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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
LJ Andrews has done it again with her first traditionally published book because — What in the Jekyll and Hyde did I just read and love?!
Lyra Bien is basically the Avatar (but for a Viking inspired magical world), and controls three abilities. The silver scars in her eyes mark her as both a prize to be coveted and a threat to all kingdoms. When she is found out and sent to Stonegate, King Damir’s fortress, as a Melder to be used for strengthening Damir’s perfect army - she ends up under the watchful eye of Roark Ashwood, the silent Sentry labeled as the Death Bringer. Under his watch she learns how to use her craft, what it means to be the King’s Melder, and more truths about her own past.
Tropes (for those who care)
- Bodyguard
- Hidden Powers
- Hidden Identities
- Mystery
- Viking-based/Nordic-based world
- Yearning, Tension, Banter
- Found Family (twice over)
- Dual POV 1st Person
- Fated Mates/Soul Bonds
- Necromancy-type magic
- Morally Grey-ish Characters
Moments that made me feral:
- Roark sits backwards on a chair.
- Roark is mute due to an injury from the raids prior. BUT the man has a way with words.
- Emi, Kael, Yrsa, and Thane all gained my heart.
- Action on action on action
- Perfect blend of plot, romance, magic, and mystery
Hesitations:
- If you aren’t in love with this within the first fifty pages, the middle is not going to entice you. If I didn’t love the world and characters as much as I did from the beginning, it definitely wouldn’t have been as enticing as I felt it was.
Lyra Bien is basically the Avatar (but for a Viking inspired magical world), and controls three abilities. The silver scars in her eyes mark her as both a prize to be coveted and a threat to all kingdoms. When she is found out and sent to Stonegate, King Damir’s fortress, as a Melder to be used for strengthening Damir’s perfect army - she ends up under the watchful eye of Roark Ashwood, the silent Sentry labeled as the Death Bringer. Under his watch she learns how to use her craft, what it means to be the King’s Melder, and more truths about her own past.
Tropes (for those who care)
- Bodyguard
- Hidden Powers
- Hidden Identities
- Mystery
- Viking-based/Nordic-based world
- Yearning, Tension, Banter
- Found Family (twice over)
- Dual POV 1st Person
- Fated Mates/Soul Bonds
- Necromancy-type magic
- Morally Grey-ish Characters
Moments that made me feral:
- Roark sits backwards on a chair.
- Roark is mute due to an injury from the raids prior. BUT the man has a way with words.
- Emi, Kael, Yrsa, and Thane all gained my heart.
- Action on action on action
- Perfect blend of plot, romance, magic, and mystery
Hesitations:
- If you aren’t in love with this within the first fifty pages, the middle is not going to entice you. If I didn’t love the world and characters as much as I did from the beginning, it definitely wouldn’t have been as enticing as I felt it was.
adventurous
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
ARC Review: Broken Souls and Bones by L.J. Andrews
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Broken Souls and Bones was my first L.J. Andrews read, and I’m so glad it was my introduction to her work—I can confidently say it won’t be my last. This story pulled me in with its Viking-inspired worldbuilding and a truly original magic system centered around “craft,” which is divided into bone, blood, and soul. It took a bit of time (and a chapter re-read or two!) to fully wrap my head around the mechanics, but once I did, I was completely hooked. It’s not often I come across a magic system that feels this fresh and inventive.
Andrews’ writing is immersive and well-balanced. The descriptions painted vivid imagery without slowing the pacing. I felt fully transported but never bogged down—exactly how I like my fantasy reads.
Now, let’s talk about Lyra. She’s a protagonist who stuck with me—haunted by a hidden past, terrified of discovery, and yet so strong in her vulnerability. Forced into servitude as a melder (a wielder of all three crafts), Lyra finds herself under the protection of Roark, and oh my gods, Roark. He’s mysterious, fiercely protective, and communicates through his own sign language—which added depth to his character and brought a beautiful layer of quiet strength to the story. He’s now on my ever-growing list of favorite MMCs.
The romance? A slow burn that almost drove me mad—in the best possible way. Normally I’m not a fan of slow burns (or maybe I am, judging by how strongly I react every time!), but Andrews had me fully invested in their tension and emotional connection.
No spoilers, but be warned: this book ends on a cliffhanger—and I’m already counting the days until the next book drops. If you’re a fan of atmospheric fantasy, compelling characters, and just the right amount of emotional torture (looking at you, Roark), Broken Souls and Bones needs to be on your radar.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
adventurous
emotional
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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
Love this new magic system! Dark and twisty and unapologetic this love story spans multiple kingdoms and has plenty of mystery. Good tension and pacing and the shift in character perspective gives you interesting insights into the politics at play. Can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Calling all the romantasy fans out there, you’re going to want to pick this one up!
In LJ fashion, we have captor x and captive, some forbidden romance, hidden identities, enemies to lovers….mmm. Roark and Lyra’s characters are so good, and really interesting because there is so much mystery behind both of them. Roark can’t speak, so he uses a signed language that he and the Prince have come up with to communicate. Lyra can’t explain it, but it’s very easy for her to pick up, even though she doesn’t really want to because he’s taking her from her home and using her best friend/brother as a bargaining chip.
The magic and world building in this story is so incredibly neat. You get a decent amount of answers at the end, but they only cause you to ask more!
🌶️🌶️
Thank you, LJ, for sending me a copy of this book!
In LJ fashion, we have captor x and captive, some forbidden romance, hidden identities, enemies to lovers….mmm. Roark and Lyra’s characters are so good, and really interesting because there is so much mystery behind both of them. Roark can’t speak, so he uses a signed language that he and the Prince have come up with to communicate. Lyra can’t explain it, but it’s very easy for her to pick up, even though she doesn’t really want to because he’s taking her from her home and using her best friend/brother as a bargaining chip.
The magic and world building in this story is so incredibly neat. You get a decent amount of answers at the end, but they only cause you to ask more!
🌶️🌶️
Thank you, LJ, for sending me a copy of this book!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Loveable characters:
Yes
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I just love LJ Andrews writing, because she truly writes the most loveable villains. 😈
Cannot wait for the next book!
•
⚔️ villain gets the girl
⚔️ Sign Language representation
⚔️ found family
⚔️ magic
⚔️ palatable cliffhanger
I just love LJ Andrews writing, because she truly writes the most loveable villains. 😈
Cannot wait for the next book!
•
⚔️ villain gets the girl
⚔️ Sign Language representation
⚔️ found family
⚔️ magic
⚔️ palatable cliffhanger
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual content