Roots of the Mountains by William Morris is a sprawling epic that follows the lives of two rival clans in a medieval Nordic setting. The story is richly detailed, with vivid descriptions of the landscape and culture of the time. Morris's writing is lyrical and poetic, immersing the reader in a world of shifting loyalties and deep-seated rivalries.

The characters in Roots of the Mountains are complex and well-developed, each with their own motivations and desires. The two main protagonists, Hallblithe and the Lady of the Rose, are particularly compelling, as they navigate the treacherous waters of love and politics. The secondary characters are also well-drawn and add depth to the story.

The plot of Roots of the Mountains is filled with intrigue and betrayal, as the clans vie for power and influence. There are twists and turns aplenty, keeping the reader engaged until the very end. Morris's exploration of themes such as honor, loyalty, and the nature of power adds a layer of depth to the narrative.

Overall, Roots of the Mountains is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and epic fantasy. Morris's masterful storytelling and evocative prose make this a book to remember.

Book Description:
The Roots of the Mountains was the second in a projected series of three historical novels set in a pre-medieval Germanic world . It follows the themes of House of the Wolfings, which was published in the same year, into a later generation. A loose alliance of Dalesmen, Woodlanders and Shepherds who have lived in peace around the valley of Burgdale for so long that they barely remember war, find their peace disturbed by the Sons of the Wolf and the invading Dusky Men. Morris’s exploration of the social and economic organization of this fictional pre-medieval world reflects his socialism; the figure of the Dusky Men reflects the racial politics of his times. Long neglected, Morris’s two Germanic novels were rediscovered when they were published as the sixteenth and nineteenth volumes in the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library. - Summary by Phil Benson