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meridith_bex's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Genocide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
kaitlinjolene's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.5
WOW. Took about halfway through to pick up the pace, but that’s due to great world building and scene setting in the first half. There were twists that I predicted, and twists that I definitely didn’t predict. This book is fantasy first, romance second, so if you don’t enjoy more high fantasy, high stakes, this might not be for you.
I loved it and I will be getting the second book ASAP
I loved it and I will be getting the second book ASAP
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Gore, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Torture
ms_morri's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Gore, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, and Vomit
jennipea382's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Kidnapping, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Alcohol
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
doahdancer's review
dark
emotional
lighthearted
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The writing quality is quite good.
Relationships are built steadily, but no key moment is spared to move the plot forward. If you enjoy the slow build of a friendship or a romance and don't mind a road trip, then this is for you.
The FMC is a gentle soul, but strong hearted. She's a good antidote to sassy personalities, if they've got you down.
The MMC though? Complicated. Really wasn't sure about him most of the time, but I actually think I'm really, really going to like him in the next book. He's got some great development towards the end that sets up for an amazing payout next book. Here's to hoping we actually get it!
Relationships are built steadily, but no key moment is spared to move the plot forward. If you enjoy the slow build of a friendship or a romance and don't mind a road trip, then this is for you.
The FMC is a gentle soul, but strong hearted. She's a good antidote to sassy personalities, if they've got you down.
The MMC though? Complicated. Really wasn't sure about him most of the time, but I actually think I'm really, really going to like him in the next book. He's got some great development towards the end that sets up for an amazing payout next book. Here's to hoping we actually get it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Deadnaming, Death, Drug use, Physical abuse, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Trafficking, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, 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
ta2dlibrarian's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
A romantasy with Icelandic and Old Norse influences that started pretty slow but quickly became intriguing. The plot twists kept things interesting but it ends with a HFN. Def can't wait to read the sister's story, preview in the epilogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape
intensej's review
adventurous
medium-paced
3.5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Silla Nordvig is desperate for safety after her world is upended. She will do anything to get to Kopa and follow the instructions her father left her. When she sneaks into a wagon, she has no idea that she is joining the Bloodaxe Crew who are on a separate mission. Although Ren, the leader of the Crew, allows her to travel with them, she struggles to keep her secrets as she grows closer to the mercenaries.
It took a few chapters to get into the book. The world reminded me of The Witcher with all of the magical creatures. I didn't care for the constant POV changes for certain chapters. I enjoyed reading about Silla's journey with the Bloodaxe Crew. The romance part of this book was a bit disappointing. I couldn't figure out if Silla was supposed to end up with Jonas (the handsome member of the Crew) or Ren.I preferred Silla/Ren together, and all of the Jonas/Silla scenes got to be really annoying. If you enjoyed the Viking romantasy and angst of A Fate Inked in Blood, you will like The Road of Bones .
Content: violence, death, swearing, sex, mentions of sexual assault
Silla Nordvig is desperate for safety after her world is upended. She will do anything to get to Kopa and follow the instructions her father left her. When she sneaks into a wagon, she has no idea that she is joining the Bloodaxe Crew who are on a separate mission. Although Ren, the leader of the Crew, allows her to travel with them, she struggles to keep her secrets as she grows closer to the mercenaries.
It took a few chapters to get into the book. The world reminded me of The Witcher with all of the magical creatures. I didn't care for the constant POV changes for certain chapters. I enjoyed reading about Silla's journey with the Bloodaxe Crew. The romance part of this book was a bit disappointing. I couldn't figure out if Silla was supposed to end up with Jonas (the handsome member of the Crew) or Ren.
Content: violence, death, swearing, sex, mentions of sexual assault
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Violence
Minor: Torture
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, duology