WOW. Demi Winters is absolutely brilliant. This was so full of action, pining, love, and found family — one of the best found families I’ve read. Also, the banter could not be better!! The multiple POVs are so well done and brought such depth to each of the characters. These truly are some of my favorite characters of all time. The end felt satisfying but left me dying to know what’s to come — and overall, this solidified The Ashen series as one of my favorites.

Thank you to Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and Netgalley for this eARC! ✨

Firstly, thank you so much to Ballantine, Delacorte Press, and NetGalley for an eARC of one of my most anticipated reads. Demi Winters you did not disappoint with this one!! Balancing so many POVs and while introducing us to even more of this beautifully complex world is such a difficult skill, yet the author executed it flawlessly. These characters continue to grow and change while retaining the key characteristics that we know and love about them. It is so fun to cheer for so many new characters and yet still feel connected to our originals!! I cannot wait to get the next installment of the Ashen series, but I will be thinking about book 3 for a while. And Kass, we love you xx

Demi, you really cooked here! This was one of my most anticipated releases and it absolutely made my week to get a copy so far in advance. I really enjoyed the various POVs (not you, Jonas) and seeing how the various plotlines came together. Rey and bisexual king Kass are really setting a new standard for book boyfriends and I am very much here for it. Silla and Saga have come so far, and I can't wait to see where the story takes them next.

I will say the third act felt somewhat rushed, and I really wish we had seen more of of Saga and Kass after their wedding. But I'm just so thrilled to experience this truly special series. Thank you to Delacorte Press!

LOVE THIS!!!! This series is so amazing!!!! The books are super different from anything I've read before! I love that there isn't anything unnecessary in here! The characters are great and the plot is even better! I love the mythology and everything. Its so great!! I need more from this author!!!

I cannot get enough of this series. It is so beautifully written, but each character feels so real and fleshed out. I can see the world as im reading. I cant wait to get my hands on the next book.

How is it possible that these books just keep getting better? I’m gushing with excitement for all the readers of this series who get to read this for the first time in February, and I can’t wait to buy my own copy!

I don’t want to do too much of a summary, so as to avoid any spoilers, but I’ll try to explain what I loved without giving anything away. This book handles multiple POVs better than any other series I’ve read. Usually in multi-POV books like this, there’s a “main” story and then side characters or stories I’m less interested in, so I internally groan when I get to those, and I find myself flipping ahead to see how long until I get back to the characters I’m more interested in. That never happened once with this book. Every character’s perspective works to move the story forward, and I can honestly say I’m invested in every single one (even a certain character I loathe!).

We meet a new group of people in this book, and this leads to a scene with Saga that took my breath away and had me pumping my fist in the air and wishing I knew how to do a war chant.

The love stories move forward in the best way possible. I will not say more than that.

All the stars. Thank you Ballantine/Random House and NetGalley for the ARC!

I don’t even know where the start. This series just keeps getting better and better. There are so many characters in this book and each one has such a great storyline. The tension between the characters and the suspense in the storyline made it impossible to put this book down. Also, that ending! I don’t know how I’m going to survive waiting for the next book. Everyone needs to read this series!


Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine publishing for sending me this ARC to review!

First of all, I cannot say how thrilled I was as a normal reader, without a social media presence or following, (but who has read a lot a lot of romantasy this year) to receive an ARC of Dawn of the North. I requested it thinking there was no way I'd get one, and genuinely screamed out loud when I got the email. So super thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Ballantine/Delacorte Press, I had been having a kind of trash week and this meant a lot to be blessed with a copy.

Second, as a note, if anyone did not read the Hekla novella, Roots of Darkness, you will be missing context and plot progression before diving into book 3 (and it was great, so read it!).

Okay. On to the review. This was so good. It genuinely felt like a big finale: there was tension and stakes and things going on that you knew were going to be bad and epic and everything on between, and I had to force myself to stop reading the same way you do a little brake check cruising down a mountain.

The multiple POVs are done well and with impact (minus me groaning and going uggghhh and I hate you and ew gross during the Jonas POVs). I have to say, as much as I love shadow daddy Reynir (or should I say, Rey Rey...), Kassandr this book really is That Bitch and I'm afraid we're obsessed, your honor.

Silla/Eisa is being mentored to be a proper Queen and unifier, while being super uncertain about her place and really wanting to just hold on until Saga returns.

Rey, Hekla, the Bloodaxe Crew, and an assortment of others are dealing with the aftermath of the events of Roots of Darkness and dealing with the draugr and most.

Saga is learning Zagadkian, has several opportunities to be a boss ass woman, and being so brave and kind. Kassandr spends most of his time as what I believe can only be described as a dashing rogue (possibly a rapscallion).

Jonas: 🤮 (I hate him so much)

There are: political schemes, betrayals (me on my couch: I KNEW IT!!!!), epic battles, #womenpower, marriage of convenience, an incredibly charming squirrel/grimwolf, winged horses (omg 😍🥰), reunions, stubborn mis/non-communication but also some pretty decently healthy communication, and as always just so much found family love and stellar relationships.

This continues to be one of my top series of the year. I am excited for everyone to get to read book 3, and cannot wait for the next installment!

I truly don't know how Demi Winters does it, but every single book in this series has me utterly beside myself by the end of it. This series is probably the best discovery I have made this year, and I know it will continue to hold my heart for years to come.

We start the book after the events of the Roots of Darkness novella (which I 100% recommend reading prior to this book, not just for context but because it's incredible). The Blood Axe crew reunites, only to go off on a mission to stop the mist Turning all that is alive in the forest--beast and human alike--into the undead. Silla has to face the fact that she is now Eisa Volsik again, and must prepare to bring the northern jarls to her cause, despite the fact that Myrkur continues to lurk in the back of her mind. Saga has been unceremoniously taken to Zagadkia against her will, trading one cage for another; the tentative trust she built with Rurik shattered. And all the while, Signe prepares her own revenge against Saga while Ivar goes off to war.

That's all I'll say to prevent any plot spoilers, but rest assured, the action picks up with the same intensity as where we left off with Kingdom of Claw. All of our favorites (and those we love to hate) are back, each imbuing their POV chapters with the raw emotion, complex perspectives and personalities that pervade The Ashen series. The lore expands to bring us even more questions with every answer as well as new lands, people and animal companions to fall in love with (Havoc the murder horse and Kritka the shapeshifting squirrel are two of my favorite magical companions ever, to be clear).

One thing that I have to remark on specifically is just how much I truly adore the women in this series. They are all strong, intelligent, and completely themselves; their struggles do not define them, but rather aid in their characterization. The representation of addiction, anxiety, and other trauma continues to feel not just vivid, but real in a way that does not diminish the experiences and demonstrates how powerful one can be even during the darkest struggles. There's even a strange little part of me that roots for Signe in the way she completely owns her own wickedness, and in her determination to not hold back any longer. I may hate her and not like the conclusions she makes to justify her despicable actions, but I can still understand them, and to me, that demonstrates the essence of excellent character writing.

The relationships in this book are all beautifully complicated, and even when we may not understand (or even like) the actions of those involved, it's easy to see the love, protectiveness, and at times sheer defiance behind them. Whether romantic, friendly, or familial, each connection is full of a palpable shared history that only immerses the reader further into the world. Even when we do not know the backstory to every character, it's a tantalizing puzzle to determine motivation, divest honesty from cunning lies, and the journey to discovering the truth is a fabulous experience.

This series continues to be one of the strongest I've read in recent memory, where each book improves and expands upon the last. The story refuses to let up its hold on you. Reading each new book feels like coming home. Demi Winters has masterfully crafted a story that I feel within my very soul, and I cannot recommend it enough.

So, SO many thanks to Demi Winters and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own.

🌶️🌶️

Review posted to StoryGraph: September 14, 2025 (https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews/d19b98f7-2856-4e2d-aef2-5e0b50469a4d)
Review posted to Instagram: PENDING

Dawn of the North is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Demi Winters delivers a gripping story with fierce characters, steamy romance, and just the right amount of danger. The chemistry between the leads sizzles, and the suspense keeps you turning pages late into the night. Perfect for readers who love romance with a strong edge and a touch of mystery.

I would like to preface this review by stating that this series has been my favorite recent reads. Each book that Demi has added to the world has genuinely expanded and enriched the reading experience to be in my opinion absolute top tier. So when I got approved for this ARC — I about died from excitement.

Demi does not disappoint; usually I am not a fan of more than 2-3 POVs however, every single POV was well done and added to the layers of the story. Each weaving its own perfect tapestry all the while tying everyone together in such a deep and meaningful way.

I feel like we really got to know Silla, Saga, and Helka on a more in depth level yet it never feels like we are leaving our strong MMCs behind either which I love. It’s a good balance featuring strong male and female mains who all have vulnerabilities and faults. You watch them succeed, fail, struggle, and everything inbetween. Which is sorely missing in so many fantasy/romantasy books.

The pacing is really enjoyable in this book, as it takes you through dark and light and how each journey takes you through its path.

This book exceeded my expectations although not surprised in the least! I do highly suggest reading Helka’s story first. The ending was just perfectly satisfying and as always I LOVE that Demi does a re-cap of previous books in the series. This should be a given in every single series!

Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and Demi for giving me the opportunity to read this arc.

Where do I begin? I adore these characters and this world. Demi slays as the kids say. Action and angst are my jam!!!

It's telling of well developed characters that I am unable to choose a favorite.

I am certain Demi is forever an auto buy author for me.

This was typical book 3 of 5 pacing. Was hard to keep up with all the POVs, but I understand why each were important.

The story is really moving along. I did enjoy this more than book 1 but book 2 remains my favorite. There was not as many sharp turns and the cliffhanger was not big enough to make people who didn’t love the book continue on in my opinion. A few questions remain at the end of the book that I am sure Demi will hit on in book 4.

I’m very thankful for the arc! I will be continuing the series to see how Saga and Silla’s story unfolds.

Once again, this story continues to grow in ways I did not expect but found truly wonderful. It picks up immediately where the last left off and takes off. The pacing is perfect, the twists are brilliant, and Demi Winters has a way of shocking me that is so rare. I am in love with the characters, relationships, setting, and magic. I cannot wait to continue this series and I also am terrified for it to end!

(Villainously rubs hands together while maniacally laughing)…that ending was exceptional. Demi Winters has done it again. Dawn of the North had the perfect balance of politicking and Helm’s Deep level action. The jumps between characters made the pacing feel like a high-intensity game of chess, with our leads moving strategically across the board.

What I continue to love about this series is how well written the characters are. Saga and Silla continue to struggle with their inner demons (literal and figurative) as they claim their birthrights. But unlike the past books, they must do this without the help of their galdur powers. Yet, they are hardly weakened by their dampened powers, as they successfully conquer council meetings and battlefields alike. Any shortcoming in their powers are countered by the unbridled support of Rey and Kass - protectors and partners that only serve to help them achieve their greatness. Love a badass MMC that knows his place is beside, behind, or kneeling before the FMC. #menwrittenbywomen

Hekla, Eyvind, Atli, Signe, and a slew of new (and familiar) characters only serve to make the story richer. Oh, and the woodland creatures are quite charming, too. Did I mention we get a one (winged) horse trope?!?!

Thanks to Demi Winters and NetGalley for the ARC read. Dawn of the North will be available in February 2026!

I was excited to receive an ARC of Dawn of the North from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I’ve really enjoyed the previous books in this series, so I was eager to dive into this installment.

While the earlier books were fast-paced and full of twists, this one felt much slower. The story took its time to unfold, and I found myself wishing for more surprises or sharp turns in the plot. That said, there were several developments I had been hoping for throughout the series, and I was glad to finally see them happen in this book.

Although this wasn’t my favorite in the series, it still sets up the story for what promises to be an exciting continuation. I’m looking forward to the next book and seeing how the journey continues.

I love, love, loved this book! The plot locked me in from page one, and spit me out a new person on the last page. The characters became real to me and will live in my brain forever. The setting was tangible and perfect. The pacing was riveting, but not rushed. All coming together to be a book I can't wait to recommend to my friends.

While the number of POVs was a bit overwhelming/didn’t add anything for me, overall I liked the continuation of Saga & Silla’s story. I’m glad there was a recap in the beginning but wish more terms in that were explained because it took me a minute to remember what some things meant.

I didn't want this book to end.

Demi Winters could teach a masterclass world-building. The growth that all the characters experienced, along with the incredible writing and pacing, held me on the edge of my seat, just wanting to savor this book word by word.

Also super rare - all three of the couples managed to hold my attention and had me rooting for them from start to finish.

Thank you for NetGalley for the arc!!! This is definitely going on the faves-2025 shelf!!!

I really enjoyed Dawn of the North! Saga’s storyline with Kassandr was easily my favorite part of the book — I could have read an entire novel just about them. Their dynamic was compelling and had me hooked from start to finish. I’m excited to see where the next installment takes their story and how the rest of the series develops!