Return to the Kingdom of Íseldur where enemies become lovers and dark secrets hide around each corner. This installment digs deeper into Íseldur’s forbidden magic and the simmering attraction growing between two unlikely couples.
Author: Demi Winters
Series: Ashen Series, Book 2
Release Date: February, 21st 2024
Genre: Fantasy
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Level: 2-3
Official Description:
Silla Nordvig survived the Road of Bones. In the aftermath of her journey, her dreams of a simple life have been shattered. Beaten, betrayed, and reeling from the revelation of her true name, she flees Kopa with Reynir Galtung, ruthless leader of the Bloodaxe Crew. But Silla soon discovers Rey has been keeping secrets of his own, and they're forced into hiding together. Stuck in a shield-home with the murderous man she thought she knew, Silla forms a new plan: master the magic flowing through her veins to save her sister. But before she can do that, Silla must face her most formidable opponent yet--her own inner demons.
Saga Volsik has nothing to lose. They’ve murdered her family. Stolen her throne. And now they expect her to marry their son. But when she discovers her foster mother has been keeping the biggest secret of all, everything changes.
Saga’s goal: dismantle Queen Signe’s plans piece by piece. The only problem? The handsome Zagadkian dignitary who knows far too many of her secrets. Meanwhile, dark threads continue to weave themselves through Íseldur as magic long thought dead begins to wake. In this follow-up to The Road of Bones, both women will need to find the strength to step into their destiny and stop chaos from sweeping across the land.
Read the review of Book 1 "The Road of Bones" here.
Warning : This article might contain spoilers !!
#1: First thoughts Kingdom of Claw Demi Winters
If you have read my review of the first instalment of the Ashen Series "The Road of Bones" you will know that I have been waiting IMPATIENTLY for the sequel to this Viking romantic fantasy.
I really appreciated the author's decision to include a short recap at the beginning of the book. It definitely helped reminding me of some of details from the previous instalment. Another great surprise was the fact that the glossary and pronunciation guide was moved to the end of the book. It's a subtle change, but one that enhances the reading experience, eliminating the need for constant flipping back and forth. It almost felt like Demi Winters was really listening to us readers. 😉
The story picks up with Silla and Rey on the run, escaping the clutches of the queen's warriors. While one might expect Silla to find solace in Rey's company after his rescue, she is still struggling with Jonas' betrayal and therefore is hesitant and mistrustful at first, even trying to flee from him. The revelation of Rey's true identity as the feared Slatrari (shadow-wielding Galdra) adds even more tension between them, though I couldn't help feeling that Silla's initial mistrust felt a bit anticlimactic. Yes, it is true that he kept his secrets, but so did she. And quite contrary to Jonas, Rey had always her back in the moments that count. By helping her escape from the Klaenar he was forced to reveal his true identity, risking his life and plans. He could have left it at that, but no he wants to make sure that she is save and therefore brings her to his hometown (which he left with the intention of never returning) so that she could learn controlling her Galdra powers.
Some developments in the narrative felt a tad rushed and confusing, especially Rey's quick realization of Silla's true identity (aka Eisa). The connection between them, revealed through a childhood anecdote, seemed a bit abrupt and forced. However, the unfolding layers of Rey's role as a spy for the Uprising movement added intrigue, tying him to Silla's fate in unexpected ways.
The narrative weaves between Silla's journey in the north and Saga's struggles in Askaborg. The novel maintains its momentum by alternating between the sisters' adventures, keeping the common goal of reuniting at the forefront. The growing connection between Silla and Saga's minds adds an intriguing element to the narrative, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the future developments in their magical abilities.
#2: Characters and Romance
Saga's chapters are particularly gripping, showcasing her vulnerability and strength in the face of adversity. I was initially a bit concerned and felt at times even depressed for her as she had to live through so much pain, isolation and torture. So the introduction of Kass, a mysterious foreign tradesman, as a potential love interest was a very welcome twist. It finally added some hope to her storyline.
Rey and Silla, on the other hand, are slowly getting closer. Silla is still hesitant as she doesn't want to relive her mistakes with Jonas and Rey feels inadequate as a potential partner for her as he believes her to deserve someone more, someone better. Ultimately the attraction wins. They admit their feelings for each other and decide not to fight it anymore. And let me tell you, they don't disappoint when they get going 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
What I really loved about their relationship was that the author took the time for it to evolve organically and even though there were moments when I wanted to scream at their hesitancy, it made it so much more sweet and authentic when it finally progressed. One of the biggest differences to their relationship vs. how Silla was with Jonas was that they feel equal. Both Rey & Silla had so many moments when they were gripped by doubts, fears and insecurities, so when that happened the other would step in to support and encourage. Silla found in Rey someone to lean on, yes, but also someone who allows her to be strong, who knows that she can protect herself. And she makes it clear to him, that she is not going to be just the protectée in that relationship, but she will protect and fight for him in turn.
The clear loser of this story is unfortunately our lover-turned-villain Jonas. I feel so sad for him. His grief for his brother has completely derailed him. He seems to make one bad decision after the other and just can't find his way back. There were moments when he was suddenly missing his Bloodaxe Crew and realised that maybe his life on the road wasn't that bad, moments where I hoped his doubt would set him right, but the moment he realised that Silla had escaped with help from Rey - he became consumed by grief and jealousy and determined to see them captured. I know we should hate him for his betrayal but I can't help but just feel pity and sadness.
#3: Final Thoughts
So I am not a big fan of this supposed Myrkor-God of Chaos and Darkness who is infiltrating Sillas & Sagas minds. The magic system that Demi Winters built becomes more and more complex with these new plot twists and creatures (huge, murderous snake / eel?) that are being introduced. I understand that this adds a new layer of intrigue and allows for the plot to develop over next instalments but at times it feels a bit forced? I really do hope that the girls manage to keep that god out of their mind and not become fully controlled by him although I bet this will be the setting of the next book.
I am also intrigued by Kass. It made sense to me that he was this foreign, new love interest for Saga. But I am bit disappointed by how his character was revealed at the end of the book. Not only did Demi Winters play the typical trope of him "rescuing her only to then kidnap her and surely soon claim her as his bride"... but now he is also a were / grimwolf? Do I sense a reference to the Beauty and the Beast? I really hope not, this plot has been unique and amazing so far, it would be a shame if it turned into a - yet another - retelling of the classic.
That being said, I completely consumed the book within a day. Yes, there were some questionable moments, but I can't wait to see how the story further unfolds.
Before we get to, it seem that we will get a novella first that depicts Hekla's POV, so something to look forward to!
If you liked this review of Kingdom of Claw or have any questions or comments, let me know !
Disclaimer: I have added an affiliate link for your convenience so you can directly purchase the book if you are intrigued. This also means that I will receive small commission. This does not affect inclusion in my reviews or the overall rating of the book.
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