“𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘶𝘭 𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘪𝘵.”

This was my first read by LJ Andrews, and I was excited to dive in after hearing so much about her Ever King series. I was lucky to get an early release copy, and it did not disappoint.

The Norse mythology and unique magic system made this one of the most original fantasy books I’ve read. I was hooked from the start: Lyra has a power the king wants, so Roark takes her to become a Melder.

I adored both Lyra and Roark. Lyra is a strong, layered FMC, and I loved that Roark is mute and uses sign language. He’s dark, broody, and the perfect morally gray villain to root for. And that ending? I’m unwell . I can’t wait for book two!

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

𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨
🦴dual first person pov
💙hidden unique magic
🦴non-verbal morally-gray MMC
💙forced proximity
🦴found family
💙viking dark romantasy
🦴sign language rep
💙slow burn/tension/banter

Utterly fantastic storyline and a great representation of sign language as well.
This viking inspired mythology is the best blend of slow burn and enemies to lovers. I really enjoyed this unique magic system with Lyra being a bone melder and how she has stayed hidden for so long. Roark, our MMC, uses hand gestures to speak and seeing how Lyra leaning to speak back with the hand gestures and surprises Roark was heartwarming.
The ending had me in a chokehold and I can not wait for book 2.

Thank you netgalley and Berkley publishing for an earc in exchange for an honest review.

Review: BROKEN SOULS AND BONES by LJ Andrews https://bit.ly/4cQHbcC
Publication Date: 4/29/2025
Genre Romantasy
Reviewed by Reading in Pajamas/ Cori
Rated 4.5 Stars

This book is a completely unique Viking Romantasy with an enemies to lovers storyline. There is magic, danger, spicy romance and a great plot. I also loved the characters. The MMC uses a form of sign language to communicate. The story really drew me in and the ending left me reeling. BROKEN SOULS AND BONES had truly epic world building and I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend this new series for Romantasy lovers.

*Review copy provided by Berkley Romance in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/4jSvggD

So good. Loved everything about this book. I will be impatiently waiting for the next installment. Like very impatiently.

LJ Andrews is back with a first book in a new series. I fell in love with Andrews’ writing when l read The Ever King a couple years ago. Needless to say, I couldn’t wait to see what she had in store with a new series set in a new world! 

Every generation a person is born who has all 3 magic abilities—soul, blood, and bone— and serves the king as his greatest weapon. Lyra has spent her life hiding her abilities from the world. That changes once the royal Stav guard show up in her village with their leader Roark Ashwood. Soon she is forced to reveal her abilities which alters her life forever. Now she is meant to serve the King of Jorvandal. As she enters into this new world she meets new people, and learns more about the world and herself. For the first time, she is using her magic and learning what she can do. 


One of my favorite things about LJ Andrews’ writing is her ability to craft characters you absolutely love. She always does a phenomenal job of creating a found family aspect between her characters while also creating a swoon-worthy romance. I love all of the characters but Thane holds a special place in my heart. Oh how I love him!

Romantasy fans, you won’t want to miss this book!

L.J. Andrews was a new to me author before this book. Now I am on a mission to read all of her other stories. This book was very enjoyable and like most first books in a series, most of this one was world building. We got to learn all about the magic system while following Vikings, Lyra and her initially reluctant bodyguard, Roark as they go from enemies to lovers. This story is very slow burn which just made things all the better. One of the unique things is how they communicate with each other. Roark was injured at a young age and as such, cannot speak. He has learned a form of sign language which Lyra picked up on quickly.

Then there is the last oh ten percent or so. Hello plot twist! I knew there would be something going on with a certain character but I did not see that coming. Yahoo. Then at the very end there is another twist. That one I saw coming, but it sets up everything for the next book. I can't wait for the next book to come out. It's definitely going on the tbr list. Thank you, Net Galley, for the arc and the introduction to a new favorite author.

DNF'd at 60%. I tried so hard with this one. I really wanted to love it but I think it just wasn't a good fit for me. I liked the mythology aspect and the world building was good although hard to grasp for me. I really liked the intrigue as a whole and the MCs. Where the story really lost me was the slower pace, the filing information that did not really bring anything to the story and how some of the side characters did not really bring anything to the story (for what I read). I wasn't hooked and had a really hard time getting into the story enough to make it to the end. I don't know if it is a mood issue on my end but I will try to pick it back up eventually.

if there’s one thing I love, it’s the bodyguard trope.

when lyra is discovered to be a powerful magic wielder, she’s taken by the power-hungry king to serve him and placed under the protection of roark. but lyra isn’t going quietly and she’s determined to get out of the king’s grasp.

i adoredddd this one. the magic system is super unique and again, the bodyguard trope gets me every time. lyra and roark’s connection was undeniable. i loved that roark used hand gestures to speak and unraveling all of his secrets!!!

the ending is action packed and i was truly on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put it down.

🎧 the audiobook was amazing. lindsey dorcus and will thorne brought these characters to life in a really engaging way. will’s accent for roark was so perfect. thank you PRH audio for the gifted audiobook!

thank you berkley romance and ace publishing for the gifted copy!!!

what to expect
⟢ fantasy romance
⟢ bodyguard
⟢ unique magic system
⟢ mmc who uses hand gestures to speak

✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖: Broken Souls and Bones

Lyra’s melder powers are coveted, causing kingdoms to wage war. Narrowly escaping capture, her family is gone and she’s learned to stay hidden and remain unseen for years. To save her best friend, she is taken to serve the king’s machinations. Her safety is the king’s priority but the fearsome warrior selected to protect her loathes her very existence.

At the mercy of the court, Lyra is tasked to hone her craft but danger surrounds her from all sides, including the sentry she begins to fall for. Can their love defy fate, loyalty, and the secrets between them?

Tropes:
👀Dual POV
⚔️Bodyguard
🛡️Norse Mythology
💫Hidden powers
🩶Morally grey MMC
🫂Forced proximity
✍🏻Sign language rep
🔥Slow burn 🌶️

This book is my new obsession! LJ Andrews has an uncanny ability to craft extraordinary worlds with captivating morally grey characters and unique magic systems. Every glorious page pulses with burning tension, biting humor, and exhilarating action.

Lyra and Roark’s connection is filled with loathing, longing, and something deeper beneath the surface. Watching them learn to communicate with each other and their relationship unfold was intoxicating. A darkness calls to her and he is haunted by a past he cannot escape. Will they be each other’s salvation or undoing?

Broken Souls and Bones is a breathtaking Viking romance brimming with forbidden passion, dangerous secrets, and thrilling magic. This is a story you can’t help but devour and continue to savor long after finishing!

Beyond grateful to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Ace Books, and NetGalley for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review.

Really interesting world building and a great enemies to lovers plot! This manages to bring something new to the very popular romantasy genre and I loved that. A world built on magical skills, a tyrant king, and a forbidden love? It was just great all around! And everyone on IG agrees that enemies to lovers is the far superior trope!

@authorljandrews id another author, who just never misses! While the first portion of the book was very heavy on the world building, it was worth it!! So worth it. Lyra is a fierce and loyal friend, with powers she hasn't begun to understand. I love the way she loves, with her whole heart, and not a care to herself. Roark is so full of turmoil, your heart really breaks for him. The plot and the romance are one in the same. The ending?!?! Good gods!! When is book 2??

"His Silent Words burned through me like liquid fire"

If you Like:
✨Viking Mythology
✨Found Family
✨Forced Proximity
✨True Enemies to Lovers
✨Political Intrigue
✨Slow Burn
✨Magic System
✨Morally Grey MMC
✨Dual POV

"Your soul is mine. I won't loose it."

"I was once told we never truly understood another soul until we saw the darkness they kept inside."

Thank uou @berkleypub , @authorljandrews and @netgalley for the advanced copy for a fair and honest review!

Broken Souls and Bones is a bewitching tale that infuses a beguiling magic system against a high-stakes plot, and places at its heart a romance ready to defy every hurdle in its way. 4.5

Heroine Lyra is content to live a quiet, unassuming life in her village, surrounded by the love of her found family. Yet she knows how fragile her life is as she hides from the world who will gladly use her for her power as a melder. Melding is a magical craft that in Lyra’s case can take power by imbuing the bones of the dead onto the souls of the living, taking on its strengths. It's a craft that comes with grave consequence, and threatens to become a death sentence for Lyra as a power-hungry King aims to use her for his own advantage. Reluctant Hero Roark is the revered guard of the King's son, the crowned prince, who is tasked with first capturing then protecting Lyra after she is forced to stay in the fortress of the mad king. Lyra and Roark connection is one initially met with resentment and disdain, but the more time spent together, the more they come to see their connection is more than just forced proximity, but a soul-shattering bond that will forever divert their expected paths.

There is a lovely line that speaks of the duality of Lyra, one that evokes upon her timidness with her boldness and her fierceness with her mildness. This line resonated with me, as it perfectly sums up this magnificent heroine. She is both soft yet hard, strong yet vulnerable. I loved every side of her. I always appreciate a heroine in fantasy that has that softness about her, that isn't just an all-knowing sharp-edged stone. Lyra has her wits about her, but she also embraces much that she still has to learn. It makes for not only a relatable protagonist, but also an admirable one, for I always relished in her triumphs and rallied for the way she picked herself up after falls.

Then we have our stoic guard Roark. Roark’s POVs are not as frequent as Lyra’s, but when they come around I honed in like no other! I loved being his head, understanding the complexity of his feelings, the swaying of his heart, and all the doubts, longing, and resolve laid in his heart. Roark had an accident that left with him without his voice, but thanks to Thane, son of the King and loyal friend, he has come up with a sign language Roark uses to communicate. I really loved the care the author took in ensuring Roark's voice, however 'silent,' was always heard through his hands. Lyra is immediately and almost unnaturally attuned to Roark from the onset of their meeting. She picks up his speech and it’s almost like they develop their own secret language just for the two of them along the way.

Their relationship begins with an undeniably fraught situation, that only turns more frail as Lyra is thrust into an environment not of her choosing and seemingly promising her demise. Roark should not feel any responsibility towards the melder who harbors a craft he finds so disdainful, but the more he gets to know Lyra he sees less of the melder and more of the woman who has set his very soul on fire. Roark and Lyra circle each other in such deliberate maneuvers, heart and head at constant battle until one wins out. And I think we can all guess which will claim victory. I loved seeing them arrive to that moment, to see those tentative steps become an urgent sprint to the heart’s inescapable call. I do not know what lies ahead for the pair, but I will run right along beside them and hope it leads to a happiness they achingly deserve.

The magic system felt entirely original, unique, refreshing, and endlessly intriguing. It is such a fascinating concept to imagine as I read along. Gruesome as well, sending shivers down the spine. Magic in this world is one built with consequence, and that alone raises the stakes monumentally. The entire world-building comes to life in grand fashion. One trepidation that tends to arise in fantasy reads is too much information dumping that disengages my immersion, but this is not an issue at all in this world-building. I found myself at ease in learning about this world and its magic, and the characters at the heart of it all.

However, the overall narrative pacing is where I found both highs and lows. The beginning is sensational, immediately immersing and carefully guiding me through its world-building and information intake. Never once feeling overwhelmed, rather I felt like best pals with this book as it all got going. Until the middle hit and my engagement waned. The pacing of the middle slowed down to a point that I did find my attention wandering off the page more often than not, and admittedly I aimed for a different rating...then those last 15-10% hit...and wow...

My mind was blown.

My jaw unhinged.

My heart coming to standstill.

I dare not give a single thing away except that leading up to certain reveals I was wondering if there could be a connection between certain subjects involved, because of a particular story told in the latter half of the book, and the answer had me reeling! Even as I drifted towards the correct direction, I still veered off path-- for I did not anticipate *that* specific reveal! The breadcrumbs are all laid out, which I love, I just happen to follow the wrong way, but wow, how satisfying it is to look back and truly see that foreshadowing laid out.

This journey is a wholly worthwhile one, even if at times uneven, it is still a journey that ultimately becomes astonishing to experience. I'll most definitely keep on for that sequel-- this series is filled with endless potential!

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for the advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

L.J. Andrews brings mystery, adventure, and romance to a new Viking-inspired fantasy where kingdoms are divided, loyalties are tested, and magic comes at a cost.

Sheltered and hidden away as a young child, Lyra has kept the signs of her magical ability secret from the eyes and ears of the power-hungry king who has been looking for the lost melder for years. A rare magical ability to meld together the elements, the power comes at a high price—death and destruction. Once the knowledge is out and Lyra is captured by the king’s infamous guard to become the crown’s new melder, she realizes things are not what they seem and that there’s more beneath the surface of her enemy.

Right away, I was immersed in this book. It starts off action-packed and leads into the heart of the story, where Lyra has to make a new home for herself in enemy territory. I loved Andrews’ The Ever King series, so was so excited to start a new story from her. Similar to those books, the foundation of found family is essential to the core of the narrative, and I fell helplessly for Roark and his inner circle. The use of sign language in this book also was very impactful and emotional.

The magical system itself was unique but also, at times, very grotesque. I did get lost in visualizing Lyra’s powers and couldn’t quite capture it in my mind. But I’m hopeful for what lies ahead in the next book! (It’s going to be WILD!)

3.5/5

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.*

I went into this knowing I was more than likely than not to enjoy the story. LJ has such a beautiful way of weaving her words into this magical world you get lost in.

I love dual POV and this was exactly what I'm looking for in a book. The magic system was unique, the setting was different than most fantasy books, the romance was the perfect amount. Don't even get me started on the political intrigue!!!

My only disappointment is having to wait for the next book. Bravo, LJ - another masterpiece I'm utterly consumed by.

Solid characters, interesting and different feeling magic system and I did find it a quick enough read. Very much a romantasy and I’ll read the remainder of the series but I think I’ll wait on them all being out before I read another. 4 stars if you really love romance in your fantasy and three stars if you like fantasy and are just ok with romance.

Thank you Ace Books / Berkley Pub and Netgalley for the eARC!!!

4 stars!!!

Wow! This was my first LJ Andrews book and it blew me away! I really enjoyed it. I loved her writing style & the world building in Broken Souls and Bones is INCREDIBLE!

I loved Lyra and Roark's characters and the slow burn romance between them was everything to me!🔥

Definitely recommend picking this up if you love books in the fantasy genre that have political intrigue, and a unique magic system with a side of spicy, slow burn romance!

Roark Ashwood, the man that you are 😮‍💨🫶🏼

This was one of my most highly anticipated reads of the year & WOW I thoroughly enjoyed the ride 😏🤪 LJ HAS DONE IT AGAIN!! 💖

The magic system is so intricate & unique. It’s also dark & intense. The layers of it kept pulling me in deeper throughout the book! We see the ambiguity of the magic as the powers of each craft can be used for healing & protection, but can also be used for darker purposes. As a melder, Lyra has lived most of her life blending in to escape being used for her power. So when she is captured & forced to meld, she faces a battle within herself to not surrender to the darkness. To embrace her strength while staying true to herself. She fights fiercely to protect those she loves. 🫶🏼

Roark, is silent but deadly. He’s also grumpy & addictively mysterious. Because of a cruel injury from his past that left him unable to speak, he communicates with his hands. But he knows how powerful he is, as well as his commands 🥵 He faces an internal battle for his loyalty. When he is sent to capture Lyra, he knows his duty, but he is drawn to her & feels the instinct to protect her at all costs. Anyone who would bring her harm or disrespect her meets a gruesome end. Oh & did I mention he’s fierce & scary but gentle only for her 🫠🤭

This book has the perfect amount of tension & spice between the FMC & MMC, & the lovable side characters keep you so invested in their relationships & storylines.

This story kept me on my toes! It kept me looking for clues & trying to piece the mystery together. The ending of this book is SO INTENSE!! My heart was RACING through the last few chapters. I liveeee for the plot twists & they had me reeling!! I love when my breath is RIPPED from me & this book delivered!! 😂 It left me desperate to know more, to get more answers, & to find out what happens next!! I am already counting down the days until we get book 2 😍😍

In this book:
💖 Introverted but fierce FMC
⚔️ Broody, possessive MMC
💖 Dual POV
⚔️ Scary & stabby MMC but soft only for her
💖 Sign language rep
⚔️ Tap, tap, tap. You’re mine.
💖 Unique, multifaceted magic system

“Your soul is mine. I won't lose it.”

Tropes:
💙 Dark Romantasy
💙 Vikings
💙 Enemies-to-Lovers
💙 Hidden Magic
💙 Unique Magic System
💙 Slow Burn
💙 Political Intrigue
💙 Found Family
💙 Sign Language

This book is amazing and definitely one of my favorite reads of the year! It’s plot-driven romantasy and you’ll be on the edge of your seat starting from page one, and it’s a real enemies-to-lovers, no false marketing falling for each other after five pages of “hate” here! I also just loved the characters so much, I always say that the characters are what make a story memorable and I know I’m going to be thinking about Roark and Lyra for a long time. They have such amazing development and banter and cute squishy moments that had me kicking my feet. And even the side characters are all so 3D and memorable and I’d love to see more of them too! I’d also like to say that that cliffhanger is ILLEGAL and I need the second book now please 😭

Thank you so much to Berkley Pub, Ace Books, and Net Galley for the free eARC!

This was my first LJ Andrews book but it definitely will not be my last! The vibes of this book were so fun. The magic system was unlike anything I’ve ever read and I loved the Norse mythology. Lyra was such a relatable FMC and I was rooting for her from the first chapter. Roark is this scary, brooding guy but I love how sweet he was towards Lyra. This book has a slower start with a lot of build up, but it’s definitely worth it once you get to that ending! I cannot wait to get the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a new Viking fantasy book.

What to expect:
💙 Romantasy
💙 Norse Mythology
💙 Morally Grey MMC
💙 Hidden Powers
💙 Bodyguard
💙 Slow Burn

Thank you to LJ Andrews, Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Broken Souls and Bones provides readers with a classic LJ Andrews read -- vikings, powerful magic, feuding and greedy royals, and a touch of "trust no one vibes."

LJ Andrews does a wonderful job of building a new world and introducing the reader to a host of fun characters. Lyra is a take-charge, "won't take no for answer" FMC. She powers through, but always learns to question the circumstances surrounding her -- especially as she is held captive by the King due to her powers as a bone melder. I loved the inclusion of Roark -- the MMC who is non-speaking due to events in his childhood. It was fun to see a community that respected his authority and role and sought to engage with him through sign. I loved watch how quickly he and the FMC learned to speak to each other. The side characters really had life and humor to this story and I hope to see many of them return for the second book in the series.

The plot is an interesting one with LJ laying the foundation for what is to come. What seems has a simple story of find the only living female bone melder turns into a much more sinister and cruel story of mystery and power. LJ Andrews definitely left us mystified as to where she will take this twisty story next after that cliffhanger. Can't wait to see...