Honest Book Review Dawn of the North
An honest review of Dawn of the North, an amazing third book in the series that delivers on tension, emotion, and everything I was hoping for.
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This series just keeps getting better, and Dawn of the North fully proved it. By the time I finished this book, I was convinced this is exactly what romantasy is supposed to feel like. It’s the perfect blend of fantasy romance, strong worldbuilding, emotional storytelling, and relationships that actually enhance the plot instead of overpowering it. If you love immersive fantasy romance series with depth and heart, this book absolutely delivers.
If you’re following this series, be sure to check out my full reviews for The Road of Bones and Kingdom of Claw to see how the story and characters have evolved leading up to this book.
One of my favorite things about this installment is the use of multiple POVs. Each perspective adds layers to the story, and I found myself deeply invested in every romantic journey unfolding on the page. There wasn’t a single storyline I wanted to rush through. I was rooting for all of them, which is rare and honestly impressive in a multi-POV romantasy. It reminded me why I love stories that explore different emotional paths to love and loyalty, much like the dynamics I talk about in my Best Enemies to Lovers Fantasy Romance Books list.
The pacing is fantastic. The story stays engaging from start to finish, with enough action, tension, and intrigue to keep things moving while still allowing space for emotional development. Nothing felt rushed or dragged out. Every scene served a purpose, whether it was advancing the plot or deepening the relationships. This is the kind of balance I always look for when recommending books in my Ultimate Fantasy Romance Trope List.
And the romance? Absolutely delicious. It’s woven into the story in a way that feels natural and earned. There’s just enough yearning, tension, and payoff to make every interaction hit. It never overwhelms the fantasy elements, but it also never feels like an afterthought. This is what makes Dawn of the North such a strong example of true romantasy—where love and magic exist in perfect harmony. If you love tropes like enemies to lovers, emotional bonds, and slow-burn tension, this one is deeply satisfying.
What I loved most is how this book shows growth—not just in the characters, but in the series itself. The stakes feel higher, the emotions hit harder, and the connections between characters feel richer and more meaningful. You can feel the story building toward something powerful, which makes it impossible not to be excited for what comes next.
Dawn of the North is a shining example of why this series stands out in the fantasy romance genre. If you’re a reader who loves romantasy with layered characters, multiple compelling POVs, and romance that enhances an already strong plot, this book is a must-read. It easily earns its place alongside other favorites I’ve shared in my Best Fated Mates Fantasy Romance Books recommendations.
Thank you Demi Winters, NetGalley and Delacorte Press for giving me a copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Check Out the Other Books in the Ashen Series
Add to TBR: Dawn of the North
As war and dark magic rise in Íseldur, Silla must claim her power as the lost heir while battling the god living inside her mind. With her sister Saga fighting for survival across enemy lines, the fate of the kingdom rests on whether they can unite before everything is consumed by darkness.
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This story wastes absolutely no time picking up the chaos. Saga is kidnapped by Kass and taken to Zagadka “for her protection,” but instead of safety, she walks straight into a political minefield. Kass’s decision doesn’t just endanger Saga—it puts his entire country at risk. After Kingdom of Claw, with Yrsa dead and Ivan already on edge, Kass’s actions look like a direct attempt at assassination. Ivan is convinced Kass betrayed him, and the Urkans march toward Zagadka, fully prepared for war. The tension in these chapters is unreal because everything feels like one wrong move away from complete collapse.
Meanwhile, Silla’s storyline is on a whole different emotional level. In the North of Íseldur, she and Rey are rallying the jarls under the Volsik banner to fight both the spreading mists and the Urkans. But Silla isn’t just a warrior anymore—she’s Eisa, the long-lost princess, and the weight of that identity crashes down on her fast. Watching her try to learn politics, leadership, and diplomacy while already barely surviving was intense. She feels wildly unprepared, constantly pulled in different directions, and completely alone in carrying a destiny she never asked for.
As if that weren’t enough, she’s also battling Myrkur, the god she allowed into her mind at the end of Kingdom of Claw. That internal conflict adds such a dark edge to her arc. It’s not just about power—it’s about control, fear, and the terrifying idea that she may not fully belong to herself anymore. Combine that with the jarls, each with their own hidden motives for wanting Eisa on their side, and Silla is drowning in responsibilities she never trained for.
If you love experiencing epic fantasy through audiobooks, I dive deeper into why it’s worth it in my article 10 Reasons to Sign Up for Audible, especially for fantasy and romantasy readers.
Hekla’s storyline is one of my favorites because it feels like quiet power building in the background. She’s in the Western Woods with Kritka again (which I loved), leading the same warriors from Roots of Darkness. Her goal to free the Forest Maiden and reunite with the others ties her story back into the larger conflict in such a satisfying way. And then there’s the emotional tension between Eyevind and Gunnar. The love triangle feels organic, not forced, and it adds depth to one of the most emotionally rich arcs in the series.
Jonas’s storyline was unexpectedly dark and fascinating. Seeking to restore his family’s honor, he turns to the queen—only to be thrown into prison and forced to fight for his life. The shift from powerless prisoner to trusted confidant was chilling. Through Jonas, we finally see how dangerous the queen truly is. Her connection to the draugr and to an enemy thought long gone changes everything. It’s a slow reveal, but once it lands, it feels massive.
And then… the ending.
Signe killing her husband is one of those moments that completely redefines everything we thought we knew. It’s brutal, shocking, and incredibly powerful. It cements her role not just as a queen, but as a player in the darkest game unfolding across all of Íseldur.
This book doesn’t just raise the stakes—it sets the entire world on fire. *chefs kiss*
And if you’re torn between where to track your reading, I break down the pros and cons of both platforms in my post The Difference Between Goodreads and StoryGraph so you can choose what fits your reading style best.
