Roots of Darkness: The Ashen Series; Book 2.5

The Ashen #2.5

by Demi Winters

Join Hekla and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew as they battle the evil, poisonous mist threatening the citizens of Istré—and perhaps all of Íseldur—in a novella following the events of Kingdom of Claw.

Traveling the Road of Bones was only the start of Hekla’s troubles.

The Bloodaxe Crew have arrived at the village of Istré—beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla “Rib Smasher” is determined they’ll complete their job all the defeat the monstrous, sentient mist and keep the citizens of Istré safe. What she didn’t expect is for Istré’s bullheaded chieftain to block her every move.

Exasperated, Hekla throws caution to the wind for a single passion-filled night. But to her horror, the mysterious red-cloaked warrior to whom she’s spilled her deepest secrets is the Bloodaxe Crew’s new temporary leader and ally—Eyvind Hakonsson.

Hekla must now learn to play by Eyvind’s rules while guarding her heart. But when it becomes clear that his plans align with the chieftain’s, Hekla takes matters into her own hands.

Nothing will stop her from keeping the innocent people of Istré safe—not even the man who haunts her thoughts.

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

213 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 10, 2025

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

[Clace · Rating 1 out of 5]

I love how the feminine rage left the room when she fell on his dick....40 pages in.
___
Starting this so we can read our arc for book 3!! Hoping it's as good as the first two books.

Buddy reading with Hoda

[shaelinslibrary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demi Winters just gets it. Hekla is THAT bitch.

Thank you Demi so much for the early copy, I feel so grateful to have had the opportunity to read this novella.

This was so thrilling and packed such a punch for such a short book. I loved this, and it does a great job of gearing us up to face the issues in book 3, I cannot wait!

5 stars.

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

HEKLA THE FEMINIST ICON

[Books_and_Crafts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy one sitting read for this incredible novella! It’s a wonderful addition to an already addicting story of the Blood Axe Crew following Hekla!

Read this after book 2 in The Ashen series!

[Hoda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Yeah that was useless

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roots of Darkness (The Ashen #2.5) by Demi Winters

Book Blurb:
Traveling the Road of Bones was only the start of Hekla’s troubles.
The Bloodaxe Crew have arrived at the village of Istré—beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla ‘Rib Smasher’ is determined they’ll complete their job all the defeat the evil mist with a heartbeat and keep the citizens of Istré safe. What she didn’t expect is for Istré’s bull-headed chieftain to block her every move.

Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Adventurous, Outraged, Pleased
Style: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Magic, High Fantasy, Vikings
First published June 10, 2025 : 185 pages, Kindle

I love that our girl Hekla ‘Rib Smasher’ got her own story. This did not even feel like a Novella but a full story which I absolutely loved. It makes me want a side story for each character because I just love all the characters in this world so much. I loved the back and forth between fox and lynx .. it was just too adorable given that they are both trying not to be adorable. The mystery aspect of this story and how it all unfolds was really a story that drew me in and had me riveted to find out what was going to happen. Thank you for giving our girl Hekla some spice worthy of her !! Eyvind Hakonsson was swoon worthy and turned out to be even better then anticipated. I loved watching the bonds develop between these two. If anyone deserves a good romance/spice its our girl Hekla. Now give us book 3 !!!! Let the stalking commence.


Favorite Quote: "I will call you Fox, and you can call me Lynx." (just the cutest !!!)

This book has:
Strong FMC (Super Stabby)
Morally Gray MMC
Lovers to Enemies ...
Touch her and die
Found Family
Hidden Identity
Forced Proximity
Politics
Magic

[dak ⋆.˚ ☾ .⭒˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4☆

𝚑𝚎𝚔𝚕𝚊 is just THAT girl 🙂‍↕️🤏🏻 i loved her in book 1 so getting more of her story in this novella was everything!! and 𝚎𝚢𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚍 🤭🤪
‧₊˚.𑣲 𝓯𝓸𝔁 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝔂𝓷𝔁 ⋆˚࿔

ˋ°•*⁀➷ so excited for 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 🐺✨🗡️

[Gabriela]

Happy trad release and audiobook release day! Here for Hekla’s story 🪓

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ooooh this actually pissed me off SO bad!!!!!! I can’t stand Eyvind and I can’t stand the audacity of the narrative punishing Hekla while he faces NO repercussions for the way he treats her. “She came to understand his perspective-” well she shouldn’t!!!!!! Fuck his perspective. Hekla did nothing wrong and, frankly, she and Sigrún should have killed Eyvind with hammers and then fallen in love with each other instead.

The ending of the book gives me very slight hope that I might actually be satisfied with the final resolution to all of this, but it also confuses and concerns me. I didn’t realize this wasn’t a standalone. Is there going to be a B-series of novellas, ongoing in between the main novels? Or is this plotline going to join back up with the main books? I’m afraid this series will struggle with pacing and scope as it continues.

In spite of being steaming mad the entire time I read this book, I just can’t give it less than 3 stars. I love Hekla and I love getting to be in this world again.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this brief read! It revisits the initial reason behind the journey of the blood axe crew. Hekla is certainly a character I look forward to learning more about in the future.

[Emily-Rose At The Rose House · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It was poetic, Hekla supposed—she’d molded what one might consider a weakness into her greatest weapon.”

I am completely and utterly obsessed with this world, I’m currently re-reading Kingdom Of Claw and then starting Dawn Of The North 🙌🏼

IF YOU ARE SLEEPING ON THIS SERIES, stop! Go start The Road Of Bones immediately!! 🦴

[Liz S ( Liz & Liz get Literary) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Demi Winters is an auto-buy author for me.

Roots of Darkness is yet more proof of her incredible talent…not just as a writer, but as a masterful storyteller.

Experiencing the story from Hekla’s point of view was a refreshing shift from Silla and Saga, and it was absolutely magnificent. Hekla is such a strong, beautiful character, and getting inside her head felt like a privilege..one I didn’t feel I’d earned, but was deeply grateful for.

I definitely have more questions than answers (I’m looking at you, Eyvie), but rest assured: this novella was perfection and fits into the Ashen series like the final piece of a puzzle.

A huge thank you to Demi & her team for the honor of being able to read this ARC! 🐿️💕

[tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

and just like that, a hot new bombshell enters the villa that is my gay little heart that yearns for all the strong women.

not this novella single-handedly turning Hekla "Rib Smasher" into one of my favorite characters from the Ashen series. she is mommy AND a feminist icon AND a such badass and i am down bad (i wanna be her when i grow up). i don't have a ton to say about this novella except i loved it so very much and it was the perfect little bite that i needed to keep me satisfied until the next Ashen book comes out in 4 months.

also, Eyvind can go eat dirt.

[Silvy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m in love with hekla rib smasher!!!!!!!!!!!! (full review to come)

[Sam | Haus of Fables · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️6 star perfection!!!

Not only do I love this world already and think that Demi’s writing is some of the best out there, this little novella is about my FAVE CHARACTER!
It has feminine rage, golden retriever X black cat, disability rep, slow burn to spicy romance, monsters and a mystery plot that is integral to the overall plot of the series… I LOVE IT ALL!!! If you haven’t started this series then this is your hint!

Thank you Demi for the arc.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rib Smasher 🫶🏻

[Liz (lizzreadz) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ashen series will forever be one of my all time favorites so l, of course, LOVED being back in this world with these characters🥹 For such a short book, this
was so entertaining and packed with action. This novella continues an existing plot line from book 1 and also introduces us to a new side character (I'm already rooting for you Eyvind🫶🏼). I really loved catching up with the Blood Axe crew and getting this bonus glimpse into Hekla's character, especially since she was always my favorite from the crew.

As always, I enjoyed Demi's writing and her perfect balance of fantasy plot and romance. Reading this has me even more excited for book 3's release and I cannot wait to see what's in store for these characters!! I can already tell the next installment in this series is going to be EPIC.
Thank you so much to the NerdFam and the author for an early, gifted copy!!

[Kamila · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so good!!!!

I loved being reunited with Hekla and the Bloodaxe Crew, and seeing what they've been up to as I definitely missed them in Kingdom of Claw.

The mental health and disability representation in this series is truly exceptional. Demi Winters handles heavy topics with utmost care and respect.

Hekla truly deserves the world. Her backstory absolutely broke my heart. Her strength is so admirable, I just want to give her the biggest hug.
I also love the fact that she is such a girls girl and will always have your back no matter what. Her friendship with Silla was a huge highlight for me in book one, so I can't wait to see more of them in book three.

One of the reasons why I love this series so deeply is because of the incredible female characters Demi has created. They're all so fiercely badass and empowering. Each of them has endured so much, yet they continue to demonstrate strength and resilience in their own unique ways.

The romance in this, as always, was beautifully written. Demi Winters can do no wrong. The men she writes are just absolutely top tier, unmatched and completely swoon worthy!!! I'm obsessed.

This novella made me even more excited for book three! That ending set everything up perfectly for what's to come. I genuinely CANNOT wait for everyone to be reunited and to see how the story will unfold!

[Brooke Rothenbuhler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5

Thank you Demi Winters for sending me the eARC of this novella.

Hekla was an amazing side character in The Road of Bones, and honestly I missed her and the bloodaxe crew while reading Kingdom of Claw. I’m so glad she got her own novella!

If you were wondering what her and the other members from the Bloodaxe crew were up to while reading Kingdom of Claw then you are going to want to read this!

For a novella this had everything: Adventure, mystery, romance, some spice, flashbacks, a cute talking animal, creepy creatures, and a strong FMC who also has a vulnerable side.

Probably one of the best novellas out there! Please read this once it comes out! It will come out on June 10th.

[Sarah (bookofsari) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roots of Darkness is a fast, spicy return to Íseldur, and while I enjoyed spending more time with Hekla “Rib Smasher,” this novella ultimately left me a bit conflicted.

Hekla remains the standout—fierce, stubborn, morally grounded, and unwilling to bend even when everyone around her underestimates her. Watching her take charge of the Bloodaxe Crew in Rey’s absence was satisfying, and I loved seeing her navigate leadership, danger, and her own vulnerabilities. That said, the short length really works against the story. The sentient mist plot feels rushed, the worldbuilding is thin, and the emotional beats don’t always have time to land. This is very much a companion piece—you’d be lost without reading the previous books.

Romance-wise… mixed feelings. The Hekla/Gunner dynamic got weird for me. Emphasizing their “brother/sister” bond immediately after Hekla reflects on not wanting to casually hook up with him anymore felt uncomfortable and unnecessary. As for Eyvind, he just didn’t work for me. Demi Winters’ love interests are starting to blur together—broody, controlling, and overly dominant—and it’s getting old. Eyvind wasn’t my favorite addition.

I’m also increasingly frustrated with Winters’ reliance on mind-speaking as a narrative shortcut. It feels like an easy way to push the plot forward rather than doing the harder work through dialogue and action.

Overall, enjoyable for Hekla fans and readers here for the spice, but narratively shallow and a bit disappointing.

[Faiza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingdom of Claw was one of my favourite reads of last year, five stars all around, I absolutely loved it!! The only thing that felt missing was the lack of one of my favourite characters, Hekla. So when I found out that was intentional and there was an entire novella coming about her side quest?! I was thrilled - and it did NOT disappoint.

When it comes to novellas, I'm always a bit nervous they'll be "fillery" but that was absolutely not the case here. Roots of Darkness gave us so much more insight into Hekla's wonderful character, while continuing to further the worldbuilding and greater plot from books 1 and 2.

At the end of KoC, we know Hekla is determined to get to the bottom of the enchanted eerie mist and she wants to keep the people of Istre safe in the process. She immediately realizes that won't be an easy task, with her being undermined at every turn. To make matters worst (or better? ;)) she also finds herself wrapped up in quite the potential romantic entanglement, and of course it too comes with many roadblocks causing Hekla to do a lot of introspection.

I loved getting to know Hekla even better and I adored the MMC, Eyvind. He was hilarious, gorgeous, charming, and mysterious (so the full package tbh??). There were also other familiar side characters that were nice to see as well as some new ones that I immediately fell in love with.

I cannot believe this was only a novella tbh because so much happened?? It was action packed, emotional, had amazing character development and world building, and the banter/dialogue as usual was top tier.

Loooved this and somehow even more excited for book 3 now!!

Huge thank you to the lovely author Demi Winters for the ARC!!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ashen series is so under-hyped. I’ve thought this since the very beginning of the Road of Bones. I should’ve read this back when it was released but hadn’t gotten to it yet, and I couldn’t officially start Dawn of the North until I caught up on Hekla and the rest of the Bloodaxe Crew. Shits not boring anywhere in Iseldur, it seems. Hekla is a badass and Eyvind has some explaining to do…

[bookandachai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hekla fans unite!!!

[Ilze · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed to read Heklas story. Loved it and can’t wait to see what is next for Blood Axe Crew and Silla and Saga

[saralouisereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

2🌶️ I FUCKING LOVE DEMI WINTERS AND THIS WORLD AND I MISS IT ALREADY. i need book 3 like i need fucking air to breathe at this point. this was a tease and i loved every second of it. i cannot say enough wonderful things about Demi’s phenomenal writing and her characters always sit with me and live rent free in my head. this was a tease after the year and a half it’s been since i’ve read Kingdom of Claw and the next 10 months are going to be torture waiting for Dawn of the North. HEKLA!!!!!!! i’ve been waiting for her novella for forever it feels like and it did. not. disappoint. what a fucking badass bitch who deep down has a soft heart that she’s felt forced into hardening 😭 and EYVIND!!! oh boy, he might be a new fav mmc of mine in this series. 🥵 and that cliffy has me staring at the wall in silence. we BETTER get more of them in book 3, or i will actually riot. (i know Demi won’t disappoint, she never does lol) i easily could’ve read another 300+ pages. wow. just wow. amazing amazing amazing.

[Clarissa Labue-Pham · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novella we see Hekla lead what's left of the blood axe crew on a special mission.

There's not a ton to say here, there's plenty of romance and action but this story pales in comparison to the previous two full length books.

There's a lot of female rage here so if that's your thing it's worth reading. I'd suggest you read this if you read the previous two books because I think what happens here is noteworthy enough to read through it.

[Christina | christinas.booknook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Novella was absolutely perfect. I was so excited to get back into one of my favorite worlds and now I need more Hekla! I’m really hoping that we will be getting her POV in future books in the Road of Bones series.

Not only did I love watching the character development but I loved the story of the mist and discovering more of this world. I thought the use of the flashbacks was a great way of expanding on the characters relationships. Eyvind was such a great match for Hekla watching them interact with each other and navigate the situation with the mist was so compelling.

Although this was a novella I feel like we got so much story and background as well as character development. This book is not a standalone and needs to be read as part of the series.

I enjoyed Hekla in the previous stories but now I love her!

Thank you so much to Demiwinters for the ARC!

Read if you like:
- Spooky mystery
- Strong Independent FMC
- Vikings
- Animal Companion
- Unique Magic

[Jess Hensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 2/5

I always loved Hekla, but this novella solidified her as my favorite side character ever written. Not only is she a fierce, capable warrior - she is the ultimate "girls girl." Never does she stray from her heart, always trying to do what's best and what is right. I loved getting a glimpse into her mind and getting a better understanding of who she is and why.

I really enjoyed learning more about the world and the most as well. I can't wait to see how this plot plays into book 3.

Demi Winters never misses - and this was no exception. Absolutely adored this!

[Sue Bush · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is how you do a novella.

gosh I missed Demi's writing. it has only been 3 months since I've read the first 2 books in the ashen and getting back into her writing just felt like a warm hug and a breath of fresh air.

IF DEMI HAS NO FANS I AM DED.

I loved this from the dedication to the last page.
"to every woman who's had her opinion disregarded because she lacks a certain appendage; who's had her passion brushed off and been deemed 'temperamental'; who's been told to smile, as though she needs to change herself to put others at ease. I put all my feminine rage into this one for you."

not only did the dedication already GET ME, I turn the page to fine a recap and a lil quote from Demi, "because who can remember what they read last week, let alone last year?"... SHE GETS IT.

this was the perfect tease before book 3. I have been foaming at the mouth for book 3 since I read the last page of Kingdom of Claw in Feburary 2025 but thank goodness we got something before 2026 or I might've not made it.

this was 180 ish pages and I would've easily read 300 more pages.

Hekla is a GIRLS GIRL and we love that here.
she is fierce, hardheaded, stubborn, empowering and a survivor - and just a girl trying to live in this world that would easily cast her aside. not only because she is a women warrior, but double disadvantage of being female and disabled. having to be "perfect" all the time or lose any respect she did garner. and showing us that letting your guard down / showing the "soft" parts is it's own form of bravery (and badassery).

I will say that I normally am *not* the biggest fan of flashbacks but this was EXPERTLY done esp in a novella as a way to drip us information and make all the feelings really be feeling!!!! the flashbacks truly allowed the character and development to deepen and it just overall enhanced the experience.

this whole series (which is my personality and don't you forget it) is an ode to women. truly and deeply. I absolutely adore that silla, saga, and hekla all have their unique form of strength and power and I can't wait to see where the rest of the series goes.

I also have to state that while I was empowered af, I was also kicking my feet and giggling as well and that's on RANGE. (and can we talk about how we now have rey, rurik, and now eyvind in this series??? thank u demi we love u!!!)

while at first, I was enraged when I flipped the last page and it said "the end [for now]"... it really was the best way to end the story and roll into book 3 without this novella feeling rushed or softening the impact.

I want to be like hekla. and silla. and saga. I want to stay in this world.
I miss it already. can't wait to get my silla tattoo.
ok. I guess i'll stop writing now but just know: THIS IS A BIG YES.

*you will have to have read the first two before reading this - it is not a standalone novella*

I cleared my TBR for june to ensure this book got first priority; however, I manifested this shiii and got an ARC for this. I was not asked to review or post about it - this is purely how I feel. I'm feral I fear.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hekla Rib Smasher, the woman you are!
With each book, I just fall more in love with the women in the series. And the plot!! The more this story unfolds the more gripped I am, the more I need to know what happens next. Also, so happy Eyvind 'The Fox' Hakonsson has been introduced as a character. I need more from him and his dynamic with Hekla. They were pure fire. I loved this, but also hate it because now the wait for book three is 100x worse!