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”

4⭐️ - I loved it

LJ Andrews does what she does best: creating the most unique fantasy worlds. Broken Souls and Bones takes you to a fantasy Viking setting filled with magical bone, blood and soul melders. I really enjoyed the world that was created and learning about all the possible magic.

But what really stole my heart was the unique relationship between the MC’s in this book. It is a slow burn relationship in which the MMC cannot speak. The MC’s develop their connection through sign language, writing and touch. You feel their relationship growing and love them both more and more with each page.

If you love a Viking Romantasy filled with magic, mystery, friendship and a unique romance story this is the book for you.

Can’t wait for the next book!

PS. can we give some extra credits for the cover of this book? Stunning!

Incredible world building, with characters that feel like you know personally. 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 soldier, invades her village and uncovers Lyra’s secret. Such beautiful writing with a plot that seems to twist more than an angry snake! Absolutely fantastic but leaves you desperate for more.

Thank you NetGalley, Michael Joseph, Penguin Random House and the author, LJ Andrew’s for this ARC!

I eagerly anticipated this ARC, and it absolutely delivered—LJ Andrews never disappoints! Having read all her books, I can confidently say this one stands out with its captivating blend of a unique magic system, a cursed prince, and bonded souls. It truly has everything a fantasy lover could hope for.

While the story primarily follows Lyra and Roark, what makes it truly compelling is how the supporting characters are just as memorable. Lyra’s loyal friend-turned-brother, Kael, and Roark’s steadfast companions, Prince Thane and his cousin Emi, all bring depth and heart to the narrative. Thane, in particular, is exceptionally well-written; his loyalty, love, and friendship shine throughout the book.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the story is Roark’s communication. He doesn’t speak but uses a form of sign language referred to as “hand-speak.” Andrews masterfully portrays Roark’s character without ever making his muteness feel like a limitation. You don’t even notice the absence of spoken words because his presence and personality are so vividly brought to life. It’s a testament to the author’s incredible talent and storytelling skill.

This book exceeded my expectations, and I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re a seasoned fantasy reader or new to the genre, LJ Andrews’ work is not to be missed.

4.25⭐️. I had a great time with this book! After the first few chapters where you are introduced to the characters and the world (where there are three main crafts of magic - bone, blood and soul), it was a super quick, easy and fun read. Lyra is a melder, a collision of all three crafts, which is extremely rare, found only once in a generation and rarely in women. For this reason, many would seek to abuse her power and so she has spent her early years in hiding, until word gets out of her identity and Roark, our MMC, is sent to retrieve her. One of my favourite aspects of this book was the way Lyra’s melding process was explained, it felt quite unique and a bit dark - the author painted such a vivid picture that I could really see this shadow world in my mind.

Roark, our MMC, is of Draven descent but was left scarred and abandoned as a child at their enemy’s gates and was then raised alongside Prince Thane, working in the Stav Guard as his personal guard. Roark doesn’t speak and I liked the way this was handled:
“You never mentioned he does not speak.”
“He does speak.”
“I saw him, he uses gestures.”
“Still speaking, simply in a way that is not the same as us.”

He also has some classic attributes that the romantasy girls will love:

“Gods, the man was a conundrum. One moment his eyes were bright and heated, like he had a soul of passion buried beneath his scowls. Next, he was cold as a frost storm in the jagged peaks.”

“I always imagined love meant being willing to die for someone. I supposed it was true. But what no one told young, girlish hearts was sometimes they fell for a man who killed for them instead.”

As you’d expect from the ending of the first book in what will be a romantasy series, there was plenty of drama! One of the twists was quite heavily foreshadowed early on, but others I didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to see what happens in book two - it was my first L.J. Andrews book but it won’t be my last!

- Dual POV
- Enemies to lovers
- Touch her and die

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc of this book.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher and LJ Andrews for an arc copy of this book!

I absolutely loved this book it’s hard to know where to start. The writing was brilliant and I loved the FMC and MMC from the get go, the first chapter from Lyra’s pov had me giggling to myself. The plot had a lot of twists and turns most of which were a complete surprise. The FMC’s character development was *chefs kiss* and I LOVED how she stuck up for herself. LJ Andrews is so good at writing strong female characters who give the MMC a run for their money 😝 The romance was slow burn and so sweet it had me kicking my feet! 🥹 the magic system and world were captivating and I can’t wait for book 2 already.

I will be recommending this to everyone I know when it’s released and will be buying a copy!

Thank you NetGalley

Wow! This has got to be my favourite read of the year so far! I have read a lot of LJ Andrews books and this had me hooked from page 1! The magic was so unique and the romance in this was perfect! Plot was amazing! I cannot wait to read book two and I have already pre ordered the book ☺️

What a book.
Beautifully written a world with magic ruins that familiar and unique. I couldn’t put this book down. I loved all the characters, how Lyra is always loyal and brave just like her brother Kael.. the friendships and family she rights about are wholesome and fearless.
Roark, Thane, Emi and Yrsa are all solid characters and sad lives of the altered Stavs are just intriguing.
I cannot wait for book two!

Lyra just wants to stay invisible and live the quiet life however this all changes when Sentry Roark Ashwood comes and takes her away from her village by order of the King. Little do both of them know fates are at work and lives will be changed.

This book was perfection! Loved it that much that I procrastinated reading the last few chapters because I didn't want it to end!

I loved watching Lyra grow into herself. And Roark. Oh my lord, he is just everything. Dangerous, sweet and my new book boyfriend.

And talk about plot twists, my mind exploded by the bomb dropped at the end - excuse me LJ but what was that last sentence?!

This book had a grip on me that I can't explain! Fantastic world building, character growth and plot! I already want to reread it.

This was actually my first book by LJ Andrews and I was thrilled to receive an eArc copy!
Thank you Netgalley and Michael Joseph and Penguin Random House!

What can i say...I'm obsessed ! ! !

It is a captivating Norse/Viking mythology based romantasy set in a unique and complex world and the magic had such an interesting twist, based around bones, souls, and blood!

The start to the book was quite slow as LJ built an intense and complex world and magic system, and it took me a minute to get my head around it.
Once we got into the main part of the story it was a wild ride and I didn't want to put the book down.

I absolutely loved the MC's Lyra and Roark and the slow burn as they get to know one another. Roark speaks with his hands, and Lyra can't get enough of them!

The side characters are well developed and I love the found family vibes. Thane, Emi, Ysra and Kael
all add so much to the story and I loved them all.

I also enjoyed all the twists and turns and LJ definitely keeps you guessing right until the end.

And speaking of the ending...I need the next book like yesterday! I'm seriously obssesed and can't recommend this book enough. Roark Ashwood is my new favourite book boyfriend, and I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did!

Read if you like:
Norse/Viking mythology
Enemies to lovers
Slow burn
Sign language rep
Forced proximity
Morally grey mmc
Fated mates
Found family
Unique magic
Touch her & I'll feed you your finger!
Banter
LGBTQ+

LJ Andrews is a romantasy writer like no other. I'm immediately captivated and transported to the world's she creates within her pages.

What to expect:

Bone, soul and blood magic
Vikings/Norse Mythology
Morally Grey MMC
Touch her and die
Strong and Resilient FMC

I love the viking lore and feel to this book. The magic system and world building were quite dense, and I didn't immediately get to grips with everything, but give it a minute because you'll absorb everything like osmosis and suddenly it will all make sense. The power dynamics, kingdom structures and histories were complex, but the author has created a world so rich, you can almost see it.

Lyra and Roark were a perfect couple. The fierce protective instincts of Roark over Lyra had me seriously melting. What a man. Even if he is a 'cruel' assassin and protecter of Prince Thane.
There were alot of really great side characters including Thane, Emi, Ysra, and Kael. They all felt immersed into the story and not just on the outside.

I loved all the twists and turns, this book definitely kept you guessing with forgotten pasts and secret identities.

Seriously recommend this and any other LJ Andrews series to any fans of spicy romantasy books. I hope you all will be as captivated as I was.

Lyra and Roark were great to read about together. They were pulled towards each other from the start and I enjoyed the tension between them.

Roarks protectiveness was endearing ❤️ I especially loved that he couldn't speak and found it difficult to word speak with people, but not Lyra.

The world building is brilliant, especially the magic system; the use of bones was intriguing. The mystery of Skul Drek pulled me in and the twist was shocking.

That ending! I didn't see it coming but I loved it! I cannot wait to read book two and find out more about Roark after everything he has been through 🥰

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first book I've read by LJ Andrews, and I was very impressed!
I loved the romance so much as well as the world she has created.
Very eager to read more of her books now!

This book has slotted itself into one of my favourites of the year and just adds to how much of an incredible and beautiful writer LJ Andrews is at creating such an immersive and intriguing world that you find within the captivating story of Broken Souls and Bones.

As with all of her books the world building is incredible and utterly fascinating, I loved that this was very much a Viking based story and found it so interesting and captivating, the magic system of Bone magic, Soul Magic and Blood magic is so unique and I can’t wait to learn more about each one as the story progresses.

LJ writes such relatable characters that it’s impossible not to love them. I found Lyra and Roark so relatable and I loved how the slow burn of their relationship develops as the story progresses from enemies to lovers, to him becoming her bodyguard and slowly into lovers. Every look, hand gestures that end with a simple touch was written so beautifully, the side characters even have such richness in their backstories.

This was such a complex story filled with so many twists and turns, secrets and questions that I can’t wait to have answered, the ending makes me so excited for what’s to come next. This book is amazing and such a wonderful new series to introduce new readers to her writing and storytelling. I will always recommend LJ’s books and this one didn’t disappoint highly recommend!

Thank you so much to the publisher for the eARC to read and review prior to publication.