Absolutely loved the second installment of the series. The growth of the characters, the two parallel sister love stories, the magic system. I highly recommend this book.

I have read at least 100 romantasy books in the last year. Many of them blend together, but this one was a stand out. Demi Winters delivers a master class that's different. 10/10 recommend!

“I know she’s a liar. She’s my liar though.”

I think this book has fallen to the sophomore slump a bit.

What I liked:

I enjoy the characters. We get a new POV which added more depth to the plot.

We do get a bit more about the magic in this world. There are still things I’m confused about, but I appreciate what we did learn.

What didn’t work for me:

The pace in this book felt agonizingly slow, with not a ton happening. Even though I like the characters, I felt bored for a lot of this one. I still enjoyed the story, but I think that this book could have been half as long as it was.

I received an e-arc from Delacorte Press. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title in exchange for my honest review!

I loved Road of Bones, and Kingdom of Claw was an excellent book 2 for the series! I loved the expansion of the world and characters from book one and really enjoyed getting Saga’s perspective added here. I did find myself missing a number of characters from book one but I’m hoping to see them more in future books.

Overall, highly recommend the Ashen Series to any fantasy romance lover!!!

4.5 rounded up to 5
This book is the second in a series. Read in order.

Following the events of The Road of Bones, Silla is on the run and struggling with newfound revelations. Can she trust Rey? Can she trust her own memories? Meanwhile Princess Saga decides that it is time to risk everything to take back her life and her kingdom. But is risking her heart the most dangerous choice of all?

Read if you like:
-Epic Romantasy
-Found Family
-Slow Burn
-Secrets
-Magic
-Viking inspired world

Demi Winters has pulled off the near impossible. She's written a sequel that is more compelling than the first. I could not put this book down. It just grabbed hold of me and didn't let go. Silla is still my favorite character, but Saga is a close second. I loved getting Saga's POV and learning about the pet princess finding her claws. She is smart and resourceful, but also not perfect. Her flaws fit her character perfectly and made for a compelling storyline. And Silla's arc coupled with the slow burn.... Yes. To all of it.

This series is a must read. I'll just be sitting here thinking hearthfire thoughts until book three comes out.

3.5 stars. It really took a lot of effort to get through it. It wasn’t a bad story but I felt bored. The first was way better and I may read the next one when it comes out just to continue the story.

After experiencing the captivating journey of The Road of Bones, I had no doubts that its sequel would be nothing short of extraordinary. And I was correct. The characters are incredibly well-developed and feel so authentic; it’s impossible not to either adore them or absolutely despise them! The world-building is masterfully done setting up for a much larger universe to unfold. And let’s not forget about the romance! It’s definitely a highlight and adds a delightful layer to the story.

While TRoB had a gradual beginning, KoC bursts onto the scene with an electrifying start and maintains that thrilling momentum throughout. There’s never a dull moment! This second book introduces new characters to the storyline. Expect plenty of unexpected twists, witty banter (both romantic and friendly), hidden secrets, heart-fluttering moments, and nail-biting suspense!

This book delves into heavier themes compared to TRoB, so it's important to approach it with the right mindset. Be sure to check the trigger warnings, as it certainly hits hard emotionally. However, I believe all the themes are treated with care and are executed well. I absolutely loved this installment and I’m impatiently waiting for book 3.

4.5/5 ⭐️ 2.5/5 🌶️

WOW! I wasn’t expecting the sequel to be SO good!! Demi did an amazing job with the character development, her way of writing to the world building and the plot twists! I had a great time with both books and look forward to the next one!

I didn’t enjoy the first book I still wanted to try the series but I don’t think it’s for me. I know a lot of people that would love this so I will be recommending it.

Silla and Rey are stuck traveling together as they are both wanted by the Klaernar. They make their way to Rey’s home village where he has vowed to never return. However, they need a place to hide and Silla needs help learning her Galdra. On the other side of the kingdom, Silla’s sister Saga is trapped in her gilded prison with the man who murdered her whole family. She starts doing minor acts of rebellion and spying while spending time with the visiting Zagadkians. Specifically Kassandr Rurik. Separately, the sisters do what they can to stay alive.

I really liked this book. But it did take me forever to read. I think that’s more a reflection of my personal life currently than the book, but also it was 586 pages. So just know going in it’s a commitment. We got Tamlin’d in the first book and I’m nervous we will be again. Also love / hate that we use Tamlin’d as a verb now. I enjoyed going between Silla and Saga’s storylines and was invested in their individual plots.

This is an absolutely amazing sequel, it is as good, if not better, than the first book!

In this book, we continue our journey with Silla, who is reeling from a harsh betrayal and the revelation of who she is. She flees Kopa with Rey to a safe village in the North, they rely on each other for support while Silla trains and becomes stronger. Meanwhile, we are introduced to Saga, who is a ward of the crown. Saga,driven to avenge her parents' deaths, seeks to dismantle the Queen's plans but must not be sidetracked by the mysterious Zagadkian dignitary who discovers too many of her secrets.

I adored this book, the tension and romance in the story is impeccable and had me kicking my feet with happiness. Demi Winters really knows how to write amazing found family relationships and had me in love with every single character.

If you crave a fantasy adventure filled with heart-pounding action, sizzling chemistry, and a touch of darkness, Kingdom of Claws is a must-read.

What a great Viking inspired fantasy story.

The start did not have convinced, but it did not take long before I was hooked and could not put it down

The FMC grows so much in this book and is a strong sunshine of a character.

There are so many slow reveals and twist that keeps you wanting more of this brutal world

Can not wait to read more

I really enjoyed the first book. This one was harder to get through. I felt the world was pretty original, I enjoyed the magic system.

Kingdom of Claw was a perfect sequel to The Road of Bones as we continue to expand the world and introduce new characters. This is a truly perfect fantasy romance. It gave everything and more. Betrayal. Angst. World-building. Intriguing characters with growth. Mystery and intrigue. It was a perfect balance of everything I could want in a book and I was left with a serious book hangover. I literally shed a few tears when I realized that it was over and I'd have to wait for book 3. I'll be yapping about this book and series for a long time.

Also, can every book in a series start with a recap at the beginning? I did read the books back to back but it is so helpful to ensure that I didn't miss anything important leading into the next book.

This sequel to ‘The Road of Bones’ is an absolute triumph that swept me off my feet! The emotional depth is staggering, especially as Silla navigates her complicated feelings for Reynir while mastering her magical powers. The tension crackles off the page, making every moment feel like a high-stakes battle, not just against external foes, but her own demons as well. I can't express how much I adored the rich world-building and the way the author weaves magic, betrayal, and destiny into a captivating narrative. My heart is still racing, and I’m already dying for the next instalment.This is a must-read for anyone who craves a blend of fierce women empowerment. romance and breathtaking fantasy.

Damn, just damn! I have so many questions and I need all the answers. I love the way that Demi Winters just keeps adding these little layers with every installment in this series. Each time you get increased high stakes plot lines, webs of relationships (romantic and platonic), devious political intrigue and alliances, and so much. This book is a seven layer dip of romantasy perfection and I am invested.

I loved getting the Silla's continued story of trying to discover more of this new side of herself -- a past that has been hidden for so long. Her journey has been a tough one, but I love seeing her character just get stronger and stronger. The introduction of Saga's story next to Silla's is so fun. It is interesting how different their experiences are based on what happened to them -- yet they both face so many challenges. I loved Saga's fire and fierceness.

All those romance vibes I just didn't feel in book one -- utter perfection in this book. I loved this budding relationship between Ray and Silla. It was interesting to watch them dance around each other, especially in the wake of the man-child who shall not be named in book one (he knows what he did). I am also intrigued to see where this back and forth between Saga and Kass goes -- especially in the wake of their last interactions (someone has some groveling to do). Demi truly added the romantic tension to this book in all the best ways.

The plot continues from book one, but adds so much more, especially as seen through Saga's POV. I am intrigued to see how this fight for the kingdom will shape up over the course of the whole series.

That last 20 percent. WHOA. My questions have questions. I need book 3 immediately to clear up some of this burning need to know questions. I can't wait to see where Demi takes this story next!

4.5/5

I loved the plot recap refresher before book 2 started. I hope all the following ones have this.

I loved the main characters and the multiple POVs. Such an unique world and magic system. I will say, I missed the blood axe crew. We spent so much time with them in book 1 and I wanted more of them in this book.

Too many elements that became confusing and overwhelming. I know there are 3 more books to go but this had too many loose ends and plot holes.

Kingdom of Claw was the book we needed for the follow up of The Road of Bones.

This book was giving A Court of Mist and Fury meets Two Twisted Crowns and I ate it up.

The character growth and journeys we perfect.

I was a little apprehensive since a new character came into play, but it was done so beautifully.

Demi Winters will be an auto buy author for me,

✨Kingdom of Claw✨

REYYYYYY. That’s all I have to say. Holy smokes. This book was on my mind constantly as I struggled to do adulting. It plagued me and I was up in the early hours to finish. I NEEDED answers. All those secrets in book one coming to light in the best kind of way!! Demi is a master at this epic tale, romance, and sisterhood.

In book two of the Ashen series, we begin right where we left off in Road of Bones and we get new POVs! We have two lives we get to experience, each coalescing so beautifully, and we see our women (and men!) struggle to find peace and hope in not only their pasts, but their present and future. The growth in Rey and Silla is just so incredible. The humor and light and grumpiness is all there. And the relationship that develops is 👩‍🍳 💋. And our sweet Saga! We see her conquer fear, her cage, and explore the new visitors from Zagadka. Demi did WONDERS with Kass and his language barrier. I loved it so much. It was funny and sweet. Reminded me of Tisaanah from Daughter of No Worlds and to make something like that seem so seamless and effortless is phenomenal.

In this sequel, you will get EVERYTHING you want and need. Sloooow burn. All the angst and tension. Giggles. Frustration. Spice. Chickens! Two romances. And a plot that keeps you drawn to the pages and avoiding life in a completely immersive way.

Tropes you may find in KOC are reluctant allis to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, mental health rep, forced proximity, who did this to you?, golden retriever MMC, hidden identities and powers, deeper world building, more found family, medium spice, political intrigue, and an ending that has me hanging on by a thread for book three.

Thank you, @demiwinterswrites , for letting me be a part of your street team. For this gifted arc from netgalley and the opportunity to meet these wonderful and unforgettable characters!

I enjoyed this one even more then the first book! It just keeps getting better and better!!

Things I liked
-The character growth!!!!!! everyone is growing
-THE LOVE!!
-The magic system
-Found family
-Vikings
-"your safe, I have you"!!!!!
-NEW POVs

I absolutely love the Demi included the recap for book one at the start. I finished book 1 and immediately read book 2 but the recap helped me to recall everything that happened in book 1.

I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!