This book was fast paced and so fun! I love a good adventure book where there's things happening the whole time instead of only building up to one big event at the end. Silla is such a loveable character and her relationships with all the other characters is one of the highlights of the book. I love the genre bending of historical fiction and fantasy and the perfect amount of romance. This is a must read for fantasy romance lovers and I can not wait for the rest of the series!

I had such a good time reading this book a lot and didn’t want it to end! I really enjoyed:
* the unique world and magic system,
* the truly well-developed characters that make decisions the reader can understand and have great character arcs & growth,
* the perfect balance of plot and romance, and
* really satisfying plot twists.
I’ll admit it took some effort to keep up with all the characters and mysteries at first (maybe because I started with the audiobook - switching to the physical book helped), but once I was into it I didn’t want to put it down. I really enjoyed the direction the romance took, and despite all my efforts to figure out the mysteries, I was pleasantly surprised by the plot twists.

I would absolutely recommend this book to a friend.
I’ve since read book 2 and also had a great time reading it. Looking forward to the rest of this series!

I’ll also add that the comparisons to “A fate inked in blood” do not do this book justice, if only because “The road of bones” is better written and while the romance is part of the plot, it does not drive the plot nor does the plot ever feel conveniently written around the romance.

Omg I’m speechless. I completely devoured this book. I literally stayed up until 4 am reading because I just couldn’t put it down. From the very first page I was pulled into the story and became immersed in the world. The entire premise and magic system was so unique and intriguing. I can’t wait to learn more about it.

I am REELING from the ending!!! The freaking betrayal!! I wanted to chuck my book at the wall. Thank goodness Kingdom of Claw is already out or else I would lose my mind.

If you’re a romantasy lover, PLEASE read this book!!

I really enjoyed this book. It felt simultaneously well written, well plotted out, and had that electric page turning x-factor that the best romantasy books have. you really don't always get all three in this genre. Will I still be thinking about this book in a month? maybe not, but it delivered a unique plot, well fleshed out characters, and the fun makings of possibly several romances. It was a fun read, I recommend.

I loved it. I really enjoyed the storyline, I enjoyed the FMC growth, and I had a really hard time putting it down. And after that ending…. Plot twist! I cannot wait for book 2!

One of my favorite booktok-er's raved about this book, and I am glad I read it! It made me feel, it made me think, and it kept me guessing. There were actually 2 things that happened that I didn't see coming AT ALL, but instead of them feeling out of place, they were laid out so expertly. I was really impressed. Part of what brought down the star rating for me was that I didn't like the FMC for a chunk of the book, or her love interest - but after finishing the book I can see what groundwork the author was laying. I am REALLY looking forward to book 2.

"I wanted him to know--he did not break me, as that was never his choice to make. I wanted to see the moment he realized that everything he had done to me--every slap, every punch, every kick--was kindling. It built me up into a raging wildfire, and now it was time for him to burn."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Five stars is not enough. I was up until 4:30 reading this masterpiece. I am too old and have too many responsibilities to be doing that, people! But THIS BOOK made me throw caution to the wind. Vikings. Magic. Vikings. All the chemistry. Vikings. Phenomenal side characters. Did I mention the vikings? I had the great opportunity to read this as an ARC when it was initially indie and my love for it in that time has not dwindled. I share about this book (and the second one) at every opportunity and cannot wait to see what else Demi puts out.
Well done, Penguin, for seeing the brilliance that Winters is.