Book Review: Dawn of the North by Demi Winters
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Dawn of the North by Demi Winters
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC!
Release Date: February 3, 2026
Series: The Ashen #3
Genres: Adult // Fantasy, Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ (Explicit Open Door)
Quick Thoughts: Dawn of the North was exactly what I wanted and more from the third installment of The Ashen series. We’re following multiple storylines told from six POVs and we finally get questions answered, expand the setting into a new kingdom, and see more of the characters we know and love. Though it’s not the fastest moving story, there is no shortage of action and plot. 100% recommend.
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Here are the content/trigger warnings for Dawn of the North by Demi Winters, as listed on her website:
human sacrifice
kidnapping and forced captivity
demonic possession
depictions of torture (whipping while restrained)
parental abuse (physical, depicted)
vulgar language
graphic violence & gore
misogyny
graphic sex including some extremely minor bondage
emotional abuse and manipulation
alcohol and diminished consent
agoraphobia–depictions of exposure therapy, panic attacks, and disordered thought patterns
betrayal
arranged marriage
animal captivity and animal endangerment (none die this time, you’re welcome)
murder horse and giant spiders
mariticide
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Norse-inspired settings
Multiple POVs & storylines
Forced proximity
Slow burn romance
Enemies to Lovers
Politics between kingdoms
Talking animal companions
What is Dawn of the North about?
A new age begins in the Kingdom of Íseldur in this sizzling third installment of the Viking-inspired romantasy series.
The lost Volsik heir has finally returned to the people of Íseldur, and even with the warrior who’s captured her heart standing by her side, Silla’s task is monumental. She must earn the loyalty of the northern jarls to drive Ivar Ironheart from the throne and restore peace in the kingdom. But the secret she vigilantly guards threatens to ruin all her plans: A shard of a god lives in her mind, twisting her thoughts and deeds to His will.
Meanwhile, held captive on the mysterious isle of Zagadka, Saga Volsik fights to return to her sister in Íseldur. But when King Ivar sets his sights on the Zagadkians, she’s forced to make an impossible choice: fight for the man who stole her—and is now hell-bent on marrying her—or let the innocent people of his kingdom die.
As a poisonous mist threatens the realm, the sisters will delve into the unknowns of their magic to battle against evil. Return to the land of ice and fire, where a god awakens, a queen finds her power, and sisters must unite against the darkness threatening their realm.
Dawn of the North Review
Note: This is the third book in The Ashen series, so this review may contain spoilers for the first and second book. If you’re new to this series, start with my review of The Road of Bones and Kingdom of Claw.
Lately, it feels like every book I read is the same story repackaged with different character names and a new setting. Dawn of the North was the breath of fresh air I needed.
I don’t know how Demi Winters does it, but every book in this series has been better than the last. Usually, when I’m three books into a five book series, I expect a lot of filler and fluff. That is absolutely not the case here. We got character growth, even more worldbuilding, and expanded the setting into a whole new kingdom.
First things first, definitely read Hekla’s novella, Roots of Darkness, before diving into Dawn of the North. I say this as a chronic novella skipper. I promise you will be totally lost if you don’t.
Plot & Storytelling
We're following three main storylines told through six POVs: Kassandr and Saga in Zagadka, Silla and Rey in Kopa, Hekla continuing the mission with the mist, and Jonas. As someone who doesn't typically like more than three POVs, I worried I’d be frustrated by the constant switching. Instead, I found that I was excited to jump to the next POV. Each perspective adds something different, whether it be character growth, relationship development, or plot advancement. The downside is that it takes a while for the story to get going because we're re-establishing so many storylines in the beginning. I thought it was worth it and loved how all the POVs converged at the end, but if you're used to faster-paced fantasies, the setup may feel slow.
Romances
Like the other books in this series, the romances are present but don't overpower the plot. Because the couples are paired off into their separate storylines, the relationship development is woven into the plot naturally. The characters are given the space to grow together and develop real feelings for another instead of being thrown into a relationship solely because of the circumstances. I think this is why Demi Winters’ romances feel so believable. Also, I adore Kassandr. I liked him in Kingdom of Claw, but he levels up so much in this book.
Overall, this was a great third book in The Ashen series and it solidly sets the stage for the final two books. I will definitely be continuing with this series!
Check out this review on Goodreads or Storygraph.
Happy reading!
Kim
Dawn of the North FAQs
Some of the answers may be spoilers if you haven’t read it already. Proceed with caution!
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There are five books planned in The Ashen series by Demi Winters.
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As of the publishing of this post, the fourth book in The Ashen series by Demi Winters has not been announced yet.
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Yes, Dawn of the North is the third Road of Bones book (also known as The Ashen series). It came out on February 3, 2026.
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Dawn of the North is a 4 🌶️ or explicit open door. That means readers are present for spice scenes and they are written in explicit detail.
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The spicy chapters in Dawn of the North are:
Chapter 6
Chapter 28
Chapter 54
Chapter 68