eArc copy provided by NetGalley and Random House.

This story was a great continuation of the first novel, Road of Bones. The writing and character development kept me hooked throughout the story. The additional lore about the magic system, giving more life to different areas in the world, and the introduction of the current rules gave the story a more real feeling. And the setting of the northern town gave this book a great winter-y feel.

There were so many time when this book had me screaming at it, throwing it across my bed, and even having to put it down to process what exactly happened. The romance that Saga's story had was amazing, giving it a nice forbidden romance feeling that involved both a easy to see plot twist and one that had me wondering if the magic system in each of the areas is different. Shifters is NOT something I was expecting, yet thinking back on my knowledge of Viking-esque magic, it makes sense. And Silla FINALLY gets her revenge on Jonas and gets together with Rey! Her character development, the side plot with the serpent, everything about it was amazing.

The only thing I can really fault this book for is some of the POV switching. I am not a fan of POV switches in general, however where this book faults in when it switches POVs. While the switching between Silla and Saga works very well for the start and the end of the book, there were many times in the middle of the story when it switched from Silla to Saga that made me want to just skip Saga's story to return to Silla learning how to master her magic. Then this switched to me wanting to know more about Saga's plotting within the castle, finding many of the 'karate kid style' side-quests to be rather dull. This really didn't lessen until I was about 80% through the book when the two stories had similar pacing and events happening. Towards the end of the book, the POV switching was rather entertaining, with each story matching each other in terms of stakes the the characters had to deal with in their respective locations.

I cannot WAIT for the next the one. The cliffhangers that Silla and Saga were left on has made me think of all of the possible ways that the story could go. With the Dark One infesting both of their minds, Saga off to a different nation, is Jonas really dead? Everything in the ending of this story was absolutely perfect.

I am beyond obsessed with this! I loved the first book but this sequel was shockingly even better (trust me, I didn't see that coming with how much I loved book 1)! Winters writing is just so flawless and the character development was amazing. If I could give this 10 stars I would!

I love the Ashen series! Kingdom of Claw is a fantastic follow up to The Road of Bones! I especially love that the author included a recap of what happened in book 1. And I liked the short chapters; I am a short chapter girlie.

This story has so many twists and turns! I feel like there is a nice balance of foreshadowing so I could guess where things were going while others still took me totally by surprise.

Silla and Rey's banter had me kicking my feet, squealing with delight. The training scenes between them, oh my god. I want more, I need more, I'll never be tired of reading them.

I really felt for Saga. She has endured so much and is genuinely alone. And her relationship with Kassandr intrigued me. It's clear there is so much about him Saga doesn't know and it kept me on the edge my seat trying to figure it out.

I wish the Bloodaxe Crew had been in this book, but I'm holding out hope they will pop back up in a later book. And speaking of the bloodaxe crew... Jonas. I hate that man. I know he's not the main villain but wow the hate I have cultivated for this toxic piece of crap is immense.

I found the plot and pacing strong and consistent. The plot is complex with a lot of moving pieces but well handled. I could go on and on about many elements but I'll leave it here. I had a freaking fantastic time reading this book and can't wait for the next.

Thanks to Demi Winters, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for the advance copy.

4 Stars - A Strong Sequel Full of Secrets and Intrigue

"Kingdom of Claw" by Demi Winters is a captivating sequel that plunges readers right back into the immersive, Norse-inspired world of Íseldur. The characters are, without a doubt, the highlight of this book. Silla and Reynir’s tense, layered relationship is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I found myself rooting for them even when they were at odds. Saga Volsik’s fiery determination and the growing mystery surrounding her story added even more depth to the narrative.

The setting is incredibly well-crafted, with Winters’ world-building creating an atmosphere so vivid and detailed that it practically leaps off the page. The slow pacing, especially in the early chapters, did hold me back from giving this a full 5 stars, but once the story gained momentum, I was hooked. The stakes are high, the magic is thrilling, and the secrets kept me turning pages until the very end.

"Kingdom of Claw" is a fantastic continuation of the series, with strong character development and a richly imagined world. Highly recommended for fans of fantasy with complex characters and intricate plots!

I received an advance review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.

Silla Nordvig’s journey continues in Kingdom of Claw-Silla and Reynir are in Kalasgarde, trying to stay hidden as she learns to master her galdur. In addition to learning to control her magic, Silla finds she must learn to cope with the grief and guilt she carries and step into who she has always been. Reynir is determined to help Silla in any way he can but he his own struggles and hurdles to overcome.

Meanwhile, in Sunnavik, Saga is determined to help keep her sister safe and far from the Queen. She must tread carefully though, as she is surrounded by enemies who slaughtered her family, stole her throne, endanger her people, and control her fate. When her plans and scheming cross paths with a visiting dignitary, Saga finds an unlikely ally with a dangerous allure who offers to help her.

Kingdom of Claw has excellent character development, darkness and mystery, power struggles, political maneuvering, and multi-POV. Ending on a cliffhanger, Kingdom of Claw will have you begging for the next book!!

I cannot wait to read book 3. this series was so good. i loved following these characters on their journey and I can't wait to read more.

As a big fan of ROAD OF BONES I was absolutely thrilled to receive the ebook of this sequel! This is a viking inspired fantasy series that is WONDERFUL. Quest, mystery, found magic, revenge, strong female characters - there is so much to love here and I cannot wait to see how the series continues. I can't wait to get this hardcover to be on my shelf next to Road of Bones. Kingdom of Claw is simply wonderful, highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

I enjoyed book 2 much much more than book 1! I do think this book was slower paced compared to book one, but was less redundant as the entire plot did not take place on the road like book 1. I LOVED saga!!! So excited to learn more about her. What’s up with Rorik though is he ok he seems unwell. I can’t wait for more character development!
I am very sad book 3 will be a Bloodaxe novella … although I am curious what they’re up to I need the next installment of saga & stilla!
This book built very well on the story from book 1 and I enjoyed it.

This book follows to heroines hell bent on vegence and freedom. It has Vikings love interests, betrayl, lies, and multiple POVs. Through every characters POV, readers start to piece together startling realizations that leave you gasping at ever page turn. This isn’t your run of the mill viking, fantasy romance. It’s so much more!

My mind is still connecting the dots on everything so I will be back with a more comprehensive review but WOW. thank you netgalley and Delacorte press for this ARC

TLDR: 4/5

I had an amazing time reading this book and would highly recommend if you want a twisty lore based second novel. The characters grow even more than they did in the past book. But I did feel like certain parts of the story or repetitive and on the lower side which wasn’t great for pacing.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. Amazing follow up to Road of Bones. WOW. Somehow this was better than the first. Obsessed and can’t stop talking about this book!

"Surrender to your past. Do not give power to things you cannot change." "Words are easy," said Silla. Harpa's sigh was long and weary. It was clear even she was tired of this routine. "Tis true," said Harpa, much to Silla's surprise. "Even the bravest of warriors still struggle with such things."

Excuse me as I stare off in the distance for the next 5-7 business days while I recover from this book. I was so scared to start this because of how quickly and intensely Winters' first book "Road of Bones" consumed me... and the sequel was no different. Both books had me up ALL NIGHT (like.... literally pulling an all nighter) and I have young kids!!!! Sleep is important in this house--but putting down anything Winter's writes is IMPOSSIBLE. They need to come with a warning.
Now having more POV’s, I was so enthralled by EVERYONE’s that I was upset literally every single time it switched over. I was worried I wasn't going to like book two as much since I was obsessed with Rey and Silla and didn't know these new POV's, but that worry was for nothing because I laughed, audibly gasped out loud numerous times (startling my husband a few times), and just overall LOVED the stories Demi is building within the pages. Everything about this series is just… chef’s kiss.
I was a fan when Demi was indie and I am SO happy and proud she is getting the recognition she deserves and I will be counting down until we get the next book!!

Kingdom of Claw
5⭐️3🌶️

Adult Fantasy Romance
Viking inspired
20yo FMC
Multi POV
Sister story
Disabled Side Characters
Unique Magic System
Slow burn
Found Family
Complicated Characters
Secret Identities
Forced Proximity
Training
Rebels

Tw: suicidal thoughts, discussed cannibalism, torture, emotional abuse, kidnapping


That ending?!?! I am deceased. When is the next book out, because I need it!

The recap at the beginning was very nice! 2 pages worth, so you don’t have to reread The Road of Bones.

This was a great second book. It didn’t have the slower start that TRoB did. You are dropped right into the thick of things.

I think we lost a little of the drive in Silla’s story as she trained and mastered her powers. It’s a necessary part (and at least it was realistic and she wasn’t a pro right away) of her journey, but it slowed down her momentum and allowed the story to dive into her character growth, while quietly
Laying the groundwork for the overarching plot. Hopefully the next book will help things pick back up for her arc.

The new Saga POV makes the story so interesting. I’m so invested in this sister story. The story plot staggering was really well done. It brought the tension that was missing from Silla’s plot. Her backstory was heartbreaking.

A LOT of new world building was introduced. I’m wary of how much, but interested to see how it all rolls together.

Having a villain story arc was SO good! I loved to hate them in this book. That’s how you know it is a good villain. But the glimpse of the true “Big Bad” means there is so much more to come!

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine, Dellacorte Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.


The Ashen Series
The Road of Bones- 4.75⭐️3🌶️
Kingdom of Claw- 4.75⭐️3🌶️

Okay so the first book was a solid five stars for me. This book? 10? 20? How many starts above 5 can I go?? This was flawless. The different points of view were so engaging. Normally with split POV between FMCs like this, I end up having a favorite and struggling through the other one but this one, I was hooked to both Saga and Eisa! Watching their continued development and the furthering of the plot that seemed surface level initially but kept getting deeper and deeper had me so enthralled I couldn’t put it down! Easily a favorite, and a book I will recommend to all those I can!

I loved this series,
The first book The road of bones I ate it up, I will forever recommend.
So good, But kingdom of claws, I NEED MORE! (For reals when is the next coming out)
At first I wasn't really into following her sister Saga, but I ended up loving her once I got to know more of her back story.
I have so many emotions for poor saga and the rage I feel from Rurik.....
I really think the story played out beautifully between the two sisters.
Still hate Jonas, But my beautiful boy Rey, I Love him!
over all I give this book a 4.5 I will for ever cherish these books and I can not wait to read more!

I love this book so much. The story has so much heart and excitement.

Silla’s story started off slow as the story was established, then it picked up and I couldn’t put it down. This book has some of my favourite characters ever in any book, including Hekla!

If you like found family romantasy books with moderate spice, I highly recommend!

Oh boy where to even begin. Let’s just say the amount of times I debated DNFing this book was high. However, BookTok love of this series forced me to persevere. Overall, I don’t regret reading this but sadly I believe this is the end of my journey with this series.

THE PROS
- Silla, I enjoyed her POVs much more than I did in book 1. In the first book I found her to be childish and naive. However, In “Kingdom of Claw” we got to see her develop into a bad ass warrior accepting her past and what is to come. Her chapters were literally the only one I had any desire reading.
- Silla & Reys relationship. I love these two together and have shipped them since book 1. So of course I loved seeing them develop and flourish.

THE CONS
- the pacing. I had this same issue with book 1 and apparently we get to do it all over again with book 2. Both of them are extremely slow in pacing. And nothing of interest really happens until about 47% of the book. Instead we are given “filler” training montages as I like to call them. In those moments nothing happens plot wise, there is some character development during those scenes but not enough to truly mean anything.
- Multiple POVs. Listen I’m here for different storylines but in this book I honestly couldn’t care less. Especially Jonas POV. His flip from friend to back stabbing villain A-Hole just didn’t do it for me. He honestly just reminded me of man throwing a temper tantrum after not getting his way. Every time we were forced to read from his perspective I honestly found myself skimming along.
- I miss the rest of the Bloodaxe Crew. They were so prevalent to the story in book 1 and for them to be suddenly absent in book 2 was disappointing. I know it was slightly justified but I’m still bitter.


OVERALL VERDICT
- I think if you are a fan of Norse/Viking Fantasy Novels this is perfect for you. For me this series doesn’t have enough to keep me caring enough to continue on. Again I don’t regret reading this and I will definitely check out more Demi Winters books in the future. For now I am hanging up my hat on The Ashen series. Lastly big thank you to NetGalley & Random House Publishing for providing me an e-arc to read and review.

Thank you so much Net Galley for the ARC. This book was stellar.

I loved the first book and was worried the second wouldn’t fill its footsteps but it sure did! I stayed up way too late, multiple nights in a row, trying to finish this one. It felt like there was something keeping me invested on every page.

Initially I wasn’t the biggest fan of the Saga POV but it did grow on me, especially at the end.

I honestly couldn’t even make cohesive thoughts after finishing this one and had to take a few days before I could write this review. It was just so good. I had to start another book immediately or I knew I’d be stuck in a book hangover.

I’m so excited for the rest of the series and I cannot wait to see how everything ties together.

I wanted to like this so much more than I did. It’s not that I didn’t like it. There was just so much hype surrounding it being better than the first book and it has been compared to some of my favorite fantasy and romantasy books, I fear I went in with too-high expectations and disappointed myself.

The things I liked about the last book still worked for me in this one: the immersive setting, the developing magic system, Rey. I also enjoyed the additional POVs and expanse of the world and political elements.

BUT…
The pacing of this book was agonizingly slow, in my opinion. As a result, it took me weeks to read it because I was bored a lot of the time and when I wasn’t bored, I just wasn’t ever invested. I also missed the Bloodaxe Crew.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC.

I am not surprised in the least that I loved this book even more than the first in the series. Did I find myself taking my sweet time to finish because I kept going back reread my favorite parts? Why yes, yes I did. It’s completely binge worthy and the romance kicks up while still keeping the narrative very character and plot focused I loved that the story had me feeling all the feelings and kept me guessing at quite a bit for the majority of the book. So much depth to the story telling and I loved the new characters we were introduced to! The last 15-20% was mind blowing. I was completely unwell and will need 3-5 business days to process. Lol. I will be absolutely feral for the next book.