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dblue236's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.0
Trigger warnings: Violence, death of parent, graphic sexual content, sexual assault.
I've been really interested in Norse mythology and folklore since playing Assassin's Creed Valhalla a few years ago, so that drew me to this book. I am *not* a big fan of romantasy in general, so some of those themes were a bit lost on me, but overall I enjoyed the book despite its relatively slow pace. I liked the characters and the buildup of the relationships among them as a group, and the epilogue left me wanting to continue with the series. This was not necessarily something I'd make a habit of reading, but I did enjoy it for what it was.
I've been really interested in Norse mythology and folklore since playing Assassin's Creed Valhalla a few years ago, so that drew me to this book. I am *not* a big fan of romantasy in general, so some of those themes were a bit lost on me, but overall I enjoyed the book despite its relatively slow pace. I liked the characters and the buildup of the relationships among them as a group, and the epilogue left me wanting to continue with the series. This was not necessarily something I'd make a habit of reading, but I did enjoy it for what it was.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death and Kidnapping
sarrie's review against another edition
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
TL;DR: After a few days away from this I think this is a hard pass for me.
Source: Netgalley, thank you so much to the publisher!
Source: Netgalley, thank you so much to the publisher!
Plot: Silla has to run to a far off town for safety after her father is killed and of course she makes all the mistakes you’d expect. And shocker - two hot dudes appear!
Characters: Unfortunately… none of these characters worked for me, especially the main character.
Setting: I did really like the setting here. The Viking Vibes are very strong and the creatures are super fun.
Fantasy: It definitely felt very fantastical with hints of a strong magic but I didn’t absolutely love it.
Characters: Unfortunately… none of these characters worked for me, especially the main character.
Setting: I did really like the setting here. The Viking Vibes are very strong and the creatures are super fun.
Fantasy: It definitely felt very fantastical with hints of a strong magic but I didn’t absolutely love it.
Thoughts:
Unfortunately this was just… not a great one for me. In fact I finished this just a few days ago and I have already forgotten most of these character’s names. I had high hopes after the initial chapters but it was quickly dashed and trampled into bland disappointment.
Silla is on the run. The Queen wants her, she has no idea why, and her father was recently killed by her men. He tells her to run to a town quite a distance away and seek safety so off she goes. That setup, not super original but the gore and the brutality that we get in those chapters - it was great! But then we fall into the trap, the miscommunication. The flat out lies. Listen, if I’m on the run for a reason I don’t understand but I see the guy I’m lying to for a ride cut off a guys fingers and slit his throat in cold blood for lying? I think I’m going to find a way to fess up the truth. Silla not only lied once and got caught! But lied AGAIN and doubled down.
I dragged myself through this but honestly after that very… unfortunate choice I couldn’t connect or seem to care very much. I had high hopes and initially I was intrigued enough to perhaps finished but with more days it’s soured. This one wasn’t for me, and I likely won’t continue. But a lot of folks have loved it so give it a try if you’re super interested, it could work for you!
2 stars
OMG and I almost forgot her casual drug use? What was up with that? I have no issue with drugs or drug use in books but this was... not well done.
OMG and I almost forgot her casual drug use? What was up with that? I have no issue with drugs or drug use in books but this was... not well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use and Violence
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
seasonedreadings's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual violence
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
miorinsa's review against another edition
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
Loved the start of Silla’s adventure in finding herself, coming into her strength, and learning how to trust in a cutthroat world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual assault, and Violence
alliesbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence
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
meretastic's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.25
Doing my best to keep this one spoiler free. Thanks to Demi Winters, NetGalley, and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review! This is a traditionally published version of a book that’s been on my TBR for ages and I’m so excited I got my hands on it!
I went into The Road of Bones expecting a typical romantasy with a Viking-inspired spin, but Demi delivered something unique, especially towards the end! I was pleasantly surprised when the plot took some turns I wasn’t fully prepared for, breaking out of the typical formula in a genre that can be somewhat predictable. (I say this as a HUGE fan of romantasy!) The writing was solid from start to finish, with an immersive, gritty tone that fit the world she built beautifully.
That said, the first half did feel slow to me. While I appreciated the details introducing the setting and characters, I found it a little tough to stay engaged at first. I also found the magic system a little hard to grasp, but hopefully that can be remedied in future books in the series, which I fully intend to read.
One thing to note in this is the violence. I’m not usually squeamish with reading, but I was taken aback by a few of the scenes. Be sure to check the trigger warnings and take care of yourselves!
Despite these minor complaints, this was a great read, and I’m still eager to read the sequel to see where Demi takes the story next!
I went into The Road of Bones expecting a typical romantasy with a Viking-inspired spin, but Demi delivered something unique, especially towards the end! I was pleasantly surprised when the plot took some turns I wasn’t fully prepared for, breaking out of the typical formula in a genre that can be somewhat predictable. (I say this as a HUGE fan of romantasy!) The writing was solid from start to finish, with an immersive, gritty tone that fit the world she built beautifully.
That said, the first half did feel slow to me. While I appreciated the details introducing the setting and characters, I found it a little tough to stay engaged at first. I also found the magic system a little hard to grasp, but hopefully that can be remedied in future books in the series, which I fully intend to read.
One thing to note in this is the violence. I’m not usually squeamish with reading, but I was taken aback by a few of the scenes. Be sure to check the trigger warnings and take care of yourselves!
Despite these minor complaints, this was a great read, and I’m still eager to read the sequel to see where Demi takes the story next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Sexual content, and Violence