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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Dark and broody vikings new fantasy unlocked. I loved this book. I’ve been a bit in a Romantasy slump of samey samey books and this has bought we out.
The magic is unique and complicated, the characters are flawed but likeable. Lyra is everything you want in a FMC she’s tough, will sacrifice for her family but is vulnerable at times.
Rourke is dark and moody but when he shows his caring side I melted.
And the disability rep amazing all I can say is read this book
Thank you NetGalley for the arc opinions my own.
The magic is unique and complicated, the characters are flawed but likeable. Lyra is everything you want in a FMC she’s tough, will sacrifice for her family but is vulnerable at times.
Rourke is dark and moody but when he shows his caring side I melted.
And the disability rep amazing all I can say is read this book
Thank you NetGalley for the arc opinions my own.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Unfortunately, I have to put this in the overhyped pile. The melding magic was the most interesting part? I loved the concept and it was just the right amount of gruesome. But there wasn't NEARLY enough of it.
Otherwise the plot was carried by the slow burn spice and only seemed Norse-inspired adjacent. I hate to say but it felt incredibly culture washed.
Maybe my mis-step here was listening to the audiobook? I didn't realize the MMC was totally mute until over halfway, and the FMC had an accent during dialogue but not during the rest of the very "tell" prose, which was VERY disrracting and non-immersive. And before you say anything, the MMC POV chapters did NOT do the same, so it was noticable. I might pick up the second one eventually once it releases... but if you've been here a minute you know I detest a novel that tells versus shows, and I really don't like snively FMCs, so this absolutely missed the mark for me.
Otherwise the plot was carried by the slow burn spice and only seemed Norse-inspired adjacent. I hate to say but it felt incredibly culture washed.
Maybe my mis-step here was listening to the audiobook? I didn't realize the MMC was totally mute until over halfway, and the FMC had an accent during dialogue but not during the rest of the very "tell" prose, which was VERY disrracting and non-immersive. And before you say anything, the MMC POV chapters did NOT do the same, so it was noticable. I might pick up the second one eventually once it releases... but if you've been here a minute you know I detest a novel that tells versus shows, and I really don't like snively FMCs, so this absolutely missed the mark for me.
If I could give this more stars I would.
I, not so patiently, waited far too long for this beautiful, stealer of souls book. I didn't know I had more room in my heart and soul for another deliciously morally grey MMC, but LJ did just that.
This book had me from the first page - the twists and turns, the banter, the new magic system and world building, and craving the MMC's hands and unspoken words. I cannot wait for the second book. The ending had my jaw on the floor.
Thank you LJ for sharing this beautiful story with us Wicked Darlings.
I, not so patiently, waited far too long for this beautiful, stealer of souls book. I didn't know I had more room in my heart and soul for another deliciously morally grey MMC, but LJ did just that.
This book had me from the first page - the twists and turns, the banter, the new magic system and world building, and craving the MMC's hands and unspoken words. I cannot wait for the second book. The ending had my jaw on the floor.
Thank you LJ for sharing this beautiful story with us Wicked Darlings.
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I didnt think I would end up liking the book because it took a lot for me to get into it in the beginning. I did not feel a connection to the characters. That soon changed and I became super intrigued in the story. There is so much lore and though behind the myths and how they connect into the overall story, which I really enjoyed. There are pieces that feel like plot holes, but then come together towards the end. I was expecting one of the plot twists, but the others I did not, which I enjoyed. I do not like when things are too predictable. I am looking forward to reading the second book when it releases.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail
Overall I really liked this. It took a while for me to understand the magic system because I don't think it was explained/introduced very well. I also didn't really feel like Lyra and Roark actually fell in love, it just felt more like they were drawn to one another because of the soul bond. The world was interesting and the plot twist at the end was not what I expected. Well, I should say one half of the plot twist was unexpected because I saw the link of Roark and Skul Drek coming I just couldn't figure out the particulars of how. The Baldur thing though, yeah that totally took me by surprise. I am interested enough to probably continue with the series.
Fairyloot Romantasy pick for May 2025
Fairyloot Romantasy pick for May 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for the eARC of Broken Souls and Bones.
LJ Andrews has leveled up with Broken Souls and Bones, a Viking inspired fantasy romance. The world building in BSAB was captivating, from the first page. The magic system is unique and well thought out. The I hate you, I like you tension is perfect for the romantasy lovers. I am rarely caught off guard as a long time fantasy reader, but even I was snatched by one of the plot twists. The last 10% of the book is explosive!
Lyra has little memory of her life before. She lives as a servant with her found family brother, hiding to avoid detection from the royal house. Roark Ashwood is the Crown Prince’s Sentry, with the gift of sniffing out those with craft abilities. Crafters, those gifted with magical abilities are coveted and one magical type most of all.
I loved this book and I am eagerly waiting for news of book 2.
LJ Andrews has leveled up with Broken Souls and Bones, a Viking inspired fantasy romance. The world building in BSAB was captivating, from the first page. The magic system is unique and well thought out. The I hate you, I like you tension is perfect for the romantasy lovers. I am rarely caught off guard as a long time fantasy reader, but even I was snatched by one of the plot twists. The last 10% of the book is explosive!
Lyra has little memory of her life before. She lives as a servant with her found family brother, hiding to avoid detection from the royal house. Roark Ashwood is the Crown Prince’s Sentry, with the gift of sniffing out those with craft abilities. Crafters, those gifted with magical abilities are coveted and one magical type most of all.
I loved this book and I am eagerly waiting for news of book 2.