forgednfantasy 's review for:

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews

4.0

slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

---

“Break me, I no longer care, as long as it is you who wields the destruction.”

This was my first read from LJ Andrews, and what a great introduction. Inspired by Norse mythology and Viking lore, this story delivered a dark, brutal, and immersive world that I really enjoyed. I listened to the audiobook and both narrators nailed it. I especially appreciated their subtle approach to voicing opposite-gender characters. They used slight tonal shifts rather than over-the-top changes, which kept the performance smooth and easy to listen to.

The plot itself was layered with treasonous schemes, betrayals, curses, and touch-her-and-die energy in the most gruesome ways possible. We have a man “good with his hands” who’s fiercely protective in all the best ways, a unique and fascinating magic (craft) system, and flashback memories that tied everything together without leaving loose ends. The pacing starts a little slow (expected for good world-building), but the final 30% was pure chaos, in the best way, shock after shock after shock.

The side characters stole my heart. Kael and the Prince with their wit and banter had me grinning, and the found family aspect among the characters brought warmth to such a harsh world. They all understood true love and sacrifice, and it made their loyalty hit harder. Lyra, our FMC, was never portrayed as weak or annoyingly bratty; even when she struggled, it was in the midst of her training to challenge her to overcome it. She was strong, capable, and easy to root for.

I can’t wait to see where the series goes next and will definitely be reading more from LJ Andrews.