The Mist Thief Review

So. I want to start off with all the things I #LOVED with #TheMistThief .
I love that Jonas tried to make Skadi comfortable even before taking the vows had taken place with arranging her own separate sleeping quarters, and using so much thought into what would make her comfortable. I melted right into that cinnamon roll with the first few lines. I thought it was refreshing that the focus was put on her and her wants and needs, especially at the beginning.

I found my myself literally just laughing outloud, feet kicking in the air, sooo many times while reading this book. The banter was great, spice was 🥵🤤🫠. Plot kept me engaged the entire time and I never felt like it was dragging or being rushed. I was fully INVESTED from the beginning, and that doesn’t happen often for me.

Seeing Kase and Malin as parents to adult children is also something I didn’t realize I needed in my life. I loved how they immediately prioritized Skadi’s feelings and needs and weren’t afraid to kick Jonas’s ass when he was being dumb if the need had arose.

And lastly, the things I didn’t like: Absolutely nothing. And I’ll fight whoever to the death over that 😂⚔️

All in all, The Mist Thief is one of my top favorites of 2024 and it’s going to take something insanely good to top that. (Maybe book 4 of the Everseas? Hint hint LJ 😉😏)

Overall score: Perfect 5⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️.75

I almost didnt read this after being a little disappointed in the Ever King/Ever Queen but am so so glad I did!

I loved Skadi and Jonas so much. Their banter and push/pull at the beginning was so fun. You expect them to hate each other a little but it never felt that way to me. The arranged marriage (convenience) after ahem, attempted murder made me think they would go for an enemys to lovers style but it didnt feel that way.

The way Jonas was so gone for Skadi even during the ceremony, always trying to support her and boost her confidence 😍😍 and when he gets revenge for her past, ugh.

I really love the supportive parents in these books. Jonas family gave such amazing marriage/relationship advice. Under the circumstances they could have held a grudge but always believed in Jonas choices.

Very excited for Tait's story next!

“I promise you, if I burn, so will you”

Boy oh boy I smashed out this in a day, Jonas and Skadi bring the fire with their story. I think they might just be my favourite Ever King couple. LJ hit some very relatable notes with wanting to be wanted as you. I loved the vulnerability shown by all the characters throughout especially my sweet cinnamon roll Jonas. In saying that he’s willing to step into the darkness to defend his family and friends. Very touch her and die 👀

The banter between Skadi and Jonas was top notch 👌🏻 and I have far too many (if such a thing) quote highlights 😍

Thrills, chills excitement are all in this story, complete with a delightful cliffhanger. I’m excited for who’s up next!

Is it possible to be in a state of swooning for 506 pages? Yes, yes it is. LJ Andrews has delivered another magical fantasy romance, one that once started is impossible to put down. Marriage of convenience, found family, pirates & vikings, fae & elves, banter, a morally grey cinnamon roll MMC, a fierce FMC, all wrapped up in beautiful story of dealing with past trauma, learning to trust, and a powerful love that is unbreakable. I am in love with all of the characters and this world that LJ Andrews has created. More, please.
A 5 star read, hands down, one that I will most definitely recommend.

Rating: 5🌟
Spice: 2.5 🌶️

Tropes/Themes:
- Adult Fantasy Romance
- Interconnected series standalone
- Dark themes
- Arranged marriage / Marriage of convenience
- Reluctant partnership to lovers
- Forced proximity
- Found family
- Touch her & die
- Morally grey, cinnamon roll MMC
- Misunderstood FMC
- Banter & Tension 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼
- Fae, Elves, Pirates, Vikings
- Unique magic system
- Political alliances

The Mist Thief was one of my most anticipated books releasing this year. The Ever King and The Ever Queen were my favorite romantasy books I've read within the last few months, so I was excited to get back into this world! I really enjoyed Jonas and Skadi's story, and finished the book within 24 hours of starting it!

Although this is a standalone book, I do recommend you read the The Ever King and The Ever Queen prior. Both Jonas and Skadi are introduced in the first two books, and it gives more background info on the characters and what led up to their arranged marriage.

My concerns about standalone fantasy romance books are that the world-building/plot/characters/romance will not be developed enough, and you're left with a complete story, but with rushed endings, insufficient character development, or confusing world-building. This was NOT the case with The Mist Thief (although, I did read the first two books of the series, and I do think this helped)! The pacing was perfect, and each character and storyline were given ample time to fully develop without leaving any gaps in the story.

The highlight for me were the two main characters - Jonas and Skadi. I loved how their relationship developed. Both were reluctant to enter the marriage agreement, but they understood that it would ultimately benefit their people and prevent war. Both characters had general misunderstandings about the other - Jonas saw Skadi as the "enemy" (if you read The Ever Queen, you will understand why; plus, it is briefly mentioned in this book), while Skadi overall is a misunderstood character. In general, she had a royal, privileged upbringing, but it was not without hardship. Her people believe she is a "monster", a rare Elf with destructive magic, and therefore, was not able to foster healthy relationships with anyone, and she seeks any form of love and acceptance, even from the wrong people.... This book goes into her background, and you quickly see that she is basically used as a political pawn (something that Jonas feels conflicted about, as it was HIS idea to arrange this marriage).

The romance between these two wasn't rushed, which I was so worried that it would be insta-love since it is a standalone book. There is an instant attraction between the two, but it takes time for both of them to understand and accept their feelings for one another. The tension and banter between these two made me giggle like a little girl, and the spicy scenes were so well done and DESERVED! Jonas is the perfect morally grey, cinnamon roll book boyfriend ❤️.

Aside from the romance, the plot line involving the delicate situation between the Fae and Elves gets resolved in this book (Again, a carry over from The Ever Queen). I loved the twists and turns, and I knew there were characters that could not be trusted!

Overall, this is a TOP READ for me, and one of my favorite books I've read this year. I'm sad that this book is only a standalone. I wish we had more time with these characters. But, I am (not so) patiently waiting for the next installment in this series, which will follow Mira and Tait!

***The newly published version will come with bonus content!**

Just when I thought I couldn’t love anyone more than I love Erik Bloodsinger, Jonas comes along. Seriously, I don’t think LJ Andrews can write a MMC that I won’t fall in love with.

Y’all…THE VIBES WITH THIS BOOK. I was immediately hooked from the very first page. True, I read this right after finishing The Ever Queen, but I don’t think that had anything to do with it. The book draws you in and holds on the entire time.

When I said that LJ Andrews writes a perfect MMC, that doesn’t mean you should count her out when it comes to FMC. Like Livia (The Ever King, The Ever Queen), Skadi grows so much throughout the story. By the end, not only can she stand self-assured with her king, she can also stand alone without him (and he has no problem letting her).

I usually cannot think of enough things to say about the FMCs in books, but Skadi is pure perfection. Strong, fiercely loyal, and a little bit monstrous, she is what a FMC should strive to be. The realness we feel in Skadi’s emotions through her journey makes it almost like we are there right alongside her.

I could go into heavy detail about my love for Jonas, but unfortunately there is a word cap for reviews on Instagram lol. All I have to say is JONAS. Fierce. Stong. Amazing. And he uses everything in his power to uplift his bride so she can realize her full potential. Not only does he save Skadi, he lets her save him. And the way he only ever wants her to be her true self? Swoon.

This is probably my absolute favorite marriage of convenience book. And the use of “my wife”? Chef’s kiss. LJ Andrews threw that phrase around like confetti and I AM HERE FOR IT. Another major point for the book? It’s technically a stand alone!

A special thank you to the NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

LJ Andrews did it AGAIN! I absolutely fell in love with Jonas and Skadi and I am sad to have reached the end.

The banter, smut and everything in between was perfect!

Every MMC written by LJ Andrews will probably be a favorite for me. The way they support their woman and defend them is my weakness. “My wife” has me swooning so hard.

I loved we got so much of the alvers and their world. It’s so well written and makes me want to visit and become family with them all!

I haven’t read the broken kingdoms series yet and now I’m wanting to jump into them because I love Kase and Mal so much and wanna know more of their story. Every love story is so well done I’m not sad when we switch to another. UPDATE: I read books 1-3 and can’t wait to continue the rest!

Im already wanting more of everyone and hate saying goodbye even if it’s just for now. I can’t wait for Mira and Taits story and I would absolutely love a Sander book! It’s not a want it’s a need!

all I have to say is that LJ doesn't MISS. I've read 4 books (halfway through book #5) and I have thoroughly enjoyed EVERY SINGLE word I've read by her. It's truly crazy to me that LJ doesn't get more hype because trust me, she's worth it all. The way she weaves stories, the qualities she gives her characters (especially the "burn the world for her" vibes with every male 👀), I truly can't get enough. Jonas and Skadi's love story is just 🤌 their banter and refusal to fall in love, knowing full well they were already falling. I've hyped up The Ever King and The Ever Queen a lot here, and The Mist Thief topped them for me 🙈 The bright side to The Mist Thief? It can be read as a standalone! This means you don't HAVE to read TEK & TEQ beforehand. However, I highly suggest you do.

“I promise you, if I burn, so will you.” The green of his eyes brightened. “I can hardly stand the wait”

Jonas has entered the building! Plus we still get to hang with the rest of the Ever crew and faves from The Broken Kingdoms (hello Kase!) I absolutely love these books about the next generation, this is Jonas & Skadi’s story 🖤 enemies in an arranged marriage, twists, morally grey cinnamon roll and epic found family in the Alvers & Kryv! I love it all!

✨𝓐𝓡𝓒 𝓡𝓮𝓿𝓲𝓮𝔀✨
📖: The Mist Thief (The Ever Seas Book 3)

It seemed simple enough…their marriage alliance would secure peace between the fae/Alver realms and shadow Elven clan.

The playboy Nightmare Prince with a heart of gold and the cold, broken Elven Princess are resigned to honor their duty but are adamant that their hearts are non-negotiable. Clearly, neither party accounted for the stakes and the wildfire burning in their hearts…

Tropes/themes:
👀 Dual POV
🩶 Morally Gray Cinnamon Roll MMC
👸🏼 Misunderstood & resilient FMC
💍 Marriage of convenience
🧑‍🧒‍🧒 Found family
🗣️ Banter
💫 Magic & mesmer
💥 HEA
🌶️: open door

I could hardly contain my excitement to delve back into the Ever Seas world. In this installment, we find ourselves visiting the Alver Lands. This devious clan of thieves, killers, and crooks is colorful and chaotic in stark contrast to the refined and deferential shadow elven.

I was already drooling over Jonas in The Ever King/Queen and The Mist Thief made me fall for him fast and hard. I loved seeing the different facets of our Nightmare Prince- the haunting effects of his power, playfulness, and off-the-charts charisma. Skadi was groomed to be docile and obedient, reigning in her power and never having the freedom to choose anything for herself. She’s never felt worthy, seen, or loved, until Jonas.

Mistrust and tensions run high as they trade barbs and fight their unwelcome attraction to each other. While they struggle with their inner demons, their darkness also calls to each other. As Skadi slowly embraces her fiery edge, she also finds acceptance in the most unlikely place and a kindred spirit for her dark monster.

This story beautifully captures the intensity of their passion. LJ delivers electrifying chemistry, sizzling tension, and the most delicious 🌶️. Jonas, Skadi, and their family would burn the world for each other and not even the bleeding gods can stand in their way. I could live in this world forever!

This book is a perfect balance of detailed world building, incredible characters, and swoon-worthy romance. Visceral, raw, and completely engrossing, The Mist Thief will steal your heart!

I cannot wait for the next standalone installment. Huge thanks to the author, Berkley Publishing Group, Ace Books, and NetGalley for the review copy opportunity! This is my honest and voluntary review

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
4⭐️
This installment strikes a great balance of genres—blending romance, action, politics, and mystery with a character-driven, cozy feel that draws you in. The new setting is a standout, offering a refreshing contrast to previous books in the series with its unique systems and layered schemes. It felt like a breath of fresh air.

The pacing starts a bit slowly, but once the story finds its rhythm, it’s rich with intricate world-building and compelling family dynamics. Readers will especially appreciate how the two main characters feel authentic and relatable—each facing personal challenges while learning and growing together.

Perfect for fans of fantasy series that focus on found family, slower-burn plots, and character depth, this one adds warmth and heart without losing momentum. A strong continuation that’s hard to put down.

The Mist Thief is definitely one of my top reads this year! I absolutely devoured this book, staying up well past my bedtime because I could not put it down.

I adored Jonas and Skadi’s relationship. I love the arranged marriage trope and the execution of that trope in TMT was perfect! There was the perfect amount of tension between Jonas & Skadi, the slow burn was done so well with such a great payoff. Jonas is such a golden retriever and I really enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine dynamic. The character development was well done, both of the characters opening up themselves to their respective races (Elvish and Alver) and bringing their kingdoms together.

I also enjoyed learning more about the Elvish world that LJ has incorporated into her Broken Kingdom and Eversea world! The story was well paced and a perfect stand alone romantasy with the best blend of romance, action, mystery, and of course LJ’s classic banter! I cannot wait for more stories in this world!

Review update! I just finished my re-read of The Mist Thief with the upcoming traditionally published edition. I did a marathon reading The Ever King and The Ever Queen first and I am officially now back in my LJ era!

I have never been let down by LJ Andrews. Each time I pick up one of her books I am blown away by the characters, banter and amazing storylines.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧.

LJ Andrews is a master at sassy females leads, morally grey MMCs and the best banter you can find in fantasy romance. Her prose flow effortlessly leaving you with a feeling of total immersion into the story and characters.

Ok enough of my author gushing, you’re here for the details on the story!

First Kase and Malin are my favorite couple from The Broken Kingdoms series so I was instantly intrigued by having a story about Jonas because if he has any traits from either parent I knew I would love him.

For those that don’t know, Kase and Malin are not your typical royal, they are orphans turned thieves turned king and queen and they base their Kingdom and morals on those they learned on the streets and with their crews. Make not mistake they live by respect and love but also are masterful schemers and they have taught their sons all of this!

Jonas and Sander are the twin son princes and you will see a lot of Sander but this story focuses on Jonas, our fun, sarcastic, crafty Alver who loves deeply and fiercely and is scared to let anyone in for risk of loosing them. At the end of The Ever Queen Jonas offered himself in a deal to marry the princess of the Shadow Elves to prevent war and ultimately any loss that may happen with war.

Skadi is our Eleven princess, orphaned as a young child who has spent her life trying to prove to her adoptive grandfather and king that she is worthy of being his heir.

I know this is long, bear with me here ok.

I way soooo happy to see the role that Kase and Malin had throughout this book. One of my favorite scenes is when Kase takes Skadi on a little heist in the castle. It was so funny and so perfect. Each interaction Kase and Makin have with each other, their kids and Skadi shows their pure devotion they have for their family and found family. They will stop at nothing to see who they call "theirs" are safe.

This story is a slow burn but I don’t think you can expect anything else going into a marriage of convenience situation. The tension and banter between Skadi and Jonas is perfect. Seeing their characters grow separately as well as together was so great to watch and when the tension snapped, holy gods it was perfect. Ohh and the spice. LJ write some of the best spice out there. It is perfectly incorporated into the story, does not feel forced and does not overshadow her expertly crafted story

If you love the nicknames micro trope then your in luck every time Jonas called Skadi fire I nearly melted in my seat. And I loved that Jonas got his own nickname too!

I loved The Mist Thief, and I'm so glad we got to explore more of Jonas Erikkson. This book has some of my favorite tropes: Arranged Marriage, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Morally Grey MMC, One bed, bathtub scenes... I could go on and on.

The banter in this book is elite! Jonas never lets his new wife, Skadi, have the last word, despite her best efforts. Seeing them learn about each other was so much fun. Jonas is a cinnamon roll MMC with a dark side. He may not be the most morally grey MMC out there, but he's no angel. And you better not mess with his wife.

One of my favorite aspects in this book is how much the two main characters love all sides of the other. They love the good and the bad, the light and the dark. They give each other silly nicknames and remind one another to be monstrous.

I definitely recommend The Mist Thief. The story is contained, even though it's a continuation of The Ever Seas series.

You know those books that have you simultaneously wanting to DEVOUR the book in one sitting and also wanting to read slow, take your time, savor every word. This is one of those books. LJ Andrews has this way with words that is just pure magic. The depth she manages to portray in each and every character (a feat considering just how many characters live within this world) is incredible and you have no choice but to fall in love with them all! The world of The Ever Seas and The Broken Kingdoms is so elaborate, but LJ has successfully made both words coherent and blended them together beautifully in this book, while even adding another Elven land!
I don't want to go on and on about Jonas and Skadi's story for fear of not being able to contain myself and letting things slip, but just know that Jonas is the perfect cinnamon roll. Willing to do anything, torture anyone, for the ones he holds most dear, and Skadi is the bookish girls best friend who has a traumatic past but with the help of Jonas, and the love of her new family, comes to see herself as the incredible woman she truly is, be it monstrous or kind.

I devoured this book—The Mist Thief is everything I adore in a fantasy romance and more. LJ Andrews continues to deliver heartbreakingly beautiful stories in the Ever Seas world, and this one just might be my favorite yet.

From the very first page, Skadi and Jonas stole my heart. Their enemies-to-lovers dynamic is sharp, emotional, and addictive in the best way. Skadi is fierce and fractured, the kind of heroine who fights her fate at every turn—and Jonas? He’s a morally gray cinnamon roll (yes, it’s a thing) who somehow manages to be deadly and tender all at once. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is perfection, and the emotional slow burn? Utterly chef's kiss.

The political intrigue, magical tension, and looming war against the light elves kept the stakes high, but it’s the romance that had me swooning and gasping and flipping pages long into the night. This book made me feel—joy, pain, betrayal, longing—and I loved every second of it.

The Mist Thief is a stunning, emotional, and addictively romantic ride that only LJ Andrews could deliver. If you love epic fantasy, complicated love stories, and strong heroines paired with soft-hearted warriors, this one is a must.

🖤⚔️🖤 ARC REVIEW 🖤⚔️🖤

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

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

REVIEW:

It is not a secret that I'm absolutely OBSESSED with everything LJ Andrews writes. When I found out this was going to be Jonas' book I audibly squealed! If you've read The Broken Kingdoms then you know his parents. They are without a doubt my favorite couple from TBK so I knew this one was going to be special. What I didn't realize was the absolute CHOKEHOLD this book was going to have on me! Seeing Jonas all grown up and turning into the man he is was just amazing and then you add in the Elven lore and magic and the relationship between him and Skadi and I was an absolute puddle. No joke I have over 400 highlights in this book. I am unwell in the best possible way. The way LJ Andrews creates worlds that draw you in and writes characters you can't help but love is truly a talent. She creates a full cast of characters that you can't help but adore and want to see more of. If you've read TBK you'll also enjoy all the little nuggets of connection she sprinkled in. I cried more than once at a few *cough cough Asger* - I know you enjoy our pain ma'am but that hurt 😭😂

This story is full of tension, angst, betrayal, touch her and 🔪 moments, and more. While it is a standalone in the Ever Seas world, I HIGHLY recommend reading The Broken Kingdoms first, it will make this all the more special, I PROMISE.

TROPES:
⚔️ Dark Fantasy Romance
🖤 Vikings, Pirates, and Elves
⚔️ Arranged/forced marriage
🖤 Touch her and 🔪
⚔️ Forced proximity
🖤 "My Wife"
⚔️ Morally Grey but Cinnamon Roll MMC
🖤 Warrior FMC

“The only reason I fear you, is because of how swiftly you had me on my knees. If you’ve stolen anything from me, it is my heart.”

Andrews has done it again. I didn’t think I could love a pair more than Livia and Eric, but Jonas and Skadi have sure given them a run for their money. I’m going to call it a tie because I love both couples and their storylines so much. Skadi stole my heart though with her love of reading and Jonas for his gift to Skadi. I really enjoyed how The Mist Thief tied in so many characters from the original series. I absolutely adored how Kase welcomed Skadi to the family by involving her in a heist. It’s one of my favorite moments from the entire book. Speaking of, with everything Skadi endured there really was no better place for than among Jonas’s people where she could be sweet or free to be a monster if she chose without fear of judgement. I also really enjoyed getting to explore more of the Elven side of things. Andrews continues to show her skills with world building and developing complex magical systems. The plot itself moved along well balancing the slower get to know you moments with high stakes twists and betrayals. Additionally, The Mist Thief features arranged marriage, who hurt you, touch her and die, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, banter, and found family. I highly recommend reading The Mist Thief.

5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ++

Holy hells! What an amazing addition to The Ever Seas!! LJ Andrews never ceases to amaze with her exquisite stories! The Mist Thief was no exception!
I wasn’t sure anything could live up to Erik and Livia; but let me tell you…this book was EPIC!!

I was sucked in and held captive from the very beginning! Her worlds are so immersive and engaging!

Her prose in this book is absolutely magnificent! This book was so well paced; never rushed, never slow! It is utter perfection. The characters were so beautifully written! I mean, come on, Jonas is 🔥 and
I loved Skadi so much! Even being Elven, she adapted and fit in so gloriously with the Alver clan! A “family” she came to love! Their romance is engaging and beautiful! The banter was amazing and had me giggling so many times! And, of course, the spice is perfectly on point!

I really can’t state strongly enough how much I love this world that LJ Andrews has created! I have been invested since the first Broken Kingdoms book I picked up! It will be utter torture waiting for Mira and Tait’s story after that cliffy ending!

Be kind. Be gentle. And be monstrous

I went into this book not having any expectations and boy was I blown away. I absolutely loved this book! I devoured it in less than a day.

This story was so beautiful to me. Skadi is such a hurt and broken soul who is quite literally loved back to life by Jonas, the fierce, yet tender, Alver Prince. I loved watching their relationship grow and develop and turn into an incredible bond. The message behind their relationship is so powerful for me, as I related a little too much with Skadi. So, I was thrilled when she came into her own and was healed by true, unconditional love and adoration. The way that he loved her so wholly instead of making her believe there was something wrong with her was so lovely.

The found family vibe in these books is next level, and I really enjoyed how well all the characters from other books are woven into each Ever Seas story. It’s an incredible experience reading any LJ Andrews book, and The Mist Thief was no different. Andrews has the ability to write in a way that makes the reader feel as if they’re living the tale themselves.

Tropes:
Touch her and die
Who did this to you
“Where is my wife!?” Moment
Marriage of convenience
Found family
Epic battle
Incredible banter