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4.37 AVERAGE
4.37 AVERAGE
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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
The Kingdom of Claw was such a different experience from the first book, and honestly? I loved that.
In The Road of Bones, we were constantly on the move, traveling with the crew through dangerous lands—but this time, we stayed mostly in Kalasgarde and Sunnavik, and that shift gave the story a whole new energy. It felt quieter in some ways, but more layered too—like we were digging deeper into who these characters really are.
The arc with the serpents was interesting—it made for a solid storyline with cool imagery and some tense moments—but it didn’t feel essential to the main story until much later. The moment where Silla and Saga finally connect mind-to-mind? That was when everything clicked and I was like, okay, now we’re getting closer to what this is really about. And honestly, even though the serpents didn’t feel central, I still enjoyed the ride. That’s one of the reasons I’ve fallen in love with this series—it doesn’t just feel like reading a story, it feels like traveling with these characters. Before I even realized it, I was emotionally attached all over again.
And let’s talk about the slow burn romance, because WOW. Rey and Silla’s relationship in this book? Absolute perfection. Their progression was so natural, so respectful of both their emotional states, and it never felt rushed.
Even the spice scenes (which I usually don’t enjoy much, especially when sequels tend to ramp it up unnecessarily) were really well done. There were only a few, and each one felt earned and aligned with their emotional journey—not just there for the sake of being steamy. It was romantic, not overwhelming, and I appreciated that so much.
The found family theme continues to shine in this series. While I missed the Bloodaxe Crew (and Hekla especially—more on that in a second!), I loved the new relationships formed in Kalasgarde. The bonds that developed there were so genuine and slow-building, which made them all the more rewarding.
Okay, side note: I missed Hekla SO MUCH. She was one of my favorites in the first book, and not having her around in this one was definitely noticeable. But the fact that we’re getting a Hekla novella?? I’m already screaming. Give it to me now. I can’t wait to see her story, especially since it feels like there’s so much left unresolved with her and Sigrún.
Silla’s character growth was beautiful in this book. Watching her slowly come to terms with who she is, not just in terms of her powers but as a person, was incredibly satisfying. And Rey’s arc? Ugh. So good. I especially adored that subtle detail with the owl representing his brother’s spirit leading him—it was such a small thing, but it absolutely hit me in the feels. It gave so much quiet emotional weight to Rey’s journey and his connection to his past. I really love how both of them are learning to accept themselves and their histories, not just survive them.
Now, Jonas… oh boy. He made me mad, obviously, but I have to admit I’m really intrigued by the direction he’s going. He’s clearly sinking deeper into darkness, and I genuinely don’t know where he’s headed. Part of me wonders if there’s a redemption arc coming at some point—but the other part is just watching him self-destruct and wondering how far he’ll fall.
That said, Saga’s POV didn’t fully work for me. I didn’t dislike her, but I just wasn’t into her chapters the way I was with Silla and Rey. I plan to reread those chapters before book three releases, so maybe I’ll connect more on a second read, but the first time through, I found myself a little disconnected from her arc.
Despite that, I am so deep in this world now. The characters feel like friends, the setting is rich and immersive, and the emotional undercurrents of each story hit in all the right places. I’m beyond happy that I picked up this series, and I can’t wait to continue the journey.
Demi Winters is quickly becoming one of those authors I trust completely to deliver characters with depth, slow-burning romance, emotional stakes, and just enough magic to keep me enchanted.
Book three can’t come soon enough!
In The Road of Bones, we were constantly on the move, traveling with the crew through dangerous lands—but this time, we stayed mostly in Kalasgarde and Sunnavik, and that shift gave the story a whole new energy. It felt quieter in some ways, but more layered too—like we were digging deeper into who these characters really are.
The arc with the serpents was interesting—it made for a solid storyline with cool imagery and some tense moments—but it didn’t feel essential to the main story until much later. The moment where Silla and Saga finally connect mind-to-mind? That was when everything clicked and I was like, okay, now we’re getting closer to what this is really about. And honestly, even though the serpents didn’t feel central, I still enjoyed the ride. That’s one of the reasons I’ve fallen in love with this series—it doesn’t just feel like reading a story, it feels like traveling with these characters. Before I even realized it, I was emotionally attached all over again.
And let’s talk about the slow burn romance, because WOW. Rey and Silla’s relationship in this book? Absolute perfection. Their progression was so natural, so respectful of both their emotional states, and it never felt rushed.
Even the spice scenes (which I usually don’t enjoy much, especially when sequels tend to ramp it up unnecessarily) were really well done. There were only a few, and each one felt earned and aligned with their emotional journey—not just there for the sake of being steamy. It was romantic, not overwhelming, and I appreciated that so much.
The found family theme continues to shine in this series. While I missed the Bloodaxe Crew (and Hekla especially—more on that in a second!), I loved the new relationships formed in Kalasgarde. The bonds that developed there were so genuine and slow-building, which made them all the more rewarding.
Okay, side note: I missed Hekla SO MUCH. She was one of my favorites in the first book, and not having her around in this one was definitely noticeable. But the fact that we’re getting a Hekla novella?? I’m already screaming. Give it to me now. I can’t wait to see her story, especially since it feels like there’s so much left unresolved with her and Sigrún.
Silla’s character growth was beautiful in this book. Watching her slowly come to terms with who she is, not just in terms of her powers but as a person, was incredibly satisfying. And Rey’s arc? Ugh. So good. I especially adored that subtle detail with the owl representing his brother’s spirit leading him—it was such a small thing, but it absolutely hit me in the feels. It gave so much quiet emotional weight to Rey’s journey and his connection to his past. I really love how both of them are learning to accept themselves and their histories, not just survive them.
Now, Jonas… oh boy. He made me mad, obviously, but I have to admit I’m really intrigued by the direction he’s going. He’s clearly sinking deeper into darkness, and I genuinely don’t know where he’s headed. Part of me wonders if there’s a redemption arc coming at some point—but the other part is just watching him self-destruct and wondering how far he’ll fall.
That said, Saga’s POV didn’t fully work for me. I didn’t dislike her, but I just wasn’t into her chapters the way I was with Silla and Rey. I plan to reread those chapters before book three releases, so maybe I’ll connect more on a second read, but the first time through, I found myself a little disconnected from her arc.
Despite that, I am so deep in this world now. The characters feel like friends, the setting is rich and immersive, and the emotional undercurrents of each story hit in all the right places. I’m beyond happy that I picked up this series, and I can’t wait to continue the journey.
Demi Winters is quickly becoming one of those authors I trust completely to deliver characters with depth, slow-burning romance, emotional stakes, and just enough magic to keep me enchanted.
Book three can’t come soon enough!
Better then 1st book but again so many misses in details. Overall creative story but punchlines regularly not executed well.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Saga's sections dragged a bit at the beginning, but they picked up about halfway in.
Saga's continually really naive and makes poor decisions. You'll want to shake her. But it makes sense for her character.
I was frustrated with how Harpa was trying to teach Silla about meditation. She just kept yelling at Silla about clearing her mind without actually explaining what that meant or what she needed to do. Which is fine, if that's part of Harpa's character. But it would have been nice to see Silla or Rey push back on that a bit.
Minor gripes aside, I think this series is a truly exceptional addition to the genre. The author clearly care a lot about the craft of writing. Worldbuilding feels natural. Main characters have motivations and flaws that influence their actions. Importantly, Saga and Silla feel very different. And I really enjoy sunshine character Silla slowly transforming into a warrior.
I really appreciate how Demi Winters lays out subtle red flags in men. They're so standard to dark romance, that they kind of get glossed over. But, no, it's bad when a man shows you affection in a way that could put you in danger. I suspect that maybe fans are gonna be man when book 3 comes out.
Saga's continually really naive and makes poor decisions. You'll want to shake her. But it makes sense for her character.
I was frustrated with how Harpa was trying to teach Silla about meditation. She just kept yelling at Silla about clearing her mind without actually explaining what that meant or what she needed to do. Which is fine, if that's part of Harpa's character. But it would have been nice to see Silla or Rey push back on that a bit.
Minor gripes aside, I think this series is a truly exceptional addition to the genre. The author clearly care a lot about the craft of writing. Worldbuilding feels natural. Main characters have motivations and flaws that influence their actions. Importantly, Saga and Silla feel very different. And I really enjoy sunshine character Silla slowly transforming into a warrior.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Violence, Suicide attempt
Moderate: Blood, Alcohol
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cannibalism