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4.19 AVERAGE
4.19 AVERAGE
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.
challenging
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
This is an interesting start to an intriguing world. I don’t quite understand what’s happening because this book took over 400 pages to establish who the characters are and the main conflict
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