Dawn of the North

The Ashen #3

by Demi Winters

A new age begins in the Kingdom of Íseldur in this sizzling third installment of the Viking-inspired Ashen romantasy the series.

The lost Volsik heir has finally returned to the people of Íseldur, and even with the warrior who’s captured her heart standing by her side, Silla’s task is monumental. She must earn the loyalty of the northern jarls to drive Ivar Ironheart from the throne and restore peace in the kingdom. But the secret she vigilantly guards threatens to ruin all her plans: A shard of a god lives in her mind, twisting her thoughts and deeds to His will.

Meanwhile, held captive on the mysterious isle of Zagadka, Saga Volsik fights to return to her sister in Íseldur. But when King Ivar sets his sights on the Zagadkians, she’s forced to make an impossible choice: fight for the man who stole her—and is now hell-bent on marrying her—or let the innocent people of his kingdom die.

As a poisonous mist threatens the realm, the sisters will delve into the unknowns of their magic to battle against evil. Return to the land of ice and fire, where a god awakens, a queen finds her power, and sisters must unite against the darkness threatening their realm.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy Romance, Fiction, Magic, Science Fiction Fantasy

608 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Demi 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.

Reviews

[Demi Winters]

Hello hello!! Wowww this book was a challenge to write, in the best possible way! You're going to get answers. Moments you've been waiting for. Some steamy, swoony scenes. I can't wait for you to read it!

While Dawn is slated to release in Feb 2026, you can read the first three chapters now by signing up for my newsletter :)

Here's the link!

[Nicole is Reading Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

EPIC. Absolutely, breathtakingly epic.

This third installment has cemented The Ashen Series’ place as a god-tier series.

Dawn of the North picks up right where Kingdom of Claw and Hekla’s novella, Roots of Darkness, left off, ultimately leading to the culmination of so many long-awaited moments and events in the series. Told through 6 POVs, Demi Winters seamlessly ties these perspectives together to produce a flawless narrative and a fantasy novel that delivers on all fronts. With its beautifully executed character development, jaw-dropping battle scenes, rich world-building/lore, and captivating romances, Dawn of the North is easily the best book in The Ashen Series thus far.

Thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is her best book yet!!!

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

PERFECTION! All the stars. Idk how Demi does it, but every addition to this series is better than the previous. I love this series so much. This is book 3 in the series-usually when it’s a 5 book series, we expect some filler in the middle books. We don’t have that issue here! Every word has a purpose. Every POV progresses the story and adds to the world. These characters are my favorite. The banter is bantering. The steam is scorching! The found family tugs at the heartstrings. We get answers, while also getting set ups for books to come. This doesn’t release for 6 months yet; but you’ll want to read it asap! If you haven’t started this series yet, why not!? This ia your sign.

Thank you Demi Winters and Delacorte press for an early reader copy!

[Gabriela]

I don’t think I’ve ever given every book in a series 5⭐️’s but I might be on my way. Full RTC ♥️
———————————————————-

Can’t wait any longer. I almost cried when I got approved for this ARC ♥️

[Karly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demi Winters does it again—5 stars for Dawn of the North!!! I've officially given every book in this series a 5-star rating, so far.

🎧 ALC Review 🎧
🗓️ Release date: February 3, 2026

The Ashen Series by Demi Winters is quickly becoming a god-tier romantic fantasy series for me, especially after finishing this book. The character development is unmatched, the pacing is perfect, the twists continue to be twisty, and the romance is tension-filled and delectable.

I'm SO glad Demi Winters incorporated so many POVs into this series because it completely immerses me into this story and keeps things interesting. Also, the multiple romances?!?! *chefs kiss* They're truly a gift.

I was very curious to see how Demi Winters would handle this book since it is the middle of the series, and I think she did a phenomenal job. This book perfectly sets readers up for the remainder of the series (in my opinion). She introduced just enough new things to keep me on my toes while connecting the dots to existing plot lines.

That ending?? I need book 4 now please.

A sincere thank you to Podium Entertainment for gifting me an ALC.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

INFINITY STARS!!!!
Dawn of the North is an absolute must-read! Demi Winter's writing is utterly magic in itself! Each book just gets better, and book three is the best yet! I'm still processing what I just read! Multiple POVs that are easy to follow and each where the characters build and progress in their own. Must say Saga and Kass were amazing! Gotta love the banter Hekla, Eyvind, and Kritka! Silla fighting the god of chaos in her with Rey, their story continues. I'm not sure how I liked sillas insecurities, but I'll take that as the god making her slowly go crazy.. You have some spice, lots of action, found family,heart feels, and answers. Definitely, the world is building up to book 4, which I can't wait for! Bring on more mythical creatures. I loved it! The best viking romantasy is out today! If you have not started the Ashen series, you have time to start! Dawn of the North comes out February 2026! You will love it!
Thank you,
Netgalley, Demi Winters, and Delacorte Press this ARC was such a gift. Opinions are my own!

[BookishKB · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚔️ Bookish Thoughts
This was incredible! And I’m officially OBSESSED with this series! Honestly a six star read and easily my favorite of the series so far. The world-building was expansive, immersive, and detailed. I loved getting to see more of the clans. The ending was so satisfying and left me already desperate for book four.

I will share a full review closer to the publication date, but definitely add this to your 2026 TBRs!

🩶 What to Expect
• Viking Romantasy
• Sisterhood 💕
• Political rebellion and war
• Epic battles!
_ _ _

📖 Final Score: 6 stars
📅 Pub Date: February 3, 2026
Thank you to Ballantine, Random House, and NetGalley for the advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

[Sue Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was everything and more. full review and thoughts to come but Demi continues to outdo herself. this series will be forever imprinted on me and I hope when you think of me… you think of this series.

“did I miss you? no. I obsessed about you, every minute we were apart”
THIS HEALED ME.

spoiler free for dawn of the north - possible slight spoilers for previous books in series.

I don’t know how to explain it other than: slipping back into this world felt like coming home. Demi’s writing? Unreal. These characters? Family. This series? My entire personality and I’m not even sorry about it.

We now officially have three incredible FMCs and three incredible MMCs and every single one of them has my whole heart. I was grinning like a fool, crying, and fist-pumping the air all in the same sitting — RANGE.

What blew me away in this one was the structure. Normally I ride or die for first person POV, but this third person was so well done. Instead of bouncing between names on chapters, the POVs were framed around locations - and it made everything feel like you were zooming out on a map, watching the threads tighten together across the world. Chef’s kiss.

Silla continues to own my soul. Watching her development and just HER as a character? It's my favorite. She's our resident soft girl but don't label her just as that because she is also a bad ass warrior and realizes that you can lead and still be KIND. Her relationship and connection with Saga, was everything I wanted. I especially loved how Demi handled Silla’s doubts without ever tipping into a miscommunication trope. Like… thank you for respecting us, the readers.

And the way each character stayed so aligned with themselves while still growing? Wholesome and fierce. Saga and Silla’s arcs had me absolutely locked in, but I also adored seeing how every storyline pushed forward without losing momentum. Of course, I loved seeing more of hekla and kritka. AND WE GOT A NEW ANIMAL FRIEND: Havoc <3

The ending? Perfect. Yes, there’s a little cliffhanger, but it’s the kind where you’re feral for the next book while still feeling some sense of peace because key threads were tied off. (Basically I didn’t throw my Kindle across the room, which is a win.)

At this point, Demi Winters could write her grocery list and I’d preorder it. This series is an ode to women, to strength in all its forms, and to messy, brave, complicated characters you want to root for.

I cannot wait for the next installment - but until then, just know this book gave me everything: empowerment, laughter, yearning, and a whole lot of heart.

[Sandra's Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

INFINITY STARS!!!!
Dawn of the North is an absolute must-read! Demi Winter's writing is utterly magic in itself! Each book just gets better, and book three is the best yet! I'm still processing what I just read! Multiple POVs that are easy to follow and each where the characters build and progress in their own. Must say Saga and Kass were amazing! Gotta love the banter Hekla, Eyvind, and Kritka! Silla fighting the god of chaos in her with Rey, their story continues. I'm not sure how I liked sillas insecurities, but I'll take that as the god making her slowly go crazy.. You have some spice, lots of action, found family,heart feels, and answers. Definitely, the world is building up to book 4, which I can't wait for! Bring on more mythical creatures. I loved it! The best viking romantasy is out today! If you have not started the Ashen series, you have time to start! Dawn of the North comes out February 2026! You will love it!
Thank you,
Netgalley, Demi Winters, and Delacorte Press this ARC was such a gift. Opinions are my own!

[Olli_stay · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you Demi Winters for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC of the next installment in the Ashen series (book 3). Overall, I really enjoyed it. It started off slow but I ate the last 50% up. It definitely felt like a bit of a transition book, tying up some plot lines while setting the stage for whatever big things are coming next.

My favorite part by far was the Saga and Kass storyline, especially with a Kass POV. Their interactions, chemistry and everything about their scenes just worked so well for me. I was completely hooked every time they were on the page.

Demi’s writing is as strong as ever. Her world building is so rich, and I love how she balances character moments with the larger story. Even though this one wasn’t packed with nonstop action, it still felt important and satisfying.

Overall, a really solid read that left me excited for what’s next. What ungodly amount of time am I going to have to wait for the next one? 😭

[Yasmine]

I got the ARC 😭❤️ so excited for this one.

Thank you Delacorte Press / Random House for the early copy.

[britta ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Thank you, she told him with her lips, for believing in me. For building me up when so many would tear me down”

Dawn of the North is big chunky fantasy (600 pages) with plenty of new characters, intrigue, battles, love, death and sisterhood. ⚔️ 🪽🦉 The cover is a showstopper!

I really enjoyed the reread I did in preparation for this and getting back into this world but I skipped the 2.5 Hekla novel thinking it was not compulsory and I don’t recommend doing that as I was just not as connected with those characters or that storyline.

Saga’s storyline was my favorite and I loved coming back to her POV’s. Her character is so loveable. I did ultimately have a somewhat hard time with the development of her relationship with Kass as I felt like he took her out of the frying pan and into the fire. She went from living in one room her whole life to another and that’s a hard place to grow from. At the end we saw her come out of her shell which was exciting. (We get Pegasuses! Pegasi?) I don’t love a setup with a virginal naive FMC and an experienced MMC and that’s the sitch here. Plus we had a passage in the beginning sharing that the reason he was in her kingdom in the first place was that he was looking for his friend that he had unrequited love for. He seems impulsive. Not sure why that was shared as it wasn’t addressed again. It seems if she would stay on in Kass’s kingdom she would have to give up her magic as it didn’t work there. I think these things may be tackled in the next book.

Silla was coming into her own and taking on the role of Queen to rally supporters to their cause. She and Reynir were separated a lot and when they came together it helped them to solidify things in their relationship but I felt some of the OW drama felt silly and incongruent to their story.

Not sure if there’s one or two more books but I really enjoy the way DW writes, excited to see where they go.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Delacorte Press/Random House for the Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

1/20: I get to post my review!!!

This book is incredible. I loved all of the characters and how the series is coming together with them all. The summaries of the previous books at the beginning is so helpful. We're following quite a few different storylines throughout, and yet Demi Winters writes it in a way that is easily followed, enjoyable, leaves you wanting more, and is not overwhelming at all. I think I'm obsessed with Saga's storyline the most. She is so brave despite everything she is going through but we still get to see moments of her fear and Rurik is probably my favorite MMC. Don't get me wrong though, because Silla and Rey AND Hekla and Eyvind are everything too. I love that we get more of Hekla's stubbornness and Silla's growth. There were sneaky characters everywhere!! While this one wrapped up pretty nicely, I realllly can't wait for the next book!

"The eyes were afraid, but the hands were doing"

~ I received this eARC free from NetGalley. Thank you to Ballantine/Delacorte Press and Demi Winters! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given ~

[McKenna]

DEMI I need this book now 😂! I’m so stressed lol. Can’t wait for it to come out. My heart is hurting😂

[Bethany Ergican · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️🌟 Infinity Stars!!!!

Road of Bones is officially up there with Fourth Wing and ACOTAR as one of my all-time favorite series! Did Dawn of the North suffer from a middle-of-the-series slump? That’s a resounding NO! Each book just keeps getting better and better!

To say I’m utterly obsessed is an understatement — this was an absolute masterpiece, and I loved every second of it. I highly recommend reading Roots of Darkness (book 2.5/the novella) first — it’s immediately essential to the plot of book 3 and adds so much depth to both the characters and the story.

Also, huge thank you to Demi for including a series recap at the beginning!!! Can we PLEASE make this standard practice for all fantasy books?!

I absolutely loved every minute of being back in Iseldur with my favorite heroes and villains. The mix of POVs kept the pacing sharp, and the blossoming romances between three sets of characters were everything I wanted and more. The adventures, enemies, and epic battles had me completely gripped — and honestly, who needs a shadow daddy when you can have a fire & smoke daddy?!

And Habrok’s hairy bollocks, did I love our new animal friends, Kritka & Havoc!! They were such standouts and absolutely essential to some of my favorite scenes.

The ending wrecked me in the best possible way — emotional, cinematic, and full of heart. It tied so much together while still leaving me desperate (and maybe just a little feral) for the next installment. This series owns me body and soul, and I can’t wait to see where Demi takes us next.

Thank you so very much to Random House Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[The Babbling Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have finished and need to gather my thoughts. It was a full on five star book and I had an incredible time! Full review to come later. ✍🏽

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how Demi Winters does it, but Dawn of the North is better than the 2 1/2 books… and Kingdom of Claw was a masterpiece.

The multi POV was fantastic. Multiple POVs are usually hard to follow, but the 6 (plus?) viewpoints were well done. The character building was great- I didn’t think I could learn more about each character, but each one grew (or in one’s case became even more of a horrible person). The side characters were delightful. I truly think Kritka is one of my favorite fuzzy companions. The pacing was right on point with lots of action and twists. The ending of one major story arc left me completely satisfied, but oh that last line!! Book 4 immediately!!

I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the gifted egalley. Thank you!!

[bookandachai · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

"Return to the land of ice and fire, where a god awakens, a queen finds her power, and sisters must unite against the darkness threatening their realm."

I will give NOTHING away but man has this series hit its stride. I am so locked into the three different stories we have going and am completely invested in sisters Saga and Silla. We have Vikings and monsters and so much different power weaving its way through every storyline. Was in a bit of a reading drought and this BROUGHT ME BACK.

[JensBookishWays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Dawn of the North is a multi-POV wild ride with loveable characters, a talking squirrel, political intrigue, bloody battles, undead creatures, a god of chaos, and a flying murder horse named Havoc. Reading this book felt like coming home, I love these characters with my whole heart!

Dawn of the North is book 3 of the Ashen series with four main story lines converging: 1.) Silla and Rey as they work to unite the north and banish the god of chaos. 2.) Hekla/Eyvind/Gunnar in the quest to eradicate the mist. 3.) Saga and Kass as they work to save Zagadka. 4.) Signe and the steps she will take to enact vengeance.

The character development in this book is top notch, especially for Silla and Saga. Demi also writes the best male love interests - supportive, dynamic, and perfect. Silla and Rey are my favorite grumpy sunshine couple! Hekla and her exasperating love triangle was fun to read. Saga and Kass - their story is my favorite and has my heart. I could read about them for hundreds of pages!

The world building in this book is well done. The reader gets to experience the political complexities of two separate kingdoms and multiple jarldoms, and introduces new locations including Zagadka. The author also expands on the previous books by taking the reader deeper into the West Woods, as well as returning the reader to places like Kopa and Istre. There is a deeper dive into the gods/the Ashen, and the interconnectedness of the natural world.

The plot was medium to fast paced, and well organized. The author successfully brought together multiple big story lines in a cohesive and enjoyable way without any lag in the story. This must have been a feat and is one more reason why Demi Winters is one of my favorite authors.

This book has spice, I’d rate it between a 2-3 🌶️.

I think I am still processing everything that happened in this book!

Thank you Ballantine, Random House Publishing Group, Net Galley, and Demi Winters for the eARC of Dawn of the North and the opportunity to read and review this story.

I will definitely recommend this book and series!!!

[ciana · Rating 5 out of 5]

“everything was so clear. she was the other half of him, his light and hope, his reason for breathing. she was his lone hearthfire thought, and he would shelter her warmth as long as she’d let him.”

—

the chokehold this series has me in needs to be studied. the way demi creates such a complex story that weaves multiple storylines together is so well done. the plot is so unique and while you get some answers and complications resolved, it constantly is setting up to further progress the plot and has you yearning for more.

this book is solidifying this series as a top tier fantasy romance for me. not once did i find the story dragging and i found it insanely difficult to put the book down! and the romance in these books? AMAZING. i’m utterly obsesssed with rey, kass, and eyvind. the slow burn is utterly delicious and in this book i was especially foaming at the mouth over kassandr.

another thing i find so well written is the disability and mental health representation. so many of these characters are learning to not let their traumas control them which is such a beautiful thing to read about.

s/o to our sassy animal friends kritka & havoc bc i absolutely love them!

a huge thank you to netgalley for this e-arc! i’m beyond desperate for the next book in this series. ♥︎

[Minni Mouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

#1) The Road of Bones: ★★★★★
#2) Kingdom of Claw: ★★
#2.5) Roots of Darkness: ★★★
#3) Dawn of the North: ★★★

In short, no, I didn't particularly care for this book. Gone are the intriguing characterizations and narratives from book one. What we have instead is the same neutral narrative voice that started in book two and continued through the next 1.5 books.

As an extra side note, I'd also say while you could always look up what happened in Hekla's novella, I'd personally advise to take the time and at least speed skim the novella before this so you have context of the Maiden storyline as well as what's up between Gunnar, Hekla, and Eyvind.

THE GOOD
1) Some good action and fighting sequences and some good character development on Saga's part.

2) I found myself caring for Saga and Kassandr more than Silla and Rey.

3) It was great seeing Silla's, Saga's, and Hekla's storylines converge throughout the story.

THE MEH
1) If you struggled with book two, chances are the same things you didn't like might remain true here. I felt so detached from the characters, so even though some of them had a few intriguing storylines or action sequences, I wasn't invested in them...and I'm not actually sure why there was such a disconnect. Maybe the plot has become more cookie cutter? (e.g., Oh, look, more special powers somehow...) Or maybe there was more tell, not show?

2) Lack of a convincing-enough feeling that feels personal. Sure, Big Bad, twirl the wicked stick in the air so we know you're the Big Bad. But where's the character motivation? Where's the sense that the villain poses an overall threat as well as a personal one to our main characters? Anything there that was explained felt like it was told, not shown.

3) Overall lack of chemistry with the characters and plot.

FINAL THOUGHTS
I really might stop the series here. Thanks anyway to NetGalley for the ARC review.

[julie ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pacing of this one felt a little weird to me at the start but that's probably because I was just getting out of a slump. What really kept me going was Saga and Kass though. These two have me completely like body and soul and every single one of their chapters literally brought me back to life. The way the stakes keep getting higher with every step of the plot is crazy and the escalation at the end was actually mind blowing. My anxiety was peaking so bad because it honestly felt like I was in the middle of that battle lol.
Even though Hekla and Saga's plot lines are still my absolute favorites, I started slowly obsessing over Silla's too especially with all the obstacles she had to face with Rey. It added so much to her story and I'm really glad the author decided to keep going with that thread. Overall this book was just so good and the ending??
Completely insane. I cannot wait for the next one now that we're at this point!!

[Jordan Miner · Rating 5 out of 5]

MAGNIFICENT. MONUMENTAL. GLORIOUS.

Dawn of the North picks up seamlessly where Kingdom of Claw and Hekla’s novella, Roots of Darkness, left off, wasting no time in plunging the reader back into the heart of the story. The novel builds steadily toward the culmination of long-awaited moments and pivotal events that us fans of The Ashen Series have been anticipating for several books now, and the payoff is nothing short of spectacular.

Told through six distinct POVs, Demi Winters masterfully weaves each perspective together into a cohesive, emotionally resonant narrative. Every viewpoint feels purposeful and fully realized, allowing the story’s scope to expand without ever feeling overwhelming or disjointed. Winters’ ability to balance so many character arcs while maintaining tension and momentum is truly impressive.

The character development shines at every turn, with growth that feels organic, earned, and deeply satisfying. The battle scenes are breathtakingly vivid and expertly paced, delivering both high stakes and emotional weight. Coupled with rich, immersive world-building and layered lore, the setting feels alive, dangerous, and steeped in history. And the romances—equal parts tender, intense, and heart-wrenching—add another layer of depth that makes every triumph and loss hit harder.

By the final pages, Dawn of the North stands as a powerful testament to Demi Winters’ storytelling prowess. It delivers on every front and then some, cementing itself as the strongest and most compelling installment in The Ashen Series to date—and setting an incredibly high bar for what’s to come.

Huge ty to netgalley for sending me this e-arc!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I begin? I first stumbled across the Ashen series when it was still indie, not long after Kingdom of Claw was released. I had read some other Viking-esque fantasy and knew going in that I enjoy a Viking tale. This series blew those books out of the water, and this new addition continued that pattern. Demi Winters has created a world of magic and darkness while still finding ways to give us moments of light. The characters are unique and multifaceted. The story is easy to follow. The plot is engaging and prone to keeping you up past your bedtime for just one more chapter, until you can barely keep your eyes open. I read this at the same time as a friend, and we found ourselves texting each other in the middle of the night with messages rife with exclamation points.

This is a story about sisters separated by politics and power. The book takes us on their journey as they attempt to reunite while forces outside their control create barriers to that goal. At the same time, we see this theme reflected across the different kingdoms, jarldoms, villages, and more. Outside forces have driven people apart, but to potentially find true safety and freedom, they must consider becoming a unified front against those forces.

I loved the multiple POVs in this book. With a single POV, we only experience the story through one perspective. The additional POVs provided a more robust immersion into the story and a deeper understanding of the struggles each character faces. When these multiple POVs appeared during moments of battle, the tension was heightened and had me on tenterhooks, waiting to see how it would all play out.

This is a series that continues to awe me, and I am fully sold on continuing with future books. This installment is a wonderful addition and brought the story to a place that kept me guessing. I cannot wait to see where it takes us next.

Thank you to Demi Winters, NetGalley, and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for an advanced copy of this eBook.

[Stacey | read.with.stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc Review

4.5 ⭐️

💭 I really enjoyed this one! This book picks up right where Kingdom of Claw/Roots of Darkness leave off. I liked how there were multiple POVs and there were essentially 4 main storylines happening at once that eventually converge. It really kept things interesting and I was honestly invested in all of them. I’m a big fan of when gods come into play in the story, so I really enjoyed that element. I also absolutely love our animal companion Kritka ❤️. I enjoyed witnessing the continual growth of the main characters, both individually and within their relationships. I enjoyed the romance and/or tension that was present, depending on which relationship you were reading. And that epilogue - wow! I cannot wait for the next book.

Thank you so much Demi Winters + Ballantine books + Delacorte Press for the gifted e-book 🫶

[M&M]

Guess who got an ARC!!!!!!!!!!!! 💃🏾🎉🙂‍↕️

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dawn of the North is action packed, spicy, and constantly entertaining. The story picks up right where Kingdom of Claw left off. Not only do we get the continuation of Silla and Saga's stories but we also get the convergence of Silla and Hekla's adventures (and if you haven't read Roots of Darkness you don't necessarily need to, but I do recommend it).

I enjoyed that both Silla and Saga have grown so much over three books. Saga's progression, including her relationship with Kass, is my absolute favorite. (And Kass. Oh, be still my beating heart. If you liked Kass in Kingdom of Claw then you're in for a treat when you pick up Dawn of the North!) She has really come into her own dealing with her anxieties, especially being outdoors, and she really shines when the odds are against her. Silla also goes through a lot as she learns to navigate court and royal proceedings, all while Rey is away to resolve the cursed mist.

With so many different POV in this book you can bet there is a lot going on! It makes for a lot of action, betrayal, scheming, battles, and love. It also is quite ambitious at 600 pages and sometimes the pacing is a bit off, or an epic quest/battle ends somewhat abruptly. I am rating Dawn of the North 4.25 out of 5 stars. If you've been waiting for this one to come out I suggest you don't delay on publishing day! I've only scratched the surface with this review.

Thank NetGalley & Random House Publishing for this ARC.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demi Winters has done it again and knocked it out of the park. Dawn of the North is the third book in The Ashen series, and it expands on the world and provides even more depth to our beloved characters. If you loved playing Skyrim and enjoyed reading Game of Thrones and Throne of Glass, this book and series are for you.

It is strongly recommended that you read Hekla's novella before reading this book. While it is optional, you will have a greater understanding of Hekla and her new companions, as well as further insight into the quest she is on for most of this book.

This book expertly weaves together three separate storylines through six points of view, and the character development is unparalleled. The start of the book is a bit slow in the setup, but after the first 10% or so, it really takes off and soars. We see how Silla deals with her mother's bargain, and we watch Saga really grow into the woman Kass knows she can be. We see Hekla struggle with her complicated relationship with romantic relationships and also embrace her leadership skills. We see Jonas be, well, Jonas. His suffering is, in my opinion, the comedic relief of the series.

There are a lot of answers provided in this story while also leaving things open-ended enough for the reader to see exactly where we are going next. One of my favorite things about this book was the ending. We are not left dangling from a cliff we didn't know we were walking off of. Instead, we are given a 'happy for now' with a clear indication of where we will be going next in the series.

Overall, I love this series, and I love this book. It has quickly made its way into my top five series of all time. Get started now with The Road of Bones, Kingdom of Claw, and Roots of Darkness to catch up on the series before this release on February 3, 2026! You won't regret it.

I want to thank the publisher for providing an advance e-copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jen B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+++
The Ashen Series is top tier epic fantasy romance! If you are looking for a series where every single book gets better than the last, no mid series filler this is it!
This book is perfectly paced and keeps your interest from beginning to the end. I love the FMC’s Silla and Saga, their character growth is amazing. There are so many things to love about these books from found family to slow burn romance to mythical creatures and gods all packed into this incredible Norse mythology world. I even love the villain backstories where we see how their poor choices led to their current situations. This is one of the best books I have read this year. I loved everything about it and cannot wait to read more as the journey of the Volsik heirs continues.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read/review the ARC.