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Outlander: Outlander, Book 1
Diana Gabaldon
4.6
Roots of Darkness: An Ashen Series Standalone
by Demi Winters
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About this book
Hekla "Rib Smasher" and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew arrive in the beleaguered village of Istré, facing a threat far more insidious than the Road of Bones: a sentient, poisonous mist consuming the land. Still reeling from the loss of her comrades, Hekla is determined to eradicate the corruption, but she finds her path blocked by the village’s stubborn chieftain and a frustratingly rigid new ally. Seeking a brief escape from the mounting pressure, Hekla shares a night of intense, uninhibited passion with a mysterious red-cloaked stranger.
Her world tilts when she discovers her lover is Eyvind Hakonsson, the very man appointed to command the Crew’s mission. Now, Hekla is forced into a volatile professional dynamic with the man who holds her deepest secrets, only to realize that Eyvind’s strategic vision directly contradicts her own. As the mist tightens its grip on Istré, the friction between Hekla’s impulsive bravery and Eyvind’s calculated authority threatens to shatter their alliance.
With the lives of the innocent hanging in the balance, Hekla must decide if she can trust the man who haunts her thoughts or if she must defy him to save them all.
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What readers are saying
KtreadslaterMy favorite novella ever. Hekla is awesome!
"This novella was absolutely perfect! I was really wondering what was going on with the bloodaxe crew, and this was the perfect way to go back to them. Hekla is one hell of an FMC. I love when books are written between flashbacks and present. It always just keeps me so invested and this novella did a great job with that! The story was excellent and the spice was on point! Demi Winters knows how to leave a cliffhanger!!! I never want this world to end I’m just having the best time! ["
March 15, 2026 Verified Purchase
Julie McI devoured this in one sitting!
"⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 from me Roots of Darkness Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters is a dark, atmospheric romantasy novella set in the Viking-inspired (Road of Bones) world of Íseldur. It follows Hekla “Rib Smasher,” a fierce warrior of the Bloodaxe Crew, as she and her companions, Sigrún and Gunnar, arrive in a struggling village plagued by a strange, sentient poisonous mist. While trying to protect the villagers, Hekla must navigate a stubborn chieftan, shifting leadership, and the unexpected pull she feels toward a mysterious red-cloaked warrior, Eyvind. Blending danger, desire, and emotional tension, Roots of Darkness gives Hekla space to step into the spotlight, revealing both her strength and the guarded heart beneath her battle-hardened exterior. This novella was such a satisfying read. I was hooked from the first chapter and reading Hekla’s story in Ístré simply worked all of my emotions. Hekla was such a strong character from Road of Bones, that it was nice to see a little of her softer side…although we certainly saw very little of that. Seeing her come into her own as a leader was captivating. I truly enjoyed watching her inner turmoil, along with the turmoil she caused to the new Bloodaxe Crew leader and the local warriors. The relationship between Eyvind and Hekla was incredibly compelling and I just didn’t want it to end. The two of them together are vey exciting and so funny. I loved that he was exasperated with her almost the entire time, and it was clear that he was smitten with her from almost the beginning. I just want to see more of the two of them in future books and I really hope this is a love story that continues. The cliffhanger at the end almost killed me and when I saw the words, The End, I almost cried. I just wanted the story to continue. I can’t wait to read Dawn of the North, and I really hope I get to see more of Hekla, Eyvind, and the rest of the Bloodaxe Crew. ["
February 13, 2026 Verified Purchase
Bridgett R.Heklas POV absolutely fabulous
"I was so happy to finally meet Kritka! 🐿 Definitely do not skip Roots of Darkness if you're reading this series! I absolutely loved being inside Heklas POV! She's been one of my favorite characters so getting more of her backstory and her POV just added another level to her character. Then that ending?! Wow I can not wait to continue with Dawn of the North! This series is captivating in the best way. Rating 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice 3/5 🔥🔥🔥 ["
April 6, 2026 Verified Purchase
Sally C.a strong independent woman!! 👏🏼
"4.25 ⭐️ rounded down; 1.5 🌶️ we follow Hekla as she tries to complete the BloodAxe Crews original mission in Istre. Rey sends along, a trusted friends Eyvin and his retinue to assist and support the group. Dark forces are surrounding Istre and although all the men ignore her warnings and suggestions Hekla presses on. We live a strong, independent woman who is going to voice her concern, knowledge and suggestions, even when a man is trying to out her down!! This novella adds to the storyline of the dark one and also adds in a mysterious mistress who has the power to help deceive him. I love the flashbacks between Hekla and Eyvin, and that they balance each other out in ways. Let’s see what is in store for the squad as they head to Kopa and reunite with Rey and Silla ["
February 16, 2026 Verified Purchase
