A million thank you’s to LJ and her team for this ARC! This has probably been the most excited I’ve ever been to receive an ARC and it’s because of how much I simply adore LJ and her stories and characters she has created.

I started with The Broken Kingdoms in April and completely devoured them and the first two books of The Ever Seas in just a few weeks. I loved everything about all of them, but I think my favorite aspect across all these books is the epic found family.

Kase Eriksson is and continues to be my favorite character from LJ 🤌🏼 He just hits different. Him and Malin’s books in TBK were my favorite so when I found out their kids were getting a book I squealed. I absolutely LOVED how much we got to see of our favorite memory thief and Nightrender. I missed them so much and as if I didn’t already love this book enough, these moments with Kase and his Mallie just made The Mist Thief even more of a favorite for me. My face hurt from all the smiling and cackling I did in this book. There is one moment that had me kicking my feet and giggling bc it was SO them. And then you see what the moment is for (tiny spoiler (maybe??): his birthday gift that Mal got him?? UGH my heart) and I simply sobbed because I love them so much.

It was also so refreshing to see all the Guild of Kryv and the Falkyns again!! I missed them all endlessly.

JONAS ERIKSSON!! The man that you are! This guy is the perfect mix of his parents (with a little Ari sprinkled in hehe) and I ate it up. I have loved seeing glimpses of him throughout TBK and TES, but the fact that he got a whole book was just icing on the cake. His relationship with his clan, family, friends and Skadi was so wholesome to me. The fact that he recognized her power and never wanted her to shy away from it, encouraged her to be monstrous and always supported her wants/needs is the kind of man anyone could hope for.

My sweet little Skadi. I was intrigued with this girl from the moment we saw her in the previous books and I loved getting to know more of our mist thief. Her power is so damn cool and the fact that she has been raised to be fearful of it broke my heart. She has overcome so much and I was just so proud of her. I was obsessed with her and Jonas’s relationship and banter. One of my favorite things was her relationship with Kase 🥹 I’ve always said that Kase was meant to be a girl dad and Skadi is the daughter he never had. It was absolutely perfect.

If you couldn’t tell, I simply adored this book and I already know it’s going to be a favorite read of the year for me. I absolutely cannot WAIT for the next book (especially with THAT cliffhanger!! Come on now, LJ!) and I am so excited to dive back into the world of the Ever for it. 🙌🏼

I enjoyed the first duology. The world is very interesting, with complex history and magic system, and there is a large cast of interesting and endearing characters.

However, I think this series hovers just past the line of my preferences for the balance between fantasy and romance, leaning in favor of the romantic plot over the development of the actual plot. I'm a reader who really prefers more world building and character development, and a solid plot progression. I found myself several times feeling like the only things that were happening were in service to forcing the two characters to be near each other and deal with their feelings and physical chemistry. But it felt flimsy. As a result, the antagonists in this story didn't really feel substantial or complex.

The most interesting part of the story for me was Skadi's reckoning with her traumatic upbringing and finding her voice and self worth. I just feel like the whole conflict towards the beginning with neither one of them wanting to be vulnerable and making assumptions is too close to a miscommunication trope for me. I get frustrated. Like just sit down and have a conversation.

We are once again transported back to the Ever Seas, where we are introduced to Skadi and Jonas. Vowed to one another through an arranged marriage to bring peace. They were not meant to fall in love but were exactly what the other one needed.

I fell in love with Jonas!!! The way he says "Wife" has me swooning. And how Skadi called him nightmare!!! Their relationship was pure perfection and the banter!!

I definitely need to go back now and read the Ever King and the Ever Queen.

The Mist Thief by LJ Andrews
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶🌶🌶

“If only she knew she was a poison in my veins and I wanted to drown in it.”

💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙

Tropes :
💙 dark fantasy romance
⚔️ marriage of convenience
💙 morally grey cinnamon roll hero
⚔️ forced proximity
💙 fae x Vikings x elves
⚔️ touch him/her and ☠️
💙 “my wife”

“Why did you never love, Jonas?”

“Because I was waiting for you, Fire.”

💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙

Review :
This was everything I wanted and more. First off, I definitely say pause to read this if you haven’t read The Broken Kingdoms and the Ever Seas. While LJ has done an absolutely incredible job writing this where it could be read as a stand alone, you will feel so much more depth and emotional connections the the characters and the story if you have read these too.

I feel like I am a little biased going into this book because Kase and Malin were my favorite of the TBK couples and the Eastern Kingdom having my favorite magics, so I had zero doubt that I would enjoy this. It was really cool to learn more about the Elven clans and their culture and magics too. I absolutely adored Jonas and he is the perfect mixture of both Kase and Malin - also with some sprinkles of Ari in there - but he also stands on his own so well. Skadi is like an onion that we slowly pull the layers from as the story progress, and she balances Jonas’ emotional vulnerability with her guarded nature so well.

The banter between Skadi and Jonas was so so good. There was a lot of great tension, some miscommunication, and a lot of burn once they finally gave in. Jonas is the villain you fall in love for in every dark romance/fantasy romance who will not give a single thought to destroying the world if it means his girl is safe.

Getting to see characters I’ve known and loved so much from TBK as well as getting to see their littles as adult interacting made this read so much sweeter. I’m also positively feral for Tait and Mira. I cannot wait to read their book.

Also the little bonus scene at the end 😭🫶🏻 perfection.

Basically I just love this entire world from the beginning of The Broken Kingdoms through this book. These characters and this world will live forever in my heart and soul.

Thank you thank you thank you to LJ Andrews and Victorious Publishing for an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

“I would never get enough. She was branded on me, not only on the surface, Skadi was imprinted on my damn soul, and I never wanted to be rid of her.”

💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙⚔️💙

The new bonus content has me gnawing at the bars of my enclosure. I have been waiting for Tait and Mira since they were first on the page together and she called him "Hearttalker" for the first time. LJ gave us the teeniest little crumb into Tait's head with the bonus sneak peek into The Stolen Crown and to tell you that I cannot wait for this book would be a gross underestimate. I can't wait to see everyone go feral waiting for these two with me.

Although The Mist Thief works perfectly as a standalone, it offers an even richer experience for those who have read The Broken Kingdoms and the earlier Ever Seas books. Familiar characters reappear in such meaningful ways, weaving past stories into the fabric of this one. For me, it was like being welcomed back into a world I love deeply—it felt like coming home. I found myself completely immersed in the story, finishing it in what felt like no time at all. It also reignited my desire to revisit The Broken Kingdoms, a series that holds a special place in my heart. That series was incredible from beginning to end, and now I feel compelled to relive every unforgettable moment of it.

Jonas was, without a doubt, the heart of this book for me. His humor, sarcasm, rakish charm, and deeply human vulnerabilities made him an absolutely compelling character. I couldn’t get enough of him! Every witty exchange and every moment of raw emotion had me completely hooked. And then there’s Skadi—her journey tugged at my heartstrings in the best possible way. Her resilience, her courage in the face of unimaginable challenges, and her determination to fight for the life she deserves had me rooting for her every step of the way. She gave Jonas a run for his money, and their dynamic was nothing short of perfection. The chemistry between them crackled on every page, and the way they challenged and complemented each other was a joy to read. Their romance was intense, beautifully messy, and ultimately deeply rewarding. I loved seeing them confront their fears and embrace both their own and each other’s darkness—a journey that felt authentic and transformative.

The family dynamics in The Mist Thief were another standout aspect of the story. It was such a treat to see Kase and Malin again! Oh, how I’ve missed them and their electric energy. Being thrown back into the schemes and heists of the Alvers and Kryv brought all the excitement and adrenaline I’d hoped for. The twists, turns, and layers of intrigue kept me on the edge of my seat, and I relished every moment. LJ has a way of making each character shine, and the ensemble cast added so much depth and richness to the story.

This book is an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. It made me laugh, cry, cheer, and even pause to reflect. The ending left me completely satisfied, as Jonas and Skadi's story was granted the happily-ever-after they so deserved. But even though their story reached a perfect conclusion, I can’t help but hope we’ll see more of them in the next book. The tease of Mira and Tait’s story already has me buzzing with anticipation. Mira is such a force of nature, and I can’t wait to see how she bends Tait to her will—I just know their journey is going to be phenomenal. And Sander’s story? Let’s just say, my excitement knows no bounds. LJ has created a world and a series that feel like they’re brimming with life, and I’m beyond thrilled to see where it all goes next.

LJ Andrews is now an easy auto-buy author for me. If you writes it, I’ll buy it. Each time I read another book by her my list of fantasy book boyfriends gets longer and longer. She truly writes such detailed and well developed characters it’s hard not to fall become enchanted.

The Mist Thief was no different.

Jonas and Skadi’s story is a category of its own. Jonas is equal parts cinnamon roll to morally grey. And the sweet sarcastic and strong willed Skadi. Together they are perfection. Ugh…my heart. I thought I fell for Erik Bloodsinger but touché Madame Andrews. Though I’m more of an action packed fantasy girl (there is still some along with schemes and trickery) I absolutely loved seeing this relationship build and with that unravel the depths of them both to building their relationship of trust, healing, and devotion. Skadi is a damn QUEEN. I found her relatable in her hesitation to trust and no matter what’s been thrown her way she still held her head high and persevered. She deserves it all! The love, the family, and the security. I absolutely LOVED her. I loved the development as well of not just our marriage of convenience couple but the supporting characters of the Ever and Klockglas kingdom. I’m already ready for more of this series.

Can I give it one millions stars? After reading The Ever Seas duet, which ended up being some of my favourite books EVER, of course I signed up to read an ARC of The Mist Thief. Thank you so much LJ Andrews for the ARC!

This book is about Jonas, a prince of the Alvers (they’re like fae and they have magic but they have round ears and definitely don’t call them fae) and Skadi, an elven princess. At the beginning of the book, Jonas and Skadi are engaged even though they barely know eachother (political marriage has entered the chat). Even worse, Skadi, while protecting her kin, nearly killed Jonas’ twin brother. However, Skadi possesses a powerful magic that can basically disappear anything, and if a rival elven Prince were to marry her and gain control of her power, the Alver, the Ever, and all of their allies would be in deep shit. So Jonas takes one for the team and agrees to marry her, with the intention to definitely not care about her. And she’s gorgeous but he will definitely not feel attracted to her. Well, maybe a little… 😏

I enjoyed every second of this book. I loved the journey that Jonas took from general carefree f*ckboy to devoted husband guy without sacrificing his playful nature. I absolutely love the two sides of Jonas, where he can be joking one minute, and then a wide-awake nightmare with blackened out eyes the next. And let’s not forget Skadi. Her magic, when used for nefarious purposes, bleeds her emotions away and turns her cold and dispassionate. It was really beautiful to see her slowly come back to herself and bring forth her inner fire in Jonas’ company. His nickname for her is “Fire”, like, SWOON. So much swooning! The banter in this book was top notch. The spice was a fantastic payoff to the delicious tension between them. Jonas is a fantastic book boyfriend, I love the darker aspects of the Alvers (side note, I will definitely be reading the prequel series for more of them!) and how Skadi slowly came to fit in perfectly with them!

Amazing as always, LJ! The Ever Seas is one of my top 3 series ever and I never want to leave. LJ absolutely came through with the "my wife" vibes and I was head over heels for Jonas. He was all about his wife even with it starting as a marriage of convenience. The banter, sexual tension and spice were top notch as to be expected! The found family we always get in her books is so so special and I always treasure that. The magic and knowing what group is capable of what is super cool to continue to learn about. Erik Bloodsinger will always be my top book bae, but Jonas definitely holds a special place in my heart and I truly adore them both. Skadi is a badass mist thief with a rough past but Jonas works through that with grace and patience. Loved these two!

“Be kind, be gentle, and be monstrous. I will want you every way.”

There is always a comfort I find in LJ Andrews books and The Mist Thief didn’t disappoint the way she can create such a world that you know and love but adds in so much more depth and feeling is outstanding.

The Mist Thief is such a wonderful edition to the Ever King and Broken Kingdoms series but also completely easy to understand and follow as a standalone and the recap in the beginning really helps if you are not familiar with the first two books of this interconnected world as it does have characters from those books/series.

Even though this was an arranged marriage there were a few fun twists that I wasn’t expecting and utterly loved! The relationship development between Jonas and Skadi was beautiful to see as they go from enemies to slowly finding that within each other they have found a home in which their darkness is accepted and loved. There was just so many good moments like how you could see that he was the one who fell first and the amount of times I was laughing with their banter and swooning with ever time Jonas mentioned ‘my wife’

The continue world building and plot development is one of my favourite things about these books and as the pacing was so well done it didn’t feel at all rushed which you can sometimes find with a standalone as there is so much to wrap up but LJ knows just what to do at the right time to give a satisfying conclusion.

I can’t wait to see what happens next as the ending has me very excited for what’s to come. Thank you LJ for writing such an amazing world and characters.

Thank you so much to the publisher for the opportunity to read and review before publication these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

Guys. This book. First of all, thank you LJ Andrews and Berkley Penguin Random House for allowing me to read this as an ARC. Jonas and Skadi’s story is beautiful, and has everything I love and expect from LJ Andrews books.

If you have read The Ever King/Queen or any of The Broken Kingdom books, do not hesitate. Read this. If you have NOT read any of those listed above, do not hesitate. Read this. It is not necessary for you to read the previous books, though it will add some context and maybe make you giggle a little more at the shenanigans (yes, shenanigans).

This is an open door, full scenes book, and I am here for it. 🔥🔥🔥 Spice and banter are there. Relatively slow burn, but it’s standalone, so you aren’t waiting around for two books to get to some spice, and when the spice hits… it’s good.

“We didn’t feel like a choice at the beginning, Skadi. But every day since, you’ve become the best choice I ever will make. I will never stop choosing you.”

Omg you guys. I don't have the proper words to explain how much I loved this story. If y'all know me, you know my love for The Ever King/Queen. I did not think anything could surpass that love, but the Nightmare Prince is giving Bloodsinger a run for his money.

This story is full of political schemes, Norse mythology, snarky banter, and yummy spice! I was a giddy little girl kicking my legs and smiling from ear to ear reading Jonas' and Skadi's back and forth banter. Watching them wear each other down was invigorating. I ate this book up in less than 2 days. It was THAT good.

Our nightmare prince believes this marriage will protect his people, while our shadow elven believes she's nothing but a mist thief monster. Will fighting against a common enemy bring them closer together or tear them apart?

We also get a little tease at the end which only made me love Heartwalker and his mysteriousness even more. I won't give it away, but HOLY SMOKES I NEED THE STOLEN CROWN NOW!

Thank you LJ, Berkley, and Penguin Random House for the eARC with the bonus content. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Be ready to be swept away the Mist Thief is here. Jonas is marrying Skadi the woman that tried to kill him. I loved the banner and chemistry and the way they danced around each other.
Jonas’ parents, Kase and Malin, his brother Sander and several other characters made appearances. They were very supportive and with their help Skadi learned to accept her gift. The scenes between the two are so heartwarming and super explosive. There is a storm still brewing, in the name of Arion and his court. Battle down the hatches because no one harms anything that belongs to Jonas. Be ready to be swept away into a land of enchantment, magic, mystical creatures and supportive family and friends.

The Mist Thief to be re-released 10/14/25

Bonus scene the moment Tate Heartwalker reaches Celine to report the stolen elven princess

ARC Review - My heart started racing when I read the bonus scene of Tate Heartwalker races to Celine to report the stolen elven Princess. When Celine made the call to go to war, I had a chill go down my spine and my heart was in my throat. So can’t wait for this tale to unfold.

Thank you LJ Andrews and NetGalley for the ARC and I’m leaving my review voluntarily.

The Mist Thief is technically book 3 in the Ever Seas series and I guess book 12 in the greater Broken Kingdoms world. However it can be read as a standalone (you'll get hooked and end up reading it all anyway 😉). A huge thank you to the team at Penguin for an ARC for the chance at an honest review.
I cannot gush enough about this world and it is my favourite fantasy universe of all time. Yes I know that's a big call but it's just so intricate, intriguing and vivid that I can't help but feel completely baffled by its beauty. The way that LJ creates this incredibly immersive world with such poetic and haunting writing is just something else. And Jonas' story is no exception. I am already a sucker for a morally grey playboy but add in an arranged marriage, enemies to lovers, touch her and die, and all the absolutely epic characters and I was never coming back from this one. Plus the one liners in this make me swoon 🥵
Jonas is witty, funny, flirty, intelligent, loyal, fiery and truly a nightmarish monster all in one. How lucky Skadi is to control his attention, even if she doesn't think so 😏. Skadi is monstrous, strong, forgiving, kind, stunning and smart. Her wit matches Jonas in the perfect way. I love watching her grow and see the truly ruthless icon she becomes 🔥
If you love fantasy & enemies to lovers, with my wife moments of absolute steamy flirting then this book is the one for you. Jonas has such a big heart, he is extremely loyal but don't be mistaken if you hurt what is his you will pay the price as you see all your worst nightmares.

Blown away!! I’ve been waiting for this one ever since I finished The Ever Queen! I didn’t think anything could compare to the lovely songbird and her serpent but nightmare and fire are right up there!! I loved Jonas and Skadinia! Their story was just as daring and entertaining!

This book was so much fun! The banter was addition and the romance was positivity swoon-worthy! With lots of magic, darkness, fun heists, and sprinkles of danger I was captivated from the start!

I also loved the addition of previous characters from the world!

Need more reasons to love? Check out these great tropes: enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, banter, forced proximity, slow burn, hurt/comfort, royalty, found family, fae, elves, morally grey characters, ‘who did this to you?’, touch her/him and xxx, ‘my wife’, and much more!!

A fun little bonus material at the end of this with Hearttalker and Celine! It got me excited for things to come!!

When one of your favourite authors writes a second generation of not only your favourite series, but your favourite couple in that series, you know it's going to be a hit. Add into that some of your all time favourite tropes (cinnamon roll, he falls first and HARD, he's a little tortured and grey, she doesn't want to open up but can't help herself with him) it's a five star read. Hands down.

I'm obsessed with LJ's writing, everything she writes is pure gold. The storytelling, the plot twists, the character development, everything is spot on!

If you love an epic fantasy with an epic romance, characters who are all a little morally grey and will do unspeakable things to protect the ones they love. If you want a castle full of thieves and scoundrels who are just the most devoted found family you've ever read, pick up this book.

Damn, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it.

This book had me laughing out loud at the first line! I can’t even express how much I loved reading the this but I’ll try ! This book is the 3rd book in The Ever Seas series and follows Jonas and Skadi’s journey (and can even be read as a standalone) Jonas is definitely a cinnamon role MMC with “touch her and die” vibes! Skadi is a force to be reckoned with and gives the nightmare price a run for his money. The banter between the two is just a ✨chef’s kiss✨You see many interactions from previous characters from The Broken Kingdoms series and The Ever Seas series that will have you laughing out loud 🫶 Loved it!

✨The Mist Thief✨

This book makes me happy.

^^ that’s the first thing I wrote down and it continued until the end and beyond. LJ, as usual, is a phenomenal author and I believe can do no wrong in the way of stories.

The Mist Thief is a wonderful addition to The Ever Kingdom and Broken Kingdoms series and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to be reunited with all the characters. It’s incredible how each one is so intricately their own. How LJ manages so many so well is beyond my comprehension!

In this interconnected standalone, we get to follow Jonas and Skadi. We have previously met them in the Ever Queen and you’d be remiss to not have read those beforehand simply because 1. They’re amazing and 2. They really help you understand the foundation that has been laid for us.

TMT is the ultimate marriage of convenience, spicy Romantasy. I laughed and swooned from start to finish. While the stakes are lower, that doesn’t make the story uninteresting. Far from it. I was constantly entranced and eager through every page.

Tropes you may find in TMT are marriage of convenience, thieving, scheming, nightmare daddies 🥰, self acceptance, many morally grey characters, touch her and 🪦, who did this to you, allllll the banter, found family, spice 3/5, unique magic systems, pirates, fae/elves/alver, plot twists with a side of political intrigue, rabid golden retriever MMC, and comforts after nightmares.

I could keep on with the praise but I am sure your eyes are tired now. Nonetheless, I can’t say it enough. Read anything and everything by LJ Andrews!

Utterly fun, chaotic, and amazing bantering.
The Kingdom of the East is my favorite with them being made of thieves and up to no good. But they are a tight knit group formed as a found family that showed that not everything that looks off from perfect is bad.

Jonas oh Jonas what a sweetheart under the facade of a rake. This couple was meant to be!

LJ Andrews did it again and I loved it to pieces.

I need mooooore. Soxsad stolen crown snippet were not included 😂

LJ Andrews never ever fails to mesmerise me with her writing. It’s like pearls shining through the ocean and it is that addicting and I can’t put it down at all. The story consumed me from the very first line. This marriage of convenience certainly didn’t turn out as the characters expected it to. But it turned out as us readers wanted. PURE LOVE AND AFFECTION.

Skadi and Jonas are just damm adorable creatures and the intense vibe was clearly visible from the start, it was only a matter of time, we had to wait and let the magic work for itself and consume them whole as the story moves forward. Every line, every word is magical to my heart and I never wanted it to end.

At the end of The Ever Queen, I knew what the story was going to be but the ups and downs and the roller coaster of emotions and meeting all the characters again was such a great experience that this book is in my top read of the year. Skadi is not at all as we thought she would be. She is a bright gem, lost in the insecurities imposed by others. Her growth in the book is phenomenal and her strength at the end was an icing on the cake.

Whereas Jonas is a sweetheart and a 'nightmare to his fire'. He is an absolute delight in the story and makes it more memorable with his quirks and hotness. He brings out the best in the story. The spiciness is an additionally amazing treat in the story. I must ask you all to read this book and enjoy it just as much as I did. I did not find anything that I didn’t love. It’s a Perfect PIECE.

The Ever Seas series is my latest obsession! I devoured The Ever King, The Ever Queen and The Mist Thief in June and already I need more from this world.

The Mist Thief is the first stand-alone instalment within The Ever Sea series that follows a new romance and new battles whilst continuing the plot from the first two books.

Jonas was one of my favorite characters from the Ever King and Queen, so of course I absolutely devoured this one. While this is a standalone I do suggest reading the Ever King & The Ever Queen beforehand.

🏴‍☠️Standalone romance
🏴‍☠️Dark Fantasy Romance
🏴‍☠️Pirates x Vikings
🏴‍☠️Fae x Elves
🏴‍☠️Marriage of Convenience
🏴‍☠️Morally Grey Cinnamon roll MMC
🏴‍☠️Found Family
🏴‍☠️”My wife”
🏴‍☠️Jonas Story

If you loved The Ever King and The Ever Queen than get ready for another dark delicious Romantasy in The Mist Thief filled with pirates, fae, and elves.