Confirming the impression made by Earthfasts, William Mayne shows again the broadening of his talents in [The Hill Road, an] artful fantasy of superimposed eras in time….

The atmosphere of moorland and valley is, as we would expect from this writer, exquisitely conveyed, with the underlying sense of slumbering history beautifully heightened by the almost tangible juxtaposition of the two depths of time in the same place. Especially convincing is the author's recreation of the details, customs and mood of primitive life in the Dark Ages—a severe and somber picture made more persuasive by its contrast with the light-hearted puzzlement of the modern children. An engrossing and beautifully polished example of storytelling. (p. 15)

Houston L. Maples, in Book World—Chicago Tribune (© 1969 Postrib Corp.), May 11, 1969.