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A review by hanaramaa
Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
To every woman who’s had her opinion disregarded because she lacks a certain appendage; who's had her passion brushed off and been deemed ‘temperamental’; who’s been told to smile, as though she needs to change herself to put others at ease. I put all of my feminine rage into this one for you.
🐿️ Thank you Demi Winters and the team for the eARC.
This novella was a strong return to the Bloodaxe crew, who I missed soo much in Book 2!
Pros
• Hekla as the main character. It was refreshing to follow her inner world and leadership challenges, especially as a woman leading a mercenary crew in a brutal Viking setting.
• Strong disability representation. Hekla has a badass prosthetic arm with claws which she uses in combat.
• The return of the Bloodaxe crew. I really missed these characters in book two, so it was great to spend time with them again!
• Emotional depth. The story explores different responses to grief following earlier events in the series.
• A mysterious, darker tone. The plot follows Hekla investigating of missing people & the origins of a deadly mist, adding tension and intrigue. I love me a lil fantasy mysteryy
• Strong disability representation. Hekla has a badass prosthetic arm with claws which she uses in combat.
• The return of the Bloodaxe crew. I really missed these characters in book two, so it was great to spend time with them again!
• Emotional depth. The story explores different responses to grief following earlier events in the series.
• A mysterious, darker tone. The plot follows Hekla investigating of missing people & the origins of a deadly mist, adding tension and intrigue. I love me a lil fantasy mysteryy
Cons
• The ending felt a bit rushed. After an amazing, intense battle, the focus shifted to 2 characters kissing in the heat of the moment, and then they focused on putting out fires, when moments before they were being attacked by the deadly mist and a host of creatures! It felt disjointed and ended what was a brilliant battle on an unsatisfying note
• Honestly, this could have worked well as a full-length novel. There was room to expand the world building and character development even further - especially with Sigrún and Gunnar who didn't get much time on page.
• Honestly, this could have worked well as a full-length novel. There was room to expand the world building and character development even further - especially with Sigrún and Gunnar who didn't get much time on page.
DO NOT SKIP
This story runs alongside the events of book two, and it adds crucial background and plot development leading into book three, Dawn of the North. If you're following the series, don’t skip it - this is not just a bonus novella, but a key piece of the overall story arc. I hope we get more from Hekla's perspective in the future, and even more time with Gunnar and Sigrún as well.
I'm really looking forward to seeing all timelines and characters come together in the next book!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence