Broken Souls and Bones is book #1 in the new Stonegate series by author @ljandrews. The Stonegate series is planned to be a 4-book series, set in a fantastical Norse-esque world, centering around the FMC Lyra Bien, an orphan girl, who has a secret.

One day working in the Jarl’s orchards, Lyra was attacked by a hooded man. She fought him off, but the encounter left her shaken. When she returned to the village, they were surrounded by the King’s guards and one guard in particular, who many called the Sentry or Death Bringer - Roark Ashwood. In order to save her friends, Lyra was forced to reveal her rare power and was immediately taken to the king to become his next Melder.

Once taken to the Stone Palace, the king becomes enthralled with Lyra and her powers. Given her unique gifts and their value to him - as well as enemies near and far - the king assigns the Sentry to become the full-time guard of the Melder.

When you read Broken Souls and Bones, you can expect:
Romantasy
Enemies to Lovers
Sign language
Bodyguard
Silent & Broody MMC
“Chosen One” FMC
Unique magic system
Forced Proximity

Soul Bonds
Found Family
“Touch Her and Die” vibes

Like so many Romantasy stories, there was a lot of complex magic, world and character building at the beginning, but once it hit it’s stride, the story really picks up and I had a really hard time putting this book down.

Let me start with my new book boyfriend Roark…this man is so possessive and swoon-worthy without even saying a word! He was shunned by his people and lost his voice in the process, so he has to communicate with his hands. HIS HANDS! And for those who like them morally gray, Roark definitely has a dark side and can be quite brutal, especially to those who threaten to harm Lyra, but with her he is sweet and kind and best of all, he treats her like the badass queen she is!

Speaking of the badass queen herself, Lyra is an amazing FMC! She is feisty and strong and she fights for those she cares about. She always seems to get herself into the thick of it, and she won’t back down. She even saves herself a few times!

And for those who love lovable side-characters, let me introduce you to Kael and Prince Thane! Kael is Lyra’s brother from another mother and Prince Thane is besties with Roark. My SJM fans, Thane gives off major Dorian Havillard energy!

Here’s one of my favorite quotes (and a gesture Roark used often):

“Pulse racing, I touched where Ashwood held his hand, Three taps - his gesture for claiming something as his. It meant mine. A word meaning a dozen things - his to command, his to use, his to protect.”

A special thank you to NetGalley and LJ Andrews for the ARC. I feel truly blessed and I can’t wait to read what’s next in store for these characters.

DNF 60%

Loved the characters. Hated the world building.

Let's get straight to the literal bones of Broken Souls and Bones.

The characters were great--The main characters (Lyra and Roark) and secondary characters (Prince Thane and his betrothed and Lyra's BFF, Kael Darkwin). I loved them all but not even great characters could keep me invested in a story with silly world building.

Roark Ashwood was tossed out and maimed as a youngster for failing his people in Dravenmoor. Now unable to speak, he was taken in by the Kingdom of Jorvandal but the king didn't expect much from him, giving him to Prince Thane as a guard. This is the best thing to have happened as Roark and the prince are like brothers. Now that Roark is such a dangerous warrior, commanding a great deal of respect from the army, the King wants Lyra to remove bond with the prince and give one to him instead. Together Thane and Roark created their own sign language so Roark could communicate and while only a few bothered to learn more than the basics, Roark doesn't care to converse with most people anyway. I can't imagine how being unable to speak would work during a battle. He has a translator while giving orders and making rousing speeches but what about in the heat of battle? Making Roark use sign language to converse gave his character an extra depth, and it also made it easier for us to know the nature of the secondary characters simply due to whether or not they could be bothered to learn to communicate with Roark. Upon Lyra's abduction from her small town, she jumped on the booklet of hand signals because she was fascinated by it and wanted to know what Roark was saying.

Lyra Bien has a strong, intelligent personality which helped her fight the darkness that takes over most melders. Having a strong backbone also helped her stand up to Roark and the demands of the King. She was told to hide all her life since she had the gift of a melder and melders were always forced into the service of the king. Melders fuse bones of the dead onto hosts, usually strong warriors as a boost to their strength.

I got through about 60% of the story but I didn't enjoy the whole soul-bone melding thing. First of all, in order to fuse the soul-bone to your bone, Lyra has to reach your bones. Not only does she cut the skin, she has to get to your bone so that is cutting through your muscle with a regular old knife, no anesthesia, and let's hope you don't get an infection. Although an infection could be the least of your problems as the soul of the dead warrior fuses with you. Who is this guy? You don't get to choose who it is. "Is that Todd? He was an asshole. I don't want to be part-Todd forever. And he was a sucky warrior, he died during training by tripping over his own feet and falling on his own sword. Who else to you have in that bucket?" They just have a bucket of bone slivers from dead warriors, and this person's personality becomes part of yours but we aren't getting any choices or backgrounds on these people. It's not like the bucket is full of bones from their greatest warriors. I don't think I would want to risk it.

The first thing they do to make sure Lyra is the melder they have been searching for is shatters the bones of her BFF, Kael. Lyra has been hiding her whole life and doesn't even know how to meld. Thankfully, she has a natural talent for it and fixes him but what a way to earn the loyalty of your new, forced-into-service melder, making her rebuild her friend in a panic. Really?

Lyra also goes into a trace as she melds but mentally she is in a dream realm where another cloaked warrior appears (definitely not Roark) who is threatening to kill her for doing her job--which she doesn't even want to do--because she is stealing souls. So she has the King making her meld these bones onto warriors and then this guy in her dream world threatening to take a soul for each one she steals.

And as long as I am ranting, this nutty king also has his mender take a sliver of bone from each of his warriors (Each!!! How many does he have 1,000? 10,000?) and he has that sliver of bone attached to his skull as a show of loyalty, but it also seems to force that loyalty. That's 1,000 or 10,000 cuts into his head! Now what happens when that warrior dies? Does it slough off in his head? Does it hurt? Does he get a sharp pain or a headache when 100 warriors go out and die in battle?

While menders have the most coveted (only by the King) gift, there are also bone crafters, blood crafters and soul crafters. Jorvandal has bone crafters. They can make bone weapons or armor--usually out of animal bones--but they can also reach over and shatter the bones in your body. We don't even hear much about the soul or blood crafters, at least on the first 60 percent, and I am guessing they will be part of future stories as this is Book #1.

This was a tough one and what I felt was a terrible waste of characters since they were wonderful charactes but unfortunately, I am not overly excited about the world-building and the whole using soul/blood/bone magic. As much as I liked the characters, I just couldn't keep reading and I certainly wasn't going to invest the time in a whole series.

I enjoyed this book! I thought that the magic system was really interesting, and I really liked the main character as well. Lyra was a great character to follow, and I enjoyed her character development throughout the book! The romance between Lyra and Roark was well-written, if a bit too insta-lovey for me. I found some aspects of the plot a bit slow, but I overall had a great time with this book, and I am very excited to read the next book in the series, as well as LJ Andrews' other books! :)

Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars

A slow start with an explosive end.

I hate to say that this one dragged for me a bit. Some of the storyline didn't seem fleshed out as much as it could have been. While the magic system was really intriguing, we didn't really learn about most of it, only specific parts, and what we did learn about still felt like some details were missing.

And I'll say some of the twists really came out of nowhere and there wasn't really anything in the book that pointed to this being the twist or anything, so I feel like it was just decided at the end that this was what she was gonna make the twist without trying to leave any breadcrumbs.

But I did like the two main characters. Roark was a little different than your usual MMC and I really enjoyed that aspect, and Lyra was pretty great as well.

But the ending was amazing. Even though some of the twists were kind of meh and some of it you could see coming a mile away, it still had me at the edge of my seat. It definitely sets up for a great sequel so can't wait for that one and what else LJ might do with this universe ❤️‍🔥

This book was absolutely phenomenal. It was everything I was wanting in my next Romantasy read. The Viking mythology, the unique world and magic system, the characters, the tension, the slow-burn. It was all perfection. The ending was so so good and had me in a chokehold. I couldn’t put it down until I had all the answers. I absolutely will be reading book 2. Roark and Lyra had so much tension and chemistry. I absolutely adored Roark. He is mute due to tragic circumstances as a child. But the way he is so tender and soft with his hand language one moment, and fierce and commanding in the next was soo good. His character is so complex and so well done. This book is so well written, the characters are complex, and the world building is unique and intriguing. You definitely want to snatch up this book once it is released next month.

Andrew’s has a way of drawing you completely into the worlds she creates and this was another perfect example of that. With a perfect blend of world building, character development and overall plot development this was a fantastic start to her newest Stonegate series.

Her characters have well fleshed out backgrounds and motives and you never know what’s going to happen next . Top off with that cliffhanger and you know the next book is going to be just as good.

🌶️🌶️/5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

A thousand times YES

I actually cannot form words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. VIKINGS! MAGIC! ENEMIES TO LOVERS!

This book was so much fun from start to finish. I love LJ’s writing style - I feel like I can never read fast enough.

Highly recommend for fantasy romance lovers that are looking for a new fantasy world to get lost in

This book is absolutely phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations, and that's with me going into it expecting to love it. I loved that the MMC was mute and that the FMC learned how he communicates. I loved the magic system. The relationship from start to finish pulls you in and doesn't hold back any punches. You will not be able to put this book down.

The worldbuilding and magic system are so well done. I loved the complexities of the relationships, loved the side characters, loved how they found so much strength together as a couple as their relationship grew. I was blown away by the writing and storytelling. This is a complex take on the kind of world you think you already know, but this is not just another romantasy book. This book is so much more and will stay with you long after you read its final lines.

This review took me so long to write, not because I didn't love it or was not obsessed with it (and I am definitely obsessed), but because I really struggled putting to words what this book means to me. I hope it will resonate with you as much as it has resonated and lingered with me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing group for the advanced reader copy of this book. This review is voluntarily written and the thoughts and opinions contained in this review are my own.

LJ Andrews writes a thrilling romantasy novel.
Weaving such a unique premise with a tried and true romantasy theme, we are given a new story of hidden identities, fated mates, and warring kingdoms with evil underbellies.
Broken Souls and Bones was an entertaining read that kept me intrigued till the last page. With a well developed cast of characters, Andrews only share what is needed, but holds all the cards to herself until the last quarter of the book. I would have loved a more gradual pacing of information, but I was still entrancing by the story during my read.

I really enjoyed this EXTREMELY slow burn Norse-inspired romantasy.

I was lucky enough to be gifted the eARC from Netgalley. Very thankful for the opportunity to read this before release.

This books gave me Vikings Valhalla and The Last Kingdom vibes. I could vividly see the characters.

The MMC is a whole new level of book boyfriend. Absolutely loved the sign language rep. He is broody, protective and dangerous. Just how I like them.

I highly suggest checking this out if you enjoy:
- romantasy that is a little more plot heavy
- slowest of slow burns.
- unique magic systems - blood, soul and bone magic
- Norse/viking inspired books
- found family

This is my first LJ Andrews book and I will definitely be reading more.

4.5 ⭐️

I’ve been a fan of LJ Andrew’s works for a long time and this new series did not disappoint! This is a Norse mythology inspired fantasy that has forbidden magic, morally grey characters, tension, suspense, world building and intrigue that builds up a great romantasy book. Like all LJ’s books this had me on the edge of my seat trying to grapple every twist and turn that came my way. The ending had me SHOOK! I found all the characters enjoyable, especially our FMC Lyra. One thing LJ does best is write such strong complex protagonists that feel so real and genuine. ALSO THIS BOOK BROUGHT BACK YEARNING AND SLOOOOW BURN which I’’m always going to gobble up!

So eagerly will be waiting for the next book in the series!

LJ Andrews has out did her self with Broken Souls and Bones. And that’s saying something because her Broken Kingdoms and Ever Seas series were just CHEF’s KISS. This book was so thrilling and unputdownable!

** Review currently posted on Goodreads, but I will also post about it on tiktok closer to the release date.

I have heard a lot about LJ Andrews on booktok but this is the first time I've read one of her books and it won't be my last!

Broken Souls and Bones is an original take on Norse Mythology. In this world, the Gods gave to humans three kinds of magic: Bones, Blood and Soul. The FMC is different though, she is the first female melder to walk the earth of hundreds of years, and she's been in hiding because her power is very coveted by the King. He finds her though, and sends The Sentry to retrieve her.

This book is a very slow burn romantasy with 2 or 3 spicy scenes, it kept me entertained throughout and even thought I anticipated a few turns of events, 2 plot twits really surprised me! Beware, it ends on a cliffhanger.

Tropes you can look forward to:
- Forced Proximity
- Captor than Bodyguard
- Found / Chosen Family
- Virgin FMC
- Fated Mates
- Unique Magic System
- MMC would burn the world down

* Note that you will find a non-verbal main character and LGBTQ secondary characters in this novel.

"Broken Souls and Bones" is my first book by LJ Andrews, but it will not be my last. This book has me hooked in anticipation for Book 2. Lyra Bien has a secret, one hidden within the silver scars in her eyes. She possesses the rare and powerful magic of a 'melder', with the gift of all three crafts: Soul, Blood, and Bone. However, this gift is also a curse as the King of Stonegate seeks to use it for his own purposes and power. Captured by the King's sentry Roark, Lyra becomes the King's 'melder' and is forced to use her magic to her own detriment. As she tries to save her friends from the King, she finds an unlikely ally in Roark. But as their secrets begin to unravel, they face a horrifying choice: to fight for what know or surrender to the fate that binds them together. Beautifully written, this story captivates through the characters and all they must endure as they fight for those they love. I was engaged throughout the entire book, blown away by the ending, and left eagerly awaiting Book 2.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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

Lyra never intended for anyone to find out her secret melding abilities. Until the day her tiny village has a visit from the royal Stav Gaurd with the infamously deadly and silent warrior Roark Ashwood in tow. She soon finds herself in a grave situation,being forced to reveal her powers. Now a prisoner Lyra embarks on a journey that will lead her to the crown King of Jorvandal to be his special weapon and melder against his enemies of Davenmoor. As Lyra enters this new unfamiliar world of royals, politics, and battles she surprisingly feels drawn to her enigmatic bodyguard and keeper Roark. But as secretes unravel and long told destinies loom Lyra realizes this path of magic, blood, bones, and shadows runs much deeper than she could have ever imagined.

This dual POV fantasy book was beyond addictive and I absolutely couldn’t put it down, finishing it in one day. The magic system of this world was truly like nothing I had ever read before with them being centered around bones, blood, and a persons soul. The way in which Andrews’ described and explained each of these rare crafting abilities was very intricate and well done, making the overall world building in this first installment extremely detailed, exciting, and immersive. Now these were definitely a bit darker style magics since they did involve bones and blood and the manipulation of them. Which honestly made perfect sense for this war tore Nordic Viking style fantasy world. The two battling kingdoms lead to many tense action filled battle scenes that are nicely balanced in the plot by also having a sweet found family aspect with amazing characters both main and side to love and root for. Speaking of characters our moody bodyguard and warrior MMC Roark and our fearless forbidden magic wielder FMC Lyra had the most deliciously slow push and pull burn that had me feral for the very moment it would all combust. I also have to commend Andrews for the phenomenal inclusion and writing that went into Roark’s use of hand speak (essential sign language) as he is non verbal due to an injury sustained in his youth. I could go on and on about everything I adored in this book, just simply know I’m fully obsessed and was left screaming for more by the end. Basically I can’t get enough of this new and exciting series and need the sequel immediately! If you are a fan of fantasy worlds filled with viking and Norse mythology influence, found family, warring kingdoms, secret identities, unique magic systems, slow burn spicy romance with all the touch her and die energy, and shocking twists then you absolutely have to read this amazing new fantasy read.
Broken Souls and Bones comes out April 29th, 2025. Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing, Ace Pub for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was so promising and hooked me early. But it started to fall flat about 40% in. I felt like the progression slowed significantly and then pacing was an issue from that point on. Once I fell out of the story it was extremely difficult to get back into it. I felt like the information the woman in the market revealed about the ring should have been way earlier in the book because by the 60% mark, it made the rest of the story too predictable. It felt a little like being given an outline for the rest of the novel. I loved the tension between Roark and Lyla. Conceptually this story was really cool. I just felt like the pacing issues ruined it for me.

✨Broken Souls and Bones✨

I truly don’t think LJ can write a single thing I would dislike. Once again in a world of magic and Vikings, Andrews transports us into a land where magic is as beautiful as it is vicious.

In BSAB, the first in LJ’s new Stonegate series, we follow a dual first person POV. Our FMC Lyra has been hiding her identity her whole life due to the forbidden magic she holds. When she is found out, our silent and deadly MMC Roark, is given the position of bodyguard. Something that is both as exciting as it is dangerous.

Within the walls of Stonegate, Lyra finds herself lost in a new world of power, court intrigue, betrayals, bonds, found family, and forbidden love. Lyra is a phenomenal FMC, the perfect balance between strength and compassion. She is funny, feisty, and loves with her whole being. Roark is a delightful blend of rough, mysterious, and gentle. LJ did an amazing job with the sign language rep, maintaining intrigue, personality, uniqueness while creating a quiet book boyfriend I will love always. And the banter! 🫠🫠🫠

I am never disappointed when it comes to LJ, Vikings, and her romantasies. The world building and character development are always on point and this new series is no different! I am SO STOKED for what happens next.

Tropes you may find in BSAB are bodyguard, grumpy x sunshine, Vikings, unique magics, soul bonds, forced proximity, hidden identities, disability rep, slow burn, found family, forbidden love, betrayals, plot twists, 🔥 the world for her, touch her and ☠️, “breathe”, anxiety rep, medium spice, and wound tending/comfort.

ENORMOUS thank you to LJ, netgalley, and Berkeley pub. I am so humbled and honored to get to be an arc reader for LJ’s street team. 🫶

If you’re a fan of this authors previous tales you’ll be head over heels for this one! I enjoyed the growth this story had and the ability the author had to wiggle in important information without drifting far away from what was currently happening. Super enjoyed this book!

LJ Andrew's is a powerhouse in the romantasy genre! I loved both the plot and the characters in this book and can't wait for the next. I think about the cliffhanger every day. The romance was also so beautiful. It was the perfect mixture of angsty and tender. I can't wait to purchase a final copy for my shelf, and am eagerly awaiting an announcement for the sequel! Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this ARC <3

Broken Souls & Bones is a Norse-inspired fantasy filled with forbidden romance, dark magic, and slow-burning tension. The world is rich and immersive, with a unique magic system based on bones, blood, and the ability to see souls. It’s complex and intriguing but does require some patience to keep up with all the details.

The story follows Lyra, a sheltered young woman with a past full of secrets, and Roark, a cursed warrior whose brooding intensity speaks louder than words (literally tap, tap, tap - yes, he's mine lol). Their dynamic is full of tension, and while their romance is a slow burn, the touch her & die energy? Absolutely there.

I had mixed feelings about Lyra - her stubbornness made me want to shake her at times, but I still enjoyed watching her journey unfold. Roark, on the other hand? Perfection. Silent, deadly, and deeply loyal. The side characters also shine. Prince Thane is a hilarious scene-stealer, Emi is unexpectedly important, and Kael is the protective older brother every heroine needs.

The pacing is a bit uneven—the beginning is fantastic, the middle drags, but then the last 20% is pure chaos with a killer cliffhanger. If you love deep world-building, morally grey heroes, and a fantasy romance with Viking vibes, this one is worth picking up. Just be prepared for a dense read and immediate desperation for book two.