Roots of Darkness

An Ashen Series Standalone

De: Demi Winters

Narrado por: Islay Jacobs

Join Hekla and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew as they battle the evil, poisonous mist threatening the citizens of Istré—and perhaps all of Íseldur—in a novella following the events of Kingdom of Claw.

Traveling the Road of Bones was only the start of Hekla's troubles.

The Bloodaxe Crew has arrived at the village of Istré—beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla "Rib Smasher" is determined that they'll complete their job all the same: defeat the monstrous, sentient mist and keep the citizens of Istré safe. What she didn't expect was for Istré's bullheaded chieftain to block her every move.

Exasperated, Hekla throws caution to the wind for a single passion-filled night. But to her horror, the mysterious red-cloaked warrior to whom she's spilled her deepest secrets is the Bloodaxe Crew's new temporary leader and ally—Eyvind Hakonsson.

Hekla must now learn to play by Eyvind's rules while guarding her heart. But when it becomes clear that his plans align with the chieftain's, Hekla takes matters into her own hands.

Nothing will stop her from keeping the innocent people of Istré safe—not even the man who haunts her thoughts.

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

©2025 Demi Winters (P)2026 Podium Audio

Sentient Mist......whoa

4.25 Stars

This is a novella set in the same world of the Ashen series, but for this book the focus is on FMC Hekla as she leads the Blood-Axe Crew on a mission to save the town of Istre from a scary and sentient mist. Families have gone missing but there is evidence that whatever happened to them - well, it isn't good.

Hekla is trying to hold the Blood-Axe Crew together after the events of the last book and they are down three members from their tight knit group. It becomes apparent that the town leader is hiding something and knows more than he is saying.

We then get to meet MMC Eyvind Hakonsson, a totally new character to the series. He is the leader of the second crew that arrives to help and it becomes immediately apparent that there is HUGE chemistry between the two. Unfortunately, Hekla has to step back and follow his lead.

Most of this book revolves around Hekla and her frustration as she continually has to prove herself in a normally male dominated role. I liked her. She is a strong woman who has survived things that would break anyone else.

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.

Heckla!!! Love her!

Solid novella, great refresh for book 3…ending was not great and have some concerns on how this storyline will fit into the trilogy arc 🤷‍♀️

amazing

I think this is the perfect 2.5 book. it gives you someone else's story just enough to keep you craving for more! I think the author is amazing and the performance is perfect for this series. I honestly think it would be odd to hear someone else's voice.

One of my favourite series!

This series is incredible and this was no different, cannot wait for Dawn of the North!