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, Fantasy Romance, Romance, Fiction, Science Fiction Fantasy, Magic

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.

[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 ♥️

[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!

[Yasmine]

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

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

[Olli · 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? 😭

[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.

[britta ⋆˙⟡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

RTC
this cover! 😍 so excited for the next installment of this Viking fantasy! ⚔️⚓️

[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!!

[Zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh! RTC 1/20/26 per publisher request.

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

[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. ♥︎

[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!

[M&M]

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

[Andi · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 | 4.5 stars rounded up

The Ashen might be one of the best romantasy series every written.

The world-building, the writing, the character work, the Norse setting, the romance, the magic, the political intrigue. OBSESSED with it all.

This book is ambitious: there are four distinct plot lines happening within the greater story, with multiple POVs. Despite the potential pitfalls, it is executed wonderfully. I loved following each minor plot and was so invested in each POV (even the characters I hated.)

The character work in this story was also incredibly satisfying. I loved how Silla, Saga, and Hekla each came into their own. I also found the way that the author addresses mental health, and particularly anxiety disorders, in this story very moving, honest, and compassionate.

The ending was really satisfying for me and I cannot wait (!!!) for the next installment in this series.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine | Delacorte Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts!

[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.

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Dawn of the North✨

Gah. Demi never fails to draw me in like a starving fish on an hook. It was SO GOOD to be back in her world with each of these characters. I fell in love with this series after relating heavily with book one’s FMC, Silla, and my love for this has continued to grow as the cast has expanded and each taken up space in my heart. Each FMC is easy to connect with and the men are 👩‍🍳💋. I’m not sure which one I love the most anymore, 🙈

Book 3 begins where both books 2 and 2.5 closed, converging the plots in a beautifully seamless way. We now get POVs from our three FMCs and two of our MMCs (plus maybe a villain or two 😉) and y’all, it’s soooo good. I am constantly impressed with how Demi keeps building this world and storyline while also growing the characters individually, uniquely, and sympathetically.

The stakes continue to grow just as our plot unfolds, thickens, and expands. Enemies and traitors flock left and right. New powers, corrupt politics, and shifters add insight and intrigue. I was equally in suspense with these romances as Demi took us through trials with them each. The burn is SLOW. The spice is intentional. The communication is thoughtful. The banter is devilishly delightful. The way these characters support and love each other is visceral. Some of my favorite romances to date.

Tropes you may find in DOTN are forced proximity, elemental and unique powers, multi POV and romances, Vikings, protective and simping MMCs, soft and strong FMCs, medium spice AND slow burn, animal sidekicks, political intrigue, reluctant heroes, sign language/amputee/anxiety/agoraphobia rep, he comforts her, amazing found family, and a soft cliffhanger.

It has been such a joy to arc read this series and I am SO EXCITED to see what comes next after that ending!! Thank you Demi, NG, and Ballantine Delacorte Press for this gifted arc.

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up to a 4! This reads as a very classic Romantasy and I had a fun time but I wasn’t completely obsessed. I appreciated the Norse inspired fantasy aspects, the character development, and the overall story. I thought the convergence of the 3 POVs from the previous books was ambitious but it worked. I found some of the plot a bit repetitive and I was bored from the 50-70% marks. At the end I only felt interested in one of the POVs and maybe a bit bored with the others. Some of the plot devices felt way too convenient and that left me a little dissatisfied. Overall, I thought it was fun and I’ll continue the series but it wasn’t my favorite book in comparison with the previous books in the series. Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for this advanced reader copy.

[༻rach༺ · Rating 4 out of 5]

First off I want to thank NetGalley & Random House Publishing for the ARC! I feel so honored to read and review books that I love.

Firstly, there were so many things about this book that I loved but I particularly enjoyed how we had four different storylines and many different povs. We got to follow Silla, Rey, Hekla, Saga & Kass, and Jonas & Signe. It really kept me engaged with this story that we had so many different povs and storylines happening. I particularly fell in love with both Saga & Kass in this story.

This book had three different romances, battles, travel, touch her & die, court politics and drama, deceptions, lies, mythical beings, incredible world building, and so much yearning! I find myself loving this series more and more each book that comes out and this one was by far my favorite.

Silla has come a long way but in this book, we see her without Rey while he’s off on a quest. She’s left to figure out how to be Eisa, get the nobles to join her cause, and battling an evil spirit of a god trapped within her subconscious. Silla’s story and power has come a long way, we got to see a lot of growth for her during this book and I know it’s just the beginning. We say Rey grow a lot in this book as well, Silla and him had some conflict they had to work through. Rey also had to deal with being away from Silla and trusting her. This book was a huge trial for their relationship and trusting each other.

For Saga & Kass, without giving too much away…. I’m in love with them both. They both grew so much in this book. Saga had to adjust to life in Zagadka and she really had to overcome her fears and figure out how to be strong and trust herself. This book was huge for Saga’s growth not only in her power but in her confidence and individuality. She was so confined and sheltered her whole life so seeing her battle, plan, and lead the people of Zagadka was incredible to witness.

Kass, the man that you are. I don’t even know where to get started but the way that he yearns and obsesses over Saga was everything. I’ve never read about an mmc being so down bad for his woman and I loved every second of it. I won’t spoil anything, but the way that Kass did everything he could to help Saga grow and trust herself was beautiful. Not to mention he’s an incredible warrior, leader, and shifter. I can’t wait to learn more about him and see how his relationship with Saga grows.

Hekla & the team are as determined and incredible as ever. I really love how we have gotten the opportunity to explore her character more. Especially her relationships and powers she possesses that get stronger every time I read about her journey.

This story is epic and beautiful. There are so many layers to this world and even though we are already on the third book, it feels like there’s still so much to explore. Demi Winters, you write an incredible third installment to this story and I hate that I have to wait for the next book after that ending!!

[rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am extremely lucky to be a part of Demi Winters' Street Team and I thank her and the publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Demi Winters had already cemented herself as my favourite fantasy writer the second I read The Road of Bones, and it genuinely baffles me just how much better every single book becomes. Dawn of the North is the 3rd instalment of the "Ashen series" (fourth if we're counting the novella) and while series often suffer from the curse of dragging for too long, or making readers losing interest at some point in time, Demi has managed to keep me absolutely engaged while also happy & pleased that enough plot points are being solved in every book to keep me going without frustration. I have read a lot of fantasy books throughout the years, but I don't think I can remember a single fantasy series that has made me this obsessed for so long and that has managed to just kept getting better and better with each release.

I honestly just want to live inside this book. I adore Silla & Rey and every single moment I get to read their POV's - whether they're together or not - is a moment very much appreciated (even their moments together fill my own hearthfire thoughts (I mean, she loves to shave his beard and he loves to brush her hair, for god's sake). I have to confess I was slightly scared for what was going to happen to their relationship, considering the new challenges and the new world they found themselves in after the Kingdom of Claw, but their bond just grew stronger and even more beautiful than what it already was. They are, by far, my favourite couple in a fantasy book, and I am so excited to see them growing and supporting each other through the upcoming challenges.

"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."

Saga and Kass were already absolutely delicious in the last book, but in this one they really shone. I loved how Kass was so persistent with his admiration and love for Saga and I absolutely loved seeing Saga grow under that same love. I can't wait to see where all these characters are going and how the plot is going to develop - and Demi certainly left a lot of crumbs for us to be starving for more. Hekla, Reyvind... every single character is a feast to read, and while it pains me to say it, even the villains are interesting to a point where you can't help but begrudgingly be curious about what interesting tidbits their POV's will bring us (even if I also just want them gone.).

Demi Winters is an immediate read to me as well as an immediate 5 stars read and the only thing I have to say (lest I start writing poetry about how much I adore all these characters again) is that if you haven't started reading the Ashen series yet, then you must do it as soon as possible. Trust me, you won't regret it.

"It smelled of blood and smoke. Looked like chaos incarnate. Yet it felt like a new world."

27/08 Update

I just finished this book and I have no words for how much I absolutely adore this series and these characters. I shall be back for a better review but just had to let everyone know how obsessed with The Ashen I am.

[Malaika · Rating 4 out of 5]

First want to thank NetGalley for the ARC! I love this series so much. Demi Winters is a special writer indeed. We pick up right where we left off from Kingdom of Claw. Lots of POVs in this one, it keeps you at the edge of your seat wondering what is happening with everyone. The magic system continues to blossom while remaining somewhat a mystery. A lot happened in this book and I’m very excited to keep reading! I will say I wish I’d gotten the Hekla’s novella as an Arc too, I can’t wait to read it, this book picks up after her novella so read that first, I will still thoroughly enjoy it when it releases I’m sure!

[Lydia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am privileged to have read this. And I don’t even mean early, just, like, in general.

[The Chapter Chaser]

I got the ARC ❤️❤️ This series has been one of my favorites, so I’m beyond excited. Can’t wait to see where the story takes us this time. Full review coming soon once I finish — but for now, just so grateful to have this in my hands!

[krislyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for this eARC!

PHENOMENAL! I was so happy to receive this ARC and Demi Winters did not let me down in the third installment of The Ashen series! This series has not let me down and I cannot wait to see where the last two books take us. The ending had my jaw on the floor, I figured it would come at some point, but did not expect it midway through the series!

One of my favorite things about this series is the multi POVs. We get so many in each book and it really helps lay the story out better since we can read what everyone is seeing vs just one person. Demi’s writing is absolutely incredible and I love the uniqueness of this magical world and all there is to it.

I was eager to see more of Saga and it wowed me. I love Saga and I am so interested to see what her and Silla get up to these next two books. I love Kassandr and I liked getting to know him better and his nature. My sweet baby Silla, I was so proud of her this book. She has came such a long way from Road of Bones & I love reading her and Rey’s story develop.

Probably my favorite thing about Demi’s books is she gives us a recap of what happened and the timeline before diving into the story. I truly do not understand how that isn’t a standard practice when we wait a year or more for the next release of huge romantasy/fantasy series. Bravo Demi for that. Highly recommend this series!

F Jonas once again as well