Broken Souls and Bones - Broody Sentries Galore
First Impression | Synopsis | Book Review | Book Details
First Impression
LJ Andrew's next star series does not disapoint!
Synopsis
Lyra Bien has spent her life trying to remain unnoticed, but when Roark Ashwood—the silent sentry of Stonegate—arrives in her village, her secrets are exposed. Marked by silver scars and a forbidden magic, Lyra is forced to reveal her abilities to save her best friend, only to be claimed by the Jarl as the kingdom’s next melder.
Being a melder means wielding rare and powerful magic, but it also means being a tool of the king and a prisoner in all but name. Determined to break free and protect those she loves, Lyra seeks out the one person who might hold the answers she needs: Roark. The enigmatic warrior is feared across the kingdom, but as Lyra gets closer to him, she discovers he may be more than just a cold-blooded killer—he might be her only ally.
With secrets unraveling and a dark destiny looming, Lyra and Roark must make an impossible choice: fight against everything they’ve been taught or surrender to the fate that binds them together.
Book Review
Plot & Characters
L.J. Andrews crafts a world filled with intrigue, lost magic, and a brooding sentry you can’t help but love. The story follows Lyra, a girl trying to escape the notice of a power-hungry Jarl, only to be thrust into a dangerous role as the kingdom’s lost melder. Her reluctant ally, Roark Ashwood, is a deadly and mysterious sentry whose true loyalties remain unclear. Their dynamic is a mix of tension, forced proximity, and undeniable chemistry—though their connection felt a wee bit too instant at times.Kael, the fiercely loyal side character, was a standout for me, and I was half-expecting a love triangle that never materialized. The villains and political players added depth to the story, though the heavy exposition in the beginning made it hard to keep track of who was who.The last act of the book delivered some major twists—one of which I didn’t see coming, which is rare for me with fantasy books. I would have loved more time to sit with the fallout of the final revelations after all of the buildup during the book.
Writing & Pacing
Read the 20% at a leisurely pace taking time to understand the unique magic system, the large amount of upfront information on magic and characters made it hard to connect with the story early on. The worldbuilding is interesting and unique, but it takes time to settle into it. Once the story picks up, the pacing improves, though the ending could have used more breathing room. Despite this, Andrews’ writing is engaging, and Roark’s character in particular had me hooked. In fact, he’s officially earned a spot on the shadow daddy master list—silent, brooding, deadly, and utterly captivating.
TLDR
If you like Norse-inspired fantasy with forbidden magic, intrigue, and morally gray warriors, this one is worth picking up!
Book Details
- Genre: Romantasy, Fantasy, Romance
- Publishing Date/ Release Date: April 29, 2025
- Format: ARC, Kindle - Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advance copy!
- Length: 480 pages
- Setting: Stonegate
- Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, One Room, Close Proximity, Fated Mates, Found Family, Banter
- Spice Level: 3 / 5
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