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bythebookjess's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Gore, Sexual assault, and Blood
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Death of parent
booksalacarte's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The road of bones
4.75⭐️3🌶️
Adult Fantasy Romance
Viking inspired
20yo FMC
Dual POV
Journeying
Disabled Side cCharacters
Unique Magic System
Slow burn
Found Family
Complicated Characters
Secret Identities
Forced Proximity
Tw: murder, addiction
I should have read this sooner.
I heard about it through mutuals and it has been on my TBR for a long time. I was so excited to get an arc of it which made me hike it up on my never ending TBR.
This was such a refreshing read! The plot was intriguing. The world building was slow, but well done. It didn’t distract for the story, and never felted like an info dump. The magic system has only been revealed when needed. And usually that annoys me, or makes me think it’s not been well thought out… but in this instance, I think it suits the plot really well.
The beginning was slow to get into. I was waiting for the FMC to get to a decently capable point, and it took a while. But the further I read, the more I had to keep reading. The plot was surprising, the characters unique and I was so angry when the twist happened! That character better get what’s calming to them!!
The first PoV is the FMC and very compelling. Orphan on the run with a secret even she doesn’t know about.
The second POV introduces us to another girl… the enemy, essentially, hunting for the first FMC by the order of the mysterious queen.
Third POv is the blond mercenary with a troubled past.
4th POV is the band leader who is as tight lipped and mysterious as anyone.
The beginning was hard to get into, I was waiting for the FMC to get to a decently capable point, and it took a while. But the further I read, the more I had to keep reading. The plot was surprising, the characters unique and I was so angry when the twist happened! That character better get what’s calming to them!!
The love triangle-ish had me on the edge of my seat! I was so intrigued by how the romance would play out.
Thank God I have an ARC of the second book… cause I would not do well with that cliffhanger and POV addition if I had to be patient and wait until February, when it is going to be released.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine, Dellacorte Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
4.75⭐️3🌶️
Adult Fantasy Romance
Viking inspired
20yo FMC
Dual POV
Journeying
Disabled Side cCharacters
Unique Magic System
Slow burn
Found Family
Complicated Characters
Secret Identities
Forced Proximity
Tw: murder, addiction
I should have read this sooner.
I heard about it through mutuals and it has been on my TBR for a long time. I was so excited to get an arc of it which made me hike it up on my never ending TBR.
This was such a refreshing read! The plot was intriguing. The world building was slow, but well done. It didn’t distract for the story, and never felted like an info dump. The magic system has only been revealed when needed. And usually that annoys me, or makes me think it’s not been well thought out… but in this instance, I think it suits the plot really well.
The beginning was slow to get into. I was waiting for the FMC to get to a decently capable point, and it took a while. But the further I read, the more I had to keep reading. The plot was surprising, the characters unique and I was so angry when the twist happened! That character better get what’s calming to them!!
The first PoV is the FMC and very compelling. Orphan on the run with a secret even she doesn’t know about.
The second POV introduces us to another girl… the enemy, essentially, hunting for the first FMC by the order of the mysterious queen.
Third POv is the blond mercenary with a troubled past.
4th POV is the band leader who is as tight lipped and mysterious as anyone.
The beginning was hard to get into, I was waiting for the FMC to get to a decently capable point, and it took a while. But the further I read, the more I had to keep reading. The plot was surprising, the characters unique and I was so angry when the twist happened! That character better get what’s calming to them!!
The love triangle-ish had me on the edge of my seat! I was so intrigued by how the romance would play out.
Thank God I have an ARC of the second book… cause I would not do well with that cliffhanger and POV addition if I had to be patient and wait until February, when it is going to be released.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine, Dellacorte Press for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
teaand_tomes's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you to Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC!
The Road of Bones completely captivated me! This Viking-inspired, historical romantasy brings a raw, immersive world that pulls you right into the brutal landscapes of Íseldur. The detailed gore and intensity in battle scenes felt fitting for a warrior society, adding authenticity without any sense of shock tactics.
The magic system was fascinating; I’m really intrigued by the unique powers, and I can't wait to see them explored further in the next installment. Silla was an incredible protagonist. Her pain and determination are palpable and heart-wrenching, and I found myself tearing up with her journey more than once. The found family of the Bloodaxe Crew was a standout element, with characters like Hekla and IlÍas adding layers of warmth and camaraderie.
The slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers tension between Silla and Jonas was beautifully developed, making each interaction a delight. Axe Eyes was another intriguing character—I’m eager to uncover more about his past and motivations. And Skeada? What a villain! She was fierce and relentless, adding a great sense of suspense to Silla’s journey.
This book left me totally obsessed, and I’m already counting down to the next one. A must-read for anyone who loves epic romantasy with a Viking twist!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Murder
dr_steph's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
wickeddelights's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
There was a lot I really liked about this book. The story follows a woman named Silla on the run from a past she is far from certain of, toward a safehaven located at the end of a dangerous path known as the Road of Bones. Through a set of quick decisions and a small bit of deception she ends up traveling with a group known as the Bloodaxe Crew in hopes that they can get her safely to her destination. What happens along the way is a story you simply need to read for yourself.
~~**Spoilers Below**~~(Although not a lot of them)
The author did a good job of maintaining a voice throughout the whole story that helped with the immersion in the setting. Phrases were worded in such a way that it was easy to imagine it being spoken by someone in a fantasy nordic setting.
The power/magic systems were really interesting and easy to follow, and most of the flora and fauna was pretty unique.
Where the story has some pitfalls for me is in some of the pacing. For a while during the travels the days/chapters could be summed up with "Silla cooked the daymeal. Jonas and Rey brooded by the fire. The others played dice, with maybe a bit of training and fun banter with Hekla on the side. And while it is very clear that Silla is struggling with an addiction, sometimes the thoughs revolving leaves felt overwhelming to read. I'm not saying that as a bad thing neccisarily (I honestly think thats the point) but I thought it worth noting nonetheless.
And while one of the things I praise highly of this book happenes to be the immersive speech, sometimes it felt like it could make sections drag a tiny bit.
Alllll of that said. I really enjoyed this book, and I am excited to read book two.
~~**Spoilers Below**~~(Although not a lot of them)
The author did a good job of maintaining a voice throughout the whole story that helped with the immersion in the setting. Phrases were worded in such a way that it was easy to imagine it being spoken by someone in a fantasy nordic setting.
The power/magic systems were really interesting and easy to follow, and most of the flora and fauna was pretty unique.
Where the story has some pitfalls for me is in some of the pacing. For a while during the travels the days/chapters could be summed up with "Silla cooked the daymeal. Jonas and Rey brooded by the fire. The others played dice, with maybe a bit of training and fun banter with Hekla on the side. And while it is very clear that Silla is struggling with an addiction, sometimes the thoughs revolving leaves felt overwhelming to read. I'm not saying that as a bad thing neccisarily (I honestly think thats the point) but I thought it worth noting nonetheless.
And while one of the things I praise highly of this book happenes to be the immersive speech, sometimes it felt like it could make sections drag a tiny bit.
Alllll of that said. I really enjoyed this book, and I am excited to read book two.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Norse inspired, slow burn, adventure, duologyjocogr's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit and Medical trauma
lexibex26's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
If I could rate this book higher, I would. Good lord, I am hooked and I need all of it directly injected into my veins.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Misogyny, Torture, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
hobostan's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Fire/Fire injury
mikaylamarie's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm currently riding the high that this book has given me, so let's see if I can convey what I need to in order for more people to read this book. Silla has basically been on the run most of her life, moving towns and changing names with her father every few months since she was about 10. One night they are discovered and her father is killed, sending her on a journey across the perilous country to where he said they'd be safe. Sneaking into the wagon of a traveling war band headed in the same direction, she thinks everything will start to look up if she can convince them to let her live once she's discovered. It doesn't.
The people that killed her father aren't giving up on coming for her and the road of bones is filled with dangers at every turn. When I tell you how much I loved Silla's journey and personal growth, I need you to trust me. Silla in the beginning was very much a push over and made some grave mistakes and she continues to do that as she tries to figure out who she is and what happiness, home and safety means to her. Just when you think you know how the story might go, you're wrong, and as more questions are answered, new mysteries are revealed.
The romance in this also surprised me, as it was predictable yet somehow kept me on my toes? And the ending. I'm still in shock, and I absolutely cannot wait until the next book is released because I think it will be so much more intense.
The people that killed her father aren't giving up on coming for her and the road of bones is filled with dangers at every turn. When I tell you how much I loved Silla's journey and personal growth, I need you to trust me. Silla in the beginning was very much a push over and made some grave mistakes and she continues to do that as she tries to figure out who she is and what happiness, home and safety means to her. Just when you think you know how the story might go, you're wrong, and as more questions are answered, new mysteries are revealed.
The romance in this also surprised me, as it was predictable yet somehow kept me on my toes? And the ending. I'm still in shock, and I absolutely cannot wait until the next book is released because I think it will be so much more intense.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Gore, Violence, Kidnapping, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual assault and Blood
rachelglazer's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Suicidal thoughts