I am officially obsessed with this series! I was lucky enough to be able to jump right from The Road of Bones into Kingdom of Claw, and this sequel did not disappoint!

I’m always a bit wary when a new POV is added after the start of a series, but the addition of Saga’s perspective to this story was perfection. I loved following both her and Silla’s individualized journeys. The world building in this series is extraordinarily complex and I loved learning more about all the politics at play. The romances too were everything I look for in a romantasy.

My only complaint is that I don’t have the next book at my fingertips. I loved everything about this book and series. It’s immersive and empowering. A must read!

Thank you to Netgalley, Dell Romance, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the Road of Bones and really looked forward to the second book in the series but was unsure if it would live up to expectations. While I felt that Silla's storyline was a little slow at times this book and I missed the other members of the bloodaxe crew, I was enthralled by the new characters. I think Saga may actually be my new favorite in the series and Kassandr is so much fun to read. I cannot wait for the next book!

**Book Review: *Kingdom of Claw***
**4 Stars**
Thank you to: NetGalley, Delacorte press and Demi Winters, for providing me with an ARC copy of this book.

*Kingdom of Claw* continues the journey of Silla and Rey as they navigate protecting their identities, hiding their secrets, and forging crucial alliances. While the book introduces several likable new characters and an intriguing second storyline (I won’t spoil too much, but there’s a mysterious force snatching people that Rey is determined to uncover), the pacing is noticeably slower than its predecessor, *Road of Bones*.

One of the main shifts in this installment is the very slow-burn romance between Silla and Rey. Additionally, a new perspective is introduced through Saga, whose storyline and romance were a strong point. However, this book does feel like a transitional "middle book"—laying a lot of groundwork with new characters and expanding the potential directions the story can take.

Unfortunately, fans of the Blood Axe crew may be disappointed, as they are largely absent in this book. I also missed the humorous banter and the grumpy/sunshine dynamic from the first book, with Silla feeling more subdued here.

That said, while *Kingdom of Claw* didn’t quite reach the heights of *Road of Bones*, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and am definitely invested in continuing the series. With the promise of a 5-book arc, I’m eager to see how everything unfolds.

Spice: 3/5
Romance: 5/5
Multiple POV
Enemies to lovers

I was nervous coming into this book because I did not want to read from Saga’s POV as I felt like I only had enough room in my heart for Silla but after reading one chapter from her point of view I immediately fell in love with her and wanted more.
Silla had so much growth in this book. I am so proud of who she is and how strong she has become. Rey also opened up so much more and I can’t wait to see even more from him.
The spice was done PERFECTLY! It was not pushed into every single chapter like some authors do, it was very steamy and mouthy and I loved every second of it. And the story was still so powerful, so strong and scary. I am genuinely very nervous for the next book because of how this one ended.
I need the next book ASAP!!

Are you kidding me? This is my favorite fantasy series of the year. The plot is fantastic. The plot twists are so good. The main characters are so complex and compelling and lovely. Seeing so much more of Saga in Kingdom of Claw was amazing. Watching her battle her inner and outer demons was a delight. Watching her experience joy for the first time in so many years was cathartic. Women are strong AF. The love interests. These men were created especially for me. The slow burn. It’s so worth it.

“If you never want to be E, it won’t change how I feel. If you wish to rest, I will shield you from harm. If you want to fight, I will draw my sword beside you. If you want a hundred chickens, I will build you a hen-fortress.”

“I was so enchanted, I set fire to my own boat to stay longer by her side.”

I cannot recommend this series enough if you like high stakes, high fantasy, with a nice side of swoon-worthy slow burn romance.

4.5⭐️

I enjoyed this book better than book 1 by a lot! The plot continued and adding Saga's storyline only thickened the adventure and development of the story. I am *obsessed* with Rey and just as excited for book 3 as I was for this book at the end of book 1😂
Silla is still a favorite of mine and I loved seeing her story unravel! The multiple POVs were also AMAZING. They all coincided together so well and really built the overall story. I love the viking vibes, I love the magical system, I love the romance and I love where the story is going. I already can't wait for book 3!

This sequel to The Road of Bones is a masterclass in blending rich storytelling with intense romance and suspense. The writing effortlessly draws you into a world where every twist and turn feels both exhilarating and deeply personal. The romance is beautifully nuanced, with emotional depth that makes every interaction charged and compelling. The plot is intricately woven, balancing high-stakes drama with richly developed characters and their personal journeys. The way the narrative explores themes of betrayal, self-discovery, and magical awakening keeps you hooked and invested in every page. This book is a triumph of fantasy storytelling, delivering a perfect mix of heart-pounding action and heartfelt romance and cliffhanger. I can’t wait enough to know what happens next.

This book takes place almost immediately after The Road of Bones. Silla goes into hiding with Rey. Rey takes Silla to the village where he grew up. She trains with Rey's grandmother and learns how to use her magic. The book also features chapters showing Saga's journey living with the King and Queen. Saga is a political hostage who is betrothed to the prince. When Saga meets Rurik, a diplomat from Zagadka, she feels like she can finally be herself. Rurik helps Saga as she rebels against the Queen to protect Silla. Saga and Silla learn secrets about their past. Saga discovers the dangerous experiments that the Queen is conducting on other people with galdar (magic). Silla has to learn to live with the dangers of revealing her identity in order to help her sister, Saga.

I would give 4 stars for the Rurik/Saga scenes. Rurik and Saga need their own book. I basically skimmed the Silla scenes to get to Saga’s chapters faster. The Silla and Rey relationship that I enjoyed so much in The Road of Bones felt so lackluster in this book. Something was missing. I thought that Silla's whole arc in this book was boring. I am fascinated by Rurik's character, and I am looking forward to reading more about his relationship with Saga in the third book. Apparently Demi Winters signed a deal to make this a five book series. The magic system in this book was confusing and some aspects of the plot were really predictable, but I enjoyed Saga's character. Fans who appreciated the Viking romance in A Fate Inked in Blood will like this book, but Kingdom of Claw doesn't have as much angst and character building.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

3.5 stars

I didn't really enjoy this one as much as the first. It started off good for me but it kind of started to drag with the addition of other sub plots and POVs. Felt like there were a number of those introduced and it took away from the story for me.

I often wish there was a way to plug my brain into something that could instantly deliver exactly what I need—whether it's a movie, music, or book. Kingdom of Claw felt like that wish come true, as if it was made just for me.

This book had me on an emotional rollercoaster, and I loved every second of it. The writing is phenomenal, seamlessly transitioning from intense action scenes to heart-wrenching moments, romance, and even well-timed comedic relief. Everything felt so well-balanced and perfectly executed.

Reynir has officially become my favorite book boyfriend of all time. His emotional growth throughout the book is remarkable. His relationship with Silla feels so genuine and organic, and every small moment between them beautifully portrayed. (And those intimate moments are *chefs kiss*)

At first, I was a bit apprehensive about the introduction of so many new characters, but I ended up loving them all. Vig and his family give off strong Weasley vibes, and I couldn't get enough of their dynamic. Gyda is such a sweet and warm presence. Harpa with her grouchy smoke spirit had me smiling.

My heart ached for Saga throughout the book, and I was cheering on all of her small wins. I can't wait to see more of her and Rurik in the next installment!



I painstakingly edited this this review to try and make it spoiler free but I have to add in some of my favorite notes, quotes & highlights----

"You truly are filled with sunshine, aren't you?"

"Perhaps Silla the strong. Or Silla the Slayer."
"Silla the Stone Whisperer," muttered Rey.

Sweetrolls & Sunshine <3

The Spoons and the Honeypots

& my favorite
I know this is a big action scene but I need to know, ARE THE CHICKS OKAY?!


6 stars! This may be my favorite read of the year!

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for this eARC.

I had to sit on this a moment before writing my thoughts out.

First, I was mistaken in thinking this was a duology. I found out with around 80 pages left that this was a series with a novella being released before book 3. Make no mistake, they will both now without a doubt be my most anticipated releases for the foreseeable future.

I absolutely love this series so far. I am in love with all of the characters. Book two added new POVs, which threw me off at first. However, throughout the book it changed from me being upset every time I got to a chapter with Saga’s POV to being excited to read them.

The plot kept me on my toes. Each of the women’s stories are so intriguing. The male main characters are both so complementary to their partner’s challenges. Also, Kassandr’s story expanding at the very end was unnecessary and I need to know what happens next right now.

I’m also so excited that the Novella is from Helkla’s POV because I loved her in book one and was sad she wasn’t part of the main story in book two!

I had the greatest pleasure in first reading Kingdom of Claw in its original run in February of this year. I knew this was a book I'd be returning to, and thanks to its approaching debut in traditional publishing, that time has already arrived. With such fantastic excitement.

Reading through this story again has cemented my original opinion. It has fortified it and even elevated where I place this title on my list of favorites.

Kingdom of Claw is an absolute masterpiece.

And it's the greatest sequel I have ever read.

This book is *it.*

Kingdom of Claw follows the immediate aftermath of The Road of Bones, as truths become revealed between Silla and Rey, as a new heroine emerges in Saga, and as the sisters, the heart of this story, begin their journey to finding one another.

One of the greatest features of this book is allowing multiple perspectives to lead it at different points of the story. My attention was thoroughly engaged within entry into these POVs.

And I was surprised! The biggest surprise being Saga. Silla and Rey’s POVs were definitely my favorites, but I thought I would be longing for them upon each dive into Saga’s storyline. This was not the case whatsoever. As it turns out? Every time a Saga POV arrived, I gladly immersed myself in her storyline, I didn’t want to leave it! And the exact same feelings occurred when Silla and Rey POVs arrived. I wanted to marinate in that delicious beauty and simply bask myself in them. I didn’t have the chance to miss either because I felt back at home as the each POV took its turn.

Now Jonas POVs? Definitely didn’t miss them as they came and went, yet my attention was consistently fixated on him within each interlude into his arc. I found myself feeling genuinely sorry for the path he set himself on. I think what makes me feel sorry is knowing he has decency somewhere deep in him. He was a good brother, a good friend, a loyal comrade, and he had honor. Until he didn't. Until he betrayed Silla and forsake the man he portrayed himself to be.
Hate devoured him, twisted his perception and severely poisoned his mind. And it was his own fault, but knowing his tragic past made me just feel pity to see how he subsequently unraveled. As I read along, I was quite curious to see if his arc would lead to redemption. You'll have to discover that answer, but what I can say is I found his interludes to be very insightful to his character, and a necessary facet to complete this incredible book.

Every POV matters.

Now on to the romance...

Oh my beloveds, Silla and Rey.

In the words of Mr. Darcy, they have bewitched me, body and soul, and I love--I love--I love them.
Gods, seriously. I love them.

This was a slow burn of the most spiciest degree. Wheww! Silla and Rey burned so brightly, so exquisitely.

I loved the entire development of their relationship. While romance is brewing there are still several stops along the way. Opening communication, learning to trust, allowing vulnerability, and ensuring friendship to be the base of anything else. And it was beautiful to see it blossom with such vibrancy.

The fact Rey’s entire person held a Silla-sized pocket was the darn cutest thing in the whole world. A gorgeous physical representation of how well Silla fits Rey— in every regard. And vice versa. There’s so much affection between them growing and I was kicking my feet in glee upon watching them. Dreamy sighs all around!

Their relationship is truly beautifully paced. While Silla did not harbor romantic feelings for Jonas, what he did to her in previous book haunts her greatly at the start of this one. His actions wounded her so deeply to the point she’s afraid of taking steps into anything involving a relationship with someone else. Then there’s Rey, misguidedly believing he’s not good enough for Silla. There is definite distance to cross between them, and I’m so glad it didn’t happen in one go; rather it was step by step. Healing had to take place, courage had to take grip, and hearts had to invite one another in first.

It was a phenomenally developed romance. Even once the growth into romance develops, the interest never ever wanes in following along this couple’s path. They are a thrill to see unfold.

As for our newest heroine's romance, Saga...well, I think it's best to remain tight-lipped on that one! I will say I immediately loved the chemistry between her and her potential beau-to-be. Beauty and the Beast vibes in the future, mayhaps? I can’t wait to find out! And I will 100% be seated for it!

I sincerely could go and on. This book captured my heart and I don’t want it back.
Keep it, Demi Winters! You own me now. This series owns me!

The interweaving storylines are magnetic, at times my skin was prickling in fear, other times my breath catching in anticipation, and times my heart was soaring so high and mighty. It was a rollercoaster ride that had me buzzing from start to finish. I don't want that feeling to ever leave me!

If you love fantasy, you will love this book. If you love romance, you will love this book.
If you desire an adventure filled to the brim with action, mystery, intrigue, angst, triumph, frights and flights of the heart.

You. Will. LOVE. This. Book.

Introduce yourself to your new favorite series in The Ashen!

I am so incredibly thankful to NetGalley and Random House | Delacorte Press for this complimentary copy. I leave this honest review voluntarily.

ahhhhh a perfect second companion to the first one! i was so excited to see i had received this arc, and i am not-so-patiently awaiting her next book, as this one did exactly what it set out to do. i love the magic system still and our mc is such a slay, i cannot wait to read the rest!

“𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘢. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘮𝘦 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘥𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥.”

“𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘮. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘧𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘥𝘳𝘢𝘸 𝘮𝘺 𝘴𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶. 𝘐𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘢 𝘩𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘯𝘴, 𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘯-𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴.”

🗡️ Vikings/Magic
🗡️ Multi POV 3rd person
🗡️ Grumpy/Sunshine
🗡️ Slow Burn Spice
🗡️ One Bed/One Horse
🗡️ Banter
🗡️ Who did this to you?
🗡️ Trauma Healing
🗡️ Addiction Recovery
🗡️ Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am obsessed with Silla and Rey. I am obsessed with Saga and Rurik. I am obsessed with how the author does not shy away from shedding light on the ugly truth behind addiction and trauma healing. I am just obsessed with this series!

Keeping this review spoiler free, I will just say that this is a must read series!! The slow burn tension between the MC’s, a true Grumpy/Sunshine combo that will have you swooning, banter that will make you grin and laugh, and a fast moving plot that keeps you from sleeping or doing much of anything other than reading, oh and Vikings 😍 The only thing I didn’t like is that the story ended on a cliffhanger (well ended period 😂) and now I have to wait for book 3 😭

Demi Winters has officially made it to my auto-buy author list and I will be stalking her Instagram relentlessly until I get an update on book 3 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

This sequel was everything I hoped it would be and more. Silla's character development was pure perfection. I loved Harpa's lesson of surrendering into your pain in order to overcome it. I loved Ray in book one as surly Axe Eyes but I loved the man Ray I got to know in this book. I loved all of the view side characters we met on Silla's journey.

I wasn't sure if I would like Saga's storyline as much as I did Silla's but I ended up really loving it. At some points, Saga's storyline kept me frantically flipping pages. I need more of Saga and Kass! I really cant wait for book 3 and I'm so sad it is so far away.

Thank you so much to the author and Penguin Random House for a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this second book of the Ashen series. This one is much slower-paced than the first book, which really lets us get to know the characters and see their relationships grow (+ a wonderful slow burn romance). We also get a whole new POV (Saga) and learn more about the politics of Iseldur. Despite all that, I will say that it does drag a bit in the middle, since not much is happening plot-wise in either Silla or Saga’s story. It ultimately makes up for it with the tidbits of information that are revealed throughout and all the twists at the end. I definitely recommend and can’t wait for the rest of the series!

Kingdom of Claw 5 ⭐️
Fantastic viking series! In the first book, the scope is narrowed to Silla’s story learning the world and characters on the road of bones. Book two expands the scope to include the perspective of her sister now that we know about Saga. She has her own growth and problems to overcome as a captive of the rulers who overthrew/murdered their parents. All of these Viking men are top tier! Brutal, multifaceted, and mysterious. The exploration of the character’s trauma is really well done. I’m so invested in these characters and can’t wait for the story to continue after the ending!

This has been one of my favorite series of the year.

I think it wonderfully written, with an interesting story and endearing characters. I couldn’t put this book down and yet wished that it would have kept going.

I will read every book by Demi!