Kingdom of Claw Review
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
What is The Ashen Series?
The Ashen Series is author Demi Winters’ debut series. Originally indie published, this author debut was picked up by a traditional publisher and is in the process of being rereleased. This is a planned 5 book series with the first two books already available. Books that are currently available for the series are The Road of Bones and Kingdom of Claw. Plus there is a bonus chapter from the POV our favorite grumpy male main character available through the author’s news letter.
There is also a planned novella told from the perspective of Hekla. This will follow our beloved Blood Axe Crew during the events of Kingdom of Claw.
It is important to remember this is a dark, romantic fantasy intended for adults. As such, it touches on topics that may be sensitive or too graphic for some readers. The author has provided a list of trigger warnings that can be reviewed before reading.
Kingdom of Claw Summary
*** The Road of Bones spoilers
Kingdom of Claw picks up where The Road of Bones left off. After the revelation of Rey’s identity as the Slatrari, and his rescue of Silla from Kopa, Rey and Silla are on the run. They are wanted by the queen and are forced into hiding in the one place Rey promised never to go again. Together they must overcome their distrust of each other and their past traumas.
Meanwhile in Sunnavik Saga is waging a battle of her own. She has been living in captivity by the usurpers who murdered her family for 17 years. She has not left the castle walls for 5. But when she discovers the existence of her sister whom everyone believed to be dead, everything changes. She will do anything to protect Silla now that she knows she is alive. Even if it means teaming up with the mysterious Zagadkian dignitary who clearly has motivations of his own.
What did I like about the book?
This is one of those sequels that is so much better than the first! While I loved the first book, it was much slower, with a lot of character and world introduction. Kingdom of Claw jumps right into the story. Demi Winters does an absolutely amazing job of providing characters with real, personal issues that need to be overcome. I loved watching Rey battle his grief and need to put people at a distance while Silla battled her addiction which was only made more difficult by her inability to master her galdur.
While the romance in the first book seemed off (it was supposed to), the romance in Kingdom of Claw is beautiful. We are able to watch Rey and Silla’s relationship develop naturally as they are forced into hiding together. I loved watching them battle themselves rather than them being instantly in love.
This book offers more points of view. We are able to follow Silla’s journey in captivity in Sunnavik. Silla battles her own ailments while also finding a very morally grey love interest.
What did I not like?
Honestly the only thing I don’t like about this book is that I want more, but it’s not available yet. The third book is currently being written with no publication date. I am so excited to read the next installment of this series!
Tropes you’ll love
Grumpy – Sunshine
Forced Proximity
Trainer- Trainee
Found Family
Mysterious Past
Reluctant Hero
One Horse/Bed
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for a free arc copy in exchange for my honest review.
