Thank you to NetGalley and penguin random house for this ARC! It took me a while to pick this up again as I needed to wait to be on the mood for a world building heavy fantasy! But let me tell you… I loved every second of it. Like I said, the world building is heavy to begin with - the first 30% is really about finding your feet with the story, and I love that so much. It reminded me a lot of Road of Bones, which I ADORE!

The slow burn was EXCELLENT!!! This is slow burn done right - romance before 60% is sometimes a bit iffy for me, so this was brilliant.

The diversity rep in this was really special. Something I have only read in one other book before (the witch collector) and it was written really carefully.

Enemies to lovers, forced proximity, Viking bones goodness! The ending was amazing - I need book 2 like immediately!

One of my most anticipated reads of the year and this did not disappoint. LJ Andrews never fails to hook me into a story and this time was certainly no different.

I love the characters, the setting, the plot, all of it was amazing.


Now that ive finished this book i have read all of LJ Andrews' work and cant wait to get my hands on more

I picked this out of sheer curiosity, and because the concept just sounded somewhat different to most things I've read recently. And it certainly pays off in that regard.

We're first introduced to Lyra Bien, a bone melder who has managed for years to safely keep her secrets hidden. A visit to the village from Roark Ashwood, the Sentry to Stonegate threatens the peace she had grown so used to and she's forced to reveal the secrets of her forbidden magic abilities in order to save the life of her best friend Kael from certain death. But doing so only leads to a life where she is a king's prisoner and tool, to be discarded when she is no longer needed.

There was a lot to like about this, though I'll admit there were times I put the book down and didn't feel that desire to pick it back up again until I actually started reading. The world building and intriguing characters were certainly a couple of it's largest strengths. Although it was slow to pick up initially, once the slow-burn romance actually started to pick up slightly things became a tad more interesting. I think occasionally I felt a bit overwhelmed by the amount of info that was being thrown at you for the first half - it felt like so much to take in and yet at the same time not much was happening?
Once it had passed that point it certainly found it's footing.. The last 10-15% was absolutely unputdownable!!

But alas, just when it starts to get really good, of course it ends..
I'll admit it's certainly good at leaving you gagging for the next book, that's for sure.

Special mention to the side characters, who were wonderfully developed and each had their own back stories and depth!!
Also the romance was wonderfully paced (big fan of slow-burn romance) and Roark was such an interesting character! Gotta love a man who would tear the world apart to defend someone they care for 💖

I've not read an L.J Andrews book before, despite the Ever series being on my tbr for some time, but that'll definitely change from now! Excited to see what else the author has in store for us in book 2!

Well, all i can say is.............. YOU LOT ARE IN FOR A TREAT!!! ✨️🔥❤️🎉

LJ is onto another winner with the 1st instalment in the Stonegate series. You will fall in love with all the characters. This book had me jumping around on my sofa as always!!!! And leaving me wanting more 🤤🔥 We have enemies to lovers, forced proximity, fated mates, spice, norse mythology, and plenty of heart-wrenching moments. Plus, some of the best twists!!! I could tell you more, but then you're running the risk of spoilers, lol

Thank you to Michael Joseph/Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this E-ARC.

I loved LJ Andrew's Mist Ever Seas and Broken Kingdom series, so it is no surprise that this is a five star read for me, her writing and ability to create such an in depth world is amazing.

This is a Norse fantasy romance that will tick all the boxes if you are a fan of enemies to lovers, morally grey and touch her and die tropes. Throw in a very overprotective bodyguard with a deadly reputation and forbidden love, it is the perfect concoction!

We are introduced to Lyra who unknowingly has a power (craft) that is being sought throughout the kingdom by the King, and is located by our morally grey MMC Roark. What I love about his character is he is non-verbal and uses his own sign language to communicate, which Lyra picks up very quickly. This isn't a story of instant lust, they are supposed to hate each other and it takes time to build the bond between them. When you understand *tap tap tap* and just melt...

My favourite side character was definitely Prince Thane, cheeky and very clearly caused Roark many headaches over the years. Their close brotherly relationship is just perfect, and I want to see more of him in the next book, I am interested to see how his character progresses after book 1.

LJ's worldbuilding is a masterpiece, and you do have to pay attention at the beginning of the story to understand how everyone's craft works. It may feel overwhelming but it all fits into place quite quickly and makes it so unique.

The last 10% of the story has me needing more, whilst I could foresee part of the plot twist due to hints throughout the story, I definitely didn't expect it all. This is a non-spoiler review so I am not revealing anymore, apart from prepare yourself!

Broken Souls and Bones is being released in UK on 15th May, I cannot recommend this enough!

Tropes:
- Enemies to lovers
- Forbidden love
- Bodyguard
- Hidden identity
- Touch her and die
- Non speaking/sign language representation
- Morally grey
- Found family
- Dual POV

Broken Souls and Bones is an incredibly unique story that melds together the Viking vibes many love, and a dark magic system built from things better left alone. Discovering this world and its many factions of men trying to one-up each other was seamless, proving a dynamic that felt natural though entirely new.

As a fan of LJ already, this book felt like a fresh take on her typical Viking approach, leaning much closer to the likes of Danielle L Jensen’s A Fate Inked in Blood. Slightly unfortunate for me is that I don’t typically love the Viking vibe, but could bypass that with LJs other books as the characters always win me over. With this one…not so much. It leaned heavier on the Viking’s, and I found it a little hard to connect with the characters the same way I usually do. Some of the charm was missing somehow, but in its place was a world vastly expanded and magic much deeper than the usual. So it was a real hit or miss for me, but largely for personal vibe preference - I’m sure this will be one many read and adore.

Broken Souls and Bones is the first book in the Stonegate series.

It is a dark slow burn romantasy with enemies to lovers, found family, secret pasts and magic.

Lyra is the first female Melder in generations.

She has spent years in hiding, however the King discovers her where she is and sends his Sentry, Roark Ashwood to retrieve and protect her, only to have her serve as his personal melder and key to creating his armies.

Lyra and Roark must learn to trust each other while resisting a passion that threatens to consume them.

If you love books that captivate you, and have tension, magic, secrets and romance then you need to read this.

Be prepared it does end on a cliffhanger…

As expected from LJ Andrew’s - so well written. The banter and bond between Lyra and Roark is outstanding. I loved the dual POV switches, and that every character had a distinct personality. This story felt fresh and new and I couldn’t guess where the plot was heading. Also, the sign language representation was incredibly well done and only enhanced the story.

Gosh where do I even begin. After the Ever I wasn’t sure that any new world or characters could capture my heart the way they did but LJ has achieved it again. There is an amazing group of characters and I cannot wait to delve deeper into this world.

Lyra & Roark
Enemies to lovers
Bodyguard
Forced Proximity
Slow burn
Unique Magic System

This is my first book by LJ Andrews so I had no idea what to expect but I really enjoyed this!

This book has such a unique magic system, I'm in awe!

It's full of amazing characters and plot twists!

The first half of the book is a lot of world building and explaining the magic system, which also leads to a delicious slow burn and enemies to lovers at it's finest!

I cannot wait for the next one!

I loved both of the main characters and the slow burn of their relationship. This is the best type of enemies to lovers storyline.

Lyra has everything you want in a FMC. She is strong, kind, knows when she needs help and will always look out for her made family.

Roark is the brooding type. He really gives off the 'touch her and die ' vibes. He is also mute and I love that they use sign language in this book and all his close friends learn it to communicate with him.

The world building is fantastic and you feel you are in those walls!

I didn't see that twist coming at the end. I need book two already!

Oh this is so good, SO good, I absolutely love it! LJ has done it again, it is incredible! New magic system (hello bone/soul/blood magic) a new world but still that perfect immersive Norse/viking feel that she does so well and of course…Roark & Lyra 🖤 A huge thank you to Michael Joseph for this eARC!! LJ is one of my absolute favourite authors and when she announced this new series I knew it would be amazing and it’s everything I hoped for, I was desperate to read this! I may have also been begging the publisher for an arc of this!

The tension, the chemistry, the hidden pasts, a fast paced plot that keeps you guessing and in true LJ style a great found family (gotta love Prince Thane) along with our main characters Roark & Lyra! I think Roark Ashwood is my new favourite MMC, our silent Sentry who is so much more than what he seems…and would burn the world for her. Brooding, deadly, loyal and when he writes his words on her cheek - swoon!! Tap Tap Tap 🖤 LJ writes such great morally grey men, if you loved Erik from The Ever Seas then you will LOVE Roark!

And Lyra, a clouded past, a hidden power and forced into a future she never wanted, slowly being drawn to the very man she should despise. I do love me some enemies to lovers! She’s a great FMC and I can’t wait to see what book 2 brings her! Seriously, I can tell this whole series is going to be amazing!

Tropes
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤 Bone/Soul/Blood magic
🖤 Forced proximity
🖤 Touch her and die
🖤 Non Speaking MMC
🖤 Bodyguard
🖤 Vikings

I thought this book was perfectly fine. I have loved LJ Andrews writing through The Broken Kingdom series and The Ever Seas series, but something about her magical writing was lacking in this book to me. While there was nothing wrong with the plot or the writing, I felt as though the characters lacked depth and the FMC lacked motivation to discover more information about her power and was happy to just go with what everybody told her. I also wasn’t shocked by the cliffhanger and its obvious reveals. As I said, it’s fine, just not something that wowed me personally.

I'm sorry, but this book just wasn't for me. I was intrigued by the premise, but the first few chapters had me completely lost - so much exposition of history, geography, magic, names made up of real (ie this world) words... I ended up just confused and frustrated.

I'm sure others will engage more with it, but not my vibe. Apologies.

Great book, the characters are loveable and story is engaging. An enjoyable and engaging read. Story builds up a great world with interesting twists and turns. The writing transports you into the story and the relationships between characters make the story even more engaging and relatable

I don’t even know where to begin with this book—except to say that I absolutely loved it. I was completely obsessed, flying through it in just a couple of days (which is impressive for me as a slow reader). From start to finish, it had me hooked.

The characters were phenomenal—Skul Drek, in particular, stood out as a fantastic and memorable character. I could go on forever about how much I enjoyed this story and how excited I am to see what’s next for these incredible characters.

The book itself was an easy read, but in the best way possible. The alternating points of view between Roark and Lyra kept things fresh and engaging, and every single page captivated me until the very end.

This story felt completely unique, and if you don’t read it, you’re seriously missing out. I haven’t felt this passionate about a book since I first read The Lord of the Rings, and that’s saying something. It took me on an emotional rollercoaster, and at its heart, it really was a wickedly romantic Viking tale that I won’t soon forget.

Amazing gripping fantasy. So many twists and turns to keep you reading. Can't wait for more after this ending on a cliffhanger.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for approving me to read this early, I’m rating it 4.25 stars.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable book with adventure, magic and complex characters. It had a nordic feel for me with the different clans and political elements. The magic is multi layered and the secrets/lore surrounding this was given to us at a nice pace throughout so it didn’t feel like an information overload alongside us learning about the world and the key players of the story.

It had dual POV which is a true favourite of mine as I think it gives us such a well rounded story. This story does have some romance, a little spice and a lot of enemies to lovers tension which was fab.

I cannot wait to read the next book in the story after the build up in book 1 and all that we’ve learnt so far.

This was a well crafted, viking mythology inspired fantasy world with a unique magic system and jump-off the page characters that kept me wanting to pick up the book.

The most interesting magic in this book was based on melding bones to warriors to endow them with the powers of dead souls. Our FMC, Lyra, has the power to do this an is therefore coveted as an asset to all the kingdoms. She has been hiding her whole life, and all memory of her childhood has been erased.

When she is inevitably discovered at the start of the book, she meets the dark and mysterious Roark, who she feels an instant connection with - even so far as to instinctively understand his "hand speak". Their Romance was a good slow burn - their chemistry was great though I never truly believed they hated each other (I guess that was the point).

I loved the ending - some of it I had managed to guess, in a good way, and some of it took me totally by surprise, also in a good way!

The side characters were well developed - Prince Thane was my favourite. I hope we see more of him in the second book, I'm so interested to see how his character changes after the events at the end of Broken Souls and Bones.

Thank you to Netgalley and Michael Joseph Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙠 𝙢𝙚, 𝙞 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙚, 𝙖𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣”

after binge-reading the ever seas duology, i was so excited to be sent the arc of broken bones and souls by l.j. andrews, and damn, was it good

it took me a few chapters, but once i got into the book, i read it in three sittings - i just needed to know what happened next

in a kingdom long divided, lyra bien intends to live a quiet life to avoid the attention of magic-obsessed king damir. until roark ashwood, the monarch’s silent but irresistibly handsome soldier, invades her village and uncovers lyra’s secret. she is a melder

forced to reveal her ability, lyra is immediately claimed by roark for the king, to be his next melder. now the captive of this brooding soldier, she must find a way to escape - but could roark himself be the key to her freedom?

i absolutely loved the tension between roark and lyra, and it was written so well, i couldn’t get enough of it - the slow burn, the forced proximity, the undeniable chemistry - it had me hooked

andrews has a way of making side characters feel just as alive as the main cast, and this book was no exception - each one brought something unique to the story, making the world feel rich and immersive

and the plot twists? the last 50 pages had me picking my jaw up from the floor - i never would’ve expected that ending either 😦 can i have book two now, please?

“𝙞𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝙞 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙝𝙪𝙣𝙩 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙙, 𝙮𝙤𝙪’𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙮 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙨, 𝙗𝙚𝙜𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪”