Thank you, Demi Winters and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Delacorte Press for making the uncorrected proof of this ebook freely available via NetGalley.

The Road of Bones is, apparently, the author's debut publication. It was first published (self-published?) in 2023 and was later picked up for traditional publication. It is the first in a series of which 2 books were already released, though the 2nd was removed from Kindle Unlimited, pending the repub. I don't know if there were any changes to the text in this newest version.

The plot and the Viking inspo sounded interesting, but it turned out to be a long, repetitive trip on a road with a dangerous rep. Despite that rep, the the animal dangers (creepy vampire/zombie animals) were quickly vanquished and most of the trip was spent on talking, setting up camp, cooking, a little combat training and flirting/sex. I grew tired of the FMC lying about everything, then apologizing while STILL lying and putting other people in danger. I didn't really care for the love triangle because it seemed pretty obvious how it was going to go..

It didn't help that after a decent jump start, the pacing in the 1st two thirds was so slow. Luckily, it picked up in the last 3rd, though there were a couple of plot "twists" that fell flat for me. The epilogue was a lead-in to the sequel. I sort of wish they had left it out or just included it with the next book.

So, it was okay but I don't feel super motivated to continue the series, especially if it's really going to be 5 books as I've heard.

This book had me flying through and I'm so glad that I had book two. I really enjoyed the characters and the world building. It also ended on such a cliffhanger.

Overall, 3 stars! The first 50-70% dragged for me, then it picked up. The last 10% and the epilogue was a full 5 star read! I am interested enough to consider continuing the series.

The Road of Bones is a Viking inspired fantasy romance. The FMC is Silla who is running for her life after her father is killed. Silla ends up traveling North with the Bloodaxe Crew - a crew of deadly mercenaries who have been tasked with finding a mysterious monster that is killing people. The leader of the Bloodaxe Crew, Rey or Axe Eyes, is suspicious and hostile towards Silla. His right hand man, Jonas or Wolf, takes a romantic interest in Silla as they travel.

There are a couple of mysteries - who is Silla? Who are her parents? Why does she need to drug herself? Who is the little blond girl she keeps seeing and talking to? Why is the Queen hunting Silla?

I liked getting to unravel the questions and start piecing it all together.

My biggest complaint is the pacing. Like I said earlier, at least the first half dragged as the characters just traveled along the road. There was some romance, some action, and bits and pieces of the larger mystery revealed, but it was just too slow for me. The big action and reveals came too late, but overall, I think it was worth it!

Read this if you enjoy:
-Vikings
-multiple POVs
-found family
-secret identities

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Delacorte Press for this eARC!

Vikings, magic, and romance? Sign me up! This story was filled with mystery and action which I loved along with a heroine who is working to find herself in the midst of tragedy and trauma. I loved how the protagonist's character grew and evolved throughout the story along with her relationship with the other characters throughout the story. This book was filled with twists and turns, some of which I saw coming while others took me by surprise. I loved how complex each character was with their motivations and actions. It was hard to truly root for certain characters at times yet it was easy to feel for them due to the complexity of their character. It was also interesting to see how the backstories of each character unfolded throughout.

While I enjoyed this story, I found the pacing to be a little off throughout. At times, I couldn't stop reading but at other times the story seemed to never end. I also felt like the story lost its goal and the plot began to meander towards the middle. And because this is such a long book, I wished there would have been a bit more action. After all, you can only read so much about people traveling down the road before it becomes a bit redundant. But, the characterization and surprise plot twists and turns made up for those small short falls.

Overall, Winter's created a well fleshed out world with well rounded characters in this story. Though at times the story meandered, the twists and turns of the story and its characters made it a fun read and a great opening to a series that I can't wait to see unfold.

INCREDIBLE 10/10 NO NOTES! The Road of Bones will easily be one of my top favorite books for this year. If you love a slow burn fantasy romance, Vikings, and Norse mythology, I highly recommend.

The world-building in this story had me absolutely hooked from the beginning! If, like me, you were disappointed earlier this year by another Viking-inspired fantasy romance, fear not—this is the book for you! The multiple POVs were an unexpected joy, allowing us to grow with the characters and better understand their motivations. The Bloodaxe Crew was easily my favorite part; I love those rough-around-the-edges monster hunters! The pacing did slow a little towards the end, but otherwise, I was engaged the entire time.

Silla had her ups and downs for me, and I’m hoping to see more growth in book two. Her inexperience with the world and naivety also made the romance feel a bit off. At times, there was just a little too much testosterone for it not to feel somewhat infantilizing. That might just be me picking up on the wrong things, though! There were a couple of other minor issues that didn’t quite resonate with me, but it would be too spoilery to mention them here. I will absolutely be continuing this series, though, and I look forward to seeing where Silla's journey takes her!

Why didn't I read this sooner? This was AMAZING! So refreshing and I cannot wait for the next book.

Alas I will wait but this is a book that is worth your time to try. The romance, the character development and the magic in this was suburb.

I wish there was more time spent on the magic system because there were hints that there was layers to it but not fully explained. I am hoping that the next book will go more in depth with the book.

“Let them think us lambs, when truly, we are wolves.”

Wow, I completely devoured this book! As a romantasy lover, I knew this book would be perfect for me. I even downloaded the Audible version so I could continue reading while on my way to work lol. The plotline, characters, and world building are fantastic. There’s action, adventure, tension, and banter that keep the story flowing. The continual intrigue waiting to see if Silla gets caught or if the Bloodaxe crew will find out who she really is kept me on the edge of my seat. Not to mention, the twists and betrayals at the end of this book have me shook! I knew there would be a crazy twist but I did not expect all of that! I cannot wait to read the next book!

If you love romantasy with Viking vibes and magic, read this book! I definitely recommend picking this up!

Trops:
✨️Enemies to lovers
✨️Multiple POV
✨️Hidden identity
✨️Forced proximity
✨️Magic
✨️Found family
✨️Touch her and 💀
✨️Lies and betrayals

A wonderful viking romantasy that felt like a mixture of A Fate Inked in Blood and One Dark Window.

Like A Fate Inked in Blood because it is Vikings with some spice, One Dark Window because it is a little dark and exists in a world where people are hunted down for their magic but the government might just be using magic to their own advantage.

If you are looking something that feels like you are on the adventure with the characters this is perfect. As the name hints- they spend a lot of time on the road (very Tolkien) but also stop in interesting places and have problems all along. The main character starts the book by discovering that the man she thought was her father was lying to her the whole time and from that point on she has to do a lot of lying herself and discovers even more about her true identity.

I really enjoy the relationships in this book, both romantic and platonic, and when I say, you will be shocked by how it ends up- believe me! I look forward to book 2.

Finally one of my fave moments:
"Do not get comfortable,"
"Oh, but being bound to a tree and having my life threatened is such a comfort"
"Some women enjoy the rope" ;)

This was a wild ride through a Norse-inspired world that will had me white-knuckled as Silla races death itself down the most terrifying, danger filled path-- The Road of Bones. What starts as a desperate stowaway attempt with the mercenaries of the Bloodaxe Crew explodes into epic battles, growth from the brave yet kind Sila, and eventually found family amongst the crew. There is some fantastically done tension filled romance laced in, and I am very eager to find where it goes with book 2. I knew that I would love this book, but add in a plot twist that blindsided me, I DEFINITELY am going to continue this series.... and anything else Demi Winters puts out.

PS. Authors that include maps and a glossary that are easily referenced get my respect.

I didn’t realize that The Road of Bones was previously published, but is now being picked up by a major publishing company. I never read the original publication, so I’m not sure if there’s any differences between the two or not. HOWEVER, I’m not surprised it was picked up because this was so, so good!

This book had it all: angst, sorrow, heartbreak, found family, secrets, lies, betrayals, VIKING mercenaries with a hint of romance?! The list goes on.

I loved Silla, and I absolutely cannot wait to see where her story goes. This book is truly just a stepping stone for the rest of the series and the potential for growth and epic journeys and finding one’s true self is THERE.

Since this ✨is✨ a spoiler-free review, I can’t talk too much about the plot and/or characters without risking giving away too much.

Overall, The Road of Bones was an intriguing fantasy novel with secrets, lies, betrayals, plot twists that I wasn’t expecting and more! I thoroughly enjoyed this fantasy debut.

Before reading, I would check the trigger warnings. There’s several potential triggers, including loss of a loved one, addiction, domestic violence/abuse, violence, etc.

And finally - thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Delacorte Press for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I DEVOURED Demi’s book, Road of Bones!! The plot was unique and the characters felt fresh from a lot of fantasy romances I’ve read this year.

I quickly fell in love with all the characters. I thought the plot/romance twist where she gets betrayed by her first lover was a WIN! Such a unique take on all the other stories floating around. Rey was such a surprise and IM THRILLED ABOUT IT. I’m SO excited to see what Rey’s, Silla’s and the whole Bloodaxe crew future awaits!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. I am utterly obsessed with this book. Beautifully written, intricate characters, and the story felt so fresh. Absolutely ate this up!

I was prepared to read through this as I have many fantasy works this year — quickly and with frustrations about pacing, a properly fleshed out world, characterizations, etc. I honestly had none of that here! It was such a breath of fresh air, a work that actually had me invested and connected to the characters & world. Each twist took me by surprise, which is not easy as I tend to call things quite early.

For the first time in months, I’m impatiently awaiting the sequel!

Thank you for access to this ARC.

This story has a little bit of everything without feeling too trope-y. We have hidden identities, forbidden magic, Vikings, romance, mystery, travel, fighting, monsters, and forced proximity. But it’s all weaved together well.

Silla is on the run, but she’s not sure why. With her father killed and the queen hunting for her, she’s trying to make her way north to safety. She stows away in a wagon, but much to her dismay it’s the wagon of the fierce Bloodaxe Crew. The mercenaries agree to let her travel The Road of Bones with them on their mission.

I loved the atmosphere of a creepy road, monsters, and mystery. Silla is a bit naive but grows stronger throughout the story. There were a couple reveals I had guessed, but there were others that I did not see coming. I’m definitely looking forward to book 2 for answers and hopefully romance with a certain character

3.75-4/5

I'll be honest, it was really slow to start and I did contemplate DNFing a couple of times. I'm glad I stuck with it though as once it picks up it's an entertaining read that constantly had me wanting to know more. I will say that a lot of the names were similar and it took me a while to discern who was who. It has left me curious enough to want to read the second book, which I have already purchased!

The Road of Bones by Demi Winters
Book 1 in The Ashen Series

Thank you so much to Dellromance for this ARC. All opinions are my own

Wow.. I LOVED this book! I am not usually one to pick up Norse/Viking fantasy stories but I am so so so happy I picked up this Romantasy.

Vikings ~ hidden identity ~ grumpy/sunshine (my FAV) ~found family ~ and oh my the plot twists that I didn’t see coming.

Synopsis: When her father is killed, his last words set Silla on a perilous quest: travel the treacherous Road of Bones–a thousand-mile stretch haunted by warbands, creatures of darkness, and a mysterious murderer–and go to Kopa, where a shield-house awaits her

Okay, this was a 5 STAR read for me. I was pretty quickly immersed in the story and honestly never got bored. There was just the right amount of intrigue, I kept reading because I wanted to know what was going to happen.

Romance: Loved it, I kept wondering where things were going because the author did a great job at giving you little tiddles of information that make you go “Hmmm..”

Plot: Very engaging. I really was intrigued by the magic system and can’t wait to learn more.

I will be picking up book 2 asap!

3.5!

I almost DNFd this at 20% because it was NOT catching my attention. Then it got good. And again I almost DNFd it at 80% because it was SOOOO redundant. But then it got GOOD GOOD.

I have a love hate with this book because I enjoyed the premise and all around storyline, but it was rushed on some places and dragged out in others.

Silla was sometimes insufferable. All her lies. Like she barely even know what was really happening so why did she keep so hush about it.

Jonas. My hot blonde man. He was so grumpy. I loved it but what I didn’t love was the ending and how he did her so dirty. If they get together in book 2, I’m going to be LIVID.

Reluctant allies? To lovers. To enemies.

If you like lies and secrets to the point of insanity, this is for you.

Thank you Random House and Demi Winters for the advanced copy!

This story unfortunately fell flat for me. My main thought after finishing is that this was presented as a fantasy romance, and it is NOT a romance. So don't be caught off guard if that is what you're looking for, and it's why I have knocked off the stars. It really was not what it was presented. The scope of the world felt limited, and though the politics seemed to be driving the events of the story, they were only alluded to and felt like a shaky foundation. The characters were complicated and interesting and were struggling with compelling internal demons, but unfortunately it wasn't enough to really carry the story, and some of the characters read a little young. I love Viking-inspired work so sadly I was disappointed.

Of all the supply wagons in all the world, Silla Nordvig just had to hide in the one belonging to the notorious Bloodaxe Crew.

But really, what’s a scared and severely underprepared girl supposed to do when she suddenly finds herself on the run after her dad is killed in front of her? Why were these people out to kill them? What did they want with her? All Silla knows (as any woman with any sense in her would know) is that it probably isn’t anything good, and so she’s just aiming to follow her dad’s last instructions. How was she supposed to know whose wagon she’d climbed into?

I was intrigued by the premise for this book, even though the blurb subtly indicated one of my dreaded tropes: the love triangle. Sometimes love triangles work for me and sometimes they don’t. I was also very interested in the assassin factor (I’m a sucker for assassins) and the other obstacles the characters might face on their journey. I saw an opportunity for found family vibes, and I love that in my epic fantasies.

I feel like so much of this book could have been remedied if one factor hadn’t thrown a wrench into the works: I didn’t like Silla Nordvig, and that’s a huge problem. When you are reading an epic fantasy book series centered around a female main character and the whole plot revolves around her, it becomes a necessity to at least like her a bit. I didn’t even like her a bit. Out of all the characters in the book she’s the one I liked the least, and that just isn’t going to work.

The love triangle vibes are more than a little subtle, but mostly sway one way for this book. I actually liked this aspect of the plot in this case, shockingly. I really liked the assassin factor, but I ultimately think all of the awesomeness of this character was wasted. The obstacles on the road were ultimately fun, diverting, and added a lot of interest and engagement in places where the plot would have fallen flat. And yes, there were found family vibes I enjoyed.

I won’t be continuing with this series because it just isn’t going to work for me, but I can see why a lot of people love this book. If you love the FMC, you’ll likely end up enjoying the whole book.

I was provided a copy of this title by the publisher and author via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. All reviews rated three stars and under will not appear on my social media. Thank you.