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4.21 AVERAGE
4.21 AVERAGE
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
5 stars
I am completely wrecked—in the best possible way. Broken Souls and Bones is everything I love in a dark fantasy romance: high stakes, immersive worldbuilding, and a slow-burn, emotionally loaded romance that hurts so good. This is the kind of story that lingers long after you close the final page.
LJ Andrews builds a brutal, magical world where power is dangerous, freedom comes at a cost, and love—when it arrives—is fierce and transformative. The magic system, rooted in melding and soulcraft, is original and haunting. The tension between survival and sacrifice pulses through every chapter.
Roark Ashwood might be one of the most compelling fantasy love interests I’ve read in a long time. Muted by an injury that left him voiceless, he communicates through a sign language crafted just for him—one that only a few can understand. But his silence is never weakness. He’s the prince’s blade, a feared soldier, and an unexpectedly gentle protector.
And then there’s Lyra—a fighter through and through who has had to hide herself in the background. She’s stubborn, protective, and completely unprepared for the weight of her power or the unexpected bond she forms with Roark. Their relationship builds from mistrust to mutual respect, to something undeniably intense. The moment the emotional walls come down? Chills.
The supporting cast deserves major love, too. Prince Thane is chaotic and hilarious, Kael (the brother from another mother) is fiercely loyal, and the female characters—Yrsa, Emi, Hilda—are strong, supportive, and so well-developed.
And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I was genuinely afraid for Roark—his heart, his place in the story, everything. LJ Andrews had me on edge, wondering if he’d even remain the main love interest moving forward. But then that twist hit, and I was both shocked and deeply relieved. It wasn’t what I expected at all, but it was exactly what I needed.
I am completely wrecked—in the best possible way. Broken Souls and Bones is everything I love in a dark fantasy romance: high stakes, immersive worldbuilding, and a slow-burn, emotionally loaded romance that hurts so good. This is the kind of story that lingers long after you close the final page.
LJ Andrews builds a brutal, magical world where power is dangerous, freedom comes at a cost, and love—when it arrives—is fierce and transformative. The magic system, rooted in melding and soulcraft, is original and haunting. The tension between survival and sacrifice pulses through every chapter.
Roark Ashwood might be one of the most compelling fantasy love interests I’ve read in a long time. Muted by an injury that left him voiceless, he communicates through a sign language crafted just for him—one that only a few can understand. But his silence is never weakness. He’s the prince’s blade, a feared soldier, and an unexpectedly gentle protector.
And then there’s Lyra—a fighter through and through who has had to hide herself in the background. She’s stubborn, protective, and completely unprepared for the weight of her power or the unexpected bond she forms with Roark. Their relationship builds from mistrust to mutual respect, to something undeniably intense. The moment the emotional walls come down? Chills.
The supporting cast deserves major love, too. Prince Thane is chaotic and hilarious, Kael (the brother from another mother) is fiercely loyal, and the female characters—Yrsa, Emi, Hilda—are strong, supportive, and so well-developed.
And that ending? Absolutely jaw-dropping. I was genuinely afraid for Roark—his heart, his place in the story, everything. LJ Andrews had me on edge, wondering if he’d even remain the main love interest moving forward. But then that twist hit, and I was both shocked and deeply relieved. It wasn’t what I expected at all, but it was exactly what I needed.
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
adventurous
dark
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:
No
LJ Andrews remains at the top of my list for unique romantasy in a massively oversaturated genre. Her trad debut does not disappoint, with detailed intricate world building and well drawn characters who prove chosen family will always have your back. I was able to guess some of the reveals, but was completely blindsided by others, so the book had the comfort of familiarity while also still managing to surprise me, and I think that’s kind of a perfect balance. Not sure where things will go from here, but I will definitely be along for the ride.
Perfect, as ALWAYS.
LJ Andrew never disappoints, every story is crafted from her artistic hands to paper. The way the story blends and the plot is perfectly balanced with the world building (and the spice
LJ Andrew never disappoints, every story is crafted from her artistic hands to paper. The way the story blends and the plot is perfectly balanced with the world building (and the spice
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I mean, I liked it.
I think the lore we confusing and I didn't understand the melding, but I liked the story. Love me some dark shadowy men.
I love LJ Andrews' writing though, I have never been bored with anything she has written.
I look forward to the next book!
I think the lore we confusing and I didn't understand the melding, but I liked the story. Love me some dark shadowy men.
I love LJ Andrews' writing though, I have never been bored with anything she has written.
I look forward to the next book!