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!