🖤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!