Review: Kingdom of Claw (Ashen #2)

4 stars. Well, super compelling as expected, but this book is kind of what I feared in my review of the first book: too long. I was basically skimming by the end. I understand that a lot of character development was needed to demonstrate tangible growth - but this felt a little too... incremental. Too many episodes. But AHH it's an easy 4 stars - very exciting and full of heart. I really enjoyed the new POVs and side characters, and the author was smart to introduce a new couple. 

Reeling from revelations about her origin and identity, Silla is still on the run from the Queen and heading North with former head of the Bloodaxe Crew, Rey Axe Eyes. Now, though, she has a new goal - to save her sister - and a new power to wield. Meanwhile, Saga, after years of wallowing away as hostage to the ruling family, discovers that there is much more to her story, and begins to explore powerful new possibilities in the hopes of changing her future.

Idk what else to say - it's a sequel, and it feels very much like a sequel. Maybe some of the spark is missing. Maybe there was a little too much focus on certain aspects of the story, maybe it could've used a little editing. But experiencing the continuation of this story is more than worth it. It's been so long since I've been so gripped and addicted to my Kindle, and for the pure escape I am so grateful. 

Kingdom of Claw on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph

Review: The Road of Bones (The Ashen #1)

5 stars. I agree with other reviewers that this book has a fairly weak beginning, but I was very, very swept up in it when things kicked off. Romantasy (and romance in general) can be a difficult genre to review because the reader's impression depends - almost entirely - on the book checking very distinct, individual, personal boxes. If the book does not check these boxes, or perhaps checks other boxes, reading can actually feel like, at best: a waste of time; worse: a waste of money; worst of them all: an infuriating investment resulting in major ick/cringe instead of payoff/reward (note to self: avoid the superhyped romantasy on booktok).

LUCKILY, this book enthusiastically checked a ton of boxes for me: viking-inspired; solid worldbuilding; fast-paced, addictive storytelling; character names inspired by history instead of a desire to be unique; a nice mix of tropes both comfortable and fresh; consistently great writing; a solid but not OTT impression that the author had done her research; and spice. I just had a feeling, and I was right. This hit the spot - real reading at stoplights energy. 

Silla has grown up on the move: constantly traveling from town to town with her father in a kingdom where the use of magic is feared and punished. When they are attacked, Silla must venture on her own to reach their final destination in the North. She sneaks her way into a monster-hunting gang called the Bloodaxe Crew, and Silla starts piecing together the mystery of her life as they journey on the infamous Road of Bones.

It's actually quite a complex plot, with a lot of twists and turns and discoveries and developments. I wouldn't exactly call it unpredictable, but it is super compelling - I read it in 2 days. There is proper character growth, high fantasy stakes, nightmare creatures, and romance... all soaked in one of my favorite flavors: viking. If Demi Winters can carry this forward without letting the story get too bogged down, unbalanced, or long, I will be delighted. It's impressive what she's done so far. 

The Road of Bones on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads | StoryGraph