scenes first, layering in emotional depth later, guided by beta readers to ensure a seamless blend. Her worlds draw loosely from Germanic, Celtic, and Roman influences, but she avoids leaning too heavily on any single culture, creating fresh, immersive settings that resonate with readers.
Why H. M. Long Matters
H. M. Long has carved a niche in epic fantasy by delivering stories that feel both grand and intimate. Her focus on complex heroines like Hessa, who grapple with faith, loss, and identity, offers a refreshing take on the genre. By sidestepping overused tropes and embracing a discovery writing approach, Long keeps her narratives unpredictable, earning accolades from outlets like The Guardian and The Nerd Daily. Her active presence on TikTok and Instagram has also connected her with a global fanbase, amplifying her reach during a time when traditional book promotion was limited. Long’s work inspires readers to question divinity, embrace resilience, and lose themselves in richly crafted worlds.
- Pen Name: H. M. Long (Hannah M. Long)
- Key Works: Hall of Smoke (2021), Temple of No God (2022), Dark Water Daughter (2023), Pillar of Ash (2024)
- Influences: Norse mythology, Germanic tribes, Canadian landscapes, and media like Vikings and Skyrim
- Fun Fact: Long wrote Hall of Smoke in just eight weeks!
Snag Hall of Smoke and dive into H. M. Long’s thrilling world of gods, warriors, and epic quests!