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readingmelissa18 's review for:

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
4.0

Lyra and Roark meet as enemies, with Roark assigned to watch over her while she serves the crown. What follows is a slow-burn, enemies-to-allies-to-lovers romance set in a richly imagined world crafted by LJ Andrews.


The worldbuilding is compelling, featuring warring factions and kingdoms divided by their beliefs in magic and how it should be used. The magic system itself feels refreshingly original—I’ve read a lot of romantasy, but this one stands out. Lyra, one of the last of her magical kind, struggles to understand and control her power while grappling with the fear of misusing it.


One of the most intriguing elements is the shadow realm Lyra enters when using her magic. There, she encounters a mysterious figure—a shadowed man who forms a strange yet meaningful bond with her. Like Roark, he’s determined to protect her, creating an emotional tension that adds depth to the story.


The book ends on a cliffhanger that leaves you eager (but not tortured) for book two. It’s a satisfying blend of romance, magic, and intrigue that’s perfect for fans of character-driven fantasy with a strong emotional core.