Dawn of the North: The Ashen Series, Book 3
4.9 | 93 ratings
Price: 52.49
Last update: 02-05-2026
Product details
- Book 3 of 3 : Ashen
- Listening Length : 22 hours and 10 minutes
- Author : Demi Winters
- Narrator : Islay Jacobs
- Publication date : February 3, 2026
- Language : English
- Publisher : Podium Audio
- ASIN : B0G2FH1RM6
- Version : Unabridged
- Program Type : Audiobook
- Best Sellers Rank:#72 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
- Viking Historical Romance (Books)
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- Customer Reviews:4.94.9 out of 5 stars(98)
Top reviews from the United States
- GWAmazing 3rd bookAnother incredible addition to this epic series. One of the things I love is that each book feels distinct. The characters tackle new challenges and the story keeps progressing without losing sight of the original conflict between King Ivar and his oppression of Iseldur.
While there is a lot going on, this story focuses mainly on the two sisters. They are separated by an ocean, worried about the other’s well being and each facing unique challenges. Feeling betrayed and trapped, Saga is stuck on a foreign island while desperately wishing to find and help her sister. Eisa is deprived of her galdur, battling the consequences of a bargain that saved her life, while attempting to navigate court politics in order to unite those who stand against Ivar’s oppression.
I love the way Demi incorporates a mental health rep and shows growth through the struggles of each sister as they show potential to become actual leaders. Saga grapples with agoraphobia in a manner that is real, raw, sometimes moving forward, sometimes taking two steps back. There is no attempt to fix her, just an acknowledgment of the difficulty in navigating her fears, especially in a place where she feels completely alone. Despite his overbearing protectiveness, Kassandr displays patience and compassion with every limit she sets. His humor, flirtation, his veiled vulnerability, are charmingly supportive even when he sets limits for her safety. The slow burn between these two might possible kill me.
Eisa’s battle against the dangers of her own mind while having her magic locked away is chillingly genuine. The struggle between hiding weakness and attempting to be an honest leader is explored in a way that shows how different she would be than the current oppressor in power. That ultimately her vulnerability also gives her strength because she is willing to seek help and acknowledge her struggles. All while being schooled in the appearance leadership while not actually being one. And Rey. Devotion and steadiness personified. Their grumpy sunshine dynamic is still perfection.
More characters than I can name without making this long, but still love (aside from an obvious few), continue to be pivotal. Hekla, I’m looking at you. The battles, the drama, the multiple points of view kept me so occupied I rarely tried to predict outcomes. Ultimately we see that it is unity and teamwork, a commitment to being open rather than invincible, is what makes the sisters great as leaders. All I can say is that I love where the series has landed, and I can’t wait to see where it’s going.
5⭐️’s without question - Valerie - vanelena.readsExciting and Intricate SequelDawn of the North is an exciting and intricate sequel to The Ashen Series.
The lost Volsik heirs are fighting to reclaim their kingdom. Silla and Rey are in Iseldur, working with the jarls of the north to gain support to challenge the Urkan King, and fighting the harmful mist that is corrupting the land and people. Meawhile, Saga has been taken to Zagadka with the heir, Kassandr, fighting Ivan's forces as he lays siege to the formerly isolated city. Queen Signe is making moves against Silla and Saga, and a chaotic god threatens everything.
I loved this book! This is such an intricate, high fantasy series - there is a lot going on, and multiple plot lines to unravel. This book has multiple POVs, so we get a good sense of all the characters. We have characters in different lands and taking on different challenges, so the multiple POVs are so important here. In addition to the plot moving closer towards the series ending, we also get a lot more character development. Rey and Silla's relationship is tested, and Saga and Kass come to an understanding that leads to a deeper connection. I also love the storyline with Hekla and Eyvind that continues from Roots of Darkness (2.5). While this series has some darker themes, there are moments of levity, like a little squirrel companion and Silla's love of baby chicks. While the ending left me satisfied and in a good place, it is clear there is more to come for our characters and the door is wide open for the next installment. This series just keeps getting better - it really sucks you in and won't let go. I think it is one of the best written and engaging high fantasy series that I have read lately.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own. - HaleyThe Series that just Keeps Getting Better!!✨OMG this world. These characters. I’m officially obsessed. There’s just something so magical about Demi’s writing—it’s immersive, captivating, and completely pulls you in.
✨ My favorite part of this book in the series is honestly the characters and their relationships. The friendships, the battle-forged bonds, and the romances all feel so real and well developed. At this point, we have three standout couples and I’m obsessed with every single one of them. Even with massive political moves and brutal battles happening, I loved the contrast of the softer, tender moments between the characters. The found family forming here is easily shaping up to be one of the best I’ve ever read.
✨And that epilogue… I knew what she was capable of, but WOW. I did not expect that and I’m obsessed with where the plot is headed. This is a must-read series, in my opinion. If you loved Throne of Glass but want something darker and a little spicier, this is absolutely the series for you