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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)
4.5 stars
Me: I need to stop starting series that aren't finished
Also me: Okay, but LJ has a new book on Netgalley...
The noise I let out in the car when I received the email I was approved for this ARC had my husband asking if I was okay lol. Was it a little weird to not be in the Broken Kingdoms world? Yes. Was the new world built well? Also yes. The second half of this book flew by.
The magic system was cool and I loved the found family of characters. Tbh all the characters were written well, including the ones I didn't like. The slow burn and spice were done perfectly.
The twists were good as well. I thought I had one of them figured out but I was surprised with being wrong later. Mostly the only thing I didn't like is that this one isn't even out yet and after that ending, I would like the second one now please.
4.5 stars
Me: I need to stop starting series that aren't finished
Also me: Okay, but LJ has a new book on Netgalley...
The noise I let out in the car when I received the email I was approved for this ARC had my husband asking if I was okay lol. Was it a little weird to not be in the Broken Kingdoms world? Yes. Was the new world built well? Also yes. The second half of this book flew by.
The magic system was cool and I loved the found family of characters. Tbh all the characters were written well, including the ones I didn't like. The slow burn and spice were done perfectly.
The twists were good as well. I thought I had one of them figured out but I was surprised with being wrong later. Mostly the only thing I didn't like is that this one isn't even out yet and after that ending, I would like the second one now please.
this was pretty good I just was able to guess most twists
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence
You may want to step into this world if you like books with found family, forced proximity, unique magic, delicious banter, sign language rep, grumpy MMCs, slow burn, political intrigue, bodyguard trope.
I absolutely ate this book up. I’m telling you, from the very start I was mesmerized and shushing my surroundings so I could stay hidden in the pages of this book. The characters in Broken Bones and Souls mesh together so well and I loved the tension that they had from the very start. Our MMC Roark dug his way into my heart and it’s going to take a pretty remarkable character to shove him out of the running as one of my top book boyfriends. From the sign language rep, to the grumpy bodyguard trope and his possessive nature towards the FMC, he just made such a mark in this book.
I won’t forget to go into the actual story itself, which also deserves as much praise as th characters - it was amazing. I devoured it and if I didn’t have to sleep, I wouldn’t have put the book down, it was that good. I’m losing my mind waiting for the next book to see what happens with the story and the characters and will be diving into more of LJ Andrews books in the meantime to fill the void.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
LJ Andrews is an auto read/buy! I knew I would not be disappointed with Broken Souls and Bones. The world and the magic is unique and captured my undivided attention in the first chapter. (Just as my husband...trying to have a conversation with me haha). Follow Lyra, a melder trying to hide herself from the magic/power obsessed King. Enter Roark, the princes guard who was sent to find her and bring her back to the King. Although he cannot use his voice, his hand speak and the way he shows his loyalty and love is why I love him so much! Nothing is as it seems, plenty of twists and surprises, some I guessed and others I was completely taken aback! I cannot wait for the next book, I need more Roark in my life.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love a good Nordic inspired fantasy.
This one had a unique and interesting magic system with a new theology based culture.
It was cool seeing the meld of Norse culture and this new fantasy world. Often you see fantasy mixed with English history/cultural values, or playing up the Norse mythology in a new setting - So this was a nice change.
I was all set to hate Roark after his obnoxious actions early on, but I liked the slow peel back of his mind and hidden personality.
I loved the little clues throughout that point to what happens at the end and am very interested in continuing the series with book 2.
This one had a unique and interesting magic system with a new theology based culture.
It was cool seeing the meld of Norse culture and this new fantasy world. Often you see fantasy mixed with English history/cultural values, or playing up the Norse mythology in a new setting - So this was a nice change.
I was all set to hate Roark after his obnoxious actions early on, but I liked the slow peel back of his mind and hidden personality.
I loved the little clues throughout that point to what happens at the end and am very interested in continuing the series with book 2.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
L J Andrew’s is a pro when it comes to solid romantasy and I’m glad to say I really enjoyed Broken Souls and Bones.
I loved the gritty, Norse-inspired worldbuilding that made this such an atmospheric read and easy to get lost into. The broody MMC was a standout for me, especially with how the story handled his disability. The fact that he couldn’t speak added depth to his character in a really thoughtful way, and the rep felt genuine and well done.
The twist near the end was satisfying, though I did see it coming a bit earlier than I think the book intended. Still, it didn’t take away from the emotional payoff. The pacing lagged a little in the middle, and I found myself wishing we got more time or development with the side characters, especially since the world felt rich enough to support them.
Overall, a solid, atmospheric read with heart, mythic undertones, and a character-driven focus. I’d definitely read more set in this world.
I loved the gritty, Norse-inspired worldbuilding that made this such an atmospheric read and easy to get lost into. The broody MMC was a standout for me, especially with how the story handled his disability. The fact that he couldn’t speak added depth to his character in a really thoughtful way, and the rep felt genuine and well done.
The twist near the end was satisfying, though I did see it coming a bit earlier than I think the book intended. Still, it didn’t take away from the emotional payoff. The pacing lagged a little in the middle, and I found myself wishing we got more time or development with the side characters, especially since the world felt rich enough to support them.
Overall, a solid, atmospheric read with heart, mythic undertones, and a character-driven focus. I’d definitely read more set in this world.
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:
Yes