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The Ashen #1
The Road of Bones
Silla Nordvig rennt um ihr Leben. Die Königin von Íseldur hat Krieger ausgesandt, um Silla nach Sunnavík zu bringen, wo sie der Tod erwartet. Doch die letzten Worte ihres Vaters schicken Silla auf eine gefährliche Sie soll die tückische Knochenstraße bereisen. Ein Weg, der von Kriegerbanden, Kreaturen der Finsternis und einem geheimnisvollen Mörder heimgesucht wird und an dessen Ende ein sicheres Versteck auf sie wartet. Doch nachdem sie den ersten Teil der Strecke nur knapp überlebt hat, schleicht sich die verzweifelte Silla in einen Versorgungswagen der berüchtigten Bloodaxe Crew. Um nach Kopa zu gelangen, muss sie den finsteren Anführer der Bande, Axe Eyes, für sich gewinnen – und seinem umwerfend gut aussehenden Handlanger aus dem Weg gehen. Währenddessen macht der skrupellose Mörder der Königin Jagd auf Silla. Wird sie heil in Kopa ankommen? Oder wird sie den Gefahren der Knochenstraße zum Opfer fallen?
710 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2023
7582 people are currently reading
242274 people want to read
About the author
Demi Winters
6 books3,327 followersDemi Winters is the author of romantic fantasy books featuring softer female leads, grumpy heroes and richly-built worlds. Lover of all things fairy tales, fantasy, and romance, Demi lives in British Columbia, Canada with her husband and two kids.
The Road of Bones is Demi's debut novel. Set in a world inspired by Iceland and Norse mythology, it follows Silla Nordvig as she travels the dangerous Road of Bones while fleeing the queen's assassins.
The Road of Bones is Demi's debut novel. Set in a world inspired by Iceland and Norse mythology, it follows Silla Nordvig as she travels the dangerous Road of Bones while fleeing the queen's assassins.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,486 reviews
November 8, 2024
4.32!
Uff it's been such a long time since I have been this satisfied with romantasy which also had like 600+ pages and like I wasnt bored for a single second, I binged this every chance I got. Usually when I read a romantasy or a fantasy im more interested in the plot or the storyline which was very prominent in this book however the romance swept me off my feet 🤭 maybe because it was a love triangle(ish) and I got my way 🤭 but honestly it was so well written that i'm shocked at how no ones raving about this book because it's easy to read, gripping, angsty with fun banter and of course Viking inspired so like?? what are you guys actually waiting for?? because I'll be diving into book 2 soon this was honestly one of the best surprises of the month. The thing I like is the balance it maintains and how it's essential for both the romance and the plot because like if you go in just for the plot you'll find it very slow but if you go in just for the romance it'll feel very long so the balance between that made this book so much better.
The characters, we have Silla our main character and thank god she wasnt an obnoxious brat because that is getting way too common, she was a little naive but she also had everyone fooled lmaoo so that was very fun to read, her journey overall was so enjoyable and the transition that her character goes through with how her feelings evolve and change were the pinnacle of this book for me, I enjoyed that part so much. Jonas was one of our MMC's and eugh I didnt trust him one bit nor did I like him, he was a rat and I didnt like him + he reminded me a lot of those conservative men and bleckh like I liked him at the start and the middle but then everything just did a complete 180 and I moved on. Rey 🫦 He was THE man, I loved him so much and honestly this would be the perfect slow burn and hate to love that we might witness because like??? the tension and angst between them and the way they would be staring at each other thinking that the other doesnt know and AHHHH I loved the dynamic and banter that these two shared I loved it. He was certainly wayyy better than Jonas.
Romance was so good and so hot, I'm rooting for Silla and Rey but some of the scenes that Silla had with Jonas were so hot I cant even lie but ugh I didnt like him, he didnt think and was very impulsive and got her into trouble way too often and then there was Rey the one who was considerate and the one who actually was rooting for her and wanted her to get the thing that she wanted done, done. I loved the banter between Rey and Silla and the moments between them were so 🫦 I cant even lie. The romance itself was very well written like you'd be sucked into it and thats what I liked about it and I heard it was getting compared to ACOTAR and I dont think it's similar at all maybe the idea of it? but overall it's different.
Plot & Worldbuilding, was so entertaining to read, the plot. it was very engrossing and the things that were slowly being unraveled were so frustrating because I just wanted to know :( but I loved it and LMAOO the way Silla literally lived in denial because I lost my trust in her with the way things were being revealed left and right but it was a fun part. The only reason the book isn't a 5 is because I feel it severely lacked when it came to the world building and the magic system, there's very little of it, maybe we'll get more of it in book but we got like pinches of it considering the length of this novel, I didn't mind it that much because I enjoyed this book a lot but the absence was felt as they are an integral part of this genre.
Overall, I would recommend it.
___
Maybe a Viking romantic fantasy is all I need 🙂↕️
-I literally read 10 chapters in one sitting (it's like A fate inked in blood but 10x better so far!!)
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House- Ballantine and Delacorte Press for reaching out and giving me an arc for this book*
Uff it's been such a long time since I have been this satisfied with romantasy which also had like 600+ pages and like I wasnt bored for a single second, I binged this every chance I got. Usually when I read a romantasy or a fantasy im more interested in the plot or the storyline which was very prominent in this book however the romance swept me off my feet 🤭 maybe because it was a love triangle(ish) and I got my way 🤭 but honestly it was so well written that i'm shocked at how no ones raving about this book because it's easy to read, gripping, angsty with fun banter and of course Viking inspired so like?? what are you guys actually waiting for?? because I'll be diving into book 2 soon this was honestly one of the best surprises of the month. The thing I like is the balance it maintains and how it's essential for both the romance and the plot because like if you go in just for the plot you'll find it very slow but if you go in just for the romance it'll feel very long so the balance between that made this book so much better.
The characters, we have Silla our main character and thank god she wasnt an obnoxious brat because that is getting way too common, she was a little naive but she also had everyone fooled lmaoo so that was very fun to read, her journey overall was so enjoyable and the transition that her character goes through with how her feelings evolve and change were the pinnacle of this book for me, I enjoyed that part so much. Jonas was one of our MMC's and eugh I didnt trust him one bit nor did I like him, he was a rat and I didnt like him + he reminded me a lot of those conservative men and bleckh like I liked him at the start and the middle but then everything just did a complete 180 and I moved on. Rey 🫦 He was THE man, I loved him so much and honestly this would be the perfect slow burn and hate to love that we might witness because like??? the tension and angst between them and the way they would be staring at each other thinking that the other doesnt know and AHHHH I loved the dynamic and banter that these two shared I loved it. He was certainly wayyy better than Jonas.
Romance was so good and so hot, I'm rooting for Silla and Rey but some of the scenes that Silla had with Jonas were so hot I cant even lie but ugh I didnt like him, he didnt think and was very impulsive and got her into trouble way too often and then there was Rey the one who was considerate and the one who actually was rooting for her and wanted her to get the thing that she wanted done, done. I loved the banter between Rey and Silla and the moments between them were so 🫦 I cant even lie. The romance itself was very well written like you'd be sucked into it and thats what I liked about it and I heard it was getting compared to ACOTAR and I dont think it's similar at all maybe the idea of it? but overall it's different.
Plot & Worldbuilding, was so entertaining to read, the plot. it was very engrossing and the things that were slowly being unraveled were so frustrating because I just wanted to know :( but I loved it and LMAOO the way Silla literally lived in denial because I lost my trust in her with the way things were being revealed left and right but it was a fun part. The only reason the book isn't a 5 is because I feel it severely lacked when it came to the world building and the magic system, there's very little of it, maybe we'll get more of it in book but we got like pinches of it considering the length of this novel, I didn't mind it that much because I enjoyed this book a lot but the absence was felt as they are an integral part of this genre.
Overall, I would recommend it.
___
Maybe a Viking romantic fantasy is all I need 🙂↕️
-I literally read 10 chapters in one sitting (it's like A fate inked in blood but 10x better so far!!)
*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House- Ballantine and Delacorte Press for reaching out and giving me an arc for this book*
September 20, 2024
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗ 3 𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕤 ˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
ೃ⁀➷ ˗ˏˋ ♡ ꒰ ʚ・୨୧ 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ୨୧・ ɞ ꒱ ♡ ˎˊ˗
Silla Nordvig is desperate for safety after her world is upended. She will do anything to get to Kopa and follow the instructions her father left her. When she sneaks into a wagon, she has no idea that she is joining the Bloodaxe Crew who are on a separate mission.
Although Ren, the leader of the Crew, allows her to travel with them, she struggles to keep her secrets as she grows closer to the mercenaries.
ೃ⁀➷ ˗ˏˋ ♡ ꒰ ʚ・୨୧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ୨୧・ ɞ ꒱ ♡ ˎˊ˗
I love when I'm already planning on reading a book and a publisher picks it up and sends me a complimentary copy to review... it's like - two birds one stone lol. So, needless to say, I was super excited to jump into this one.
The story started out really strong and drew me in almost immediately, somewhere around the middle though I started to drift off and not stay as engaged. I thought the pacing slowed a little but it didn't take long to pull me back in.
Overall, I think this is a really good start to a new fantasy romance series. I think the fantasy elements are well balanced with action and romance- I just didn't stay completely captivated. I am however, looking forward to starting the next one.
ೃ⁀➷ High Fantasy
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Multiple POVs
ೃ⁀➷ Forced Proximity
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Vikings
ೃ⁀➷ Evil Queen
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Found Family
ೃ⁀➷ Intrigue and Mystery
✨ A huge thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the complementary advanced digital copy via NetGalley - all thoughts and opinions are my own. ✨
ೃ⁀➷ ˗ˏˋ ♡ ꒰ ʚ・୨୧ 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓬𝓴 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓪𝓻𝔂 ୨୧・ ɞ ꒱ ♡ ˎˊ˗
Silla Nordvig is desperate for safety after her world is upended. She will do anything to get to Kopa and follow the instructions her father left her. When she sneaks into a wagon, she has no idea that she is joining the Bloodaxe Crew who are on a separate mission.
Although Ren, the leader of the Crew, allows her to travel with them, she struggles to keep her secrets as she grows closer to the mercenaries.
ೃ⁀➷ ˗ˏˋ ♡ ꒰ ʚ・୨୧ 𝓜𝔂 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓾𝓰𝓱𝓽𝓼 ୨୧・ ɞ ꒱ ♡ ˎˊ˗
I love when I'm already planning on reading a book and a publisher picks it up and sends me a complimentary copy to review... it's like - two birds one stone lol. So, needless to say, I was super excited to jump into this one.
The story started out really strong and drew me in almost immediately, somewhere around the middle though I started to drift off and not stay as engaged. I thought the pacing slowed a little but it didn't take long to pull me back in.
Overall, I think this is a really good start to a new fantasy romance series. I think the fantasy elements are well balanced with action and romance- I just didn't stay completely captivated. I am however, looking forward to starting the next one.
ೃ⁀➷ High Fantasy
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Multiple POVs
ೃ⁀➷ Forced Proximity
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Vikings
ೃ⁀➷ Evil Queen
˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ Found Family
ೃ⁀➷ Intrigue and Mystery
✨ A huge thanks to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the complementary advanced digital copy via NetGalley - all thoughts and opinions are my own. ✨
October 8, 2025
THIS👏WAS👏AMAZING👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
This was so unexpectedly good that I IMMEDIATELY need the next book in the series. But it won't be published until next year. 😭
Alas I will wait but this is a book that is worth your time to try. The romance, the character development and the magic in this was suburb.
Read my honest review of the sequel Kingdom of Claw HERE
Check out my blog for the full review 👇
Read My Honest Book Review on My Blog:
The Road of Bones
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ NEWSLETTER ⟫
Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was so unexpectedly good that I IMMEDIATELY need the next book in the series. But it won't be published until next year. 😭
Alas I will wait but this is a book that is worth your time to try. The romance, the character development and the magic in this was suburb.
Read my honest review of the sequel Kingdom of Claw HERE
Check out my blog for the full review 👇
Read My Honest Book Review on My Blog:
The Road of Bones
Connect With Me:
BLOG ⟫ INSTAGRAM ⟫ NEWSLETTER ⟫
Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2023
"It is a man's world, in which we live, Skraeda. Let them think us lambs when truly, we are wolves.
***
🔨𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗕𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦 - 𝗗𝗘𝗠𝗜 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦🔨
★𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
★𝗬𝗔/𝗡𝗔/𝗔: 🅽🅰
★𝗦𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦: (𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙰𝚂𝙷𝙴𝙽 #𝟷)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦: 𝚁𝙾𝙼𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝙵𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙰𝚂𝚈 - 𝚅𝙸𝙺𝙸𝙽𝙶𝚂 - 𝙼𝙰𝙶𝙸𝙲
★𝗣𝗢𝗩: 𝙼𝚄𝙻𝚃𝙸 𝙿𝙾𝚅 - 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚁𝙳 𝙿𝙴𝚁𝚂𝙾𝙽 - 𝙿𝙰𝚂𝚃 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙴
★𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦: 𝙵𝙾𝚄𝙽𝙳 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝚈 - 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝚁𝚂 (𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝙽𝙴𝙼𝙸𝙴𝚂) - 𝙺𝙽𝙸𝙵𝙴 𝚃𝙾 𝚃𝙷𝚁𝙾𝙰𝚃 - 𝚂𝙼𝙾𝙺𝙴 𝙳𝙰𝙳𝙳𝚈 (𝙺𝙾𝙸𝚂𝚃𝚈, 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝙾𝙽𝙴'𝚂 𝙵𝙾𝚁 𝚈𝙾𝚄) - 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙸𝚅𝙴 𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴 𝙸𝙽𝚃𝙴𝚁𝙴𝚂𝚃 - 𝚂𝙴𝚇𝚄𝙰𝙻 𝚃𝙴𝙽𝚂𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝙷𝙸𝙳𝙳𝙴𝙽 𝙿𝙾𝚆𝙴𝚁𝚂 - 𝚂𝙴𝙲𝚁𝙴𝚃 𝙸𝙳𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙸𝚃𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝙻𝙸𝙴𝚂 - 𝚆𝙷𝙾 𝙳𝙸𝙳 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝚈𝙾𝚄 - - 𝙽𝙸𝙲𝙺𝙽𝙰𝙼𝙴𝚂
★𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗦: 👥👥👥👥/𝟱
★𝗪𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚: ✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼✍🏼/𝟱
★𝗣𝗟𝗢𝗧: 📜📜📜📜/𝟱
★𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗞 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗦 & 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗚𝗘𝗥 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦: 💀💀💀½/𝟱 (𝙿𝙷𝚈𝚂𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙴𝙼𝙾𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝙰𝙻 𝙳𝙾𝙼𝙴𝚂𝚃𝙸𝙲 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴 - 𝙶𝙾𝚁𝙴 - 𝙰𝙳𝙳𝙸𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽 - 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝙵𝙰𝙼𝙸𝙻𝚈 𝙼𝙴𝙼𝙱𝙴𝚁𝚂/𝙻𝙾𝚅𝙴𝙳 𝙾𝙽𝙴𝚂 - 𝙼𝙴𝙽𝚃𝙰𝙻 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙻𝚃𝙷 𝙸𝚂𝚂𝚄𝙴𝚂 𝙰𝙽𝙳 𝙿𝚂𝚈𝙲𝙷𝙾𝚂𝙸𝚂 - 𝙲𝙰𝙿𝚃𝙸𝚅𝙸𝚃𝚈 - 𝚂𝙾𝙲𝙸𝙰𝙻 𝙰𝙽𝚇𝙸𝙴𝚃𝚈 - 𝙿𝙾𝚂𝚂𝙴𝚂𝚂𝙸𝚅𝙴𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚂 - 𝚂𝚄𝚁𝚅𝙸𝚅𝙾𝚁 𝙶𝚄𝙸𝙻𝚃)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗧𝗘𝗖𝗛𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧/𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🔥🔥/𝟱 (𝚂𝙴𝙼𝙸 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝚂𝙼𝚄𝚃 - 𝙻𝙾𝚂𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅 𝙲𝙰𝚁𝙳 - 𝙺𝙸𝚂𝚂𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝚃𝙾𝚄𝙲𝙷𝙸𝙽𝙶 - 𝚂𝙴𝚇)
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🚒🚒🚒/𝟱
★𝗦𝗠𝗨𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 💣💣/𝟱
★𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🤐🤐🤐½/5 (𝙼𝙰𝚃𝚄𝚁𝙴 𝙻𝙰𝙽𝙶𝚄𝙰𝙶𝙴 - 𝙶𝚁𝙰𝙿𝙷𝙸𝙲 𝙳𝙴𝚂𝙲𝚁𝙸𝙿𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝙾𝙵 𝚅𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙴𝙽𝙲𝙴/𝚂𝙴𝚇)
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌻🌻🌻½/𝟱
★𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: 🌹🌹🌹½/𝟱 (𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙴𝙷)
★𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗦𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟: 💔💔💔/𝟱
★𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗟𝗘: ✔️❌
★𝗠𝗔𝗜𝗡 𝗥𝗢𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘: 𝙵/𝙼
★𝗥𝗘𝗣: 𝙾𝙽𝙴 𝙾𝙵 𝚃𝙷𝙴 𝙲𝙷𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙲𝚃𝙴𝚁𝚂 𝙸𝚂 𝙿𝙷𝚈𝚂𝙸𝙲𝙰𝙻𝙻𝚈 𝙳𝙸𝚂𝙰𝙱𝙻𝙴𝙳 - 𝙳𝙴𝙰𝙵𝙽𝙴𝚂𝚂 - 𝙰𝙽𝚇𝙸𝙴𝚃𝚈 - 𝙰𝙳𝙳𝙸𝙲𝚃𝙸𝙾𝙽
★𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗘𝗦-𝗧𝗢-𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦: 🖤🖤🖤/𝟱
★𝗧𝗬𝗣𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚:
★𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚: 🎶𝚆𝙾𝚄𝙻𝙳'𝚅𝙴, 𝙲𝙾𝚄𝙻𝙳'𝚅𝙴, 𝚂𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙻𝙳'𝚅𝙴 - 𝚃𝙰𝚈𝙻𝙾𝚁 𝚂𝚆𝙸𝙵𝚃🎶
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰
***I always try to be as objective as I can with my ratings for DARK THEMES & TRIGGER WARNINGS, SMUT TECHNICAL CONTENT/INTENSITY, SMUT QUANTITY, ROMANCE QUANTITY, ANGST LEVEL, ENEMIES-TO-LOVERSNESS; the ratings for CHARACTERS, WRITING, PLOT, SMUT QUALITY, ROMANCE QUALITY, are instead tied to my own subjective reading experience and final opinion of the book.
I can't believe how much I loved this!
The Road Of Bones is one of the best debuts I had the chance to put my hands on.
Demi Winter's writing is perfect for this kind of novel.
I had no trouble at all picturing scenes in my head, because the impeccable multi pov narration and the fast-paced action were incredibly well crafted.
Her characters all have a distinct voice and personality. Their personal arcs were solid and believable, their emotions so raw they felt palpable.
The romance isn't prominent, but it's one that leaves a mark, and it's definitely steamier than I expected.
No complaining on my part.
There's a certain set up I am dying to see explored. Lyra, you know what I mean.
I wish I could tell more, but I don't wanna spoil the fun for those who didn't read the book, yet.
I'll just say that I love that the author isn't afraid to play with love interests and definitely can break a heart and smash it to pieces with a few simple lines.
Silla is definitely my type of main character. Her emotional depth resonates with me on a very personal level, and even if I didn't always agree with her choices, I felt close to her and her heart's nature.
Her character arc is almost perfect, but I think she's still hasn't reached her full potential.
I can't tell you how much I appreciated the various povs and the "villain" narration. I don't know if you're familiar with the videogame The Last Of Us Part II, but being inside Skraeda's head was a little like playing that game where you get to play as both the main character and her enemy, and this makes gives you and insight on both their thoughts and motives, and makes you sympathize with the devil when morals are concerned.
The found family trope is to die for. I loved the camaraderie spirit of the Bloodaxe Crew's members, the friendship between these fierce warriors.
I lived for Hekla's scenes. She's the kind of friend I wouldn't mind having, and a badass I wish I was. She's my favorite, but I grew fond of the rest of the crew, too.
Which is why I have no trouble admitting I shamelessly shed a tear or two over a certain scene.
A scene that was the catalyst for major turn points that had me gasping for air.
Can you tell this book messed me up?
The only few things that didn't sit completely right with me, were about the characters and some of their behaviors. I wouldn't have minded them taking a different route or trying for different choices, but I'm pretty sure we've only just started breaking the surface of what this story can be, and the flaws can be excused by the characters being at the beginning of their journey.
I'll be impatiently waiting for book two and daydreaming about a certain viking man while I wait.
many thanks to the lovely demi winters for the opportunity.
February 1, 2025
This was SO good! I loved the vibes this book gave off so much. The battles, the unnatural creatures that showed up, and how the author didn’t give us all the information at first but instead kept us wondering why all of this was happening ugh it was just so good! It was divided into two parts. I enjoyed them both, but part two was my favorite because aaaa there was a lot of action, and many things were revealed in it too.🤸🏻♀️
silla I'm not gonna lie, I was annoyed with her halfway through the book because, ugh, she was so naïve and foolish at times! She was very weak, and I wanted her to toughen up a little and become more self-reliant. However when I read part two of the book, I was still annoyed by her, but I loved how she was no longer weak and how she began to fight and stand up for herself! I can’t wait to see her grow stronger and become more badass in the second book. 🤸🏻♀️
silla & jonas May this kind of love never find me✋🏻 I even refuse to believe that this is love it was only lust, lust, and more lust! ✋🏻 Jonas was attractive at first I was like, Yes! especially after I saw his fan art. But, oh my gosh, he is such a red flag! ✋🏻 The way he wanted her all to himself and was always excessively jealous like, scary jealous. It was no for me! He wanted to control her,deciding who she could talk to and who she couldn’t! Yikes. He was so needy and just eww eww
Silla & rey may Rey find me and love me? 🙏🏻 This man ugh, yes! I love him. He is so Hot, and he looks tough on the outside, but he is actually such a softie. 🥹 I loved the way he didn’t make things easy for Silla; he didn’t save her right away. Instead, he taught her how to protect herself, and I adored how he didn’t pressure her for anything. He didn’t see her as a small woman who didn’t know how to defend herself, but as a fighter, a survivor. Yes, I need more Rey and Silla in the next book, please! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
the bloodaxe crew they were soooo fun!! I loved the banter between them and their loyalty and their leader ( rey 😘) i loved how he wasn’t acting like he is superior or something! I loved how all of them were like brother, sister to each-other. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Overall I totally recommend this!! It was sooooo fun 🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
As always clace recs never disappoint 🤭🫶🏻
silla I'm not gonna lie, I was annoyed with her halfway through the book because, ugh, she was so naïve and foolish at times! She was very weak, and I wanted her to toughen up a little and become more self-reliant. However when I read part two of the book, I was still annoyed by her, but I loved how she was no longer weak and how she began to fight and stand up for herself! I can’t wait to see her grow stronger and become more badass in the second book. 🤸🏻♀️
silla & jonas May this kind of love never find me✋🏻 I even refuse to believe that this is love it was only lust, lust, and more lust! ✋🏻 Jonas was attractive at first I was like, Yes! especially after I saw his fan art. But, oh my gosh, he is such a red flag! ✋🏻 The way he wanted her all to himself and was always excessively jealous like, scary jealous. It was no for me! He wanted to control her,deciding who she could talk to and who she couldn’t! Yikes. He was so needy and just eww eww
Silla & rey may Rey find me and love me? 🙏🏻 This man ugh, yes! I love him. He is so Hot, and he looks tough on the outside, but he is actually such a softie. 🥹 I loved the way he didn’t make things easy for Silla; he didn’t save her right away. Instead, he taught her how to protect herself, and I adored how he didn’t pressure her for anything. He didn’t see her as a small woman who didn’t know how to defend herself, but as a fighter, a survivor. Yes, I need more Rey and Silla in the next book, please! 🙏🏻🙏🏻
the bloodaxe crew they were soooo fun!! I loved the banter between them and their loyalty and their leader ( rey 😘) i loved how he wasn’t acting like he is superior or something! I loved how all of them were like brother, sister to each-other. 🫶🏻🫶🏻
Overall I totally recommend this!! It was sooooo fun 🤸🏻♀️🤸🏻♀️
As always clace recs never disappoint 🤭🫶🏻
March 16, 2025
3ish Stars
I like it well enough. It leaned a little more YA than I prefer and the world and character-building wasn’t the strongest. The clarity and robustness of the magic system was also a little weak. But it was fine for what it was. I felt no urgency to finish this. In fact, it sat dormant on my nightstand for a week or so when I two-thirds inn, which says a lot.
I may or may not continue with the series. We shall see.
***Future Val: I am continuing with the series. Just have to wait for my next BOTM box.
I like it well enough. It leaned a little more YA than I prefer and the world and character-building wasn’t the strongest. The clarity and robustness of the magic system was also a little weak. But it was fine for what it was. I felt no urgency to finish this. In fact, it sat dormant on my nightstand for a week or so when I two-thirds inn, which says a lot.
I may or may not continue with the series. We shall see.
***Future Val: I am continuing with the series. Just have to wait for my next BOTM box.
September 27, 2025
ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ✦ . ⁺ . 3.1 - 3.3 ☆ . ⁺ . ✦
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ I want to start by saying this: I did not hate this book. In fact, there are things I really, truly enjoyed about it; but there were also things that left me deeply frustrated, which is why I ended up right in the middle with my rating. And this review probably won't be a very long one either due to the same reasons.
ㅤ Road of Bones had the potential to become an all-consuming fantasy obsession for me, and at times it almost did, but it also tested my patience in ways I couldn’t ignore.
ㅤ ㅤ “It is a man’s world in which we live, Skraeda. Let them think us lambs, when truly, we are wolves.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ Road of Bones promises snow, blood, and echoes of old gods, but delivers all of that SO slowly. The story revolves around Silla, a sheltered girl who is pushed into a cruel world of Viking politics, vengeance, and cursed magic. Along the journey, she meets warriors and schemers like Jonas and Rey, whose allegiances are as shaky as ice.
ㅤ And that's really all I can say without repeating myself, because much like the plot itself, everything cycles back, drags on, and insists on going at the speed of melting snow. The story has good bones, but it is buried under a lot of road.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Let me start with something good about this book: I loved the world-building. The Viking lore, the political complexities and intrigues, and the harsh imagery of the setting—every aspect of the ambience itself truly drew me in. The magic system was also fascinating (though I wish there had been more complexity, but I am hoping the next book is going to bring more to it), and it gave this world a sharp and memorable edge. I was probably kind of fascinated with the imagery of the world itself, if I am being entirely honest.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ That being said....this book is SLOW. Painfully slow. And so repetitive that I wanted to shout into the nothingness. I don't mind a slower pace in a book; in fact, I often love it, especially if it serves to add more depth to the book itself. But by the midway point, I was restless, bored, and actually angry with how many of the same patterns kept repeating themselves. It definitely dragged down what could have been a rather engaging story.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ My biggest issue, though, was with the FMC. I can forgive naivety born out of being sheltered for understandable reasons; that makes sense. What I struggled with was how her choices often felt needlessly foolish on top of her inexperience. It made it hard for me to try to understand her, and honestly, it ruined my enjoyment for a big part of the book. She redeems herself somewhat by the end, which leaves me hopeful for book two, but it was a struggle.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I’d love to rave about the romance…but I cannot because there was none (for me) and I hated almost everything romantic about this book. I REALLY hated it. Whatever it was supposed to be, it didn’t work for me at all. The dynamic felt forced, shallow, and frustrating. Still, there are hints of something better buried underneath, so I’m clinging to hope that the second book will deliver the more that I need.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ To conclude on a higher note again, the ending was great. It was a perfect fit for this story, reigniting my curiosity just as I was about to give up. It creates a solid basis for the rest of the series, promising more stakes, more intrigue, and, hopefully, a reward worthy of all this buildup. That is why I intend to continue reading book two.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ I have so few things to actually say about the characters that it feels insane. Now that I think about it, I genuinely realise I have almost no opinion about these characters after a 550-page-long book...which is really sad.
ㅤ ☾ Silla – the sheltered FMC who becomes the beating heart of the plot. She has flashes of strength and growth, but her naivety mixed with frustrating choices made her a difficult protagonist for me to love. I am just hoping that book two will do her some justice because she showed some interesting traits by the end of this book.
ㅤ ☾ Jonas – 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂i knew it😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
ㅤ ☾ Rey – sharp, dangerous, and so fascinatingly secretive that it makes you wonder what the FMC was even thinking?... Please save me from another bad book in book 2, hot daddy 🙏🏻
ㅤ ☾ Hekla, Gunnar & Sigrun – side characters who each add richness to the world and who I badly need to see more in the second book. Their presence, while less central, made the setting feel way more cozy in some way and made me still want to push through this book.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ If you love Viking lore, political intrigue, and worlds dripping with myth and atmosphere, then yes, you should give this a try. But be prepared for a slow burn that sometimes smoulders more than it flames and a romance plot that might leave you more angry than satisfied. The ending makes promises that I desperately hope book two will fulfil. For now, this first book was a mixed bag — frustrating but intriguing enough that I’ll keep walking this road.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍendㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ📖‧ ˚ ₊⊹ The Ashen series reviews:
⋆˚࿔ TO BE ADDED
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍㆍ✿ㆍㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆18-September-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ I've been putting this off enough, so I guess it is finally its time (please be good 🙏🏻)
ㅤ ㅤ ˋ°•*⁀➷ㅤmight contain spoilers ❗
ㅤ I want to start by saying this: I did not hate this book. In fact, there are things I really, truly enjoyed about it; but there were also things that left me deeply frustrated, which is why I ended up right in the middle with my rating. And this review probably won't be a very long one either due to the same reasons.
ㅤ Road of Bones had the potential to become an all-consuming fantasy obsession for me, and at times it almost did, but it also tested my patience in ways I couldn’t ignore.
ㅤ ㅤ “It is a man’s world in which we live, Skraeda. Let them think us lambs, when truly, we are wolves.”
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ short summary
ㅤ Road of Bones promises snow, blood, and echoes of old gods, but delivers all of that SO slowly. The story revolves around Silla, a sheltered girl who is pushed into a cruel world of Viking politics, vengeance, and cursed magic. Along the journey, she meets warriors and schemers like Jonas and Rey, whose allegiances are as shaky as ice.
ㅤ And that's really all I can say without repeating myself, because much like the plot itself, everything cycles back, drags on, and insists on going at the speed of melting snow. The story has good bones, but it is buried under a lot of road.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ honest thoughts
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ Let me start with something good about this book: I loved the world-building. The Viking lore, the political complexities and intrigues, and the harsh imagery of the setting—every aspect of the ambience itself truly drew me in. The magic system was also fascinating (though I wish there had been more complexity, but I am hoping the next book is going to bring more to it), and it gave this world a sharp and memorable edge. I was probably kind of fascinated with the imagery of the world itself, if I am being entirely honest.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ That being said....this book is SLOW. Painfully slow. And so repetitive that I wanted to shout into the nothingness. I don't mind a slower pace in a book; in fact, I often love it, especially if it serves to add more depth to the book itself. But by the midway point, I was restless, bored, and actually angry with how many of the same patterns kept repeating themselves. It definitely dragged down what could have been a rather engaging story.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ My biggest issue, though, was with the FMC. I can forgive naivety born out of being sheltered for understandable reasons; that makes sense. What I struggled with was how her choices often felt needlessly foolish on top of her inexperience. It made it hard for me to try to understand her, and honestly, it ruined my enjoyment for a big part of the book. She redeems herself somewhat by the end, which leaves me hopeful for book two, but it was a struggle.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ I’d love to rave about the romance…but I cannot because there was none (for me) and I hated almost everything romantic about this book. I REALLY hated it. Whatever it was supposed to be, it didn’t work for me at all. The dynamic felt forced, shallow, and frustrating. Still, there are hints of something better buried underneath, so I’m clinging to hope that the second book will deliver the more that I need.
ㅤ ⋅ ☾ To conclude on a higher note again, the ending was great. It was a perfect fit for this story, reigniting my curiosity just as I was about to give up. It creates a solid basis for the rest of the series, promising more stakes, more intrigue, and, hopefully, a reward worthy of all this buildup. That is why I intend to continue reading book two.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ characters
ㅤ I have so few things to actually say about the characters that it feels insane. Now that I think about it, I genuinely realise I have almost no opinion about these characters after a 550-page-long book...which is really sad.
ㅤ ☾ Silla – the sheltered FMC who becomes the beating heart of the plot. She has flashes of strength and growth, but her naivety mixed with frustrating choices made her a difficult protagonist for me to love. I am just hoping that book two will do her some justice because she showed some interesting traits by the end of this book.
ㅤ ☾ Jonas – 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂i knew it😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.
ㅤ ☾ Rey – sharp, dangerous, and so fascinatingly secretive that it makes you wonder what the FMC was even thinking?... Please save me from another bad book in book 2, hot daddy 🙏🏻
ㅤ ☾ Hekla, Gunnar & Sigrun – side characters who each add richness to the world and who I badly need to see more in the second book. Their presence, while less central, made the setting feel way more cozy in some way and made me still want to push through this book.
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹ should you read this?
ㅤ If you love Viking lore, political intrigue, and worlds dripping with myth and atmosphere, then yes, you should give this a try. But be prepared for a slow burn that sometimes smoulders more than it flames and a romance plot that might leave you more angry than satisfied. The ending makes promises that I desperately hope book two will fulfil. For now, this first book was a mixed bag — frustrating but intriguing enough that I’ll keep walking this road.
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍendㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ˗ˏˋ📖‧ ˚ ₊⊹ The Ashen series reviews:
⋆˚࿔ TO BE ADDED
⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍㆍ✿ㆍㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹
ㅤ ᯓ ✿ pre-reading ⪼ ㅤ started ┆18-September-2025┆
ㅤ ㅤ ⤿ I've been putting this off enough, so I guess it is finally its time (please be good 🙏🏻)
October 2, 2023
What if I told you I knew about a book that contains all of the below?
✅ Main Character Growth where we experience the events that help her grow alongside her
✅ A sweet love story [with a twist]
✅ Sexy Vikings
✅ Evil Queen
✅ Found Family/Amazing Supporting Characters
✅ Magic
✅ Intrigue & Mystery
✅ Sexy Vikings
It does have a little bit of a slow start, but it’s because the world is so big and beautiful. The author is taking the time to set up a few intricate storylines and weave them all together. I promise promise promise it’s worth the wait.
I have nothing else to say because I am still reeling from the way this book cut off oxygen to my brain while I was reading the last few chapters. I cannot wait for more from this author.
✅ Main Character Growth where we experience the events that help her grow alongside her
✅ A sweet love story [with a twist]
✅ Sexy Vikings
✅ Evil Queen
✅ Found Family/Amazing Supporting Characters
✅ Magic
✅ Intrigue & Mystery
✅ Sexy Vikings
It does have a little bit of a slow start, but it’s because the world is so big and beautiful. The author is taking the time to set up a few intricate storylines and weave them all together. I promise promise promise it’s worth the wait.
I have nothing else to say because I am still reeling from the way this book cut off oxygen to my brain while I was reading the last few chapters. I cannot wait for more from this author.
January 14, 2024
I´m SO glad I´m finally done with this. Whoever said this is like The Witcher, you guys LIED to me. Welcome everybody to my rage review.
This is a three POV book (I think), told by the POV´s of Silla, Jonas and Skraeda.
I didn´t like any of the main characters. Silla is a helpless damsel in distress more or less. She is overpowered most of the time and feels pretty weak to me as a reader. I didn´t like Jonas, he does not give any Geralt vibes whatsoever. He talks A LOT, at least way too much for Geralt. I wouldn´t necessarily say that he´s a golden retriever character, but if anybody comes close in this book it´s him.
Regarding side characters I liked Silla´s dad, but we never learn that much about him, which is quite sad.
Now the reason why I said "I think" this is a three POV book, is because the book is told from third person POV and has absolutely no chapter headline as to whose POV this chapter is from. Which already makes the story quite confusing but it gets even better. The characters, besides their "real" names, have nicknames such as "the wolf", "hammer hand" or whatever. Sometimes the real names get used, sometimes the nicknames are, and it is a nightmare to figure out who belongs to which nickname because it is never properly explained anywhere. This alone already makes for a difficult reading experience. The plot itself felt a bit bumpy sometimes with the pacing a bit off in some passages. The vampire deers came out of nowhere for me, like what are these doing in my viking fantasy romance!? I also didn´t feel any chemistry between the FMC and the MMC whatsoever, at some point I even thought this might turn into a RH because they all kinda equally got along (Spoiler alert: it does not). The smut scene that happened in here felt cringey to me. Her inner monologue basically is how uncomfortable she is and how it hurts her but she doesn´t dare to tell him because she things it is normal. And the gentleman that he is, he also never asks if she is okay, even though he knows that she is a virgin. I also wouldn´t really call this enemies to lovers as the enemies portion is not that well executed in my opinion.
Overall this was a read I had high hopes for but was really disappointed by.
trigger warnings: death/murder, loss of loved ones, kidnapping
This is a three POV book (I think), told by the POV´s of Silla, Jonas and Skraeda.
I didn´t like any of the main characters. Silla is a helpless damsel in distress more or less. She is overpowered most of the time and feels pretty weak to me as a reader. I didn´t like Jonas, he does not give any Geralt vibes whatsoever. He talks A LOT, at least way too much for Geralt. I wouldn´t necessarily say that he´s a golden retriever character, but if anybody comes close in this book it´s him.
Regarding side characters I liked Silla´s dad, but we never learn that much about him, which is quite sad.
Now the reason why I said "I think" this is a three POV book, is because the book is told from third person POV and has absolutely no chapter headline as to whose POV this chapter is from. Which already makes the story quite confusing but it gets even better. The characters, besides their "real" names, have nicknames such as "the wolf", "hammer hand" or whatever. Sometimes the real names get used, sometimes the nicknames are, and it is a nightmare to figure out who belongs to which nickname because it is never properly explained anywhere. This alone already makes for a difficult reading experience. The plot itself felt a bit bumpy sometimes with the pacing a bit off in some passages. The vampire deers came out of nowhere for me, like what are these doing in my viking fantasy romance!? I also didn´t feel any chemistry between the FMC and the MMC whatsoever, at some point I even thought this might turn into a RH because they all kinda equally got along (Spoiler alert: it does not). The smut scene that happened in here felt cringey to me. Her inner monologue basically is how uncomfortable she is and how it hurts her but she doesn´t dare to tell him because she things it is normal. And the gentleman that he is, he also never asks if she is okay, even though he knows that she is a virgin. I also wouldn´t really call this enemies to lovers as the enemies portion is not that well executed in my opinion.
Overall this was a read I had high hopes for but was really disappointed by.
trigger warnings: death/murder, loss of loved ones, kidnapping
February 26, 2024
This book surprised me because the beginning started off slower, but when it picked up I couldn’t stop! I am so glad I can jump right into the next book! Absolutely brilliant!
December 20, 2024
RATING BREAKDOWN
Characters: 3⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 3⭐️
Themes: 2⭐️
Emotional Impact: 2⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 2⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 3 ⭐️
This story follows a familiar structure and trajectory as other books in the genre—a young woman is alone in a kingdom where magic is forbidden, her parentage is unknown, and she takes a dangerous journey among strangers to find answers and safety. Along the way, she is hunted by the Queen.
The setting was the most intriguing draw for me, as this is a Viking-inspired fantasy romance. I think this aspect is well-executed, though I'm not an expert. The dialogue, weaponry, fighting scenes, clothing, and physical descriptions all felt immersive and accurate, and this was one of my favorite elements of the story. Another favorite element was the leader of the Blood Axe Crew, Rey, and I'm intrigued to see how his arc develops throughout the series.
The plot and pacing are inconsistent, sometimes great, and other times not so much. In the back half, the pacing was spot-on, and the set-up and payoff worked well. There was a twist or two I didn't predict, and relationship dynamics evolved uniquely for the genre. However, the pacing was a struggle until the halfway mark, as chapters repeated themselves from different points of view unnecessarily, and the plot was convenient and predictable, causing me to read multiple chapters waiting for what I knew was going to happen to happen already.
Similarly, character work was inconsistent. A couple of characters are interesting and likable with complex motivations and behavior, and then there are super simplistic characters who are over-explained and feel trope-y as hell. I appreciated that the author intentionally considered representation, but I did not connect with those characters and found them to be underdeveloped. I also appreciated that the author tackled addiction and mental health, but the setup and payoff took too long and were too obvious.
Due to the pacing issues, this one felt too long overall. From about 60% on I was invested and realized this series is being set up to be a good deal more than just a romance. Politics and a unique magic system are being teased along with a new main character and a nuanced romantic relationship in book two. Good! Because the magic system has yet to be explained.
I have a feeling I'm going to prefer the second installment. This is a debut, and you can tell, but this series has promise! The Ashen Series is planned as a 5 book series. It has enough potential to build and be epic. It could also end up being a series that should have only been 2 to 3 books and just gets dragged out way too long. We shall see. I'm in for book 2, Kingdom and Claw. I'm mentally invested, but not emotionally involved yet.
Characters: 3⭐️
Setting: 4⭐️
Plot: 3⭐️
Themes: 2⭐️
Emotional Impact: 2⭐️
Personal Enjoyment: 2⭐️
Total Rounded Average: 3 ⭐️
This story follows a familiar structure and trajectory as other books in the genre—a young woman is alone in a kingdom where magic is forbidden, her parentage is unknown, and she takes a dangerous journey among strangers to find answers and safety. Along the way, she is hunted by the Queen.
The setting was the most intriguing draw for me, as this is a Viking-inspired fantasy romance. I think this aspect is well-executed, though I'm not an expert. The dialogue, weaponry, fighting scenes, clothing, and physical descriptions all felt immersive and accurate, and this was one of my favorite elements of the story. Another favorite element was the leader of the Blood Axe Crew, Rey, and I'm intrigued to see how his arc develops throughout the series.
The plot and pacing are inconsistent, sometimes great, and other times not so much. In the back half, the pacing was spot-on, and the set-up and payoff worked well. There was a twist or two I didn't predict, and relationship dynamics evolved uniquely for the genre. However, the pacing was a struggle until the halfway mark, as chapters repeated themselves from different points of view unnecessarily, and the plot was convenient and predictable, causing me to read multiple chapters waiting for what I knew was going to happen to happen already.
Similarly, character work was inconsistent. A couple of characters are interesting and likable with complex motivations and behavior, and then there are super simplistic characters who are over-explained and feel trope-y as hell. I appreciated that the author intentionally considered representation, but I did not connect with those characters and found them to be underdeveloped. I also appreciated that the author tackled addiction and mental health, but the setup and payoff took too long and were too obvious.
Due to the pacing issues, this one felt too long overall. From about 60% on I was invested and realized this series is being set up to be a good deal more than just a romance. Politics and a unique magic system are being teased along with a new main character and a nuanced romantic relationship in book two. Good! Because the magic system has yet to be explained.
I have a feeling I'm going to prefer the second installment. This is a debut, and you can tell, but this series has promise! The Ashen Series is planned as a 5 book series. It has enough potential to build and be epic. It could also end up being a series that should have only been 2 to 3 books and just gets dragged out way too long. We shall see. I'm in for book 2, Kingdom and Claw. I'm mentally invested, but not emotionally involved yet.
March 19, 2025
4 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It is a man’s world in which we live, Skraeda, her queen had told her, in that calming voice of hers. Let them think us lambs, when truly, we are wolves.
The Road of Bones is a captivating Viking-inspired fantasy romance following the journey of a heroine on the run from a queen who wants her killed and she somehow winds up with a group of monster-hunting mercenaries.
Silla's past is shrouded in mystery, she and her father lived a life of survival, they moved around towns like wraiths with different identities each time and not staying for more than three months. How Silla longed for some normalcy, how she longed to experience mundane things such as friendships and falling in love but how could she if this is the life they've been living.
One thing leads to another and Silla embarks on a journey to reach to a destination where she will be safe. She sneaks into a supply wagon unbeknownst to her that it belongs to the Bloodaxe Crew.
Could she rely on monster-hunting mercenaries to help her fulfill her quest? Or will she endanger everyone around her while the Queen's men are on the hunt for her?
I have to say the plot does seem linear in a way but spending time with these characters was an absolute delight! I love the found family dynamics especially when it showcases complex dynamics where loyalty and honesty are placed in a very grey area.
The characters are in different shades of morally grey, which will either have you root for them or jump into the page to punch them.
While I struggled with the POVs switch at the start I have come to appreciate them, it's not only the heroes who you will get a sneak peek into their minds. It was fun being in the head of a certain character.
The romance could possibly be considered the most controversial part of the book but I'll leave that up for you the reader to experience. It's still hot and the tension was tension-ing.
That last 20% bit had me stressing. It was a big switch but I am intrigued.
Content warning:
domestic violence (discussed, some emotional abuse)
addiction (strong themes; includes withdrawal experience)
religious persecution
execution by stoning
blood letting
violence & gore
graphic sex
sexual assault (implied, attempted)
agoraphobia & social anxiety
captivity
mental health problems (psychosis, loss of a parent, loss of siblings)
kidnapping
forced drugging
It is a man’s world in which we live, Skraeda, her queen had told her, in that calming voice of hers. Let them think us lambs, when truly, we are wolves.
The Road of Bones is a captivating Viking-inspired fantasy romance following the journey of a heroine on the run from a queen who wants her killed and she somehow winds up with a group of monster-hunting mercenaries.
Silla's past is shrouded in mystery, she and her father lived a life of survival, they moved around towns like wraiths with different identities each time and not staying for more than three months. How Silla longed for some normalcy, how she longed to experience mundane things such as friendships and falling in love but how could she if this is the life they've been living.
One thing leads to another and Silla embarks on a journey to reach to a destination where she will be safe. She sneaks into a supply wagon unbeknownst to her that it belongs to the Bloodaxe Crew.
Could she rely on monster-hunting mercenaries to help her fulfill her quest? Or will she endanger everyone around her while the Queen's men are on the hunt for her?
I have to say the plot does seem linear in a way but spending time with these characters was an absolute delight! I love the found family dynamics especially when it showcases complex dynamics where loyalty and honesty are placed in a very grey area.
The characters are in different shades of morally grey, which will either have you root for them or jump into the page to punch them.
While I struggled with the POVs switch at the start I have come to appreciate them, it's not only the heroes who you will get a sneak peek into their minds. It was fun being in the head of a certain character.
The romance could possibly be considered the most controversial part of the book but I'll leave that up for you the reader to experience. It's still hot and the tension was tension-ing.
That last 20% bit had me stressing. It was a big switch but I am intrigued.
Content warning:
domestic violence (discussed, some emotional abuse)
addiction (strong themes; includes withdrawal experience)
religious persecution
execution by stoning
blood letting
violence & gore
graphic sex
sexual assault (implied, attempted)
agoraphobia & social anxiety
captivity
mental health problems (psychosis, loss of a parent, loss of siblings)
kidnapping
forced drugging
November 7, 2024
“𝑺𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒎𝒕𝒉 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅. 𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒆.
𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆.”
This book was a lot of things, but the main one for me was: ENTERTAINING I’ll be honest was I confused for the first 15%? Absolutely. With all the new names (super viking btw), places, and especially the Gods, I was a little lost at first. But after that!! I was totally hooked and needed to uncover the secrets that kept popping up.
Silla and her father are constantly on the move, each place a fresh start with new names and new jobs, but always together until they were attacked, and Silla has one option: run. Her goal is to get to Kopa, but she can’t do it alone. So, naturally, she hitches a ride on a random wagon, only to be found out .5 seconds later by the Bloodaxe Crew.
The crew includes two women, two grumpy vikings, and one golden retriever man. And no, this isn’t a reverse harem (just in case!).
Since this book is told in the 3rd POV, you get an outsider's view of each crew member's character development in relation to Silla, and we also get to see Silla’s growth from a damsel in distress to a confident, occasionally selfish woman. FREAKING LOVE THAT.
“𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆. 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍, 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒑 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔.”
The plot is pretty straightforward getting Silla from point A to B but The Road of Bones is anything but easy. I loved the romantasy elements, the world-building, and all the little plot twists and breadcrumbs, especially when that ending had me gasping.
tropes
🗡️ romantasy
🗡️ witty banter
🗡️ 3rd POV
🗡️ secret identity
🗡️ journey to safety
🗡️ grumpy x sunshine
🗡️ touch her and u **
things I liked ˋ°•*⁀➷
- the different personalities you see within the crew
- the 2 grumpy vikings (Jonas and Silla)
-"rolling in the furs" winkwink
- the "villain" is a woman warrior
- the cliffhanger ending
----
excuse me but that last 20% ?!?! LOVED EVERY SECOND. RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC I hardly read vikings and you say forbidden romance um yes please!
𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒕𝒂𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒎 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒂𝒎𝒆.”
This book was a lot of things, but the main one for me was: ENTERTAINING I’ll be honest was I confused for the first 15%? Absolutely. With all the new names (super viking btw), places, and especially the Gods, I was a little lost at first. But after that!! I was totally hooked and needed to uncover the secrets that kept popping up.
Silla and her father are constantly on the move, each place a fresh start with new names and new jobs, but always together until they were attacked, and Silla has one option: run. Her goal is to get to Kopa, but she can’t do it alone. So, naturally, she hitches a ride on a random wagon, only to be found out .5 seconds later by the Bloodaxe Crew.
The crew includes two women, two grumpy vikings, and one golden retriever man. And no, this isn’t a reverse harem (just in case!).
Since this book is told in the 3rd POV, you get an outsider's view of each crew member's character development in relation to Silla, and we also get to see Silla’s growth from a damsel in distress to a confident, occasionally selfish woman. FREAKING LOVE THAT.
“𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆 𝒚𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒅𝒂𝒚, 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒌 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒃𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆. 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒇𝒖𝒍, 𝑺𝒖𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒑 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔.”
The plot is pretty straightforward getting Silla from point A to B but The Road of Bones is anything but easy. I loved the romantasy elements, the world-building, and all the little plot twists and breadcrumbs, especially when that ending had me gasping.
tropes
🗡️ romantasy
🗡️ witty banter
🗡️ 3rd POV
🗡️ secret identity
🗡️ journey to safety
🗡️ grumpy x sunshine
🗡️ touch her and u **
things I liked ˋ°•*⁀➷
- the different personalities you see within the crew
- the 2 grumpy vikings (Jonas and Silla)
-"rolling in the furs" winkwink
- the "villain" is a woman warrior
- the cliffhanger ending
----
excuse me but that last 20% ?!?! LOVED EVERY SECOND. RTC
⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.⋆. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁⋆.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC I hardly read vikings and you say forbidden romance um yes please!
October 14, 2024
I am just going to give this a fucking one hundred percent. This book did not live up to my expectations in any way, shape or form…
The way they all spoke to each other was so formal it got ridiculous reading certain conversations. I often found myself reading sentences a second time because of the wording, or the order of how a sentence was written. It wasn’t grammatically incorrect as far as I know, just difficult to get through.
I can understand why it was written how it was - to suit the world and time and all that - but it still bothered me.
Plot wise. Well. I don’t know where to begin.
They traveled on the road for the entire book. And yet it felt like they got no where. Not it terms of physically moving forward, but their character development, and relationships between one another was just the same. Silla grew a little at the end, but seriously, I did not feel her connection with any of them, it felt like none of them were ever real with one another, and their characters changed so quickly.
Examples of this is how Silla was suddenly able to kill all these people when she stumbled her way through every training lesson. How Julian (was that his name?) went from being this charmer with the ladies to overly possessive - not the attractive kind - to a complete lunatic. Not to mention the revelation about Rey, that came out of absolutely nowhere, with literally no hints as far as I can tell. And how he was suddenly wanting to rescue Silla because he had feelings for her, and was all soft and kind when he had been the same asshole for 90% of the book - no overreacting to prove a point.
It also got tiring to read about them being on the road. I had actually looked forward to that part, but it took up to much space, and it was to repetitive with how they always got attacked, not to mention we didn’t hear much about what the crew was actually doing. Yes they had a job and murders to solve and all that jazz, but it became background noice. It felt as if it was only added to the book so the crew would be on that particular road.
And the lies. The lies, the secrets, the new lies. By the gods it was never ending.
It was understandable at first, because it was her life we were talking about. But she kept lying, she kept withholding truths when they risked their lives for hers. I wanted to shake her and push her off a cliff when she finally had the gumption to mention how she was being hunted. Only to leave out the fact it was the queen hunting her🤦🏼♀️.
And how is it even possible to tell two lies that offend another in the crew because of their own history. First lying about having a husband that beat her - poor Heckla who had actually lived through it - and then about loosing her family’s “land” - that obviously didn’t exist- only for Julian to have lost his family land when he was young. 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
I feel like the woman with the name I have no idea how to write - the assassin or something - felt like an interesting character. But I skipped over a lot of her chapters because I wanted the book to move along, and it was going nowhere fast.
I also just have to mention how I didn’t understand who the love interest would be. A little intriguing, mostly annoying, because neither seemed to fit her very well. Though I do like the idea of her being with Rey more after reading the last of the book, despite my problems with his quick shift of personality.
I will read the free sample of the next book and read it if something captures my attention, otherwise I am done.
^
I completely forgot about this book, and the fact that I wanted to try reading the next. I’ll have to find a spare moment soon.
Okay, I tried. I couldn’t do it. This is just really not for me.
The way they all spoke to each other was so formal it got ridiculous reading certain conversations. I often found myself reading sentences a second time because of the wording, or the order of how a sentence was written. It wasn’t grammatically incorrect as far as I know, just difficult to get through.
I can understand why it was written how it was - to suit the world and time and all that - but it still bothered me.
Plot wise. Well. I don’t know where to begin.
They traveled on the road for the entire book. And yet it felt like they got no where. Not it terms of physically moving forward, but their character development, and relationships between one another was just the same. Silla grew a little at the end, but seriously, I did not feel her connection with any of them, it felt like none of them were ever real with one another, and their characters changed so quickly.
Examples of this is how Silla was suddenly able to kill all these people when she stumbled her way through every training lesson. How Julian (was that his name?) went from being this charmer with the ladies to overly possessive - not the attractive kind - to a complete lunatic. Not to mention the revelation about Rey, that came out of absolutely nowhere, with literally no hints as far as I can tell. And how he was suddenly wanting to rescue Silla because he had feelings for her, and was all soft and kind when he had been the same asshole for 90% of the book - no overreacting to prove a point.
It also got tiring to read about them being on the road. I had actually looked forward to that part, but it took up to much space, and it was to repetitive with how they always got attacked, not to mention we didn’t hear much about what the crew was actually doing. Yes they had a job and murders to solve and all that jazz, but it became background noice. It felt as if it was only added to the book so the crew would be on that particular road.
And the lies. The lies, the secrets, the new lies. By the gods it was never ending.
It was understandable at first, because it was her life we were talking about. But she kept lying, she kept withholding truths when they risked their lives for hers. I wanted to shake her and push her off a cliff when she finally had the gumption to mention how she was being hunted. Only to leave out the fact it was the queen hunting her🤦🏼♀️.
And how is it even possible to tell two lies that offend another in the crew because of their own history. First lying about having a husband that beat her - poor Heckla who had actually lived through it - and then about loosing her family’s “land” - that obviously didn’t exist- only for Julian to have lost his family land when he was young. 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
I feel like the woman with the name I have no idea how to write - the assassin or something - felt like an interesting character. But I skipped over a lot of her chapters because I wanted the book to move along, and it was going nowhere fast.
I also just have to mention how I didn’t understand who the love interest would be. A little intriguing, mostly annoying, because neither seemed to fit her very well. Though I do like the idea of her being with Rey more after reading the last of the book, despite my problems with his quick shift of personality.
I will read the free sample of the next book and read it if something captures my attention, otherwise I am done.
^
I completely forgot about this book, and the fact that I wanted to try reading the next. I’ll have to find a spare moment soon.
Okay, I tried. I couldn’t do it. This is just really not for me.
September 15, 2025
The Road of Bones is an epic fantasy that had me on the edge of my seat. While it's a big book you won't notice as you speed through this addictive and compelling page turner.
Silla is on the run and her only clue to safety is a letter to her father about safe arrangements in a far away city. Determined to reach her destination Silla sneaks into the wagon of the fierce Blood Axe Crew where she meets a diverse and motley group of warriors. As they become entwined they traverse the dangerous road of bones where fierce warriors and vicious creatures lie in wait.
Silla is a lovable female lead despite her myriad of mistakes and lies that put others at risk, somehow you still find yourself rooting for her. I became so invested in her story I found myself finishing the last 100 pages at work desperate to find out what happens to her and the rest of the Blood Axe Crew.
This novel has everything: perfect pace, an addictive romance, an engrossing adventure, a fierce heroine, and even a mystery as an evasive killer looms in the horizon striking various regions. If I could I would give this book 6 stars. It's the best thing I've read this year by far and if you have even a passing interest in fantasy with a female main character you need to rush to the store to grab a copy of The Road of Bones.
Silla is on the run and her only clue to safety is a letter to her father about safe arrangements in a far away city. Determined to reach her destination Silla sneaks into the wagon of the fierce Blood Axe Crew where she meets a diverse and motley group of warriors. As they become entwined they traverse the dangerous road of bones where fierce warriors and vicious creatures lie in wait.
Silla is a lovable female lead despite her myriad of mistakes and lies that put others at risk, somehow you still find yourself rooting for her. I became so invested in her story I found myself finishing the last 100 pages at work desperate to find out what happens to her and the rest of the Blood Axe Crew.
This novel has everything: perfect pace, an addictive romance, an engrossing adventure, a fierce heroine, and even a mystery as an evasive killer looms in the horizon striking various regions. If I could I would give this book 6 stars. It's the best thing I've read this year by far and if you have even a passing interest in fantasy with a female main character you need to rush to the store to grab a copy of The Road of Bones.
January 5, 2026
This book had me going back and forth, figuring out who the MMC was going to be.
I most definitely got found family vibes and really enjoyed that aspect.
I was mad at Silla for all the lies, but I get why she had to.
Illias, sweet, funny, poor Illias. I cried.
Jonas, yeah, not cool bro. I'm so mad at him. What a raging asshole.
At some parts of the book, I was begging for some action.
The last 100 pages were packed with it, I finally got some answers and discovered new things.
I'm ready to jump into the second book now.
I most definitely got found family vibes and really enjoyed that aspect.
I was mad at Silla for all the lies, but I get why she had to.
Illias, sweet, funny, poor Illias. I cried.
Jonas, yeah, not cool bro. I'm so mad at him. What a raging asshole.
At some parts of the book, I was begging for some action.
The last 100 pages were packed with it, I finally got some answers and discovered new things.
I'm ready to jump into the second book now.
July 2, 2023
—🐓 4.5 stars 🐓—
“Silla Nordvig believed in the little signs the old gods left for mortals—red skies to foretell surprise, the flíta to usher in change, and the black hawk as a herald of death. Above all else, she knew that bad fortune came in threes, so it should not have come as a surprise when those wretched bells started ringing. She jumped in fright all the same.”
————about the book————
Age: A
Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Vikings, High Fantasy,
Writing: 9/10
Quotes: 8/10
World building: 9/10
Characters:8 /10
Romance: 7/10
My rating: 9/10
Trigger warnings: domestic violence (discussed), emotional abuse, violence and gore, sexual assault (implied, attempted), addiction, agoraphobia and social anxiety, captivity, psychosis, loss of a parent, loss of siblings, death and grief, kidnapping, forced drugging, etc.
many thanks to Demi Winters for this digital arc. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
———my thoughts———
Silla Nordvig is fleeing from her past.
But it’s not just her past that chases her.
For reasons unknown...someone wants to find her.
Someone wants her dead.
But when she hides in the back of a wagon, she ends up travelling with the BloodAxe crew. Bloodthirsty they might be...but Silla’s sure she can win them over.
But as secrets begin to be revealed and her past begins to catch up to her...what can Silla do?
I have a unfortunate habit of putting off long books.
And it’s ridiculous, because nine times out of ten, I love them.
And that’s exactly what happened with this book.
This is one of the best written debuts I’ve read in a while.
Demi Winters has this ability to completely engross me in a story, while having a complicated world.
And that is a gift, let me tell you.
As I mentioned before, the world building is a little complex. (Or at least was to me)
I think I read the pronunciation guide around 5 times, and that was before I even started the book!
But it’s well crafted.
As always when you read a new fantasy book, I was a little lost as the start.
But that didn’t last long.
Once I learnt a few basics and snippets of information, the world suddenly started to fall into place.
And it was the best feeling.
This book is heavily inspired by the traditional “Vikings” and that’s apparent in many ways—especially how dark it is.
This is not a light book.
It covers many triggering topics, such as domestic abuse, addition, and grief.
And it’s done well.
None of these are brushed over. They’re talked about in a considerate manner as possible—without too much detail.
I truly appreciate that fact that the author doesn’t shy away from showing us just how brutal the book is.
And the characters too.
They’re all morally grey. All ruthless, all with their own agendas.
Except perhaps Silla, my sunshine.
There is very much a found family aspect to this book, but my favourite part was the female friendship.
And the romance?
I think you’ll all be surprised to hear me say that the romance was my least favourite part.
Not because it was written badly...I just wasn’t as emotionally committed as I wanted to be.
And that’s probably the reason why it isn’t a 4.5 star.
Because it’s so close...it’s just there were a couple things that bothered me.
However...I did guess two of the big twist and felt very pleased with myself!
The ending (and especially the epilogue) have just given me more questions...and I’ll definitely be waiting eagerly for the next book!
————quotes————
“Think hearthfire thoughts, she imagined her mother saying. The kind of thoughts that warm you through. Baby seals. Sneezing. The scent of books.”
“You’re a fighter. You have a warrior’s spirit. You did not hesitate when you needed to act. They tried to harm you, and you answered in blood. You did not cower. You met them head-on and bested seasoned warriors.”
“Everything he had done to me, every slap, every punch, every kick, it was kindling. It built me up into a raging wildfire, and now it was time for him to burn. This is kindling, thought Silla. No matter what, they will not see me break. And one day, they will burn.”
“I belong to myself,” Silla whispered.
“You will see the stars in the skies above you, Curls. And then, I’ll make you see more.”
“The wounds inside will take time to heal, dúlla. But I promise you—in time, the ache becomes less sharp. The memories, less provoking. You are strong and brave and will conquer this. I know it.”
“Dowdy dresses? They have pockets. They are practical! We travel the Road of Bones!”
“And at last, he understood: this girl might not be able to swing a blade, but she had the spirit of a warrior.”
———random extra thoughts———
I’m not going to explain the chicken emojis...they just made sense for this book😁
Thanks for reading! ❤️
—/—:—/—:—
REVIEW TO COME!
—/—/—/—/—
many thanks to Demi Winters for this digital ARC
I LOVE THE COVER—
As soon as I finish reviewing the books I left on RTC, I’m going to dive straight into this one!
“Silla Nordvig believed in the little signs the old gods left for mortals—red skies to foretell surprise, the flíta to usher in change, and the black hawk as a herald of death. Above all else, she knew that bad fortune came in threes, so it should not have come as a surprise when those wretched bells started ringing. She jumped in fright all the same.”
————about the book————
Age: A
Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Vikings, High Fantasy,
Writing: 9/10
Quotes: 8/10
World building: 9/10
Characters:8 /10
Romance: 7/10
My rating: 9/10
Trigger warnings: domestic violence (discussed), emotional abuse, violence and gore, sexual assault (implied, attempted), addiction, agoraphobia and social anxiety, captivity, psychosis, loss of a parent, loss of siblings, death and grief, kidnapping, forced drugging, etc.
many thanks to Demi Winters for this digital arc. all thoughts and opinions are my own.
———my thoughts———
Silla Nordvig is fleeing from her past.
But it’s not just her past that chases her.
For reasons unknown...someone wants to find her.
Someone wants her dead.
But when she hides in the back of a wagon, she ends up travelling with the BloodAxe crew. Bloodthirsty they might be...but Silla’s sure she can win them over.
But as secrets begin to be revealed and her past begins to catch up to her...what can Silla do?
I have a unfortunate habit of putting off long books.
And it’s ridiculous, because nine times out of ten, I love them.
And that’s exactly what happened with this book.
This is one of the best written debuts I’ve read in a while.
Demi Winters has this ability to completely engross me in a story, while having a complicated world.
And that is a gift, let me tell you.
As I mentioned before, the world building is a little complex. (Or at least was to me)
I think I read the pronunciation guide around 5 times, and that was before I even started the book!
But it’s well crafted.
As always when you read a new fantasy book, I was a little lost as the start.
But that didn’t last long.
Once I learnt a few basics and snippets of information, the world suddenly started to fall into place.
And it was the best feeling.
This book is heavily inspired by the traditional “Vikings” and that’s apparent in many ways—especially how dark it is.
This is not a light book.
It covers many triggering topics, such as domestic abuse, addition, and grief.
And it’s done well.
None of these are brushed over. They’re talked about in a considerate manner as possible—without too much detail.
I truly appreciate that fact that the author doesn’t shy away from showing us just how brutal the book is.
And the characters too.
They’re all morally grey. All ruthless, all with their own agendas.
Except perhaps Silla, my sunshine.
There is very much a found family aspect to this book, but my favourite part was the female friendship.
And the romance?
I think you’ll all be surprised to hear me say that the romance was my least favourite part.
Not because it was written badly...I just wasn’t as emotionally committed as I wanted to be.
And that’s probably the reason why it isn’t a 4.5 star.
Because it’s so close...it’s just there were a couple things that bothered me.
However...I did guess two of the big twist and felt very pleased with myself!
The ending (and especially the epilogue) have just given me more questions...and I’ll definitely be waiting eagerly for the next book!
————quotes————
“Think hearthfire thoughts, she imagined her mother saying. The kind of thoughts that warm you through. Baby seals. Sneezing. The scent of books.”
“You’re a fighter. You have a warrior’s spirit. You did not hesitate when you needed to act. They tried to harm you, and you answered in blood. You did not cower. You met them head-on and bested seasoned warriors.”
“Everything he had done to me, every slap, every punch, every kick, it was kindling. It built me up into a raging wildfire, and now it was time for him to burn. This is kindling, thought Silla. No matter what, they will not see me break. And one day, they will burn.”
“I belong to myself,” Silla whispered.
“You will see the stars in the skies above you, Curls. And then, I’ll make you see more.”
“The wounds inside will take time to heal, dúlla. But I promise you—in time, the ache becomes less sharp. The memories, less provoking. You are strong and brave and will conquer this. I know it.”
“Dowdy dresses? They have pockets. They are practical! We travel the Road of Bones!”
“And at last, he understood: this girl might not be able to swing a blade, but she had the spirit of a warrior.”
———random extra thoughts———
I’m not going to explain the chicken emojis...they just made sense for this book😁
Thanks for reading! ❤️
—/—:—/—:—
REVIEW TO COME!
—/—/—/—/—
many thanks to Demi Winters for this digital ARC
I LOVE THE COVER—
As soon as I finish reviewing the books I left on RTC, I’m going to dive straight into this one!
February 28, 2024
What a wonderfully pleasant surprise. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I picked up The Road of Bones. I may have gone in expecting a slightly trashy but fun romantasy… but that is not what this book is in the slightest. I would say this is a fantasy story first and foremost with a strong romantic subplot throughout (as opposed to romantasy which I GENERALLY consider to be romance popped into a fantasy setting).
The Road of Bones is a Viking inspired, multi POV story which primarily follows Silla, a girl of (obviously) mysterious background on the run from the great Queen of Iseldur. When her father is killed (boo), she sets off alone onto the infamously dangerous “Road of Bones” to find a safe house her fridged dad suggested. Hilariously, Silla tries to hitch a ride with the Bloodaxe Crew, a cut throat gang of warriors/ mercenaries / monster killers (?) and that’s where the fun begins.
4.5 stars:
The five star elements:
- INCREDIBLY distinct character voices. Silla is a character I thought would annoy me because she is warm and sunshiny… but she also is in no way a push over. She is resourceful / kind / strong willed and her mistakes are genuinely relatable. Our girl is just doing her best fr !!
- Not only were main POV characters fully fleshed out (Rey!! Jonah!! The hired assassin!!) but minor characters I thought would be throw aways always came back for another moment of relevancy!! This felt so refreshing to me and made the world Winters built feel realistic and connected.
- I LOVED the traveling plot of this story. The characters you grow to know and love literally are just traveling a road the whole time (with lots of obstacles mind you) but it’s entertaining from start to finish? You watch them interact and actually bond with great dialogue it was fabulous.
- Okay the romance. I can NOT speak to it without spoilers but oh my god YES YES YES. You’re going to want to read book 2 is all I’ll say…
- This world is brutal without being grimdark. Like the opening scene is a stoning lol. Great balance of dark and light moments.
- Commitment to representation in a way that didn’t feel caricaturized to me
- This is a story that just nailed the details. My BIGGEST pet peave is when a character has an issue / ailment and then it’s just ignored / forgotten in key moments were it would be relevant OR solved too easily ?? The road of bones did not let its characters get off easy. Whether it be physical injury, grief, or substance abuse.
I take a half star off for:
- Over-excessive nickname use (I get that this was part of the Crew / Viking culture but I stg if I had to hear some of those nicknames another time)
- A few predictable plot points you’ll sniff out from a mile away, but all ALSO some that you will not !!
- I wanted the magic system to be more explained. I think it was just bc the FMC was naive to it but idk the man w the bees ?? Excuse me ?? I have hope for book 2 though to flesh this out.
- A thing about the romance but it’s spoilery sooo
I leave you w a quote and an update:
“All this time, Silla had thought safety was a place. That if she worked hard enough and traveled far enough, she’d finally find the refuge she sought. But there wasn’t such a place, not in this kingdom. If Silla wanted freedom, she’d have to carve it for herself.”
This line, within the context of the story, ABSOLUTELY SLAPPED.
And my update: Folks I have started book 2 and dare I say,,, it might even be BETTER ?!
The Road of Bones is a Viking inspired, multi POV story which primarily follows Silla, a girl of (obviously) mysterious background on the run from the great Queen of Iseldur. When her father is killed (boo), she sets off alone onto the infamously dangerous “Road of Bones” to find a safe house her fridged dad suggested. Hilariously, Silla tries to hitch a ride with the Bloodaxe Crew, a cut throat gang of warriors/ mercenaries / monster killers (?) and that’s where the fun begins.
4.5 stars:
The five star elements:
- INCREDIBLY distinct character voices. Silla is a character I thought would annoy me because she is warm and sunshiny… but she also is in no way a push over. She is resourceful / kind / strong willed and her mistakes are genuinely relatable. Our girl is just doing her best fr !!
- Not only were main POV characters fully fleshed out (Rey!! Jonah!! The hired assassin!!) but minor characters I thought would be throw aways always came back for another moment of relevancy!! This felt so refreshing to me and made the world Winters built feel realistic and connected.
- I LOVED the traveling plot of this story. The characters you grow to know and love literally are just traveling a road the whole time (with lots of obstacles mind you) but it’s entertaining from start to finish? You watch them interact and actually bond with great dialogue it was fabulous.
- Okay the romance. I can NOT speak to it without spoilers but oh my god YES YES YES. You’re going to want to read book 2 is all I’ll say…
- This world is brutal without being grimdark. Like the opening scene is a stoning lol. Great balance of dark and light moments.
- Commitment to representation in a way that didn’t feel caricaturized to me
- This is a story that just nailed the details. My BIGGEST pet peave is when a character has an issue / ailment and then it’s just ignored / forgotten in key moments were it would be relevant OR solved too easily ?? The road of bones did not let its characters get off easy. Whether it be physical injury, grief, or substance abuse.
I take a half star off for:
- Over-excessive nickname use (I get that this was part of the Crew / Viking culture but I stg if I had to hear some of those nicknames another time)
- A few predictable plot points you’ll sniff out from a mile away, but all ALSO some that you will not !!
- I wanted the magic system to be more explained. I think it was just bc the FMC was naive to it but idk the man w the bees ?? Excuse me ?? I have hope for book 2 though to flesh this out.
- A thing about the romance but it’s spoilery sooo
I leave you w a quote and an update:
“All this time, Silla had thought safety was a place. That if she worked hard enough and traveled far enough, she’d finally find the refuge she sought. But there wasn’t such a place, not in this kingdom. If Silla wanted freedom, she’d have to carve it for herself.”
This line, within the context of the story, ABSOLUTELY SLAPPED.
And my update: Folks I have started book 2 and dare I say,,, it might even be BETTER ?!
March 7, 2024
I am including the closing line to this review at the start as well as it is something that I feel is a necessary trigger warning that is not included in the official list and should be seen by those considering reading this book:
"This is an entirely personal reaction, but I do not consider this a romance. At best, it should contain trigger warnings as a Dark Romance and include warnings of Love Interest Betrayal and Abuse with NO HEA. Yes, it may then create a spoiler for many, but it will also prevent several readers from reacting this way and/or leaving a review like this one."
I was so prepared to label this a new favourite book and start recommending it to everyone but I was so disappointed in how this played out. To start off, it ticked so many of my boxes:
- Third Person
- Multi-POV
- Antagonist POV
- FMC who is NOT a sarcastic, feisty warrior but is still resilient and determined
- Hot Vikings
- Crew of Monster Fighting Mercenaries giving great The Witcher vibes
- Magic that has been outlawed
- Spice
So what was the problem? This is presented as a Romantic Fantasy but there are several issues with this book that make it difficult to classify this as a Romance.
But, I will admit that this is a personal reaction and not everyone may feel as strongly about this. Therefore, I encourage you to try this book and develop your own opinion if it is not something you take issue with.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
I cannot explain my disappointment without discussing the massive plot twist in detail.
We can't ignore that this book did a little bait-and-switch on us. This was presented as a "forbidden-romance" (according to the blurb). Hell, for up to about 85% of this novel, that is what we did, in fact, get. The romance was great! I genuinely LOVED the development between Jonas and Silla. It followed the exact perfect formula that works so well in Romantic Fantasies: opposites-attract; protective MMC, pretending not to be falling for each other in a casual relationship, willingness to see hope for a future where there never was, willingness to do what needs to be done for the other. And though some may disagree with me on this, these two are presented as any endgame couple: the expressions or terminology from both Jonas and Silla's inner monologue present them as the romantic MCs of any given novel/series and show few signs before 90% that they will not be endgame.
Yet, somehow, Jonas (whose POV we follow through the entire novel; whose back story goes into such great detail to develop his character through his trauma and abuse; who loses his only surviving relative because he chooses to save the FMC instead; who is, in fact, deceived time and time again by Silla) is the one turned into a VILLAIN in the space of the last 50 pages. Not only does he turn his back on the FMC, he drugs her, kidnaps her and hands her over to the authorities which results in her being physically abused and almost sexually assaulted.
HOW is this marketed as a Forbidden Romance?? How is this marketed as a romance at all?? We experience the inner monologue of both these characters developing serious feelings for each other; where Jonas himself becomes so protective of her and that he chooses her over his brother, then hands her over to be abused and assaulted in the last 50 pages of the novel? For 90% of this novel, Jonas is the epitome of the MMC in Romantic Fantasies, only to be sacrificed as a plot twist.
To make this worse, Rey is suddenly thrusted upon the reader as the actual hero and REAL Love Interest in the last 5% when he hasn't treated Silla well himself, but at least he isn't the Hot Viking who drugged and kidnapped the FMC (even though *plot twist* he is a serial killer), so he is suddenly looking like the white knight. Then they ride off into the sunset on horseback together. Literally. That's not an analogy.
I personally have serious issue with a book being written and presented as a 'Romance' when the main Love Interest is abusive in any way or form in that same novel. Especially when that character has been characterised as a Love Interest with a complex and traumatic background for 90% of the novel (gaining empathy and support from the reader), only to be used to manipulate the reader into experiencing emotional gut-wrenching betrayal in the form of FMC abuse.
This is an entirely personal reaction, but I do not consider this a romance. At best, it should contain trigger warnings as a Dark Romance and include warnings of Love Interest Betrayal and Abuse with NO HEA. Yes, it may then create a spoiler for many, but it will also prevent several readers from reacting this way and/or leaving a review like this one.
"This is an entirely personal reaction, but I do not consider this a romance. At best, it should contain trigger warnings as a Dark Romance and include warnings of Love Interest Betrayal and Abuse with NO HEA. Yes, it may then create a spoiler for many, but it will also prevent several readers from reacting this way and/or leaving a review like this one."
I was so prepared to label this a new favourite book and start recommending it to everyone but I was so disappointed in how this played out. To start off, it ticked so many of my boxes:
- Third Person
- Multi-POV
- Antagonist POV
- FMC who is NOT a sarcastic, feisty warrior but is still resilient and determined
- Hot Vikings
- Crew of Monster Fighting Mercenaries giving great The Witcher vibes
- Magic that has been outlawed
- Spice
So what was the problem? This is presented as a Romantic Fantasy but there are several issues with this book that make it difficult to classify this as a Romance.
But, I will admit that this is a personal reaction and not everyone may feel as strongly about this. Therefore, I encourage you to try this book and develop your own opinion if it is not something you take issue with.
***SPOILERS BELOW***
I cannot explain my disappointment without discussing the massive plot twist in detail.
We can't ignore that this book did a little bait-and-switch on us. This was presented as a "forbidden-romance" (according to the blurb). Hell, for up to about 85% of this novel, that is what we did, in fact, get. The romance was great! I genuinely LOVED the development between Jonas and Silla. It followed the exact perfect formula that works so well in Romantic Fantasies: opposites-attract; protective MMC, pretending not to be falling for each other in a casual relationship, willingness to see hope for a future where there never was, willingness to do what needs to be done for the other. And though some may disagree with me on this, these two are presented as any endgame couple: the expressions or terminology from both Jonas and Silla's inner monologue present them as the romantic MCs of any given novel/series and show few signs before 90% that they will not be endgame.
Yet, somehow, Jonas (whose POV we follow through the entire novel; whose back story goes into such great detail to develop his character through his trauma and abuse; who loses his only surviving relative because he chooses to save the FMC instead; who is, in fact, deceived time and time again by Silla) is the one turned into a VILLAIN in the space of the last 50 pages. Not only does he turn his back on the FMC, he drugs her, kidnaps her and hands her over to the authorities which results in her being physically abused and almost sexually assaulted.
HOW is this marketed as a Forbidden Romance?? How is this marketed as a romance at all?? We experience the inner monologue of both these characters developing serious feelings for each other; where Jonas himself becomes so protective of her and that he chooses her over his brother, then hands her over to be abused and assaulted in the last 50 pages of the novel? For 90% of this novel, Jonas is the epitome of the MMC in Romantic Fantasies, only to be sacrificed as a plot twist.
To make this worse, Rey is suddenly thrusted upon the reader as the actual hero and REAL Love Interest in the last 5% when he hasn't treated Silla well himself, but at least he isn't the Hot Viking who drugged and kidnapped the FMC (even though *plot twist* he is a serial killer), so he is suddenly looking like the white knight. Then they ride off into the sunset on horseback together. Literally. That's not an analogy.
I personally have serious issue with a book being written and presented as a 'Romance' when the main Love Interest is abusive in any way or form in that same novel. Especially when that character has been characterised as a Love Interest with a complex and traumatic background for 90% of the novel (gaining empathy and support from the reader), only to be used to manipulate the reader into experiencing emotional gut-wrenching betrayal in the form of FMC abuse.
This is an entirely personal reaction, but I do not consider this a romance. At best, it should contain trigger warnings as a Dark Romance and include warnings of Love Interest Betrayal and Abuse with NO HEA. Yes, it may then create a spoiler for many, but it will also prevent several readers from reacting this way and/or leaving a review like this one.
June 28, 2023
Please just listen to me and don’t read this. I saw a tiktok that hooked me and where did it get me? Absolutely no where. The teased love interest? Not the love interest. Stayed up way to late to finish this when I should’ve DNFed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 15, 2024
“Malla’s tits” “Tell me she did not just apologize to a rock.” 😂😭
Oh this was GOOD. 4.3⭐️ . Easily could have been a 5⭐️ if the beginning wasn’t so slow for me.
The twist at the end was 10/10 and call me stupid but I did NOT see that coming.
The love story also had a twist, at the beginning I was confused but it started to make sense and actually made me a little sad because I just knew who the right one for her was. I don’t want to add a spoiler (don’t worry this has nothing to do with the twist) but I just KNEW that guy weren’t right. Maybe it’s cause he was blonde and I got triggered because that gave me Tamlin vibes? I don’t know, don’t ask me how my brain works please.
Silla was sweet and brave and I loved her even though she was a little selfish and needed to STOP lying. Like girl, you are putting people in danger?? I did feel her conflict though and the author did really well in getting me to sympathise so it wasn’t too frustrating.
Skraeda the witch warrior/bounty hunter was an EXCELLENT villain. Hated her in a good way. She was written perfectly. The way she justified her evil, the way she came across as a genuine narcissist 🤌🏾
*forgot to say! This is another Viking story with a lot of gore and battle. And also there are things like stoning at a pillar so pretty violent. Avoid if that’s not for you ❤️
Oh this was GOOD. 4.3⭐️ . Easily could have been a 5⭐️ if the beginning wasn’t so slow for me.
The twist at the end was 10/10 and call me stupid but I did NOT see that coming.
The love story also had a twist, at the beginning I was confused but it started to make sense and actually made me a little sad because I just knew who the right one for her was. I don’t want to add a spoiler (don’t worry this has nothing to do with the twist) but I just KNEW that guy weren’t right. Maybe it’s cause he was blonde and I got triggered because that gave me Tamlin vibes? I don’t know, don’t ask me how my brain works please.
Silla was sweet and brave and I loved her even though she was a little selfish and needed to STOP lying. Like girl, you are putting people in danger?? I did feel her conflict though and the author did really well in getting me to sympathise so it wasn’t too frustrating.
Skraeda the witch warrior/bounty hunter was an EXCELLENT villain. Hated her in a good way. She was written perfectly. The way she justified her evil, the way she came across as a genuine narcissist 🤌🏾
*forgot to say! This is another Viking story with a lot of gore and battle. And also there are things like stoning at a pillar so pretty violent. Avoid if that’s not for you ❤️
November 8, 2025
Three words: Epic Viking romantasy. From axe wielding men in braids to red-eyed monsters that hunt you in the woods, and a girl in a red cape running from the crown, this is a story that fully lives up to its ambitions.
Silla and her father have moved every few months, keeping under the radar of the king’s soldiers ever since her mother was killed on suspicion of having outlawed magic. They finally receive word of a more permanent safe house, and have just begun the journey when they are intercepted by warriors sent by the queen to capture Silla. Her father is killed, leaving Silla to flee alone.
I would say this first book in the Ashen Series has an immaculate blend of world building, character development, and action (leaning a little higher in the character department).
Magical and religious oppression set a grim atmosphere, with vicious soldiers regularly patrolling the towns seeking offenders. Outside the towns warrior bands and deadly monsters are waiting to pounce on the weak.
With her father gone, Silla has to navigate trust versus survival in this dangerous world, eventually making her way to the Bloodaxe crew. Naive but feisty, Silla is charming enough to forgive her sometimes questionable choices. She earns the literal nickname Sunshine, and avoids dealing with her trauma like it’s chasing her with a knife.
Multiple POV and flashbacks provide insight and character depth rather than plot dilution. Hidden identities and questionable loyalties make it anyone’s guess who is trustworthy and who can be bought to sell secrets to the highest bidder. But there is also a beautiful found family within the Bloodaxe crew. They are the kind of friends you’d want to have your back in the wilderness and bring home for Thanksgiving dinner at the same time.
The romance: steamy, fun, forbidden. Questionable? Maybe.
The magic or “galdur”: malevolent and intriguing, with enough mystery to be explored in the next book.
Overall, this is a stunning debut and start to the series. With 2 books out and the third coming Feb 2026, this series is worth the investment.
5/5⭐️’s kindle & audio
————————————————————————————
Re-read in prep for Dawn of the North
Silla and her father have moved every few months, keeping under the radar of the king’s soldiers ever since her mother was killed on suspicion of having outlawed magic. They finally receive word of a more permanent safe house, and have just begun the journey when they are intercepted by warriors sent by the queen to capture Silla. Her father is killed, leaving Silla to flee alone.
I would say this first book in the Ashen Series has an immaculate blend of world building, character development, and action (leaning a little higher in the character department).
Magical and religious oppression set a grim atmosphere, with vicious soldiers regularly patrolling the towns seeking offenders. Outside the towns warrior bands and deadly monsters are waiting to pounce on the weak.
With her father gone, Silla has to navigate trust versus survival in this dangerous world, eventually making her way to the Bloodaxe crew. Naive but feisty, Silla is charming enough to forgive her sometimes questionable choices. She earns the literal nickname Sunshine, and avoids dealing with her trauma like it’s chasing her with a knife.
Multiple POV and flashbacks provide insight and character depth rather than plot dilution. Hidden identities and questionable loyalties make it anyone’s guess who is trustworthy and who can be bought to sell secrets to the highest bidder. But there is also a beautiful found family within the Bloodaxe crew. They are the kind of friends you’d want to have your back in the wilderness and bring home for Thanksgiving dinner at the same time.
The romance: steamy, fun, forbidden. Questionable? Maybe.
The magic or “galdur”: malevolent and intriguing, with enough mystery to be explored in the next book.
Overall, this is a stunning debut and start to the series. With 2 books out and the third coming Feb 2026, this series is worth the investment.
5/5⭐️’s kindle & audio
————————————————————————————
Re-read in prep for Dawn of the North
May 16, 2024
Hyped. For. A. Reason. 4.5 stars.
If you love fantasy romance, found family, plot twists and unique magic... PICK THIS UP. I was having serious FOMO because I saw everyone reading this and loving it and now I get it. I get the hype.
I definitely have my favorite characters out of this group of badass characters, but every single one of them brings something different to the table. I just know book two is going to be even better and I'm considering just diving right in.
Why didn't anyone force feed me this???? WHY?????
So. Good. Listened on audible and loved the narration!
If you love fantasy romance, found family, plot twists and unique magic... PICK THIS UP. I was having serious FOMO because I saw everyone reading this and loving it and now I get it. I get the hype.
I definitely have my favorite characters out of this group of badass characters, but every single one of them brings something different to the table. I just know book two is going to be even better and I'm considering just diving right in.
Why didn't anyone force feed me this???? WHY?????
So. Good. Listened on audible and loved the narration!
August 23, 2024
I enjoyed a lot of this, I love the premise, the found family, a lot of the characters, and the last 20% was really great.
The book was largely just too long, and it seemed to be striving for both a cozy fantasy feel and a high stakes fantasy feel. And for that reason, it reads a bit choppy, with long stretches of very slow pacing.
This had a unique world and premise and I did enjoy the characters a lot, and I also liked the slowly developed. It was very immersive and fun.
The romance didn't really work for me in this book, but I am intrigued to see where it goes in the second one, so I definitely plan to continue the series.
The book was largely just too long, and it seemed to be striving for both a cozy fantasy feel and a high stakes fantasy feel. And for that reason, it reads a bit choppy, with long stretches of very slow pacing.
This had a unique world and premise and I did enjoy the characters a lot, and I also liked the slowly developed. It was very immersive and fun.
The romance didn't really work for me in this book, but I am intrigued to see where it goes in the second one, so I definitely plan to continue the series.
March 5, 2024
4.5 stars
This was a really fun fantasy romance! This had a lot of travel with a heroine on the run for reasons she doesn't know why. I really enjoyed the group of vigilante vikings and how there was an assassin coming after her. There were a lot of secrets around the heroine and the vigilantes, which was fun watching unravel near the end of the book. I also liked the romance and am intrigued to see where that goes in the next book! And the ending!? I can't wait to get to book two!
This was a really fun fantasy romance! This had a lot of travel with a heroine on the run for reasons she doesn't know why. I really enjoyed the group of vigilante vikings and how there was an assassin coming after her. There were a lot of secrets around the heroine and the vigilantes, which was fun watching unravel near the end of the book. I also liked the romance and am intrigued to see where that goes in the next book! And the ending!? I can't wait to get to book two!
November 17, 2025
My 100th read of 2025!!
The Road of Bones surprised me in the best way—a gritty Viking-fairytale blend with monsters, mercenaries, and a romance that simmers beneath all the blood and snow. Demi Winters knows how to craft atmosphere, and the treacherous, bone-littered road made for a tense, immersive backdrop I didn’t want to leave.
Silla is an interesting heroine: naïve at first, yes, but refreshingly human in a genre that often leans toward overpowered FMCs. Her growth in the second half really hooked me. That said, the nicknames in this book… yikes. I don’t know who signed off on “Curls,” but every time it showed up I physically winced.
The dynamics within the Bloodaxe Crew were a highlight—fun, loyal, chaotic in the best way. Rey completely stole the show for me, while Jonas had major Tamlin-effect energy. Every time he appeared, my annoyance levels rose. Possessive, jealous, controlling… absolutely not. I’m glad Winters doesn’t pretend his behavior is romantic.
On the flip side, Skraeda’s storyline left me wanting more. Her POV chapters felt disconnected from who she was in Silla’s scenes, almost like two different characters. There was so much potential there, and I hope the next installments dig deeper.
The magic system is intriguing but still very surface-level. I’m crossing my fingers it’s fleshed out more in book two—and in the ARC I have of book three! There’s clearly a bigger mythos at play that hasn’t been fully cracked open yet.
Despite its flaws, this was an addictive, fast-paced romantasy with Vikings, danger, and slow-burn tension I couldn’t look away from. I’m absolutely continuing the series.
The Road of Bones surprised me in the best way—a gritty Viking-fairytale blend with monsters, mercenaries, and a romance that simmers beneath all the blood and snow. Demi Winters knows how to craft atmosphere, and the treacherous, bone-littered road made for a tense, immersive backdrop I didn’t want to leave.
Silla is an interesting heroine: naïve at first, yes, but refreshingly human in a genre that often leans toward overpowered FMCs. Her growth in the second half really hooked me. That said, the nicknames in this book… yikes. I don’t know who signed off on “Curls,” but every time it showed up I physically winced.
The dynamics within the Bloodaxe Crew were a highlight—fun, loyal, chaotic in the best way. Rey completely stole the show for me, while Jonas had major Tamlin-effect energy. Every time he appeared, my annoyance levels rose. Possessive, jealous, controlling… absolutely not. I’m glad Winters doesn’t pretend his behavior is romantic.
On the flip side, Skraeda’s storyline left me wanting more. Her POV chapters felt disconnected from who she was in Silla’s scenes, almost like two different characters. There was so much potential there, and I hope the next installments dig deeper.
The magic system is intriguing but still very surface-level. I’m crossing my fingers it’s fleshed out more in book two—and in the ARC I have of book three! There’s clearly a bigger mythos at play that hasn’t been fully cracked open yet.
Despite its flaws, this was an addictive, fast-paced romantasy with Vikings, danger, and slow-burn tension I couldn’t look away from. I’m absolutely continuing the series.
Read
May 27, 2025did somebody say viking mercs?? i’m so sat for this
October 7, 2025
4🌟 I can’t wait to read book 2, I have quite a few questions I need answers to like right now lol
June 29, 2024
*fork it. I changed my rating from a 4⭐️ to 5⭐️ because I cannot stop think about this book. It did what it supposed to do. Has me thinking, and craving a reread to pick up the crumbs*
I…what?! I do not even know what to say.
Was this book perfect? No. It took me some time to get into. And there are some things that made me scratch my head, and go “huh??” Or *cringe*. (Looking back, there’s a reason!!)
Was it still fun and wholly captivating? Yes! Once I was hooked, I was hooked!! These characters grew on me. The banter A+!! The tension. Found family. SeCrEtS…I became invested in the storyline. I blocked out my surroundings and was fully immersed.
Were there twists I saw coming? Yep. Were there some twists that I did not, and threw me for a crazy loop? YESSS! Still in a state of shock. I feel betrayed 🙃
Please, pay attention to the red flags. They are there…👀 I’m very interested to see where this story goes. Thanks to the author and nerd fam for the eArc. This is for fantasy, romance, Viking lovers. For people who love a good story. And for the people who think they know which way a story is going, and then bam! You’re wrong…
I…what?! I do not even know what to say.
Was this book perfect? No. It took me some time to get into. And there are some things that made me scratch my head, and go “huh??” Or *cringe*. (Looking back, there’s a reason!!)
Was it still fun and wholly captivating? Yes! Once I was hooked, I was hooked!! These characters grew on me. The banter A+!! The tension. Found family. SeCrEtS…I became invested in the storyline. I blocked out my surroundings and was fully immersed.
Were there twists I saw coming? Yep. Were there some twists that I did not, and threw me for a crazy loop? YESSS! Still in a state of shock. I feel betrayed 🙃
Please, pay attention to the red flags. They are there…👀 I’m very interested to see where this story goes. Thanks to the author and nerd fam for the eArc. This is for fantasy, romance, Viking lovers. For people who love a good story. And for the people who think they know which way a story is going, and then bam! You’re wrong…
June 15, 2025
This was a breath of fresh air. Viking fantasy, big fat yes from me. Had me hook, line and sinker!
The plot genuinely did a number on me, I was completely blindsided by the direction the story goes. I thought I knew where my allegiance lay but boy oh boy was I wrong!
The tension absolutely sizzles and Demi did such a fab job of keeping us on the edge of our seat with that one.
Wood cutting as a micro trope? Big fan. Viking men? Huge fan. So much to love and I will be diving straight into book two.
The plot genuinely did a number on me, I was completely blindsided by the direction the story goes. I thought I knew where my allegiance lay but boy oh boy was I wrong!
The tension absolutely sizzles and Demi did such a fab job of keeping us on the edge of our seat with that one.
Wood cutting as a micro trope? Big fan. Viking men? Huge fan. So much to love and I will be diving straight into book two.
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