Dawn of the North

The Ashen Series, Book 3

De: Demi Winters

Narrado por: Islay Jacobs

A new age begins in the Kingdom of Íseldur in this sizzling third installment of the Viking-inspired romantasy, The Ashen 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 guards vigilantly 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 hellbent 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.

Contains mature content. A complete list of content warnings can be found on the author's website.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2026 Demi Winters (P)2026 Podium Audio

Perfect!

I loved this book! So many questions answered, and so much set up for the next book. Excellent story!!

this was my favorite book yet

this is my favorite book in the series. so far. the author did an excellent job of timing. leaving you excited to hear about all the characters but not being too frustrated when she switched his perspective. can't wait for the next one

Favorite of all time!

This book is hands down the best in the Ashen series and my absolute favorite of all time! I had a range of emotions through it. The story is fascinating and narration phenomenal. I can’t wait until the next book!

How does it keep getting better?

Literally the best series I may have ever heard. This narrator is impeccable with her delivery. I cried, laughed, and had every emotion in between. Truly incredible writing.

My all time favorite series

I cannot imagine any other narrator for my all time favorite series. Islay Jacobs slays. The female characters, the male characters, the wildlife... she nails every single character all while bestowing them with so much life, depth, personality, and originality. Islay writes these characters with her voice the way Demi writes them with her keyboard. These ladies are the dynamic duo that make the Ashen series an inferno of talent. Podium entertainment has done my favorite series justice. I kick my feet just as hard while listening as I do while reading.

So let me just tell you a bit about the series, for those of you who are new here. The Road of Bones called to me, initially because of its cover. I hadn't seen a whole lot of Viking fantasy/romantasy at the time, and I was intrigued. From the opening chapter, I realized that this book was going to be different. What I didn't realize at the time, was just how different, or what that would mean for me/to me.

We're so used to fantasy/dystopian/sci-fi novels really centering on a rebellion, and at the time in fantasy and romantasy, there was no shortage of b***** female main characters. Trained assassin's. Beauty, brains, and brawn... and then along comes Silla. She seems weak, scared, not altogether there... talking to herself, seeing things, hooked on some kind of leaf, all alone, and hiding from mercenaries... all whilst wearing a "pick me", "stand out like a sore thumb" red cape! What does she have to offer? She knows how to cook. That's about the extent of it. She knows how to lie. So there she is... honing her skills as a liar, and working on food prep. That's our b***** female main character. And you know what? Man did I fall hard for Silla.
I fell as hard for Silla as most of the Blood Axe Crew did. Over the course of 3 1/2 novels, all Silla has done is continue to cement my love for her with her growth, her healing, her skills... and with all that, she stole my heart.

In Kingdom of Claw, we're introduced to a whole new set of main characters, energies, and different worlds, and a second blooming romance. As our love for the Blood Axe Crew grows, along with some of our hatred... ultimately, we just fall more in love with Demi Winter's writing of these characters, and Islays narration of them.

The novella, Roots of Darkness, introduces us to a third love story... all the while making us fall even harder for Hekla, the Rib Smasher.

With the newest release, Dawn of the North, Demi manages to succeed in making her female main characters tougher, harder, more beautiful, more powerful, more lovable... all while juggling 3 main love stories equally. I can't tell you who my favorite couple is, because they all complement each other so well. The women in these stories don't want or need men, and the men in these stories exist solely to believe in, and support their women. I really can't say which set is hotter. I equally crave additional storylines and screen time for each. The characters are all so endearing. Every single FMC in these 3 1/2 novels, has had a really huge hurdle that they have worked to overcome... and look...that's 3 1/2 novels in... I'm not saying they are cured in any way! However, you get to watch them face their demons, confront their fears, strengthen their weaknesses... and be loved... wholly and completely... for being EXACTLY WHO THEY ARE! For their leading ladies (their men), their men have been ostracized in a way, and made to feel guilty for being inferior in some way, a fear in letting someone down or in not being perfect... and yet their women accept them and strengthen them. Just as they do for their women. They are perfect pairings, stronger together. When one has a weakness or vulnerability, their equal increases and bares the brunt. They get through everything together, as a couple, as a crew... they build community.

These also aren't the normal rebellions we're used to seeing in these types of novels... but more of a taking back... making a mutiny right again. We're not there yet! The series will be at least 5 1/2 novels by the time it's complete, and I may be begging for more novellas. We'll see, but if you haven't started this series yet... you are missing out! I'm telling you... I grin from ear to ear the entire time I'm reading and/or listening... and EVERY BOOK GETS BETTER! I was kicking my feet and grinning through the whole Road of Bones, but my enjoyment and my love of the series has just grown.

I'm so impressed with how Demi is able to keep up this momentum and plot line while keeping it fresh and full of yearning (like the Bridgerton, Season 1, I BURN FOR YOU, yearning). It's never boring. It's action-packed. It's filled with love. It's filled with humanity. Demi Winters is my instant buy, instant 5 star author... and if ever I don't have her next book pre-ordered, I've died... somebody come do a wellness check, because as long as I'm breathing, I will have her next book on pre-order.