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Roots of Darkness

The must-read romantasy novella to the epic Viking ASHEN series
By Demi Winters
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Brief Description
Join Hekla and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew as they battle the evil, poisonous mist threatening the citizens of Istre - and perhaps all of Iseldur - in Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters, an epic romantasy novella following the events of Kingdom of Claw.... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
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Sarah J. Maas meets Vikings in this epic romantasy novella by Demi Winters, following Hekla and the Bloodaxe Crew from the Ashen series.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
Join Hekla and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew as they battle the evil, poisonous mist threatening the citizens of Istre - and perhaps all of Iseldur - in Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters, an epic romantasy novella following the events of Kingdom of Claw.

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

The Bloodaxe Crew have arrived at the village of Istre - beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla "Rib Smasher" is determined they'll complete their job all the same: defeat the monstrous, sentient mist, and keep the citizens of Istre safe. What she didn't expect is for Istre'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 Istre safe - not even the man who haunts her thoughts.

Roots of Darkness is a romantic companion novella to the Ashen series from BookTok sensation Demi Winters.

Continue reading the Ashen series with Dawn of the North, the third breathtaking book.

****

Readers DEVOURED Roots of Darkness . . .

'Easy one sitting read for this incredible novella!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I easily could've read another 300+ pages .. . amazing amazing amazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'THIS is how you do a novella'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes:

Vikings

Feminine rage

Golden retriever x black cat

One night stand turned love interest

Slow burn

F*ck the patriarchy

Animal sidekicks

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781399640510

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 January 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gollancz

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 150.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 224

Collections

2025 Best Sellers Best Sellers at Book Hero Demi Winters Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books New Release Fiction Romance Romance Reads Sale Romantasy (Fantasy Romance) Sci-Fi & Fantasy Summer Reads Sale Fantasy Romance

About the Author

Demi Winters writes fantasy romance stories that combine flawed characters, love stories, interesting worlds, and magic systems. When she's not dreaming up morally gray love interests or fantastical worlds, Demi can be found reading or hanging out with her family.

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