What a wild ride and story. I absolutely loved this it just has all the perfect elements that I personally like. The prologue with the flashback and then fast forward to meeting Lyra. Also a double POV? My absolute favorite. Roark was an amazing male main character and the secrecy was the perfect amount, not too secret and with the hints for you to assume but also not super easy to guess. Of course the end revelation to me wasn’t a surprise, a bit obvious but it made the conflict even higher stakes for me.

I loved the magic system/powers in the story, they were unique and still powerful on their own. How it ties to their folklore and from there goes the major plot. I also enjoyed how it was complex but not too complex to lose interest.

The characters were also amazing. I think Thane is my favorite and I hope we get to see more of him. I love how tied together Roark and Lyra are, can’t wait to see where this one goes. And I love the friendships Emi brings to their group. Overall an amazing read for 2025.

Tropes & highlights

-bodyguard romance
-sign language rep
-necromancy
-fated/bonded souls
-dream/nightmare walking
-hidden identity
-found family
-memory loss

This might be Andrews’ best work yet. This is a new, traditionally published series and is not connected to The Broken Kingdoms or The Ever Seas series, so if you haven’t read those yet, you can jump right into this without risk of spoilers or missing critical content.

The world-building is wonderfully executed and the magic system is unlike any I have read before. Lyra is captured by the king’s sentry and forced to wield her magic or risk the lives of her loved ones. As she begins to unravel her past and acclimate to her new environment, she begins to realize that things are not as they seem. The court politics play a major role in this story. There are a lot of secrets to uncover here and the unraveling of so many layers was so much fun to read.

I love the sign language rep here. I have only seen that in the Witch Walker series before and it was well executed, in my opinion. The memory loss trope plays an important part in this story, and while I normally am not a big fan of that trope, I appreciated that two of the main characters are suffering from the effects. This trope normally bothers me because it’s almost always the female character and she’s hindered at every step due to being the only one who doesn’t know whatever it is she can’t remember. In this case, neither main character remembers their childhood and as a result, none of the people around them know anything about it either. All the main players involved begin learning about the hidden information at almost* the same time.

I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the sequel!


Thank you L.J. Andrews and Berkley Publishing Group for sharing an ARC of this wonderful story with me. I practically begged for an eARC of this and I immediately ordered a physical copy for my book trophy collection.

I discovered L.J. Andrews midway through 2024 and promptly devoured about 12 books in her backlist. I was eagerly anticipating an upcoming release in the Ever series when I heard that Berkley had signed Ms. Andrews to a contract and the book I was looking forward to would be delayed, but that there would also be a new series releasing and soon. So, I set out to acquire the first book in the new series as quickly as possible.

Broken Souls and Bones is the first book in the Stonegate series and introduces Lyra Bien, a young woman hiding out in a small village keeping the truth of her identity masked behind the disguise of an unassuming servant. She has nothing but shadowed memories of her childhood and one fateful, violent night, but she is in fact the lost melder, taken from her home as a small girl, and thought to be dead all these years. Melders are both revered by the crown and feared by the populace because their magic is so powerful and frightening.

Her greatest foe, and the one who travels to retrieve her, is the prince’s silent guard, Roark Ashwood. Himself an enigma, his voice violently taken before he was dumped at the gates of his enemy as a young man, he is now the protector of the prince and the person who takes on dangerous assignments for the king. Tasked with retrieving Lyra he will do whatever he must, even do bloody things to those she loves to force her hand in revealing her identity.

I really enjoyed the new world that this author has built. The magics wielded, political intrigues, and histories that seem to be slowly revealing themselves as the overall plot arc unfolds are fascinating. Admittedly, after the bloody reveal and Lyra being forced back to the royal city, I felt like the pacing slowed down a bit as she learns about her magic’s power and readers were able to get to know her, Roark and so many of the other secondary characters. Who I’ve become obsessed with. This author has a talent for creating characters that I can’t help but care about. Not just main characters, but everyone who surrounds them. Their found family and chosen friends. I find myself on edge of my seat hoping they also have love, and safety, and good things.

She also has a gift for crafting morally gray main characters, who may not seem to fit together at first, but who are drawn together, nonetheless. Lyra and Roark are both messy, with messy feelings, and complicated backstories. I mean, this is fantasy romance, everything is messy in romantasy. Roark doesn’t speak, but he communicates with his hands and Lyra quickly learns his sign language. This is definitely a slow burn, enemies to lovers romance so be prepared for the buildup and tension. There is open door, spicy love scenes which will make romance fans happy. But there is also a cliffhanger of sorts at the end, which will make romance fans grit their teeth. I think readers will be surprised at the ending and then bemoan the fact that they will most certainly have to wait awhile for book two.

All in all, this was a fabulous start to a new series and I’m excited for what’s to come.

Final grade- A

Omg omg omg!! I devoured this book so freaking amazing!!! The cliffhanger! Ahhhh! It’s going to be a long worthwhile wait for book two!

As always with LJs stories, every single character brought something to the story! It always feels like every side character is a main character! Her world building is phenomenal and this magic form is unlike anything else.

This is a new fresh fantasy plot that felt like nothing else out there. With slow burn romance, enemies to lovers, found family, a silent mmc yet the tension and banter were top notch!!

110% you need to add broken souls and bones to the top of your TBR

Rating: 3.5🌟
Spice: 2🌶️

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult fantasy romance
- Vikings
- FMC w/ mysterious past
- Hidden identities
- Unique magic & lore
- Morally grey characters
- Bodyguard
- Training scenes
- MMC uses a signed language
- “Touch her & die”
- One horse
- Found family
- Forced proximity

Overall, I enjoyed this book. However, I found the world, lore, and magic system difficult to grasp. I’m still somewhat confused on how or why Lyra and the “shadow figure” communicate, and the significance of this character, especially given the big reveal at the end.

I also didn’t understand the significance of Lyra’s importance to the Dravens and why they were after her? IDK, maybe I missed this somehow when it was explained?

The plot was interesting and action-packed. However, I did find a fair bit of the middle slow paced, and slightly repetitive.

The romance was medium-burn, not quite insta-love, but I also felt it was somewhat under-developed. There is a popular spoilerly trope that defines Lyra and Roark’s relationship, and I figured it out pretty early on (during the initial flashback/prologue at the beginning). However, I do love them both as characters, and am excited to see how their relationship develops in the second book, especially given the ending for this book!

As always, the author has a way of writing her characters where you fall in love and root for them all! Not only did I love learning about Lyra and Roark, but I loved all the side/supporting characters as well, especially a certain Prince!

Again, I did overall enjoy this book, and am looking forward to the sequel. I think I need to do a re-read (at least of the last few chapters), to fully understand everything. But seems like this is a ‘me’ problem, as it seems like most ARC readers didn’t have any issues so far with what I have struggled to comprehend! 😅

Thank you so much to Berkley Publishing/Ace Books and the author for the e-ARC! 💕

I tried to pace myself with this book because I knew how good it would be, and I also knew I would have to wait for a long time for another book. But it got to a point where it was so good my “couple chapters” at a time plan flew out the window. Next thing I know it 2:45am, and Ive read the last sentence in the book. This is often how Lj Andrews books go regardless. I shouldve known I couldnt stretch a book of hers out. It was a foolish thing to do. I’ve been reading her books since like before released 3/4 in the broken kingdoms, and I always get lost in her books. As with all her books it is a complex Romantasy. Her worlds are built so beautifully, and the magic systems are so uniquely original. I was so excited to start something new from this author, I had no idea what to expect. This completely exceeded any expectations I had, and was soooooo cool. I cannot tell you how much I loved this book, the way to romance builds, the banter, and god the feelings you feel! Just so good.

This is an addictive Fantasy Romance. The Romance in this book is a slow burn, and enemies to lovers. The book does have spice, with some spicy language. The spice is descriptive. The book moves at quick pace following Lyra as her secret has been discovered as she is forced to save her best friends life. Lyra is taken to stonegate against her will by Roark, and the kings stav. Roark is her new shadow, and ally to ensure her safety, and cooperation. As they work together something more grows between them other than animosity. After a dark truth is revealed Lyra has to make a choice who she will stand by. This is a fast past, suspenseful, action packed, fantasy romance that have you wanting more even as you finish the last word. You will soon learn reading this book just wont be enough, and will be anxiously awaiting for the next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

LJ Andrews knows how to write a Viking romance! I absolutely loved the Nordic dark viking romantasy vibes of this book. I thought this was a really good start to a new series and look forward to seeing where the author takes this story.

My absolute favorite part of this entire book was the MMC and the use of sign language. The handsome silent type is my new favorite type of book boyfriend. When Roark tapes Lyra 3 times and signs "Mine" that was it for me! I LOVED these two main characters.

This book has some great tropes. Read this if you love:

-Enemies-to-lovers
-Lost memories
-Disability rep- Mutism/sign language
-Touch her and 💀
-Powerful FMC
-Forced proximity
-Open door spice but not overwhelming
-Bodyguard
-Interesting magic system

This is the perfect book for anyone looking for a new Viking Romantasy series to get into this year!

𝙏𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙙𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚. 𝙄 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪.

Gods, where do I even begin?! This book sent me straight to Salur—and I mean that in the best way possible. L.J. Andrews has cemented her place as one of my favorite authors, and I’d read her grocery list at this point.

Lyra Bien has spent her life in hiding, keeping out of the King’s reach and masking the silver scars in her eyes that mark her as the next melder. But when the ruthless Sentry of Stonegate, Roark Ashwood, captures her, she’s forced to hone her craft to satisfy the King's demands to safeguard her chosen family. When outside threats attack, Lyra realizes protecting those she loves, her home—and her heart—will be much more difficult than she's ever imagined.

Slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers fans are going to ADORE Lyra and Roark's relationship! Their journey from complete animosity to fierce possessiveness and passion for one another had me hard-pressed to come up for air while reading. Lyra was such an awesome FMC too! Unwaveringly loyal and protective, she is the best complement to Roark's silent, deadly demeanor. Their sarcastic quips to one another made the situation so believable and the inclusion of "hand speak", or sign language, for Roark to communicate adds such a beautifully intimate layer to their connection. Lyra’s determination to learn the language was so incredibly sweet too. Tap. Tap. Tap. (iykyk). Also, the whole idea of 𝘴𝘫𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘴 or "soulmates" had my heart doing little happy flips!

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙬.

“𝙆𝙣𝙚𝙬 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩?” 𝙃𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙚.

The villains and political intrigue are so well done, highlighting the lengths power-hungry royalty will go to and the sacrifices made by those trapped within their system. Prince Thane, with his kindness and endless humor, quickly became a standout alongside Lyra and Roark for me. (Love, love love him with Roark and Emi, omgoodness what a trio!)

As for the plot twists? While I guessed one (props to the excellent foreshadowing), the others left me REELING—and DESPERATE for book two. ::Cries in impatience::

Broken Souls and Bones turned an intricate Nordic-inspired world, lovable characters, and a dark but exciting magic system into something I couldn't get enough of. The three magics—Soul, Blood, and Bone craft—are as fascinating as they are dangerous, with the risks to their users adding an edge to the narrative between Lyra and those around her. If you love unique magic systems combined with solid Norse Viking vibes and a deeply character-driven plot with steamy romance, this one definitely deserves a spot on your TBR.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙡𝙮 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙖 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙡 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚. 𝙄 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨.

Of two things I'm certain:
1. I’ll buy every edition of this book.
2. I’ll be counting down the days until book two.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and L.J. Andrews for this incredible ARC!

What I loved:
⚔️ Norse Mythology
🦴 Vikings x Bone Magic
😮‍💨 Enemies to Reluctant Allies to Lovers
🤟 Sign Language Rep
🔗 Bonded Souls
❤️‍🔥 Slow Burn
✨ Unique Magic System
💀 Touch Her and Die
🏳️‍🌈 LGBTQ+ Rep
🙈 Hidden Identity

There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this book. It had the enemies to lovers, strong bonds between characters and included Norse mythology words which I thought was super fun! The world-building was pretty intense, and I truly enjoyed it. All the different types of crafts that were in this book I thought was pretty cool. Definitely, wouldn’t want to poss of someone with a bone craft 🤣 Roark was a total hardass in the beginning and I wasn’t sure how I would come to like him but by the end I loved him! Also, making him mute? That was crazy because I’ve never read a book with a mute MMC like him and incorporating his own “hand speak” 👩‍🍳😘 This book gave me anxiety at the end but I’m soo pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the story! I didn’t see that plot twist at the end and I can’t wait to see how Lyra and Roarks story unfolds. With that being said, I need book 2 ASAP because now I have to sit and wait after such an ending 🥲❤️ Broken Souls & Bones gave you every trope that you love, wrapped up in a perfectly morally grey bow

Kendra here! I was working my way through Netgalley looking for some fantasy romances…the usual and saw this new LJ Andrews release. As an avid reader of her Broken Kingdom and Ever Seas series I immediately put in a request! I GOT IT, obviously. Spoiler alert guys, it did not disappoint.
Together they’ll restore a broken and divided kingdom–or burn it down. Lyra Bien intended to live a quiet life to avoid the attention of the magic-obsessed king in the fortress of Stonegate. Until Roark Ashwood–the prince’s silent guard and rumored killer for the crown–invades her village and uncovers the truth behind the silver scars in her eyes. To save her best friend from death, she’s forced to reveal her abilities and is immediately claimed by the crown as the next melder. To be the King's melder is to be revered and feared in equal measures, but above all it is a slow death sentence. Lyra is determined to find a way to free herself and her friends from bondage. But first she must get more information from the silent, brooding sentry who first took her, Roark. As Lyra gets closer to Roark she soon learns he’s nothing like she assumed–and in fact everything she needs. The more they work as allies, the harder it becomes to ignore the growing passion between them. After a sinister truth is revealed, Roark and Lyra must choose to stand against all they know or accept their dark destiny.

Vikings, interesting magic system, found family, lovable side characters, mystery, steam, spice, body guard and tension. If you like any of these attributes in a book you need to pick this up. I LOVED this book and eagerly anticipate LJ Andrews next installment in the stonegate series!

Read it!

L.J. Andrews has been on my radar for a while but this is my first read by her! Broken Souls and Bones is the first book in a new romantasy series set in a Viking-inspired world where some people are crafters, people gifted with the ability to manipulate blood, bone, or soul. Lyra Bien is a melder - a rare carrier of all three talents, with the power to meld soul bones to living people, imbuing them with the skills and personalities of the original bearer of the bones. After spending her childhood and early adulthood in hiding in a small village, she is captured and brought to serve as the king's melder. Here she butts head with the Prince's Sentry, Roark Ashwood, a mute guard from an enemy kingdom. As passion erupts between Lyra and Roark, and as she grows to care for others in the king's keep, Lyra must decide where her loyalty lies - with the crown, with justice, or with those she loves.

I absolutely devoured this one! It has big A Fate Inked in Blood vibes and was a really fun fantasy read. Viking stories always feel like winter reads for me, so this one was perfect for the end of December.

✅ Semi-enemies to reluctant allies to lovers
✅ Touch her and die
✅ Fated mates
✅ Vikings-inspired fantasy world
✅ Chosen one vibes
✅ Likable characters
✅ Moderate spice
✅ Queer representation with side characters

📅 - Broken Souls and Bones will be available April 29th, 2025. Preorder it now!

🙏 Thank you so much to L.J. Andrews and Berkley Publishing Group/Ace for this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/🌶️🌶️ Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews is the first book in a new series, Stonegate.

☠️Dark Viking Romantasy
☠️Enemies-to-lovers
☠️Lost memories
☠️Disability rep (MMC uses sign language)
☠️Obsessed MMC
☠️Powerful FMC
☠️Touch her & 💀
☠️SPICE
☠️Forced proximity

The world-building is pretty heavy, with all the secrets and the mirror realm, but it's all necessary. The magic system is unique and interesting. The characters are well developed and complex. The banter between the FMC and MMC is absolutely delicious! And I loved the side characters so much -- Thane, Emi, Yrsa, Kael.. Thane especially, he has such a good heart. I really enjoyed this book, the ending had my jaw on the floor!! It was unlike anything I've read so far. 😍

To the author.... When I got to the end, I tapped my e-reader for the next page and let out and struggle GASP when the next page was acknowledgements. I was shook, and I need more!!!

I really liked this! This is my first book by this author, she has a unique writing style that I have not seen before, but once I got used to it I liked it. After reading this I am even more excited to read some of her other series.

I loved the Norse-inspired Viking setting. The magic in this book is probably one of the most unique magic systems I’ve ever read, and definitely not for the weak stomached, as the magic is exactly what the title entails. The world building was perfectly done and the magic was introduced gradually to let you understand more as you go. You definitely have to pay close attention which I love when a book makes my brain work.

There was a few twists that I did not see coming and a few that I did see I just couldn’t connect how it would work out in the end. I wasn’t left entirely in the dark but there was a bit of mystery going on. The MMC was super interesting and I liked his characters attributes, there definitely is not a lot of MMC that share his qualities. I’m ready for the next book because I have so many questions needing answered! It does have a bit of a cliffhanger but nothing major. I would 10/10 recommend this to Fantasy Romance readers!

LJ has done it again! This book was so amazing from start to finish!

Roark and his 3 taps…swoon!!

It took me a bit to understand the world and if I’m honest I’m still a bit confused on a few things but you get lots of answers near the end! And I think it’s okay to not understand everything in book one of a new world.

And wow that ending and all the twists?!! I am so ready for book two and hate I’ll have to wait awhile to continue.

LJ’s writing is incredible and has you falling in love with not just the main characters but the side ones as well. I’m rooting for them all!

"To claim something as his—a strike, a skill, a horn of ale-Ashwood tapped whatever he wanted three times."

So this book started off a little slow, but soon I was drawn in and constantly questioning what was happening. And the ending had me reeling!!! I need to know what happens next!!

The author does such an amazing job of creating SO MANY great characters. I love Emi, Roark, Thane, Lyra, and Yrsa all so much!! I want to be besties with all these characters. They all have such well developed personalities and added so much to the story.

THAT ENDING. LJ PLEASE WHY END IF BY GIVING ME ANXIETY. That twist was AHHHHHHHH!!! I will be diving into the next book IMMEDIATELY upon release.

You’ll like this book if you like
🪓 Vikings
🪓 Touch Her and Die (or eat your own fingers?)
🪓 Non-Speaking Rep
🪓 He wants to hate her

This unique story is phenomenal. It has me entranced. I have read it slowly because I didn't want it to end.

Every time I read a new book by LJ Andrews I am floored with how masterfully she writes. I never thought I would say this but aside Erik Bloodsinger because Roark has entered the battle field.

LJ’s stories this included are so masterfully written to have a balance of such strong lore, cunning plot, and a romantic sub plot that has you melting to the depths of the sea.

Oh I can not wait for the world to read and be as immersed into this new story as I am and I’m truly grateful being given an ARC. My heart is still pounding and my blood pressure still high after finishing the book.

All the stars!! 10/10 just everything!

Oh my god! What an ending!
I went into this book with minimal knowledge, not realizing that it wasn’t a standalone (but it’s LJ Andrew’s I should’ve realized) and oh my god I need more!!!
I absolutely love LJ Andres books, but this one? It might just be my favorite!

Roark and Lyra are just amazing and their story from the beginning is just amazing!
I love Lyra and how strong she is and everything
Roark is a mystery and I just love the whole “he’s soft for her” trope and he has that in spades!

I’m not entirely sure how to write my review without spoiling anything but this is a must read!

Broken Souls and Bones is a unique, action-packed romantasy full of intrigue and tension.

Lyra has spent her lift hiding what she is. She has a rage magic - a melder - one who can wield the magic of bones, souls and blood. Revered and feared, she is sought by three different kingdoms. When blood magic reveals her location, she is ripped from the only home she knew and brought to the fortress of Stonegate, forced to wield her melding magic for the king to bolster his army and serve his whims. But melding is dangerous - the use of soul bones fused to the living can corrupt souls, and each time brings Lyra closer to the darkness. and the mysterious figures within. Roark Ashwood, the Prince's Sentry, is begrudgingly tasked with keeping an eye on her. He despises melders, knowing they bring only death and destruction. But soon the pair cannot deny the connection they feel, and the more they are together, the more memories of their past seem to resurface. Can Lyra trust Roark to keep her safe, especially when he is the deadliest warrior in the kingdom?

I LOVED this book! I will say, the world building is based on Viking lore and culture, but the intricate magic system is so unique. The story bounces between Lyra and Roark's POVs, and personally I love a dual POV book. We also get glimpses at their memories, and events that seem to lead to some shared past. One thing I love about this book is how well Andrews wove everything together - she gives us bits and pieces throughout, and by the end of the book, it all comes together in an explosive and unexpected conclusion. I loved the romance between Lyra and Roark - it was a delicious slow burn with lots of emotion and tension. The found family element was fantastic as well - Thane, Emi, Yrsa, and Kael were wonderful characters, adding levity and emotion to the story. All in all, I loved this book, and cannot wait for the next in this series!!

Thank you so much to LJ Andrews, NetGalley, and Berkeley Publishing Group for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

5🌟 A Nordic Viking style romantasy with an enemies to lovers and slow burn setup.

LJ Andrews really sucks you into this world with her rich world building but not too much to overwhelm you. The FMC has a rare kind of magic that her enemy wants to use as a weapon and is taken by Sentry Roark Ashwood otherwise known as The Death Bringer to her enemy kingdom.

They have this connection they both can’t resist or understand so the yearning and frustration they have towards wanting each other is everything. He’s mute so he doesn’t speak so she’s one of the few who can actually speak to him and understand him which makes their relationship that much more special.

Quotes✨
“You above everything. Burn it all if it means you still live.”
“If I hated you, it was because I could not understand why I wanted you.”
“To die for the ones we loved was honorable, but to kill for them was beautifully terrifying”