Book Review: Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews

  Many Thanks to Net Galley and  ACE publishing for a reader copy of Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews. 

LJ Andrews is well known in the romantasy world -  She's published a number of books independently and Broken Souls was picked up by Ace, a division of Penguin.  I personally had never read any of her novels, so when we saw this on Net Galley, my reading buddy and I both were granted a copy and did a buddy read. 

 Interestingly, i chose it because I thought it would something my buddy would just be all about, in the end, it was me who liked this book better!

NO SPOILER review-  BECAUSE SPOILERS ARE THE WORST! 

This is a romantasy inspired by Norse mythology and customs. 

Lyra has been stolen from her people, and hidden away as she possesses a certain magic that's prized above all others. She doesn't know about it or how it works, she just knows she needs to remain hidden.  She serves in the household of a Jarl and disguises tell tale markings with a special dye. All goes well until she's discovered in a raid and taken - along with her steadfast friend and protector - to a frightening kingdom. There, she learns to practice her craft, and finds herself strangely attracted and repelled by a guard who only speaks with his hands.  As time passes, raids on the area increase and tensions rise within the settlement. Lyra is forced to face who she is and could become, and to address her growing feelings for the guard. 

 For me personally, I enjoyed the story- it has a slow burn build up to a very frenzied last few chapters where much is revealed. There were some very satisfying moments where some truly terrible characters get their due. I'm definitely interested in reading book two.  My friend pointed out that it's also available as an audiobook, and I listened to a bit of it, and really loved the narrators. 

   If you like romantasy and haven't picked this one up- I'm sure it would be for you, it's got all the tropes we love- secret identities, forbidden love, a unique and easy to understand magic system that's rooted in Norse myth/practice, and a main man who will burn the world for his love. 

STATS

First Published :April, 2025

Pages: 480

Available as an Audio Book : Yes!

Trigger Warnings: violence, blood, bullying, Non-traditional relationships, on page sex.

Not a full list - please read responsibly.