The Road of Bones

After watching her father killed by mysterious assassins, Silla Nordvig is trying to escape her dangerous past and the unknown secrets that come with it. She sets out on a risky journey to safety along the Road of Bones. Hoping to get a ride with a tough group of Viking warriors, she stows away on their wagon and has to prove herself when discovered. Along the way, she faces tricky alliances, dark creatures, and a love that grows even when it seems impossible.

Demi Winters creates a vivid world inspired by Viking culture and Norse myths. The setting feels like Skyrim plus Dragon Age, which I love. The scenes are beautifully described, and the fights are intense, making it difficult to put down. Getting used to the complicated society and the different characters takes some time if you are unfamiliar with Norse words, but there is a handy glossary in the back.

The characters are interesting and well-developed. Silla grows throughout her journey as she learns to balance her fight for survival with her inner strength. I love that all the Bloodaxe crew members are distinct individuals and some of them have disabilities that are handled with grace, love the inclusion! Her interactions with the Bloodaxe Crew, especially her complicated relationships with Axe Eyes and Wolf, keep the story engaging and the fight scenes are well-written and fun to read.

If you enjoy dark low fantasy or dark romantasy, “The Road of Bones” is a book that fans of gritty tales like Throne of Glass and The Last Kingdom will love. It's great for readers who appreciate themes of found family, slow-building romance, and stories set in Viking-inspired worlds.

Themes/Tropes
- Found family
- Enemies becoming lovers
- Slow-building romance
- Brooding warrior character(s)
- Dangerous quest

Some content warnings: This book includes violence and gore, attempted sexual assault, emotional abuse, addiction, grief, forced drugging, captivity, and loss of family.