Roots of Darkness - Demi Winters (The Ashen Series #2.5)

     Title: Roots of Darkness    Series: The Ashen Series #2.5    Author: Demi Winters

   Genre: Fantasy/Romance    Page Count: 176    Audiobook: No

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 When the past comes back to haunt-- whether it's yours or not, be ready. 

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    Brief Synopsis: Guiding the Bloodaxe Crew in lieu of Axe Eyes' presence, Hekla continues the mission to Istre. Frustrated she is not receiving the respect of those around the Crew, Hekla takes out her ire on a one-night stand-- who, in a strange turn of events is discovered to be the Crew's interim leader. Uncovering the source of the mist proves to be deadly and more than they could have ever anticipated.

    My Impression: Novellas do not hold a candle to a series, in my opinion-- Apparently, there are exceptions!!! Hekla is a great reprieve to a genre full of barely legal FMCs. She has lived a hard life, and the readers are given understanding of what made her the person she is. Hekla is written to be a born leader, but being in a man's world, unable to exercise the trait effectively. Our squirrel friend, Kritka, was the perfect attack squirrel and sidekick. Eyvind being the ever perceptive and cocky male counterpart was a fun dynamic and I was eating up all of their interactions.

    Conclusion: It is obvious while reading this book that it is necessary for full context towards the third book, and I was heavily invested. A plot heavy novella, though there was not a lot of romance, there were multiple open-door scenes portrayed as flashbacks. Delving into Hekla's personal life and history was a great way to move her to the forefront of the series plot.

                All The Best,

                                 Hannah