3.5/4. I received an ARC for my free and honest review,

LJ Andrews delivers another captivating fantasy novel with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. While the book's first third takes its time establishing the world, the detailed world-building occasionally felt slow. I needed to really pay attention to the different cities and magical elements. However, once the story hit its stride, the pacing picked up dramatically, and I couldn’t put the book down! The gripping plot and engaging characters left me hooked.

I was surprised to discover this isn’t a standalone novel, but now I’m eagerly anticipating the release of book two. Fans of immersive fantasy with intricate plots will want to add this one to their reading list!

I absolutely go feral for anything with viking vibes and LJ Andrews has done it again! Everything she writes is magical.

Roark and Lyra are the next *it* romantasy couple. Both of their stories are really fascinating and their slow burn is worth every second.

The dual POV was great, and there were a few side characters I absolutely fell in love with. I hope we get more of them. *cough cough* Prince Thane, Kael and Emi.

The magic system and politics felt unique and refreshing. Were the twists predictable? I would say two of them were (only because the foreshadowing and hints were so well done), but one I didn't see coming AT ALL.

Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger and I can't wait for book 2.

I was so honored and lucky to be sent an early reader edition of Broken Souls and Bones from Berkley and LJ Andrews.

I love a good Viking story and so happy to add this one to my list of Viking romance recommendations!

We start with a great FMC, Lyra who’s in hiding from a power that she knows nothing about and an MMC, Roark on the search for her. There is an instant pull between these two characters and it was so great reading how the tension unfolded. One of my favorite dynamics with this duo is their verbal and nonverbal communication. Roark had his voice taken at a young age and communicates with a form of sign language that he created with his best friend. Not only does Lyra pick up on this language so quickly but they have a way when they are together that words arnt always needed.

The magic system in this story is so unique and interesting. You have bone craft, souls craft and blood craft- each able to manipulate their area to perform different tasks. But lastly there is the sought after Melder who you learn more and more about the interesting power they have and what that means for the Kingdoms.

The beginning of the story is a little more front loaded with world building, character building and important lore but as you dive further in pace picks up and you just can’t put the book down. I sat and read the last 60% in one sitting!

The spice was great and I felt really added to the characters relationship and connection. The level of intimacy that was able to be reached was raw and tender at the same time.

There is a cliffhanger ending but I feel that you are given a lot on answers that you are looking for while also leaving you yearning for the next book and contemplating what will happen next!

I would absolutely recommend this book for anyone looking for their next Viking fantasy romance read!

I feel like people will go feral for Lyra & Roark!

I don't know if I'd go as far as to call this "enemies-to-lovers", even though the story does start off with them on opposite sides.. the "enemies" part of their relationship doesn't last all that long. But honestly, that's fine with me.. they had such a tenderness between them, and I loved how they interacted. Roark uses "hand speak" as he is no longer able to speak, due to physical trauma he experienced at a younger age. I love love love how he would communicate with Lyra! It always felt so intimate when he would use his hands on her back, or her cheek.

He is on the morally grey side, but just a smidge. He is overprotective and would literally tear the world down for her.. my kinda fictional fantasy man!!

The world and the magic are very interesting. I enjoyed the viking-esque setting. I do think the magic could have used a bit more fleshing out, and detailed.. but what we do get is still intriguing, and my hope is we get a bit of a deeper dive into it in the next book.

There are a few twists near the end, and though I guessed at most of it early on in the story, it didn't take away from my enjoyment.

With that ending, I AM DYING for book 2. I need more Lyra & Roark!

Preliminary review - more to come as it settles:

Oh. My. Gosh. Amazing. I am hooked on to Lyra and Roark, and I’ll be contemplating their story for days to come. I literally could not put it down. I started last night, fell asleep four chapters in, and disregarded as much as possible the following day so I could finish it (sorry family… this is why you need a two parent system).

The world building, character development, and the arc of the story is so well written. You will become totally engrossed. Just know that going in. You’re now besties with Kael and Emi. Oh, and Magic is real.

LJ knows what she’s doing and she’s doing it well. Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC this book! I cannot wait for the series to continue!

🖤Broken Souls and Bones🖤
@authorljandrews
LJ Andrews has done it again. Creating another world where the fates are the keepers, and the readers are left at the mercy of their secrets. And this read has so many little secrets. As I slowly read each line, I was captivated by the twists and turns.
💙Lyra – Memories lost at such a young age. Being forced to hide her eyes – the silver in them telling strangers who she really is. She has learned to blend in, to hide in the shadows. To be unnoticed by everyone. Only a few know her secret. A secret that could get them all killed. Do not take her ability to blend as a weakness, she will fight for those she loves. She is as fierce as they come.💙
🖤Roark – He stays in the shadows. He goes unnoticed, until it is too late. A warrior that cannot speak, but using his hands to communicate. His glare is enough to silence the soldiers at his side. Though his heart is black and icy, perhaps a little light could change that. He has been summoned to take on a task that has his blood burning. How can he protect a melder when he has no love for them?🖤
I am so very grateful for this early read, but I find myself full of greed. I am left wishing for the next book, and if I dare request… a third. Knowing the talent that is LJ Andrews, I know that this world will become more vivid, more passionate. The characters will keep growing, and the fates will keep the strings of the future moving through each book.
I felt my heart break as two souls were trying so hard to gain back their memories. Small visions teasing them. Were they even real? My mind went one way with this story, trying to piece together how this could end with a happy ending. But there was a betrayal quietly lurking in the shadows… one I did not see. I was suspicious of some of the characters, but I did not see the ending that played out. Hidden secrets, magic, and so much more blended the formula for a well thought out and written story, that now has me wishing I could go back and read it for the first time again.

I was lucky enough to win an eARC of BROKEN SOULS AND BONES by LJ Andrews through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thanks for the early look, and have a safe and happy holiday season!

I honestly don’t know how L.J. Andrews does it, but the woman is a master at writing Viking-inspired romantasy, and Broken Souls & Bones is next-level incredible. I’ve devoured a lot of her books, and every single one has been a winner, but this one? It blew me away. It was INSANELY good—like, can’t-put-it-down, mind-blowing good. I fell in love with every single person in this story, but the way the plot centered around a nonverbal hero was just… chef’s kiss—so unique, heartfelt, and powerful. I feel so lucky to have gotten an early peek at this masterpiece, and I’m seriously counting down the days until everyone else can read it. Trust me, you do not want to miss this one. (Also, I am so early but already so excited to see where this story is headed.)

Thanks to NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for this digital ARC of "Broken Souls and Bones" by LJ Andrews, in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was such a great read!

The plot is super creative, with seafaring Scandinavian and Norse mythology flavor, involving magic fueled by blood, soul, and bone; referred to colloquially by the characters as "Craft". This is fresh and interesting, unlike anything else I've seen in the fantasy or science fiction genre. The world building around this was delightful and imaginative, excellently described, and woven into the adventure in an exciting way.

Andrews' writing style was immersive and easy to follow, teasing in enough mystery to keep me hooked...and then providing clear answers at the perfect moments, for maximum payoff.

The MMC Roark was absolutely delicious, with his protective, feral, Viking-level badassery. It was a perfect match to our MFC Lyra's blend of intelligence, vulnerability, and fierce determination. The slow burn between them --starting off as adversaries that had great reasons for totally hating each other's guts-- was tantalizing and worth every moment. Their animosity sizzled, slowly, until they couldn't take it any more and grudgingly had to give in. By that point, we were breathless for it!

There were several side characters here -- the Prince Thane, Emi, Lyra's foster brother Kael -- that had substance and personalities of their own, which is a boon. It was easy to see why each main character had loyalty and affection toward their respective loved ones, and made the stakes of the plot higher than ever.

There were two main villainy forces working against Lyra and Roark, dogging every step and making things more complicated and dire. Their identity reveals totally blindsided me, which almost never happens. I’m usually pretty good at spotting twists, but both of these got me, and I loved every second of it.

The ending was a one-two punch of heartbreak and surprise! The loose ends had all been wrapped up with a thrilling narration, but new unanswered questions blindsided us, and teased at a second book!

My only complaint: the overuse of the word "inglenook" - there are like twenty really good synonyms to use!

I was gleefully frustrated by the cliffhanger ending, and I need the continuation of this story like...yesterday. I’ll be first in line for the sequel!

Why is L.J. Andrew's such at master at writing viking inspired books?! I am obsessed with this book!!! The FMC is strong and badass and I'm in love with the MMC, he will forever be my book husband.
This was such a thrilling read and I was hooked from the very first page. But be warned...the ending is a doozy and will leave you begging for more!