Where do I even begin with this one! I am thoroughly unwell! LJ Andrews has done it, once again, with this fanFREAKINGtastic story! I am in awe of the magnificent words she writes and the vividly detailed worlds she continues to create. Broken Souls and Bones does not disappoint in the least. Every book gets better and better; and I’m going to have to go out a limb and say this is now my favorite book LJ has written.

This book sucked me in, hook line and sinker, from the very first sentence. It’s fast paced and exciting and teeming with the most incredible magic and brilliantly crafted storytelling. This incredible Romantasy is filled with Vikings, Norse lore, unique magic the most amazing found family, a fierce FMC and a broody swoon worthy MMC.

Every single character is so masterfully crafted with incredible depth. Lyra, the FMC, is quite strong and unabashedly outspoken, while also fiercely loyal and protective of her “family” and loved ones. She doesn’t just confirm and accept her lot in life. She plows headfirst into figuring out what she needs to do. Roark, our beloved MMC, is broody yet so lovable. His silence speaks volumes. I find it inspiring that LJ Andrews chose to create such a strong non verbal character. His hand speak is incredibly unique and unlike anything else I have ever read. The devotion and yearning between the two of them is done so perfectly!

If you love Viking/Norse lore, enemies to lovers with delicious slow burn tension and angst, a bodyguard/ward dynamic, forced proximity, burn the world for her and a hunt at “fates mates” then you will 1000% fall head over heels in love with this book.

I want to give a huge Thank you to Berkeley Publishing, NetGalley and LJ Andrews for the absolute honor and delight of reading this advanced copy.

excuse me this was amazing?! i was absolutely enraptured from beginning to end and stayed up til 2 am finishing it. this is the kind of fantasy world i’ve been missing lately with just enough romance for the lover girl in me to be satisfied and it didn’t take away from the story! (i also didn’t expect it to be a bit steamy 🫣) love love loved!!!

Broken Souls and Bones review
Firstly, wanted to thank Berkeley, Netgally, and LJ Andrews for the opportunity to ARC read this book.

Second, oh my god. I really enjoyed this book. From Lyra discovering the intricacies of her craft, to learning more and more about Roark, everything just flowed super naturally and kept me hooked. I cannot do slow paced books. I just can’t, I don’t think I have it in me. That being said, the pacing of this book was utter perfection. Like with any book LJ writes, I quite literally could not put it down.

I loved the diversity of our characters. Writing a character who does not speak verbally and has his own language of sign is not something that is usually done well, but LJ conveyed everything beautifully. I also loved how the ever revolving theme of souls came full circle at the end.

Speaking of the end, that ending?!?! I’m usually fairly decent guessing the plot/twists in books, but this one had be pretty well in the dark until the end just like everyone else. I can’t wait to see where we go for the next book, because that ending set us up for a whole new adventure for Lyra and Roark.

Overall rating 5⭐️
Spice rating- 3 🌶️
Bonus spice points for close proximity, character tension, and communication style 😏🥵🪭

One thing that LJ Andrews does so well is write such interesting and intricate worlds! While the bone and blood mending was a little confusing I did find this world easy to understand.

I loved the sign language rep and thought it was so cool how Roark and Thane created their own signs and way to communicate.

The slow burn was definitely slow but it worked for this story. Overall I thought the story was good and am happy I got to read it!

Once again, I am in awe of another book of LJ's.

The world that she has created is incredible. Just enough to keep you intrigued in book 1, but room for so much expansion. I want to get my hands on a map of the world so badly!!

The magic was very unique. Blood, bone, and soul magic! Some of it did get a little gruesome, but nothing too outrageous.

The forced proximity between Lyra and Roark had me swooning and kept my eyes glued to the screen. I did not want to put this book down ever. And after following LJ on social media and seeing her sneak peeks at this book, I thought I would expire at Roark's first "tap tap tap" IYKYK.

She also has an absolutely fantastic way of crafting side characters that you just adore! Every single person that Lyra surrounded herself with just added more to the story.

I know book 1 hasn't even published yet and I'm already in desperate need of any crumbs for book 2!

Read if you love:
-Vikings
-Unique bone magic
-Sign language rep
-Forced proximity
-Banter
-Found family

Thank you to Berkeley, the author, and Netgalley for the eARC of this book. My thoughts are entirely my own.
Finish date:2/7/25, Release date: 4/29/25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
🌶️🌶️ 1/2

I have a new world to be lost in…
 
Set in viking territory, a divided kingdom fights for control of the crafts: bone, blood, and soul. And all of them want the rare melder, one who can use all three.

Lyra Bien has been in hiding since childhood, hiding herself so that those in power cannot use her; however, she is found by Roark, the royal sentry, after being betrayed. Roark appears to despise Lyra for her craft and Lyra feels the same as he forces her away from her home, along with other crafters in her village. Lyra is fiercely protective of her own and knows how to use a blade.

Once in place as the king’s melder, Roark is placed as her 24/7 personal protection. As Roark and Lyra spend more time together, there appears to be a connection we can’t quite place. Roark is mute and uses sign language, which Lyra is quick to pick up. Vague memories they share, but from different vantage points.

As they navigate her magic and his purpose while navigating suspicions and betrayals, they grow closer and closer until its time for decisions to be made and loyalties to be declared. 

I love Roark and Lyra (sigh). The use of sign language here is an amazing dynamic. It’s not only a reflection of his tragic childhood, but also a demonstration of connection. How he taps her cheek to say “mine” or spells words against her spine that are just for the two of them. LJ wrote the development of their relationship so wonderfully, nothing felt skipped or rushed for me.

I also love the magic system in this world, giving new twists on the crafts: the cost of their use, the lore behind their existence, how the kingdoms feel towards each one. All of it is interesting and feels like still more is to be uncovered.

The Found Family theme was strong and I loved what each character brought to the story. LJ does a great job of developing the characters: histories, evolving relationships, & remaining mysteries.

While I found myself a little lost during the world-building and initial introduction of the magic, most of it came together for me. It was a little disappointing to get so far in a book and still not have a clear picture on who a certain group is. That being said, that could be a “me” problem so I’ll likely do a re-read soon so I can see if I can fill in those gaps.

This is book one in a series so of course we don’t end with everything wrapped up in a nice bow BUT…another thing I love about LJ is that her books don’t rely on crazy cliffhangers, but rather take a To Be Continued approach. It’s nice to have a natural pause in the story that leaves us wanting more.

This book is an amazing addition to the LJ Andrews lineup and I will help do my part to keep this on all of your radars so you read it when it releases on April 29th !

🗡️ Enemies to Lovers
🩶 Fierce FMC
🗡️ Fated Mates
🩶 Found Family
🗡️ Forced Proximity
🩶 Slow Burn
🗡️ Banter

Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
Themes: enemies to lovers, found family, sign language rep, unique magic system. Forced proximity, touch her and 💀 , dual POV </b><br>
<b>* Thank you Ace publishing, NetGalley and LJ Andrews for the ARC copy. All thoughts are my own</b><br>

Lyra is an amazing female main character who knows where her heart lies. The start of her character arc is amazing and I can’t wait to see where is goes.
Roark is a stoic man who believes loyalty is the most important thing. I believe his arc will really make Roark look into himself and try to find who is and will shake his foundations.
Together, are truly are enemies who turn lovers. The banter between the two is amazing and is felt even when sign language is use.
The smut is extremity well written and helps to aide the relationship between the two. It also helps to aide and support the plot rather then be the entire plot.
The way the sign language is written allows us to feel the emotions similar to spoken word.
The side characters are well written and very easy to love. Creating a strong bond between the characters and the reader. <br>
Once again, I’m left utterly speechless, starting into the abyss when I finished this book. And I mean this is the most amazing way. I cried, laughed and dropped my jaw in shock.
LJ Andrews has yet again created such a beautifully crafted world, with a unique magic system, and unique characters. She continues to prove why her romantasys set my standard.
<i> Broken Souls and Bones </i> is an amazing start to a new series. I cannot wait to see where it goes from here.

The slow burn! This might be LJ's best book yet! I savoured this one ~ I love the broody Shadow Daddy and I absolutely love enemies-to-lovers and villain gets the girl ... this story has BOTH!

LJ has done it gain bringing yet another badass sassy FMC, a fiercely feral MMC, multidimensional side characters, a unique magic system... I could go on for a while! Secrets, lies and betrayal all lie within the pages of this amazing world built on the bones of Norse mythology and folklore inspiration. Witty banter was not overplayed and blended seemlessly into conversation.

That ending actually snuck up on me. There were zero, and I mean ZERO clues that it would happen! And then, it was over. WHAT? Book 2 needs to happen SO FAST! Please and thank you!


Thank you Berkley Publishing House | Ace and LJ Andrews for giving me the opportunity to read this book early! It was a tremendous read. This review will be posted to Goodreads, Fable, Story graph, Indigo and Amazon closer to the release date.

⚔️ This one is about Lyra Bien, an unassuming woman who lost her entire family at a young age. Lyra lives in a village far away from the King’s stronghold of Stonegate, by design. She possesses a rare form of magic, called bone melding, that the king would exploit if he were to find out about her existence. The only outward signs of her magic are silver scars in her eyes. Lyra manages to remain hidden until one day, when Roark Ashwood, the silent sentry to the king, comes to her village and forces her and several other magic users to leave for the King’s fortress. Lyra detests Roark, until she begins to get acquainted with him. The more she learns, the more fascinating he becomes, and she learns to speak sign language with her hands so that she can communicate with him more easily. But dark forces are standing against Lyra and Roark.

⚔️ Well, LJ Andrews has done it again, she made a whole new world with a found family of side characters to love. I really enjoy immersing myself in the worlds that LJ creates, they are so rich and detailed with an all new magic system and a broad world that starts small for the reader and then gradually expands as the story continues. LJ’s worlds have women who are just as badass as the men, even without necessarily being skilled with a blade. They start off with sass and gumption and then slowly gain skills and confidence until they can hold their own in any situation and become the queens they were meant to be. Every time I finish one of her books I sit for a while in stunned silence and then reach for another. In this case we will have to wait a little while for the next book so I’ll be in the Broken Kingdoms or the Ever Seas if you need me.

Where do I even begin? This book is so freaking good! Every book I read from LJ Andrews just keeps getting better and better. She is becoming one of my favorite authors.

This is a Romantasy filled with Vikings, Magic and a swoon worthy MMC. I loved the use of magic in the book, how does one come up with something so cool? I absolutely adored Lyra and Rourke! The way that their bond grows throughout the book just makes me melt! And that ending?! I was hanging on the edge of my seat!

“I would fall before the darkness, face the shadow, if only to prove I could stand before my fear.”

Broke Souls and Bones was such a fun and unique read! A truly captivating story of unlikely and forbidden love. LJ delivers on another epic fantasy world! I’m excited to see more of the Stonegate series.

Broken Souls & Bones was my first LJ Andrews book and I loved it so much, I couldn’t put it down once I started!

Lyra is a servant girl for a Jarl but with a secret. She has a rare magic that would have her bound to work for the king if discovered. Roark is a warrior and guard to the Prince with an injury that took his voice when he was a boy. Roark becomes Lyra’s guard when she is found out and taken to the stone palace.

Listen, I am in love with Roark. Talk about a strong, broody silent type that is literally silent. It is such a unique concept and I loved that LJ Andrews represented someone with sign language in her story. The enemies to lovers, bodyguard/ward dynamic was so well done and filled with delicious tension. There’s also hints to a soul mate dynamic and if you’ve read my reviews before you know I am a SUCKER for a fated mates trope. And when combined with enemies to lovers and forced proximity? Say less.

I love Lyra’s character. She is fierce, outspoken and protective of her loved ones. She is not one to hide during a fight and I loved seeing her accept her viciousness to protect those she loves.

The world building was immersive and I loved the Viking setting. There’s also a fun group of side characters with a found family dynamic and a good dose of banter.

This was a fast paced, dual POV romantasy with morally grey characters that I couldn’t put down and highly recommend!

Thank you to Netgalley and LJ Andrews for the eARC!

This book is SO good! I love L.J. Andrew's writing, and this book did not disappoint. I ate this UP!

The MMC being mute and communicating through sign and touch made for some seriously swoon worthy moments. I love the fiesty FMC and her kind heart. Honestly, all the characters are amazing. Love Prince Thane! L.J. Andrews seriously writes the best found family!

Another thing I appreciated about this book is the magic system is pretty fresh. I have been getting a little burnt out on Fae in romantasy books. I still like them, but I am just a bit bored with it. So, I am excited to see where this series goes from here!

Are you kidding?? This was/ is AMAZING. Everything you could want in a fantasy with the world building, magic, suspense, thrill, I ate it up. I seriously can’t wait for the next book and I will be wholeheartedly looking to buy this in store for my shelf.

Plus don’t forget the sweet sweet slow slow burn romance that bloomed throughout this. The forced proximity and morally gray characters also had me eating this up. Of course romance was a subplot but it was there enough to make an impact but not take over which was excellent.

I will be highly recommending this!

Nuanced characters that have a ton of depth and development throughout, intricate world building, unique magic system, propulsive plot, and slow burn romance? This has everything you could ever possibly want or need in a fantasy, I absolutely loved this and can't wait for the next book, one of the best fantasy books I've read in a while! It feels meaty, if that makes sense, I was fully immersed in the dark and gritty Viking universe Andrew's has crafted

“I would burn the whole of this land to keep one heart beating.” - Roark

Unsure if I’m giving a 3.5 or 4.0 ⭐️

Hmmmm not completely sure about this one. LJ Andrews is my favorite author. The Broken Kingdoms hooked me. But this book fell short for me. NOT the characters or world… but the magic. LJ has a way of making you fall in love with her characters. I loved Lyra, Roark, and even the secondary characters (Thane, Emi, Kael, Yrsa).

So Broken Souls and Bones is a new world with a complex magic system. It was very complex for me. Which is surprising as I love complex magic systems and characters. I hate saying this, but I felt the writing and world building was a little disjointed and sometimes I struggled to understand how the magic worked. Or maybe I just wasn’t a fan of the bone magic? Not completely sure. I also didn’t understand why the Dravens wanted Lyra so badly. And I didn’t quite understand the shadow world.

Typically I devour LJ’s books and want to tell all my friends about them. This one took me several weeks to finish and I just feel ‘Meh’ about talking about it. The twist at the end was my favorite. If you read Holly Renee’s Kingdom of Stars and Shadows, the ending of this book reminded me of the twist in Holly’s.

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult fantasy romance
- Slow burn
- Touch her & die
- Vikings
- FMC and MMC w/ mysterious past
- Hidden identities
- Complex magic system
- Morally grey characters
- MMC uses a signed language
- Forced proximity

The middle of the book was slow, but the ending was great! I will definitely read the sequel. The Broken Kingdoms and Ever Seas was a multiple re-read for me bc they were AMAZING, where this one will be a re-read to understand, not bc it was loved.

Before a traditional publisher bought this book, when LJ just started writing it, she gave her fans a sneak peak. I LOVED the blurb she shared! I remember telling everyone about the new world she created and Roark. Since then, that part was rewritten. I was disappointed in the change of direction. But I’m hopeful I’ll love the sequel.

Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing/Ace, and LJ Andrews for ARC!

Broken Souls and Bones is my new obsession, I absolutely loved it!!! I read it in a single day I was so captivated. We have Lyra, who wanted to live a simple life and to hide her magic from the king. That is ruined when Roark, the prince’s silent guard, comes to her village and uncovers the truth, forcing her to reveal her magic in order to save her best friend. Now she has to be the king’s medler but she is determined to set herself and her friends free. She ends up being allies with Roark and the more time they spend together the more passion sparks. After a sinister truth is revealed Lyra and Roark must decide to stand against what they know or to accept their dark destiny.
I honestly couldn’t stop reading this. The plot keeps twisting, the magic system is so fascinating along with the vikings vibes, and the romance! The tension between Lyra and Roark is chef’s kiss and delicious. I adore that they both want to hate each other but they each feel drawn to the other. Lyra is amazing in the way that even though she’s not a warrior she still fights for her people and cares about everyone. Roark is definitely another book boyfriend! This man may be silent but he sure can command people, in more ways than one if you know what I mean. He’s also sweet with Lyra and is super protective, I wouldn’t want to make him mad.
The other characters totally added to my love for this book! All their relationships are incredible and they are all so well written. I love how everyone grows during the book and that the way their relationships develop feels natural.
I’ll admit I saw one twist at the end coming but not the others. Those had me screaming OMG in shock!! I don’t know how long I’ll have to wait for the sequel but I need it asap please!

Read if you want:
⚔️ vikings
💙 forbidden romance
⚔️ bone, blood, & soul magic
💙 court intrigue
⚔️ angst & hurt/comfort
💙 banter
⚔️ major touch her & 💀 vibes
💙 found family
⚔️ sign language rep

I preordered Broken Souls and Bones right away when LJ Andrews announced a new book. I’ve gushed about her Ever Seas books and The Broken Kingdom series before, so I knew I had to have Broken Souls and Bones in my hands.

Before I dive into my love for this book, I want to thank @authorljandrews and @berkleypub for giving me the opportunity to read this book. As I was diving into this book, I knew once I got through a few chapters that this would be a 5 ⭐️ read for me.

📚Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews ARC review

This book has so many things that I love in a fantasy book. I really loved reading the character development and the plot kept me engaged throughout the story. You’re following Lyra, who has been hiding from a magic obsessed king, only for her village to be invaded by the king’s men. She is forced to use her powers to save her friend and is taken to become one of the king’s melders. As the story goes on, she discovers how to use her powers but also she starts to uncover secrets.

I also loved that the romance isn’t necessarily the main focus of this book but more of a subplot. But wowzies, the burning romance between Lyra and Roark. From forced proximity between our main characters, the banter (oh my god the banter and tension between them 🤭), touch her and die moments (this man 🥵). “A king’s word will not stop me wanting you.“ like excuse me? Oh my god Roark the man that you are.

Some other amazing things I loved about this book was that it had sign language rep with our main characters, amazing side characters, Vikings with magic, morally grey MMC, found family, and secret past.

I cannot recommend this book enough and I’m so excited for its release in April!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Thank you @berkleyromance for this ARC!

“You above everything. His words moved against my face. Burn it all if it means you still live.”

@authorljandrews EATS 👏🏼 EVERY 👏🏼 SINGLE 👏🏼 TIME 👏🏼

This is the first book in The Broken Souls and Bones Series, and I can already tell it’s going to be a favorite. The plot, suspense, secret identity, and romance were intertwined in a way that had me hooked. The ending left my jaw on the ground. I had to immediately blow up her inbox with my thoughts lol

✨Roark is the deadly guard and our sign language rep. He is broody and has shadows 😮‍💨 I LOVED how the sign language was written for his character. His presence was felt the moment he stepped into a room, and he can command a room without saying a word. He ruthlessly protects those he cares for, and if you love *touch her and die* you will love him.

✨Lyra is at first a quiet fmc trying to live a peaceful life with those she loves. Until she’s put into a position where she has to leave to keep her family safe. She is willing to put herself in danger as long as they live. She isn’t quiet anymore about this change and I came to love her fiery character. Watching her discover more and stick up for herself was everything.

✨Roark and Lyra together was everything. They start as enemies and the loathing was feeding into the tension. He is cruel and unkind EXCEPT to her. He becomes a safe space for his enemy. She starts LONGING for him even when she shouldn’t. They catch each other staring. I love them! I was kicking my feet or taking a lap several times.

✨For it being the first book in the series the found family trope was written so well that I literally LOVE all of the characters. Thane is a side character that brings so much humor and I’m telling you now I would die for him!

Ps, it releases April 29th!

*All quotes are subject to change*

LJ Andrews does no wrong, everything she writes is pure PERFECTION. The magic system, the characters personalities, and the plot is always so powerful. The dark romance and slow-burn helped drive the story plus the bodyguard trope. MWAH! I loved every element this story brought me!