I’m obsessed with this series. I suggest it to anyone who likes Viking tales. The found family aspect, the epic quests, and the character development are unparalleled. It’s quickly become one of my favorite series since I started it last year. I was lucky enough to receive an ARC and now I’m already craving the next one and this one isn’t even out until the beginning of next year.

In this third book of The Ashen series, one sister fights to claim a crown while the other battles a captor. Both sisters are haunted by powers far beyond their control. With a god whispering in her mind, Silla must rally war-hardened jarls before her kingdom crumbles. Across the sea, Saga faces a twisted choice: save the people or marry the monster. Magic stirs, mists rise, and the fate of Íseldur rests on the bond between two warrior queens.

Loved every second of this book and all the different POV’s. Each chapter left me wanting to continue the POV I was reading, but also I wanted to devour the other POVs too. If you haven't read book 2.5, I would definitely recommend reading that first because it provides a lot of context for at least one POV.

This book is long, but so enjoyable and worth every chapter. I will read anything Demi writes!

Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an e-arc!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anything Demi writes, I will read. So thank you for giving me the opportunity to read the Arc.

This series is everything. And Dawn of the North does not disappoint. It’s the perfect 3rd book in a series. Lots of action, movement of the storyline and of course romance.

The series is a must read for fantasy lovers. It’s definitely more plot driven than romance driven which honestly I love.

Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5

Alright guys, this book really takes the cake. Demi really did something here so get ready 😩

What to expect:
❤️‍🔥 Bloodaxe Crew comes back!!!
🌟 Multiple POV's
❤️‍🔥 Multiple hot, tension filled, yearning and lusting relationships
🌟 If you thought you hated Jonas, the King and the Queen before, you will find that the threshold has not been met until this book
❤️‍🔥 Chapters full of descriptive and intense war and battle scenes, your knuckles will be white, gripping so hard at your book or kindle
🌟 Multiple new, fun, witty characters (hello squirrel sidekick)
❤️‍🔥 New world, laws, enemies, and majestic white stallions who... fly 👀
🌟 OT drama 👀 (drama as in the OT is trying to kill our FMC, she's not playing )
❤️‍🔥 Small love triangle but it's clarified so no it won't be why choose
🌟 An army of B.A. women on horses

🌟Ya'll... this book was so fun. SO much happened. Let me start off my saying Kassandr Rurik is number ONE. THE number one book boyfriend, ever. The MOUTH on this man 😩 I would pay to transport INTO this book just to fight Saga for him, literally. The tension, the yearning, the SLOWEST BURN ever read, is so beautiful and the dialogue between him and Saga constantly melted me. Sorry Xaden, you'll have to take the backseat now. 😩 I think I highlighted every sentence and word Kass ever said and I have absolutely no shame in that. If there was a whole novella on Kass, I'd buy it yesterday. Saga on the other hand, she does still have that naive and standoff personality but she does have a great amount of character development and starts to stand up for herself (in a smarter and less bratty way) and begins to be a fun FMC that at first I didn't like reading about, but am beginning to enjoy.

🌟Sila and Rey go through a lot relationally and personally. Sila quite literally is fighting demons, just wait ya'll 😩 I will say, I think a lot of the book still narrowed in on their romance the most and I personally would've loved a deeper dive into the other two relationships which I felt still sizzled HOT but made less progress physically although they did mentally. Yes, there is spice but it was not evenly distributed between the couples and that MAY be the whole "slow burn" and will probably develop more in the next book so we will see. I just wanted more, but Demi is making us WAIT 😩

🌟Hekla get's another spotlight in this book and I just love this character so much. Her relentless courage, humorous wit, her struggle with her past and her future desires, she is such an amazing character and you fall in love with her all over again in this book. Just wait to see what she has in store for you this time 😉 Hekla happy = faith in the world is restored.

🌟I will say, the amount of POV's did get a little distracting for me. The end of each POV was like a cliffhanger and you would read quite a bit until you got back to the same POV again to continue the story and it gave me massive anxiety because I just HAD to know what the heck was going on. This aspect may make readers feel like there is a lot of filler with the intertwining stories and how spaced out they are so be prepared to feel on edge with each chapter!

🌟The writing was great and descriptive, I felt like I could visualize the surroundings quite well and familiarize myself with the environment and characters. I felt very connected to many of the characters land truly invested in their stories as well as their past.

🌟I am waiting anxiously for the next book and want to say a huge THANK YOU to Netgalley and Demi Winters for an early eARC to one of my favorite books so far! I'm fully invested in this series and absolutely cannot wait to see how every storyline wraps up in the end.

This has been possibly my fave series this year and the third book does not disappoint! the focus definitely shifts to Saga and her story but we still get everyone else's storyline as well. I usually can't stand when pov get numerous but I am hooked on everyone's story in this series! It was great to see Saga's growth and strength in this book and her push and pull with Kass. While Silla's story didn't seem as eventful at first, there was definitely a build toward a huge blowout ending.
You also got to see the continuation of Hekla's story as well which I was so glad to see! As I said I'm invested in everyone... you guys will not be disappointed in this book! I'm only sad that now I have longer to wait for the next!

ARC - Dawn of the North
Quick Info
* Book Title & Author: The Dawn of the North By Demi Winters
* Series / Standalone: The Ashen Series
* Genre / Age Range: Romantasy
* Rating: ★★★★★

Writing Style
The writing is wonderfully executed, not only engaging but hypnotic, wrapping me in its rhythm and detail. Winters’ prose is so vividly descriptive that I clung to every word from Silla, not as if they were mere dialogue, but as if they were a lifeline. A revelation and truth woven together, reshaping me with hope, power, and inevitability I hadn’t known I was waiting for. The kind of writing that lingers and reshapes you long after the page is turned.
That said, the near-constant POV shifts were a little disorienting at times. But I loved seeing Saga bloom from this scared child to such a fierce woman. Even though she still had fear, she overcame so much!
But I will also admit I yelled more than once when I had to wade through anything concocted in Jonas’s thick skull.
I understand and still enjoyed the different POVs, but I certainly could have done without knowing that slimy scum made his way into Signe’s bed. Still, those alternating perspectives served a purpose, illuminating the broader themes of power, destiny, and survival while exposing the conflicting motives that drive the story forward.

Themes & Conflicts
Winters layers the story with themes of destiny, survival, and the ever-present pull between light and darkness, but it’s the personal battles that truly shine. Silla, Saga, and Hekla all wrestle with trauma in their own ways, giving raw honesty to the narrative. Rey, though not as burdened here as in the last book, shows steady healing — and I absolutely love that for him. These arcs of pain, resilience, and recovery add a human heartbeat to the epic scale of gods and war.

Most Memorable Element
The scene that will stay with me the longest was when Saga landed with Havok to save Kass. All eyes were drawn to the arrival of the all-women winged horse warriors sweeping in like salvation, but what struck me most was Saga herself. In that moment, she wasn’t just brave and bringing salvation with her, she actually became the warrior Kassander always knew she could be. I was in tears with how proud of her I was at that moment. Its a feeling and a moment I’ll carry with me long after finishing this book. It was the perfect embodiment of the story’s deeper themes of healing, resilience, and the power of stepping fully into one’s destiny.

Emotional Impact
This book wrecked me in the best ways. I was in tears at Saga’s bravery, full-on yelling whenever Jonas’s chapters appeared, and completely in awe of every word from Sillas. But the biggest emotional gut-punch was Reynir Galtung — he didn’t just rise in my rankings, he transformed from book boyfriend number eight to book husband number one. The amount of faith he has in Silla, even when she doubted herself, was profoundly moving. What makes Rey unforgettable is the duality of his devotion: he is tender enough to want to shield her from every hurt, yet fierce enough to burn the world for her without hesitation. His love isn’t just romantic; it’s consuming, protective, and achingly human. The Ashen Series blends enemies-to-lovers tension, Viking grit, and raw emotional intensity in a way that left me both exhilarated and deeply invested.

Two-Sentence Book Description
The Dawn of the North thrusts readers deeper into the Ashen Series, where destiny, gods, and warring loyalties collide in a brutal yet breathtaking landscape. Alongside Silla, Rey, Saga, and Hekla’s journeys of healing and resilience, we are introduced to Kassandar Rurik and the world of Zagadkain, with its High Prince, the fierce horse maidens, and a battle that tests the limits of loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.

Favorite Quote
"Is it love when all you really want to do is feed her sweet rolls and wrap her in a blanket and care for her so she's never wanting for anything?" An incredulous laugh fell from her.
"Is it love when every gods damned thought circles back to her; when you see her and it feels like your heart beats outside your own gods damned body; when you plot murder anytime another man looks her way?"
Silla found herself smiling so wide her cheeks hurt.
"Love is too tame a word for what I feel for you, Sunshine."
This passage stood out to me because it distills both the tenderness and ferocity of Rey’s devotion. It’s raw, unrestrained, and brimming with emotion — a perfect example of how Winters balances passion with vulnerability in her writing.

Message of My Review
I will never stop recommending this series. When the opportunity came to read this ARC, I leapt at it, and it exceeded every expectation — though now the wait until its release feels even longer. The Dawn of the North doesn’t just hold its own; it stands shoulder to shoulder with Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, The Plated Prisoner, and even The Lord of the Rings. It is not only at the top of my romance list but among the very best series I have ever read.

Rating Context
If I could give it more than five stars, I would. This is a God-tier, Roman Empire–level series — the kind of story that doesn’t just entertain but engraves itself into your mind. The prose is hypnotic, the themes are both epic and intimate, and the characters leave an imprint that feels permanent. The Dawn of the North is the definition of a five-star read, and then some.

Helpful Pre-Read Info
This is Book 3 in The Ashen Series and should be read in order to fully appreciate the ongoing character arcs and layered worldbuilding.
Readers can expect multiple POVs, often shifting chapter to chapter, which broadens the scope but requires attention.
The tone blends dark romanticism with Viking-inspired grit, weaving in themes of trauma, healing, devotion, and destiny.
Content to be aware of includes violence, war, references to trauma, and emotionally intense relationship dynamics.
For comparison, it will resonate with fans of Throne of Glass, ACOTAR, and The Plated Prisoner due to its blend of epic fantasy scale and intense romantic stakes, as well as with fans of The Saga of the Unfated for its rich Viking background and lore.

Perfect Audience
This book is perfect for readers who crave romantasy that favors plot over spice, delivering epic storytelling without sacrificing emotional intensity. Fans of sweeping fantasy worlds filled with gods, curses, and battles will find themselves enthralled, while those who love complex, imperfect characters will be deeply moved by their struggles and resilience. If you’re drawn to the intensity of ACOTAR, the layered character growth of Throne of Glass, or the Viking-inspired lore of The Saga of the Unfated, The Ashen Series deserves a place at the very top of your TBR.

I would devour anything Demi winters writes! I was so excited to get this arc and of course was not disappointed! Saga in Silla have completely captured my heart and their character development as well as journeys they go on was wonderful. Demi can craft a story like no other! I wish this series would be 15 books long!!!

I had a great time reading this book! I enjoyed all the females being strong and finding the ability to be leaders and I also love that the men in their lives are nothing but supportive. I read the first two books before they were traditionally published so it has been a while but what I didn’t remember this book easily refreshed my memory

This book was absolutely incredible, somehow even better than the first 2.5 books in the series. I don’t know how Demi does it, but she just keeps raising the bar with every installment. The writing is addictive, the worldbuilding is vivid, and the characters are so amazingly written that I feel like I know them. What stood out the most for me was the strength of the women in this story, it was absolute chef’s kiss. I was hooked from start to finish, and now I’m more eager than ever for the next book. This series just keeps getting better, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC.

Early ARC reader!!

I won’t lie - I was worried when I started this book. With it being the middle book in the series and after the first few chapters showing it would be alternating POVs of characters who weren’t together, I was nervous this would be disjointed and full of filler content. I thoroughly apologize for my doubts, as this was NOT the case!!

Demi did a beautiful job of telling separate, but interconnecting, stories of her characters from the previous novels and novella and kept me engaged the entire time! Every character had something going on that kept me invested in the story and I was eager to hear all of the POVs included (which I feel like isn’t always the case when I’m reading a book that has so many different POVs).

SO much happened in this book, yet it never felt forced or like it was too much - the stories were cohesive and all had an importance to the overarching ordeals and troubles all the characters are facing. I cannot express enough how fantastic everyone’s storylines were and how eager I was to read it all.

I cannot wait for book #4 after this!!!!

This was a fabulous book! The story kicks off with a recap and then dives right back into each sister's adventures'. This book had me laughing out loud and crying tears of joy - I'm obsessed with this series and I can't wait to see what happens next in the Ashen Series!

This series does. Not. Miss.

The third installment of the Ashen series continues with multiple POV’s across the Kingdom of Iseldur. Being a mid-series book, there is a lot of set-ups for what is to come – but that doesn’t mean it won’t pack a punch!

Silla is such a great female lead. She’s soft but strong and deals with the tasks set out to her as she attempts to unite the Jarls and battle the God of Chaos before he takes over her life. Her relationship with Rey blossoms and he becomes what I think is a great addition to the story.
Saga is trapped in Zagadka where she faces different challenges following her being taken by the beast of Zagadka or Kass (who grows on you by the chapter)!
Jonas finds himself in the throes of an interesting relationship with Queen Signe.

The sisters complete solo challenges and work to finally unite after 17 years and face what lies ahead with the Urkans together.
I have really enjoyed this series and The Dawn of the North did not disappoint. The depth of the characters and their relationships are explored in a very real way in this book. The story is unfolding in a very satisfying way. I personally really enjoy a lot of POV’s that cross over in interesting ways. The writing and world building is well done, and I’m immersed into the Kingdom with every battle. I can’t wait for the next installment of this series!
Thank you to Net Galley and Delacorte press for the pleasure of this ARC!

This was my favorite book in the series, thus far! DW did an excellent job with weaving together the stories and plots of the other books and allowing them to seamlessly collide. I absolutely loved the character development that continued in this book, and the plot twist at the end has me MIND BLOWN.

A huge thanks to NetGalley for this ARC. I can’t wait to reread this book when it’s published!

4.5 stars. This is a book to binge! I started reading a little every night and felt like I had a hard time keeping up with what was going on with all the POV changes. But once I binged the last 55% in one sitting it was exciting and easier to follow along and envision what all characters were doing in tandem. Thanks to NetGalley and author for this early read…was so excited to continue this journey!

I was so excited to receive this ARC from NetGalley. What an exciting read! Both Silla and Saga went through so much growth in this book, I loved it! I really enjoyed the interactions between Kass and Saga and looked forward to all of their chapters. The writing is amazing and I can’t wait for the next book!

Demi has me absolutely hooked on this series. Dawn of the North is full of romance, political intrigue, and overcoming one’s unique internal battles. Written in multiple POVs, I found myself constantly changing who my favorite character is because Demi progresses each along their own journeys in enticing, witty, and endearing ways. Demi is FUNNY and many times I’d catch myself smiling/chuckling to myself while reading this book. Being from Minnesota, I love a good Viking story. This series will remain in my reservoir of “hearthfire thoughts.” Can’t wait for the next one!

Another fast-paced and addictive book in the Ashen series. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time and couldn't put this book down.

Saga's growth in this book was phenomenal. She has quickly become my favorite character of the series alongside Kassandr. They're relationship is a standout for me in the romantasy genre.

I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!

Thank you in advance to NetGalley for the free ebook in exchange for an honest review!

I was so so excited to be chosen for this ARC, since book two in this series left me absolutely frothing for the next one. The characters are all very well-written and fleshed out, the arcs are arcing, and I am invited in all THREE romances. The only reading this isn’t a full five star rating is the same reason as the others I rated… pacing.

There can’t just be a training montage, it has to be a very loooong training montage. There can’t be a quick skirmish, there has to be 50 long and intense fights/battles. At a certain point, my personal patience runs out, and I just want to get back to the story. I think there’s a lot of different plots, and while we see some weave together here and get some resolved, there’s still more left over for book four. Almost too many plots are going on at once. We have had at least 10 plots/side-plots within three books! I am enjoying this series immensely, but I hope book four gives me what I’m looking for (aka SAGA & KASS) and a full resolution of all the plots. Also, I would love to see Jonas fall into a pool of sharks.

🌶️:3/5

I absolutely loved this book! Every POV was engaging, and I would do anything for Saga and Kass. It’s a powerful story that celebrates **female strength and sisterhood**, while delivering a perfect mix of **action, intrigue, betrayal, romance, mystery, and even humor**.

Demi’s writing is unmatched—both lyrical and purposeful—and this easily stands as my favorite read of 2025. While it doesn’t wrap up the series, it avoids a crushing cliffhanger… though I’ll still be counting down the days until the next release.

✨ Don’t sleep on this series—it’s a must-read!

I was kind of disappointed with this third book.

It felt really slow and like a good chunk of this book was filler. The beginning of this book also felt really repetitive, it was very strange. I think that is part of why it felt so slow and like mostly filler. And it had that slow momentum for (at least) the first half of the book. Maybe even a bit more.

The characters were also rather flat and then all of a sudden they weren't. It read very strangely in that regard. I also think that having so many different character POVs might have added to that flatness and awkwardness. It gave less character insight, making some seem whiney in their motivations when that might not have been the case.

I really wanted a lot more from this book because the previous books were enjoyable and the concept is so fun. I always seem to like a Viking/Nordic-inspired fantasy series.

Things definitely sped up and got way more interesting (and enjoyable) for the last quarter of the book (maybe a bit more). I really did enjoy the ending, that entertained me. But it is a bit of a bummer to have to wait that long to get into a book. And this was a long one.

You just have to be really patient with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! My Goodreads review is up and my TikTok (Zoe_Lipman) review will be up at the end of the month with my monthly reading wrap-up.