i’m kind of shocked at my own rating, as it took me some time to find broken souls and bones entertaining. the beginning is slow, as it unfurls the detailed world-building, introduces us to the characters and establishes the premise of this book. the magic system is incredible in its intricacies and there’s a lot of rich lore behind it that is so fascinating. once we’ve navigated the introduction, however, the remainder of broken souls and bones is fantastic—it’s contains action and adventure within the beautiful realms of stìgandr; unexpected dark secrets and hidden enemies; and one of the most intense, slow burning enemies to lovers romance, influenced by fascinating nordic and viking lore. the way lj andrews introduces broken souls and bones as the first installment of the stonegate series is both elaborate and immersive. i haven’t read lj andrews’ romances before, but her writing is detailed and the way she writes feels atmospheric and that everything contains purpose.

broken souls and bones begins with a prologue that’s vague however detailed and throws us into a heart-racing moment shrouded in turmoil and mystery. this book is lyra bien’s journey as she comes to learn her craft—the kind of magic the world carries and its people possess—and navigates her newfound life as the ‘melder’ for king damir at stonegate. there’s enemies lurking within the shadows, threatening to tear down the castle walls in an attempt to prevent lyra from using her new magic and lyra finds herself torn between following her duties and protecting the innocent. broken souls and bones unfolds in slow increments, but the bits of information we’re treated to is done so with reason and watching as secrets unravel themselves alongside the characters was captivating. every detail and every moment contained a purpose—sometimes we have answers to the reasons for unveiling the information, but there are still plenty of questions waiting to be answered!

♡ lyra bien
lyra bien is cunning and intelligent, having lived unseen and forced to remain undetected due to the scars visible in her eyes. this characteristic signifies her abilities, her rare craft as the coveted melder who possesses all three crafts of bone, soul and blood. her gift doesn’t come without challenges however and her new title carries both fear and reverence in its name. she relishes her slow life in skalfirth, but when it’s upheaved lyra sacrifices it in exchange for her close friends to remain unharmed. i loved lyra’s quiet resolve, but this didn’t make her less dangerous or formidable, especially as her power manifests and strengthens in subtle ways throughout this book. one kind of female main character i love to read is someone who’s empowering and equally as fierce as the love interest—and lyra is the perfect balance and counterpart to roark ashwood. she undergoes an incredible journey of growth, as she learns and understands her unique powers, but this emboldens lyra and it’s refreshing to witness her embrace the new changes, rather than turn away from them. fear is something that lyra navigates in this book—of her power and the harm it could cause others—but her soft nature balances this. watching lyra grow as this book, with support from what started as reluctant allies to close friends, was wholesome and fantastic as she flourishes with time.

♡ roark ashwood
a man, especially a love interest, who uses actions instead of words to demonstrate his intentions will forever have me in the biggest chokehold! in roark’s case, he doesn't use speech but instead hand signals to communicate as he can't talk from an injury, making his gestures and intentions feel more deliberate, emotional and sincere. i knew roark ashwood would become a favourite of mine from the moment we’re introduced to this character—he’s morally complex and multi-faceted with dark secrets waiting to be learned. everything about roark and his actions held purpose, making his character development have more impact. roark maintains a command and presence over his men, able to retain the respect from them without issues, making him dangerous and threatening. as the book progresses, roark’s past begins to unravel allowing us to learn more about the man and his secrets. watching roark’s quietness transform from frightening intimidation into something softer, almost tender, was heartfelt as most of his change was directed towards lyra—he loves wonderfully and wholeheartedly, with intention and without abandon. i feel we’ve touched the surface of roark ashwood; there’s so much more to this man and his intentions hiding within the shadows.

♡ lyra bien + roark ashwood
i love a slow burn romance that is slow as it burns and unravels. i’m a firm believer that a proper slow burn allows us time to appreciate the growing affection between the characters, especially when they don’t like each other initially, providing the reader an opportunity to appreciate the romance more. the relationship between lyra and roark left me giggling and kicking my feet in absolute giddiness as, besides having a slow burn, featured enemies to lovers (my favourite), forced proximity, kidnapping and reluctant bodyguard—making the way these two unlikely characters fall in love all the more enticing. the notable time and dedication lyra put into learning roark’s hand gestures and language was heartwarming and the obvious realisation that he wouldn’t have to work as hard to be understood made me melt, as he’s often subjected to mockery by his fellow warriors! the effort both of them went into learning and understanding each other as individuals made their romance more heartfelt; the way they would fight for the other left me grinning in delight as there’s nothing better than a couple who not only protects each other, but fights together.

♡ the side characters
well-established found families is one of my favourite tropes in fantasy as, when done right, side characters support and enrich the leading characters’ journeys and personalities, and lj andrews delivered! the bond shared between kael and lyra was touching with the way kael would go to great lengths to protect lyra and ensure her safety. she’d also do the same in return without hesitation, despite kael’s protests. what started as reluctant allies, i love that lyra was able to seek guidance and eventually have confidence and trust in thane and emi, who became her friends and comrades in battle.

i’m going to be feral, waiting for the second book in the stonegate series, with thoughts and theories swirling endlessly in my mind following the jaw dropping ending of this book. broken souls and bones is an enthralling introduction to lj andrews’ newest series, leaving me excited to see where lyra and roark’s journey takes them in the next book. i now have an extensive backlog of enchanting and immersive worlds to devour in the broken kingdoms and the ever seas series, as we wait with bated breath for the second book’s announcement!

‘Don’t let me fall in there.’
‘Never.’

‘Together they’ll restore a broken kingdom or burn it to the ground…’

‘…Together they will have to choose to stand against all they know or face a darker destiny.’

LJ Andrews is a goddess of words.

Her storytelling is rich and enthralling, crisp and compelling. Her words are like beautiful daggers: sharp, engaging and keep you on the edge of your seat and feelings 🩶⚔️

I was pulled immediately into this brand new world full of dark romance, Viking lore, slow burn enemies to lovers and intricate threads of magic woven together beautifully.

Every time I thought I’d guessed something, Andrews is a master at subtly crafting surprises that had my mouth dropping and also smiling at the payoff!

Roark: WHAT IN THE SILENT MORALLY GREY SIR I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED. This man is a grumpy honey.

All I can say is ‘Tap, Tap, Tap’ I am sat 😮‍💨

Lyra: She is scrappy and tender, fierce and bold. I loved her strength and her kindness. She is a bright soul that defends her loved ones with her whole heart

Themes are: forbidden love, saucy banter, sign language rep, unique magic and slow burn spicy 🔥🌶️

Shoutouts (No Spoilers) are:

🩵 Words on her skin
🩵 Roark is a beautiful storm
🩵 Bold Lyra
🩵 ‘Accomplices always.’
🩵 You are more than your scars
🩵 ‘You brighten the night.’

Broken Souls and Bones is deliciously violent and tender hearted with addictive found family and crafty magic. Andrews writing is lyrical and sharp that feels like reading a play come to life.

TYSM to the author, Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A sizzling 5 ⭐️

Favourite moment:

‘When he gently tapped my shoulder three times, then again, emotion knotted in my throat. Mine. He kept claiming me – Lyra – not the melder, but me.’

Thank you NetGalley for giving me a chance to review this book for my honest opinion.

This book is one of my easiest five-star books that I have read this year. Vikings, dark intriguing magic system, political drama, bromance.

The story, the characters, the TENSION!

Who knew that we all needed was a non-verbal MMC who spoke so loudly, not with his voice but with every fibre of his being, from looks, to touch (tap, tap, tap), to speaking with his SOUL.

L.J Andrews, you are a master, you had me sitting at the edge of my seat eagerly reading every morsel this book gave me, every time I thought I had something figured out, you would string a sentence together that had me second guessing myself and my theories.

I fell in love with not only our FMC Lyra and MMC Roark, but all of the side characters too. Thane, Emi, Kael and then we have other minor side characters too.

I am so concerned about everyone's relationships and feelings and need to go back into your world ASAP and find out if everyone is okay and what is going to happen after that bombshell of an ending.
 
This is one of the most original books I have read this year, and I am itching, absolutely ITCHING to get my hands on book two.

Everyone, you will be severely missing out if you don't pick this one up!

Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews 🩵⚔️🐺

★★★★★

🍃 enemies to lovers
🏹 forced proximity
🍃 sign language rep
🏹 viking/nordic world
🍃 he’s her bodyguard
🏹 unique magic system

UM THIS IS THE NEXT BIG ROMANTASY IM CALLING IT NOW !!!! Excuse me for yelling but I loved this book and it was soo fun to read

This was my first LJ Andrews book and I was not disappointed. The first 20-30% of this book has some intense world building regarding Norse mythology and a unique magic system involving bones (which I thought was so cool) but I was so intrigued by it that it wasn’t a hardship to read. But when you do read it, push through! Once I got past this, it got even better. There was action, romance, and plot twists !!! AND THE ENDING?!! I need book 2..? 🤚🏽

This book follows Lyra, who is a melder and is taken by the Crown, captured by the King’s silent guard, Roark Ashwood. Lyla is super likeable and I loveee Roark. He is super broody and unchanged in his ways until Lyla comes along, he also doesn’t speak. His character was swoon worthy and interesting, I loved the rep of sign language, I haven’t read anything like that before and I thought it was done well and refreshing. I love how they communicated.

As the story progresses, tensions get higher and higher between them. They share lingering stares, stolen touches, small acts of kindness. I loved it all and it ends up in some explosive scenes between them towards the end of the book 🌶️

This book was the perfect balance of everything and it kept me hooked the entire way through. I am in awe of LJ’s world building, she has created such a unique magical world and I am obsessed. This book felt different and I think that’s why I loved it so much 🩵

If Vikings and Anastasia had a baby this would be it. The dark mythology of Vikings with a unique magic system encompassed in a story of fate forcing two people together again and again…

Needless to say I absolutely devoured this. I am such a big fan of LJ Andrews. I stayed up way past my bedtime and then after I finished I sat there torturing myself with the tragic backstory and what all the little moments meant after the big reveal.

I will say I did guess where this was going from the start but I still had the best time reading it. Lyra is a strong FMC who is incredibly selfless. I love that she’s vulnerable and has moments of weakness but still manages to be a fierce character in the face of danger.
Roark. Roark. Roark. The tragedy this man has been through. I feel like the death bringer needs one of those Disney hugs where you’re not allowed to let go until he does.

Even the supporting characters were so well rounded and added depth to the story. The found family was impeccable. The Ever King is still my favourite but this is very high on my list.

Thank you so much to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC of this book. This is my honest opinion.

A truly epic Viking romantasy with the perfect balance of action, worldbuilding, tension, and spice. Looking forward to the sequel! Thank you to Penguin Australia for the Advanced Reader Copy.

This was even better than I anticipated!

This is the first book in a new romantasy series and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2.

The first 20% of the book is heavy on the world building, setting the scene, meeting the characters and understand the different crafts within the world.
From here though the rest of the book was fast paced, action filled, slowwwww burn, and seriously addictive!

Roark our MMC was so fun to read about and I actually really loved that he was a mute and communicated with hand signals, it made his interactions feel personal and intimate.

Lyra our FMC was quite the mystery throughout this book, every few chapters we get to see her character development and her protectiveness for those she cares about.

This was such a fun read and I can’t wait to continue the series!

Firstly, a HUGE thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

If you love enemies to lovers, forced proximity, intricate magic system and a morally gray MMC, mixed in with vikings, you will LOVE this book. Run, don't walk and please read this book ASAP.

LJ Andrews - you have done it again!! I finished TBK and TES earlier this year and once I found out a story in a completely new world was coming out, I could not wait to get my hands on it.

The world-building and magic system is incredibly intricate and unique. LJ Andrews is phenomenal at her craft (get it) and once again, I am truly impressed. The story flows seamlessly and the pacing of the story made it easy to follow along. It did take me a few chapters to wrap my head around but I love that about fantasy stories - I don't want it to be too simple!

LJ Andrews has became an auto-buy author of mine and I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

If you loved A fate inked in blood or The road of bones, I’ve found your next read!

🦴 Viking mythology
💙Political intrigue
🦴Hidden powers
💙Body guard / forced proximity
🦴Enemies to lovers / slow burn 🔥
💙Unique magic system

The realm of Stìgandr has been at war hunting for the missing Bone Melder. When the FMC, Lyra, is discovered, she is captured and taken to StoneGate to help strengthen the king’s army.

“Being a melder is nothing but a slow death sentence.”

The MMC, Roak, is assigned by the king to guard Lyra. Hello, enemies to lovers and forced proximity! 🔥

“Your soul is mine. I won’t lose it.”

Now, let me tell you, actions speak louder than words! The MMC is mute due to a battle injury, so he uses a form of sign language to communicate. I LOVE how this puts an emphasis on other forms of communication, and it made for the most sizzling tension! 🙌🏼 “tap, tap, tap” 😭

“His silent words burned through me like liquid fire.”

A word of warning: The first 40% is heavy on world-building and establishing the magic system, please stick with it, the payoff will blow your mind! 🤯

The ending?! IM UNWELL and need book 2 immediately!

“Break me, I no longer care, as long as it is you who wields the destruction.”

Thank you, NetGalley & Penguin Random House, for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

It has also been hinted that FairyLoot will be including this book as their May Romantasy pick!