Kingdom of Claw
Ratings3
Average rating3.5
15
Ratings3
Average rating3.5
Return to the Kingdom of Íseldur, where enemies become lovers and dark secrets hide around each corner, the second novel in the Ashen series.
In the aftermath of a harrowing journey, Silla Nordvig’s dreams of a simple life have been shattered. Beaten, betrayed, and reeling from the revelation of her true name, she flees Kopa with Reynir Galtung, ruthless leader of the Bloodaxe Crew. But when they’re forced into hiding together, Silla soon discovers that Rey has been keeping secrets of his own.
Stuck in a shield-home with the murderous man she thought she knew, Silla forms a new plan: master the magic flowing through her veins to save her sister. But before she can do that, Silla must face her most formidable opponent yet—her own inner demons.
Saga Volsik has nothing to lose. They’ve murdered her family. Stolen her throne. And now they expect her to marry their son, but not if she can dismantle Queen Signe’s plans first. The only problem? The handsome Zagadkian dignitary who knows far too many of her secrets.
Silla and Saga will need to find the strength to step into their destiny and stop chaos from sweeping across the land. Meanwhile, dark threads continue to weave themselves through Íseldur as magic long thought dead begins to wake.
Featured Series
2 primary booksThe Ashen is a 2-book series with 2 primary works first released in 2023 with contributions by Demi Winters.
Reviews with the most likes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
3.5 stars
I didn't really enjoy this one as much as the first. It started off good for me but it kind of started to drag with the addition of other sub plots and POVs. Felt like there were a number of those introduced and it took away from the story for me.
Contains spoilers
After reading the series' first book, I wasn't sure I wanted to continue. I wasn't a huge fan of Silla or the turn of events regarding Jonas in The Road of Bones. HOWEVER, I'm so, so glad I did! This book is a solid 4.25. The Ashen series could easily turn out to be a top series for me, depending on the next three books to be released.
I'll start with the world-building, first and foremost. Set in a world inspired by Iceland and Norse mythology, the author builds a rich culture and history of the people of Íseldur, crafted through all the details. From the geography and the unique languages to the little offerings and prayers, to the slow piecing together of the world history and its Gods, it's a world easily envisioned and made real. I also love the various creatures (especially the little spirits) and the unique expressions of Galdra (magic) in the characters. Considering the scope of the second book, the potential for this world as it continues to expand and encompass other lands and cultures has me incredibly excited.
The writing. I'm not sure what else to say about the writing, other than it couldn't have been done any better. It's mature. It's purposeful. There's no silly fluff. Never once was I confused. The various POVs make things even more interesting. It's a beautiful, easy reading experience. Please read this book. Lol.
Now, the characters. The second book is certainly on the slower side, but this is a strength as it pertains to Silla's development. In the first book, I found her to be irritating and unlikeable, even if I could understand some of her actions. But in the second book, she faces her many faults and slowly grows out of her naivety. It's not a matter of suddenly being the strongest, best female character like, ever, who has the coolest power in the land and can defeat everyone because she is simply the best (as in many fantasy books which obviously I cannot stand). Rather, the entirety of the second book seemed dedicated to her growth, as we see Silla work incredibly hard to increase her skills and strength and her Galdra, all while trying to face her guilt and fear head-on. You can't help but be proud of her. And I just know she is going to kick-ass in the next installments, not because she is the fated "best of the best", but because she's actually worked for it.
Man, then there's Rey. Winters does such an incredible job with her MMCs. And the romance? 10/10. It's a slow burn, resulting in a relationship founded on something other than Insta-lust. What a power couple. I also enjoyed discovering his backstory, meeting the fam in his hometown, and watching him slowly come to accept his own pain and open up. Gotta love Rey.
And then there's Saga. I loved the introduction to Saga's character, who, although she has many struggles of her own, slowly comes into her own strength too. I also really love the sister bond that forms and how they become each other's saving grace in many ways. That being said, I hope that going forward Winters will be able to differentiate the two sisters more, as I found a lot of similarities between them and how they act. We'll see! Finally, Kass (what don't we love about Kass?) and his customs and culture and magic are an exciting new addition to this world, especially regarding the development of the plot.
I could keep going on and on and on. But I need to end somewhere, and here's as good as any. I eagerly and impatiently await the next books, while crying a little inside as I come to terms with the fact of waiting potentially years to learn the ending of this seriously awesome series. Lol.
I'm sure it'll be worth the wait.
