Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters is the sequel to The Road of Bones, Demi Winters’ Viking-inspired romantic fantasy. After the events in Kopa, Silla is on the run from the Urcans and takes refuge in Kalasgarde, Rey Galtung’s hometown, where she learns how to manifest her galdra and begins to come to terms with being Eisa Volsik. Meanwhile, Saga Volsik, the kept princess and Silla’s older sister, works quietly against Queen Signe’s plans while focused on surviving court life, never expecting to form an uneasy alliance with handsome Zagadkian dignitary, Kassandr Rurik. As a more menacing power begins to weave its dark threads, Saga and Silla try to make their way to one another.
I liked The Road of Bones but I loved Kingdom of Claw. This is what I want out of a romantasy. It has a powerful FMC, amazing MMCs, multiple POVs, and incredible worldbuilding. The stakes feel high, the challenges feel realistic, and the slow burn is done right. Kingdom of Claw is a second book that outshines most second books.
Read our summary and review of Kingdom of Claw below. This post contains spoilers.
Tropes
- Grumpy x Sunshine
- Vikings
- Found Family
- Slow burn
- Found family
- One horse
- Lost Princess
Please check trigger warnings before reading Kingdom of Claw!
Review
Overall Impressions 😊
Kingdom of Claw completely blew my expectations out of the water. I’ve been so wary of bad romantasies lately, especially ones packed with insta love, rushed character progression, and barely any plot. This book hits every single thing I look for in a romantasy.
It doesn’t suffer from second book syndrome at all. Instead, after the ending of The Road of Bones, it cracks the story wide open and expands the world in a way that feels intentional and earned. The multi POV structure is handled extremely well, with each perspective appearing only when it adds something meaningful to the story.
The plot is thoughtful and dense with lore, the character growth is impeccable, and every bit of strength the characters gain feels earned. The romance is top tier slow burn, and it never comes at the expense of the story. I never landed on a chapter I wanted to skip, and none of the character arcs felt unnecessary or filler.
I genuinely have nothing I disliked about this book. Kingdom of Claw is everything I want in a romantasy entry, and it fully cemented this series as a standout for me.
Perfect For Fans Of… 🧭
If you’ve been burned out by romantasies where every male lead is a grumpy MMC, every female lead is a sassy badass, there’s no real plot, and the characters are naked every other page for no reason, this one’s for you. Kingdom of Claw feels like the breath of fresh air this genre has desperately needed.
The Viking elements are phenomenal. The lore is deep and well rooted, the magic system makes sense, and it’s tightly woven into Norse mythology rather than feeling like set dressing.
This might not be for you if you prefer romantasies that are light or easy reads. There is a lot of plot here, with the romance and story sharing most of the page time. But if you tend to skew fantasy forward, you’ll probably love this.
If you are a lover of all things fairy tales, think Beauty and the Beast energy, chosen princesses, gods interfering in mortal lives, softer female leads, and grumpy heroes, this book hits all the right notes.
It feels like a Viking take on Throne of Glass, with epic storytelling and layered characters whose fates slowly pull toward one another.
Characters 👥
There truly is no character that feels uninteresting in this book. All of their backstories are intriguing, and their page placement always feels right. I’m even invested in Bjorn, the thirteen year old prince Saga is engaged to, which says a lot.
Let’s start with Silla, or Eisa Volsik. I liked her in the first book, but I love, love, loved her here. After the revelation of her true name, the betrayal by Jonas, and being forced on the run from Queen Signe, she is understandably defeated and exhausted. That emotional weight lands. Her struggles are palpable, her wavering confidence in herself and her abilities feels realistic, and her growth is well earned. I love the confident woman she becomes, especially in moments where she is steady for Rey when he falters. The kingdom of íseldur would be lucky to have her as a queen.
Reynir Galtung is the dream MMC, with his ash magic, quiet grumpiness, inner demons, and unwavering devotion to Silla’s well being. He has flaws. He doesn’t value himself enough and is constantly afraid of losing the people he loves. But he’s described as a man of action, and he proves it again and again. He’s the steady foundation Silla can lean on and grow from, and they make complete sense as a couple.
After being so invested in Silla and Rey, I didn’t expect to love Saga and Kassandr as much as I did, but here we are. Saga, as a “caged bird,” is incredibly relatable and thoughtfully written. Demi Winters does an amazing job exploring real world struggles in a romantasy setting. Saga’s panic attacks and agoraphobia never feel out of place and instead give her a real, daunting mountain to climb. I desperately want her to get her happy ending.
And then there’s Kassandr Rurik. My god, what an MMC. He’s funny, unhinged, flirty, impulsive, and would do anything for her. The reveal at the end about his true nature is just as impactful as Rey’s reveal, and I cannot wait for him to take center stage in the next book. He’s already my favorite book boyfriend of 2026.
I could go on and on about other characters like Hekla, Gunnar, Sigrund, Yrsa, and even Signe. Every character in this book is compelling to read about, and I hope we don’t leave this world anytime soon.
Plot 🗺️
I wasn’t bored for a single second. From the quieter moments where Silla dreams of a simple life, to the introduction of Chaos, to the recurring pull of Silla Nordvig’s dreams, the story always felt like it was moving with purpose. I loved watching Saga’s goal shift into actively trying to help Silla, trying to figure out Signe’s dark secrets, the enemies becoming first friends then lovers, all the characters fighting their own inner demons and the quiet coziness of the shield-home. found myself invested in every thread.
The magic system, galdra, is a Norse mythology staple that works exceptionally well in this setting. The serpent, the dragon, Chaos, and the darker secrets woven throughout the story all feel intentional and carefully planned, not thrown in for shock value.
The pacing is strong throughout. It’s a long book, but it earns that length. The story needs the space it takes, and nothing feels unnecessarily stretched or padded.
The final twist involving Rurik had me screaming, crying, and throwing up. While I expected some version of a reveal, I did not expect it to go as far as it did, and I loved every second of it.
I don’t think Dawn of the North will be the final book. There’s still so much room for this story to grow, and with the amount of lore left unexplored, I genuinely can’t see how it wraps up anytime soon. All I want is more time in this world.
Writing Style and Narration ✍️
I love Demi Winters’ writing. It flows naturally, and the use of Viking language adds texture without becoming distracting, which makes the world feel immersive instead of overwhelming.
I also had the privilege of listening to the audiobook, and I was absolutely feral over Rey and Kassandr Rurik’s voice acting. The men are done so right in audio, and it genuinely elevated my connection to their characters.
The changing POVs are one of my favorite parts of the book. Demi Winters does an incredible job shifting the inner voice with each character. Silla’s narration feels steadier and more confident, Saga’s is apprehensive and timid, and Rey’s carries that grumpy, protective edge that suits him perfectly. The POV changes never feel jarring and always serve the story.
Synopsis
Saga Volsik at Court
Saga Volsik is Silla Volsik’s older sister, who has been held hostage by King Ivar and his family since they invaded Íseldur. Saga has grown up as their political leverage, a living peace offering, and has been engaged to Prince Bjorn, the younger son of the king. She is expected to marry him once he comes of age.
During a ritual meant to appease the Bear God, Saga is required to give three pints of blood because she is considered unwell. Saga, like Silla, is galdra and can hear thoughts. Ever since she learned that Silla is alive, she has wanted to help her sister reach safety, especially after realizing that Queen Signe is actively searching for her.
Saga struggles with agoraphobia and anxiety. She constantly marks exits in rooms and prefers confined spaces where she feels safe. After learning Silla is alive, she begins taking risks she would not have taken before, even as Signe’s plans start closing in.
Saga secretly uses the old tunnels beneath the castle to move unseen. One day, when emerging from one of the tunnels, she runs into Lord Kassandr Rurik, a delegate from a distant kingdom visiting for trade and peace. She lies about who she is and where she comes from, minimizing her importance, and initially dismisses the encounter.
Later, while moving through the tunnels again, Saga overhears Queen Signe and one of her advisors discussing the loss of Silla and her companion Rey in the northern villages. Instead of escalating the search, they decide to change tactics, choosing to gather information and give Silla false confidence that she has shaken their pursuit.
Saga encounters Rurik again. He realizes she is the false housemaid he met earlier and agrees to keep her secret if she gives him a tour of the castle.
They banter and flirt, but Saga is uncomfortable. When Rurik repeatedly refers to her as a pet and tells her not to hide herself, Saga becomes enraged and storms off after finishing the tour.
Saga poisons her adoptive mother’s scribe to steal his keys. She sneaks into Queen Signe’s rooms and forges a letter in the queen’s name to buy Silla, or Eisa, more time before the search closes in again.
Silla and Rey on the Run
Silla is traveling through the woods with Reynir “Axe Eyes” Bjarg. Rey does not yet know that Silla is the lost princess, though he is secretly the Slátrari, the person who has been punishing the king’s enemies. He is helping Silla escape.
They arrive at a village to gather supplies but are tracked by Queen Signe’s men. They are forced to run. During the escape, Silla discovers that Rey is the Slátrari and is devastated. They barely make it out, with Rey wounded by an arrow.
Afterward, Rey realizes that Silla is the lost princess. He has been working with the rebellion against King Ivar and is furious that Silla does not want to step up for her birthright or fight for her people.
Jonas is drinking in a tavern, angry and grieving his brother Elias’s death. He blames Silla for everything. When Rey’s identity as the Slátrari is revealed to the kingdom and Silla is named as his companion, Jonas realizes he never truly knew either of them. This gives him renewed determination to hunt them both down.
Silla and Rey continue north and meet two of Rey’s Galdra friends from his youth. One can increase his strength, and the other can manipulate light to hide things. They reveal that a Shield House is ready farther north and confirm that they have known Rey for years.
They reach the Shield House, where Rey refuses to pressure Silla into revealing her identity. He recognizes that Issa has only just learned who she is and should not be pushed into claiming the throne.
The Shield House, Harpa, and the Serpent Mystery
The next day, Rey takes Silla to meet the instructor, an old grumpy woman named Harpa. Harpa initially rejects Silla, but Rey insists. Harpa eventually cuts Silla and realizes she is a Weaver. She agrees to help Silla unlock and control her power, though not immediately.
In the northern village of Kalasgarde, children have been going missing in the mountains. Many believe the ice spirits are responsible, but no one is certain.
While returning to the Shield House, Silla asks Rey about his past and learns that Harpa is his grandmother. Rey reveals that his parents were Volsik supporters. When Ivar invaded Íseldur, he executed all the Volsik supporters publicly. This is why Rey supports the uprising so fiercely.
Another child goes missing, and Rey searches the snow alone. Silla wants to go with him, but he refuses. When Rey returns the next morning, Silla attacks him, thinking he is an intruder. They quickly realize the mistake and reconcile. Rey promises that Silla will never be alone again.
Silla begins the Cohesion Rite with Harpa. She panics when she realizes she was previously primed without consent. Rey is furious, but Harpa anchors Silla through the ritual. Silla sees a vision of an ancient king sacrificing a child to resurrect his wife and claims her Galdra.
Silla continues training with Rey, struggling to manifest her power. Rey notices that missing livestock leave no bones behind, suggesting the creature is consuming them entirely.
Silla’s Breakdown, Surrender, and Awakening
Silla hears voices blaming her for Elias’s death and becomes increasingly distressed. Harpa urges her to surrender, but Silla cannot let go.
A wounded woman is brought in after being attacked by the mysterious creature. The woman dies. Harpa tells Silla not to return until she is ready to stop running. Silla leaves with silk leaves hidden in her pocket.
Rey later finds Silla sparring. She admits that she blames herself for Elias’s death and still cannot manifest her Galdra. Rey stays with her. That night, Silla considers taking the silk leaves but instead seeks a sign. When the brown horse refuses to eat from her hand, she breaks down, feels everything she has been avoiding, and finally surrenders.
Rey finds her afterward. She asks him to take the leaves away, and he holds her while she cries. The brown horse later accepts food from her, and she names him Dawn.
Over the following days, Silla returns to Harpa’s home. She is finally ready. After several days, she successfully manifests her Galdra.
Saga, the Tunnels, and the Galdra Harvesting Plot
Saga uses a tonic as cover to retrieve a seal but nearly collapses. She accidentally reveals the tunnels to Rurik. They strike a deal, he will help her with forged letters in exchange for maps of the tunnels.
Saga wakes and realizes she may have revealed too much. Anna, the queen’s maid, reveals herself as part of the rebellion and a Galdra. She promises to help Saga.
Saga confronts Queen Signe, who threatens her and implies she could be replaced. Saga hears Signe’s thoughts and realizes the queen hates Ivar and wants power for herself. Anna later tells Saga that Galdra are disappearing. Saga suspects Queen Signe is harvesting them to build an army.
Saga asks Rurik to teach her how to pick locks so she can investigate further. He agrees if she seals the deal with a kiss. They make out.
During a riot in the capital, Saga sneaks into Master Alfonso’s office. She discovers notes describing a procedure that uses cultured microbes to remove Galdra from one host and implant it into another, effectively stripping Galdra from people and creating new ones.
Saga finds a hidden dungeon filled with imprisoned Galdra. Alfonso nearly discovers her, but Rurik hides her in one of the prison beds. Later, Saga confronts Magnus Hansson, only to hear his thoughts and realize he is working with Queen Signe. Magnus is the Black Cloak.
Kingdom of Claw Ending Explained
Saga attends Princess Yrsa’s birthday feast under guard. As part of the celebration, Yrsa names a champion to fight for her. She chooses Rurik.
Rurik survives multiple brutal rounds in the pit and ultimately defeats Saga’s bodyguard Thornian with unnatural strength. King Ivar rewards Rurik with Saga’s father’s skull.
Saga flees outside for the first time in five years and suffers a panic attack. Rurik finds her, reassures her, and they kiss. He notices the burn scars on her hands and becomes furious. Princess Yrsa catches them together.
Saga is punished and stripped of her belongings. The next morning, Ivar announces that Saga will no longer marry Bjorn and will instead marry Magnus.
Saga returns to her room, climbs onto the balcony ledge, and prepares to jump.
Silla hears Saga’s voice in her mind and talks her down, promising they will be together again.
Silla, Rey, and their allies travel toward Kopa but encounter the serpent and its hatchlings in the woods. As they fight, Jonas confronts them and deliberately goads Rey, drawing the Klarna into the conflict. A flaming arrow triggers an avalanche.
Jonas reveals that Queen Signe has been turning Klarna into Galdra using the harvested microbe procedure. He admits that Signe ordered Silla killed after realizing she could not be controlled.
Rey is injured, and Silla’s blade ability activates. She attacks Jonas, and both are buried under the avalanche. Silla loses consciousness.
At the same time, Saga enters her Cohesion Rite after being primed by Signe. Silla appears to her and anchors her through it. Saga releases winter birds from a gilded cage and fully unlocks her Galdra.
Buried beneath the snow, Silla hears Myrkur, the god of chaos. He tells her he has waited for Svala’s daughters to reach their full power. He offers to save Silla and Rey if she allows him into her magic. Running out of air, Silla agrees.
Silla emerges possessed, her blade turned black, and slaughters the Klarna. Rooney uses a Hindrium quill to suppress her power. Rey strangles her unconscious to stop her.
Signe and Ivar attempt to arrest Saga. Myrkur tempts her as well, and Saga allows him in. Black fire consumes the room, killing Princess Yrsa and injuring the king and queen.
Silla wakes to find her Galdra suppressed by Hindrium. She learns of the explosion at the castle.
Saga awakens aboard a ship with Rurik. He reveals that he has kidnapped Magnus. Magnus admits that Rurik is the Beast Prince of Zagavra and a shapeshifter. Rurik transforms in front of Saga.
Rurik tells Saga that instead of going to Midfield, he is taking her back to his kingdom to protect her. He locks her in her room.
Spicy Chapters
How Spicy is Kingdom of Claw by Demi Winters: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
- Chapter 49
- Chapter 52
- Chapter 67
Kingdom of Claw turns The Road of Bones series into a must read for any romantasy starter guide. I devoured the next book, Roots of Darkness, in a day (yup, check back soon for a summary and review), and I’m currently reading an ARC of Dawn of the North. I genuinely cannot wait for you all to experience these books.
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