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A review by thecrochetedlibrary
Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
5.0
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.