I really don't know how Demi Winters does it. Every book in this series is phenomenal, and this was no exception. I usually lower my expectations when it is book 3 because it is usually just filler or moving characters into position, but this was not the case.

It's really difficult to summarize this book without giving spoilers, but I will say that all of the women in this book get what they deserve. I didn't love Saga in the previous book, but she really came into her own, and I absolutely love her and Kass together. I love a stabby FMC, so they were everything I wanted. Silla had such a journey, and Rey's unwavering support was really touching. Hekla is a BAMF, and finally, everyone realizes it. As usual, I hated Jonas and was not thrilled when I had to read his POV.

The ending was both great and anticlimactic. There was a great battle and a bargain, but it was won with cleverness instead of strength. I think I've gotten to used to formulaic fantasy books because I was a little disappointed that there was no slaying of the foe. Instead, all the little hints littered throughout the book come to fruition with a nod back to a speech about strength in many.

Every time I read one of these books, I'm always torn between reading faster so I know what happens and reading slower to postpone the post-book slump. I'm going to go be sad now for a year until the next book comes out.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine, and Demi Winters for the free eARC.

Was really looking forward to this! Loved the other books in this series. This one continued the story where book 2/2.5 left off. It has all our faves (Saga, Silla, Rey, Hekla, etc) with multiple povs - though i think Saga and Kass was the most I was invested in. I liked seeing other views and different takes but also felt like sometimes the choice of who was telling that event could have been a different voice to be more effective. I enjoy world building details but felt like this story had extremely long sections that didnt need to be so long (training, battles, etc). Overall it was good and has me looking forward to the next book.

Wow! Dawn of the North did not disappoint. If you loved the previous Ashen series books for their incredible plot, pacing, and characters, you will devour the third in its series. Winters is a master at pacing, she proved this with books 1 and 2 and did not disappoint with the Dawn of the North. Wonderfully written, cleverly lays out the backstory without overwhelming the reader but gives enough of a highlight of the details from previous books and the novella to tie things together.

She knows her craft and can world build better than most fantasy fiction authors. She has the ability to create a world by slowly introducing you to characters and supporting elements without it being overwhelming. In the third installment we meet both new foes and allies, which makes the story more exciting. Winters writes from multiple character’s point of view. When one perspective picked up intrigue it would give you just enough to feed the audience then would cleverly shift to another, never leaving me bored. With each of these perspectives, Winter’s gifts readers with real connections to each character, drawing you into their stories and lives. I was devouring her morsels and kept wanting more. Especially, that of Saga’s story.

The plot continues with the prophecy of Rokuur, woven into a tapestry, which looms below the political plot of overthrowing the Urkans. We meet mythical creatures both good and evil and multiple battles that see defeat and heroism. Silla and Saga must both learn to fight their internal battles as well as those in front of them.

Silla struggles and grapples with being “Queen Eisa” to regain her kingdom by uniting forces in the land. They see her as a beacon and hope but can she convince them to fight together. Convincing them to follow her lead proves to be difficult while being tormented by the God of Chaos. Myrakur has great plans and is taking a deeper and deeper hold onto Silla tempting her to do his bidding. Will Silla lose the fight or will she find a way to rid herself of him? Rey and Silla continue to fight obstacles that stand in the way of their relationship and continue to fight for who and what they believe in.

Saga is locked away for her protection by her captor Kassandr in his homeland. She is still struggling with her fear of open spaces and feels tormented and confused by the lust/hate for the “beast.” In true Winter fashion the slow burn romance is REAL. Saga has to attempt to win over Kassandr’s family, protect her heart, and try to get back to Silla.

All the while we find Queen Signe struggling with grief and loss of daughter and wants nothing more than vengeance towards Saga. That vengeance gripped with her already murky plans set forth additional plots and dark schemes that begin to unfold. I was shocked at how far she is willing to go for her own ambitions. I was also surprised to see who assists her in her plans.

What will become of Silla, Saga, the Blood Axe crew, and their lands?

Spice: Low
Romance: Medium
Established Relationships / Enemies to lovers
No love triangles
Dark hair MMC's
RATING: 5 out of 5

This is by far the best book of the entire series.
Demi, you truly outdid yourself on this one. I am blown away. I am going to have to take a serious break before I read my next book to try to not compare it to this marvelous story.
The plot was so intriguing and never dulled one second, you are constantly nervous every single chapter until the very end. I had non stop tummy aches because of how intense this book was.
I always love reading a book that has such happy and glowing female friendships and Demi always kills it with having such strong and loving women in her books. I endlessly and equally love Silla, Hekla and Saga.
The relationship between Rey and Silla was done so perfectly, there was so much growth, trust and understanding between them in every single page. They will always be my favorite couple.
This book was a masterpiece and I am once again sick to my stomach knowing I'll have to wait to read more from this perfect series.

The biggest thank you to Demi Winters for this ARC!!

I have been obsessed with the Ashen Series from the moment I started "The Road of Bones." I've devoured each book and they just keep getting better and better. Demi Winters has become one of my favorite authors. I'm fully convinced she could write a chore list and I would be first in line to buy and read it. I warn you that this review is exceedingly long but I will NOT apologize because I can't stop raving about "Dawn of the North."

Because this is an ARC (thank you NetGalley and Delacorte Press, I'm considering this my birthday present since it's tomorrow...) and is not expected to be released until February 3, 2026 (seriously sorry to anyone who has to wait... also, kind of crying because I read it early and now have to wait until further notice for the next book </3), I will be providing this review with no spoilers. Let me start with the fact that Demi Winters clearly researches before she writes. "Dawn of the North" is written with so much detail and imagery that I felt like despite Isledur being completely fictional, I was standing right there with our merry band of misfits. Speaking of, where can I sign up to be a member of the Bloodaxe Crew? Here's a few more things that I absolutely loved:

- Saga and Eisa: everything about their quests to reunite and all of the self-discovery and growth that comes along with that. Both of these women have become fierce, strong leaders

- the romance: I want a man to love me the way that the male main characters love their partners in this book (oh wait, lucky me... I do. LOL). I'm a huge sucker for "touch her and die" vibes and a man who isn't afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve. The fact that the men in the Ashen Series pursue the women is a HUGE bonus. Also, can we talk about the SPICE. *chefs kiss* I find a lot of author's spicy scenes to sometimes become a bit cringey, but that's not the case in this one. I'm also glad that these relationships are slow burns that just keep getting better with each book.

- the action: I found myself holding my breath and biting my nails during several parts of the book. Winters is great at building anticipation. I felt that the pacing was perfect. Nothing was rushed but it kept me entertained. I couldn't get bored because something was always coming around the corner. The battle scenes had me on the edge of my seat and there were a few "near misses" that made me emotional.

- the characters: there is not a single character (minor or major) that doesn't stand out in some way and make me feel something. There's the ones you love (Rey, Silla, Saga, Kass, Hekla, Sigruin) and the ones you love to hate (Jonas, Signe, Ivar... I'm looking at you here). Also, Kritka and Havoc? We must protect them at all costs. I'm also enjoying the slow introduction to the "Old Gods" and Zadgkian Gods. It's nice how the information is introduced instead of just thrust forward.

- the way it made me laugh, cry, scream, throw my Kindle (ok ok, almost throw it). I went through the whole range of emotions.

I could go on and on and on about this book. Honestly, I'm on a kind of high right now since I literally finished it 10 minutes ago. I'm begging everyone to run out and read The Ashen Series. There's 2 completed books and a novella released. You won't be disappointed.

Reading Order: The Road of Bones, Kingdom of Claw, Roots of Darkness (novella), Dawn of the North

Just when I thought it couldn't get better, it did. Demi Winters has once again delivered a story that will set you on an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible. The pacing, the high stakes, and payoff make everything so beautifully worth it.

The character development in this installment was especially superb. Every character had their moment to shine and confront their trouble, which we love to see. Watching them work through these challenges (without therapists, mind you) was deeply satisfying and added such emotional depth.

What especially stands out is how fleshed out each main character's background felt. Their motivations were clear and their choices aligned with their motivations and with who they are to their core. Hekla, in particular, stands out to me. Her journey is one I think many readers can relate to, and her resilience will leave a lasting impression.

This third installment didn't just continue the story, it elevated it to immeasurable degrees. I'm already impatiently counting down the days until the next release. So excited to see what comes next!

Okay, but this was fantastic!

I thought the first two books in this series were just fine, really enjoyed the novella, but this latest installment was phenomenal.

This book introduces way more POVs than the previous books and I ate it up! I loved seeing into the different perspectives of so many characters and felt like it was very well done since many of the characters are in different locations throughout the book, but their stories all became interwoven by the end.

I loved seeing Silla and Saga’s character growth and their relationships with other characters evolve and am so excited to see how the story progresses now that the sisters have finally been reunited!

1000% recommend this series and in particular this book and I CANNOT wait for the next installment!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Demi Winters delivers another breathtaking story of The Ashen Series. Dawn of the North is a thrilling mix of intrigue, magic, and heart. Where loyalty is tested, secrets come to light, and the bond between sisters shines brighter than ever. The stakes are higher than ever, and every chapter pulled me deeper into the icy, dangerous world of Íseldur. I loved how Winters balances epic battles with raw emotion, it’s the perfect blend of action and heart. An unforgettable continuation of a saga that has completely captured me. I’m already desperate for what comes next.

Release Date: February 3, 2026

I can’t wait for this book to be out, February 3rd can’t come soon enough! Dawn of the North is everything I wanted from the next chapter in The Ashen Series: high stakes, breathtaking magic, and sisterly bonds that cut straight to the heart. Silla’s struggle to claim her rightful throne while battling the darkness within her mind kept me hooked, and Saga’s arc on the Isle of Zagadka adds even more tension and impossible choices. Demi Winters blends politics, romance, and danger so seamlessly that every page feels alive with urgency. This series just keeps getting better and better. If you’re not already reading The Ashen Series, now’s the time to dive in.
Thanks to Netgalley the author and the publishing hpuse for the chance to read this book! Go read it!

This book was everything. I love these characters like they’re my own found family. This story combines all the events and storylines leading up to this point so beautifully. I had tears streaking down my face. The strong female characters are an inspiration to women from every walk of life. Each character shows a different version of strength. It felt like the best fruit salad with a mix of all these characters that feel different with their own independent stories that comes together so perfectly. The events in this book felt so independently its own story and yet a perfect spring board for the next book. Demi Winters is an artist and you can feel her love for her characters.

Dawn of the North by Demi Winters is a powerful and gripping conclusion to the series that keeps readers fully invested until the last page. Winters masterfully blends intense emotions with complex character dynamics, delivering a story that is both heartfelt and suspenseful. The chemistry between the protagonists is electric, and their growth throughout the book feels authentic and satisfying. With a perfect balance of tension, romance, and unexpected twists, this installment elevates the series to new heights. Fans of the previous books will appreciate how Dawn of the North ties up loose ends while introducing fresh challenges, making it a rewarding and memorable finale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an e-arc!
Demi Winters solidifies herself in this book as a force to be reckoned with. Her writing from book 1 to 3 in The Ashen series continues to construct a story that pulls a reader in and leaves them wanting more. The growth of each character is done with such brilliance, to watch characters struggle with self doubt, addiction, abuse, anxiety, a need for revenge, and deal with the consequences of their actions it was so satisfying to read, nothing felt rushed with the progress each character made. The lore and magic system she crafted in this book and weaved into her story was effortless.
As an avid reader I usually cringe when I find a series that is longer then 3 books cause 80% of the time I ask myself why is it this drawn out and it loses what originally pulled me. This series is not in that 80% but in the top tier 20 cause the story telling is that damn good! To think this doesn’t come out until Feb 2026 and I’m already in need of book 4…

Winters does it again for book 3 in the series! The banter we know and love is even more hilarious than usual. The characters. I can’t say enough to express my love for them. Thank you!

An amazing follow up to the second book, I loved continuing Saga’s story and seeing Silla overcome your struggles and also finally getting to see the sisters unite! Now that the God of Chaos is defeated I’m excited to see the sisters take back Sunnavik. Also I loved seeing Kass and Rey meet each other.

"Frightened Together"

This book did not disappoint. Demi gives all the characters so much attention and care. There is nothing lacking. A great continuation of the Road of Bones Series. I can't wait to read more. I highly recommend this book. 5 stars. Definitely a series you could read a thousand times over and fall in love with over and over again.

SO incredibly grateful that I got to read this ARC!

Honestly SO GOOD. This was everything I wanted and everything I didn’t know I needed from the third in the series. The plot is plotting HARD and the spicy bits are steamy and full of longing and perfect.

There are three main POV in Dawn of the North: Silla, Saga, and Hekla. At first I just desperately wanted to know what was going to happen in Silla’s story, so much so that I was annoyed at the rate we were switching between POVs. HOWEVER, I quickly became extremely dedicated to Saga’s and Hekla’s plot and romances. By the end I wanted more Saga!

This slaps and absolutely does not disappoint!!! I’ll be biting my nails till the next book is released 😍🫣

Thanks you NetGalley for the opportunity to read the ARC in exchange for this honest review!

4.75 ⭐️

Thank you Delacorte Press, NetGalley, and Demi Winters for the eARC (all opinions my own).

What a ride! I have very little to seriously complain about at all. The action really ramped up in this one (in good way) as we got not 1 but 2 epic battles. More good romance, especially Kass and Saga. Also cannot fail to mention Kritka because he steals the scene anytime he is present. 🐿️

I’ll keep it light on summary for sake of spoilers. For Rey, Silla, Hekla, and co in the north this picks right up from Roots of Darkness. The threats of Myrkur and the mist are foremost in mind as Silla seeks to unite the Jarls in the North and raise a force to take on Myrkur (and eventually Ivar & Signe). Kass & Saga continue to build and rebuild their relationship as they land in Zagadka, while Signe schemes for purposes that become a bit clearer.

The bigger picture of the battles facing everyone in the crew becomes increasingly clear as POVs broaden to Silla, Rey, Hekla, Saga, Kass, Signe, Jonas, and [REDACTED] in epilogue give better sense of scope and importance of different players in the game.

All 3 major romances (I don’t count [REDACTED] saw progress though I would have liked more from Hekla’s and Saga/Kass were clear favorite for me this time around.

I loved Kass and Saga’s POVs. Seeing the growth in Saga learning to face and overcome her fears to fight for herself and her people. Kass taking the time to try and rebuild his relationship with Saga without forcing it (too much). And the battle on Zagadka!! Too often in similar books battles that are built up as critical for survival of a people/city/empire are over far too quickly for the emphasis on their importance. However, here we get a drawn out battle and siege that hits just the right length (IMO) and sees Saga really come into her own in many different roles (strategist, engineer, medic, soldier) throughout it.

Similarly, I think the final battle against the mist (and powers behind it) was good length for what it contained (not nearly the same scope setting wise as the siege). It was great battle and culmination to being so many of the story threads together.

Silla learning her power and learning how to lead and what kind of leader she can be was great (though I think was little drawn out)! Hekla (and Rey’s) adventures in the forest were also highlights from the lore perspective.

I know the full Jonas redemption arc seems to be coming (maybe next book I’d guess) but I felt this book did a good job letting that story breathe and not rush the turn.

If have any complaints about this book I think it’s mainly Silla’s story which kinda felt stagnant at times. It definitely benefitted from alternating POVs so as not to be with Silla all the time, though I felt frequently like I wanted to get back to Saga because things were little slow for Silla.

I’ll also say that there were a few instances (not too many) where multiple POV characters were present in a scene together and I think could have benefitted from being in different characters head or to flip between them within the scene.

I was very excited to receive an ARC copy of this from NetGalley, because waiting until its official release in February was going to kill me.

It really felt like this world expanded into a true epic fantasy in this installment. More lore, more world-building, deeper delving into our characters personalities, hopes, fears. It felt like the series matured a bit with this book.

The pacing of this was mostly wonderful. However, I would’ve liked a few more instances of completing a scene/minor arc before hitting another chapter with a different character's POV. Sometimes having to wait a few chapters for something to resolve with a particular storyline felt a little torturous. But overall the pacing was great, and kept me absolutely hooked.

I am feral for Kassandr Rurik. The chapters with he and Saga could not come frequently enough, could not be long enough, etc. I am the literal biggest fan of hard-won love and am so invested in their story, I can’t wait for more of it in the next book. Ditto for Hekla/Eyvind.

Overall, I loved this book. Great installment. And now I’m extra sad I have to wait even longer for book 4 😂

Thank you Demi Winters for reminding me of my love for romantasy. This series just keeps getting better with each book and I'm left begging for more !!!
Demi's writing is phenomenal as always, she's such a master at writing multiple POVs with simultaneously unfolding storylines. Every POV adds something to the world and pushes the story forward from different sides and every character she's created feels complex and real. I also can't imagine how much research Demi has put into creating this world. From Iseldur to Zagadka, the fantasy elements drawn from different cultures and mythologies make the setting so vivid and I love every part of it!
Silla and Saga feel so close to my heart - they're different in many ways but also similar in how strong, brave and resilient they are, and how they both fearlessly fight for the people they love. Seeing Silla grow into the role of being Eisa, refusing to let the evil inside her break her, and seeing Saga find her courage and overcome her fears left me feeling so emotional and I couldn't wait for the scene where the sisters reunite.
One of the best things about The Ashen series is the romance - all of the characters and couples are so dear to me. Silla & Rey, Hekla & Eyvind, but my favorites are undoubtedly Saga & Kass. I'm honestly a little bit obsessed with Kassandr Rurik and I don't think I'll ever get enough of Saga and him !!!
I really have no words for how much I love this series and I'm so excited to reread Dawn of the North the moment it's published!
ーThank you to Ballantine/Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Dawn of The North by Demi Winters

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I cannot express to you how excited I was to read this book. The Ashen series quickly became a favorite of mine when I read books 1&2 at the beginning of the year. Hekla’s novella was fantastic and I had high expectations for book 3. It did not disappoint.

Writing this review is almost hard because I don’t want to give anything away. There was not a single dull moment. I loved getting multi-POVs, Rey and Silla, Saga and Kass and Hekla. The world really opened up in this book and it was evident that Winters put a lot of time, research and love into writing this story.

The romances were written so well, slow burning and passionate. I cannot recommend this series enough. It is packed full of interesting magic systems, fantastic world building and an engaging plot that makes it hard to put down.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine for giving me the opportunity to read this ARC!