The Road of Bones Book Review
Publisher: Penguin Random House
What you can expect
-
There are a few potential content warnings that readers may want to be aware of before reading The Road of Bones.
Violence – The book features intense battles, warbands, and general brutality, as well as dangerous threats that can be graphic or disturbing at times.
Death and Murder – The story revolves around Silla's father's murder, which is a key plot point, and there are other instances of death throughout the journey.
Physical and Emotional Trauma – Silla experiences a great deal of physical and emotional strain during her journey, which includes the trauma of losing loved ones and being hunted.
Abuse – There are instances of emotional or physical abuse, as is often found in dark fantasy settings with characters like warriors who blur the lines between ally and enemy.
If any of these topics could be potentially triggering, it’s worth keeping in mind when approaching the book. As always, it’s important to choose what aligns with your reading preferences and comfort levels.
Why you can trust my review of The Road of Bones
While preferences in books are widely subjective, I tried to come up with a methodology for rating fantasy books that focuses on the elements of the genre. My rating and review are based on how well The Road of Bones incorporates all of those elements. While I can't promise complete objectivity, you can trust that my rating and review are not completely biased.
Summary of The Road of Bones
Silla Nordvig is on the run, pursued by the queen's deadly warriors and driven by her father's dying words. To escape certain death, she must traverse the treacherous Road of Bones, a thousand-mile path rife with bloodthirsty warbands, sinister creatures, and a shadowy murderer. Barely surviving her first encounter with its dangers, Silla stows away in a wagon belonging to the infamous Bloodaxe Crew, hoping to reach the distant shield-house of Kopa. But to succeed, she must gain the trust of the brooding leader, Axe Eyes, all while keeping her distance from his dangerously alluring right-hand man, the Wolf. As the queen's relentless assassin closes in, Silla faces a harrowing race against time, where each step forward brings her closer to either salvation or the cold grip of death.
Judging the book by its cover
The Road of Bones has an intriguing premise with elements that seem to promise a dangerous journey filled with supernatural threats, brutal warbands, and a mysterious assassin. This immediately evokes a sense of high-stakes adventure and suspense. The blend of fantasy and survival elements, alongside the protagonist's quest for safety and answers after her father's death, hints at a gripping narrative that combines personal loss with a perilous external journey. If executed well, I think this book could be a fast-paced, atmospheric read with plenty of suspense and unpredictable twists.
My take on The Road of Bones
While this massive novel may take its time to build, the intense climax is absolutely worth the wait. Set in the Viking-inspired kingdom of Íseldur, The Road of Bones follows Silla Nordvig, a young woman on the run after her father is murdered. In desperate need of safety, she embarks on a perilous journey along the Road of Bones— a treacherous path plagued by warbands, supernatural threats, and deadly hunters sent by the queen. Along the way, Silla encounters the infamous Bloodaxe Crew, whose complex mix of potential allies and dangerous enemies adds layers of tension and intrigue to her journey.
Demi Winters excels at crafting a richly immersive world steeped in Norse-inspired mythology. The harsh, unforgiving landscape she creates feels almost alive, shaping the characters' struggles and decisions. While the pacing starts off slow to allow for in-depth world-building and character development, Winters does a brilliant job of balancing high-stakes action with slow-burn romance. The bursts of suspense and action early on kept me hooked, driving me to keep turning the pages.
Silla's encounter with the enigmatic Axe Eyes and his fierce crew only add to the tension and complexity of her journey north. Themes of survival, found family, and identity are seamlessly woven into the narrative, making this much more than just an adventure – it's a powerful story of resilience and self-discovery. Once the plot gains momentum, the betrayals and twists are so unexpected that they’ll leave you just as blindsided as Silla herself.
Overall, The Road of Bones is a gripping, atmospheric read that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. Winters has crafted a world that is as brutal as it is beautiful, and with more to come in the series, I’m eagerly looking forward to where Silla’s journey takes her next.
Who should read this book?
The Road of Bones is a great book for those who love epic fantasy adventures. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy immersive, Viking-inspired worlds filled with supernatural elements and ancient traditions. If you’re drawn to stories of strong, complex heroines facing both physical and emotional challenges, Silla’s journey will captivate you. The book also appeals to those who appreciate slow-burn tension, where action, romance, and suspense gradually build into unexpected twists. If you love detailed world-building that makes you feel like you’re living in the story, this book is definitely for you.