bzzkolla 's review for:

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
5.0

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for this eCopy to review

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews is a spellbinding journey into a world where magic, danger, and romance intertwine seamlessly. From the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the life of Lyra Bien, a young woman who intended to live quietly to avoid the attention of the magic-obsessed king in the fortress of Stonegate. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when Roark Ashwood, the prince’s silent guard and rumoured killer for the crown, invades her village and uncovers the truth behind the silver scars in her eyes.

Lyra's journey is both harrowing and inspiring. To save her best friend from death, she reveals her abilities and is immediately claimed by the crown as the next melder. This role, revered and feared in equal measures, is essentially a slow death sentence. Lyra's determination to free herself and her friends from bondage is palpable and drives the narrative forward with relentless energy.

Roark Ashwood is a complex character, initially appearing as a brooding and dangerous figure. However, as Lyra gets closer to him, she discovers that he is not what he seems. Their evolving relationship is one of the highlights of the book. The tension between them, both romantic and otherwise, adds depth to the story and keeps the reader engaged. The more they work together as allies, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing passion between them.

The world-building in Broken Souls and Bones is exceptional. Andrews creates a vivid and immersive setting that feels both fantastical and grounded. The magic system is intriguing, and the political intrigue adds layers of complexity to the plot. The themes of power, freedom, and destiny are explored in a way that feels fresh and compelling.

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its pacing. The story moves at a brisk pace, with each chapter revealing new twists and turns. The stakes are high, and the tension never lets up, making it difficult to put the book down. The characters are well-developed, each with their own motivations and secrets, which adds to the richness of the narrative.

Overall, Broken Souls and Bones is a fantastic read that I would highly recommend to fans of fantasy and romance. It's a beautifully written, emotionally charged story, I cannot wait for book 2!