Roots of Darkness: The must-read romantasy novella to the epic Viking ASHEN series

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Demi Winters

Roots of Darkness

The must-read romantasy novella to the epic Viking ASHEN series

Demi Winters

$32.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
Pre-Order now

QTY:

English

Gollancz
06 January 2026

Romantasy; Romantasy

Join Hekla and the remnants of the Bloodaxe Crew as they battle the evil, poisonous mist threatening the citizens of Istre - and perhaps all of Iseldur - in Roots of Darkness by Demi Winters, an epic romantasy novella following the events of Kingdom of Claw.

Traveling the Road of Bones was only the start of Hekla's troubles.

The Bloodaxe Crew have arrived at the village of Istre - beleaguered and missing three of their members. They might be down in numbers, but Hekla ""Rib Smasher"" is determined they'll complete their job all the same: defeat the monstrous, sentient mist, and keep the citizens of Istre safe. What she didn't expect is for Istre's bullheaded chieftain to block her every move.

Exasperated, Hekla throws caution to the wind for a single passion-filled night. But to her horror, the mysterious, red-cloaked warrior to whom she's spilled her deepest secrets is the Bloodaxe Crew's new temporary leader and ally - Eyvind Hakonsson.

Hekla must now learn to play by Eyvind's rules while guarding her heart. But when it becomes clear that his plans align with the chieftain's, Hekla takes matters into her own hands.

Nothing will stop her from keeping the innocent people of Istre safe - not even the man who haunts her thoughts.

Roots of Darkness is a romantic companion novella to the Ashen series from BookTok sensation Demi Winters.

Continue reading the Ashen series with Dawn of the North, the third breathtaking book.
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Readers DEVOURED Roots of Darkness . . .

'Easy one sitting read for this incredible novella!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I easily could've read another 300+ pages ..

. amazing amazingamazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'THIS is how you do a novella'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tropes:

Vikings

Feminine rage

Golden retriever x black cat

One night stand turned love interest

Slow burn

F
*ck the patriarchy

Animal sidekicks

By: Demi Winters
Imprint: Gollancz
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 232mm, Width: 150mm, Spine: 22mm
Weight: 280g
ISBN: 9781399640510
ISBN 10: 1399640518
Pages: 224
Publication Date: 06 January 2026
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Demi Winters writes fantasy romance stories that combine flawed characters, love stories, interesting worlds and magic systems. When she's not dreaming up morally gray love interests or fantastical worlds, Demi can be found reading or hanging out with her family.