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Stonegate #2

Heir of Twisted Lies

Not yet published
Expected 24 Mar 26
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Their love is the only thing that can save them from a cursed fate in the next dramatic installment in the bestselling Broken Souls and Bones series.

Lyra Bien never expected to leave the royal house at Stonegate in one piece after her rare melder magic was revealed. Once she discovered the truth behind the need for her magic and the brutality of her kingdom, Lyra vowed to put an end to the corruption of the crown. But is the enemy of her enemy her friend? Lyra must put her trust in the man who stole her heart . . . then deceived her.

Roark Ashwood rose through the ranks to become Sentry of Stonegate and personal guard to the prince, despite being born of the enemy clan, the Dravens. But in a single heartbeat he destroyed his ruthless reputation all to save Lyra. With his true identity unveiled, Roark revealed years of plotting and betrayal to everyone he loves.

As Roark’s two lives collide, he must fight to protect the woman he loves and outsmart those throughout the kingdoms who want his power for themselves. Lyra must wade through long-kept secrets, rising battles, and vicious court intrigue—all while keeping her feelings for Roark at bay.

512 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication March 24, 2026

34 people are currently reading
11817 people want to read

About the author

L.J. Andrews

68 books6,800 followers
Writing is a beautiful thing.

I consider myself blessed I'm able to do this for a living. I live for fantasy books as a reader and author. I adore books like An Ember in the Ashes, The Night Angel Trilogy, Harry Potter, The Great Library series...I could go on.

Before I write I have four young humans I keep alive and love them to the stars and back again. I live in Utah with my sexy husband, the kiddos, two paranoid dogs, and a sinister cat. Between finishing a second degree, running a business, and eating too much chocolate, I love writing early in the morning when no one is awake. If you can't tell, I basically function on caffeine.

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5 stars
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55 (26%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
Profile Image for Liana Gold.
332 reviews91 followers
Currently reading
December 16, 2025
I am beyond excited for being approved for this. Broken Souls and Bones was my surprise 5 star read over the summer!

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, LJ Andrews for sending me this eARC.

Publication date: March 24, 2026
Profile Image for Lauren.
399 reviews30 followers
October 5, 2025
Thank you to Berkley/Ace for the ARC. Full disclosure: I didn’t love the first book in this series but I 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 trusted LJ Andrews. After all, she wrote The Ever Seas series. BUT— this needs some heavy editing before I can give a review in good conscience. I love the Skull Drek! I love the magic! The stakes were WAY too low to make me invested, though. All the new characters being introduced really bogged it down and just added bulk (where it wasn’t needed). With all the world/magic system building in the first book, this book should’ve been perfectly paced and FUN. But it really didn’t capture me like I was hoping.
Profile Image for Maeghan &#x1f98b; HIATUS on & off.
592 reviews537 followers
November 15, 2025
Hugeeee thanks to NetGalley & the publishers for a chance to review this ARC! I’m so excited 🥹

3.5✨
Dedication : « To anyone afraid to show their jagged edges. You brighten the night for those who see your darkness and love it anyway. »

This was an adequate conclusion to a duology. I will admit I thought it was a sequel to a trilogy - as nothing much was going on until the 85% mark.

This book picks up where we left off, and the author included a recap chapter - which was very much appreciated. We are thrown into a new world, and need to learn a different world building & quite complex magic system (though very unique and interesting).

My issue with this novel had to do with the execution. I think the pacing was extremely slow and there’s a gigantic amount of new information thrown our way - which was why I didn’t believe it was a conclusion. The battle & ending felt a little underwhelming for me because the build up was too long. I had predicted the twists and turns and that added to my underwhelmed feeling.

The strong suit of this duology is definitely the characters. The FMC is one of my favourite of all time - Lyra was just the best character to read about. So was the MMC - Roark. Their love & devotion for each other was so good and I loved reading about it. The author can definitely write a good romance! I liked all of the side characters as well and immediately loved the introduced characters in this sequel. I loved the fara wolves and I would like to read more about this world.

Overall, I think it was an adequate conclusion to a duology and I recommend this series. The characters are one of the best I’ve read in a while and I had fun with this!
Profile Image for Shannon Farley.
211 reviews95 followers
Want to read
November 21, 2025
Ahhh 😱 just got this ARC! ♥️♥️♥️ What an amazing early Christmas gift!
Profile Image for Anna Page.
401 reviews574 followers
November 29, 2025
I have been so excited for this book and it was EVERYTHING!! Broken Souls and Bones laid a great foundation with the unique magic system, getting to know the characters and setting the tension so this book could soar. I loved exploring the territories, the different types of craft and bonds and of course LY AND ROARK.

The dual pov tells the story so well and experiencing their love (and sometimes obsession lol) in both perspectives is exactly what I needed. The found family relationships and other bonds are so good and add so much depth to the characters. I need more side stories for all of them.

It’s the perfect duology and I loved how it all wrapped up even though I didn’t want it to end.

Would I recommend? A thousand times yes.
Profile Image for ༻rach༺.
213 reviews
November 19, 2025
First off, thank you so much to Berkeley publishing house and NetGalley for the ARC! I truly pinch myself sometimes that I get to read books by my favorite authors before they come out. LJ Andrews is one of my favorite, auto-buy authors. The Ever King is one of my favorite stories so I was excited to pick this up. I will say there were so many things right with this book: the romance, the found family, the plot twists, the magic system, and did I say found family?! (It’s the best part).

I will say I did think it was a lot of new characters brought into this book and it felt like a lot of new names to learn and like we didn’t get the chance to get close enough to care about them. Like I really enjoyed Gunter’s character but I found myself not caring much about him because we didn’t get to explore his character enough. Same goes for Kael, we didn’t really have much of him in this book besides at the very end and even then he was possessed and we didn’t get his banter and lightheartedness. I found myself really missing him this book.

Another thing that fell flat for me was that no matter how much I loved Roark and Lyra, I felt like Lyra forgave him too soon into the book. In the first half she already forgave him and we didn’t get enough groveling. That being said I did absolutely LOVE that Skul Drek scene (iykyk) and his connection with Lyra was my favorite part of the book. It felt so unique and interesting that he was apart of Roark but also felt like another mmc. Sometimes when the two main characters get together too quick in the first book and then they are solid for the second book, it takes me out of the romance a bit. I do love their characters though and think Roark was such a unique mmc with his sign language and connection to his darker half.

The found family in this was truly incredible. I found myself loving Emi, Kael, and Thane so much! I really hope we are getting a Thane spin off because I’m obsessed with that man and his humor. This was a great duology for a lover of Vikings, romance, found family, and an incredible magic system!
Profile Image for Danielle Pulliam .
485 reviews83 followers
Read
December 19, 2025
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** ℌ𝔢𝔦𝔯 𝔬𝔣 𝔗𝔴𝔦𝔰𝔱𝔢𝔡 𝔏𝔦𝔢𝔰 𝔟𝔶 𝔏𝔍 𝔄𝔫𝔡𝔯𝔢𝔴𝔰 (𝔖𝔱𝔬𝔫𝔢𝔤𝔞𝔱𝔢 #2)

Release Date: March 24, 2026

5⭐️4🌶

Song: Meeting Floki

The MMC, Roark Ashwood, went from morally grey at the end of the first book, to morally black. I'm LOVING it! This will be one of my top recommended series from now on.

With all the warriors, male and female, and Roark's touch-her-and-you-die mentality, I ate this up and left no crumps, and then immediately needed more.

Roark and Lyra are on the run from King Damir's castle, and are found by Roark's former people. The Dravenmoor people fear and kill any melders that they've ever come across. Even when Lyra was a little girl soul bonded to one of their clan, they wanted to kill her simply for have melder abilities that she didn't ask for.

Roark has not lived with his clan since he was 14 years old when they mutilated him and cast him out. Can Roark and Lyra find a way to trust and live with this clan that have tried to kill them several times over? Or will they have to go back to King Damir's clan, who recently accused Lyra of murder and treated her as no more than a tool.

This book as ALL of my favorites! From the morally dark grey/black, to the overly-protective makes that are rough around the edges. Plus, all the females are warriors in their own right, and on top of all that all the history and political intrigue between the clans. Pick this one up now!

Themes/Tropes:
🍁Viking Culture, Life, and Hierarchy
🍁Broody Overly-protective males
🍁Enemies to lovers / Forced proximity / One bed.
🍁Kick ass warrior women
🍁Stolen from her Kingdom
🍁Chosen one with ability to wield all magical powers
🍁War between clans
🍁Taken to serve the King
🍁Hidden powers all her life
🍁Orphaned as a child

TW:
✨Violence
✨Gory descriptions
✨Sexual Content
✨Training/battle sequences
✨Warring Clans
✨Crude comments towards women
Profile Image for Beth.
3,114 reviews301 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 12, 2025
A Captivating Masterpiece!

Heir of Twisted Lies is an absolute triumph in the world of fantasy romance. L.J. Andrews delivers a story brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and heart-stopping twists that keep you hooked from the very first page. The world-building is rich and immersive, pulling you into a realm where secrets lurk behind every shadow and loyalties are tested at every turn.

The characters are unforgettable, complex, flawed, and deeply human. The emotional depth and tension between them make every interaction electric. Andrews has a gift for weaving romance seamlessly into a plot full of danger and suspense, creating a perfect balance that leaves you breathless.

The pacing is flawless, the prose is elegant yet gripping, and the ending… absolutely jaw-dropping. If you love stories with high stakes, morally gray characters, and a romance that burns bright against a backdrop of darkness, this book is a must-read.

Highly recommended for fans of epic fantasy and slow-burn romance. L.J. Andrews has outdone herself, this is a series you’ll want to binge immediately!

Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for this ARC copy of Heir of Twisted Lies. This is my honest review.
Profile Image for Shannon K G.
298 reviews23 followers
November 21, 2025
I really liked where this book left off. Its a solid conclusion for Roark and Lyra, but you get enough build up with other characters and the world to be potentially have more.

I've read just about every book by LJ Andrews starting with The Broken Kingdoms and it's been fun for me to see her writing grow.

The magic system is unique and dark.
Nothing fluffy about having skills like melting bones 👀 And it fits the world perfectly. You have dark nordic vibes, with dark craft, and characters with a shadowed moral compass.

One of the strong points in all of her books are the characters. You get fully fleshed side characters with the main characters and it feels organic. You get such a feel for their camaraderie that you almost wish you could be among the group.

The only con I feel is that this part is over. There's a lot of potential paths.

I look forward to more of LJ Andrews' writing whether its for this world or another.
Profile Image for Ally | book_dragon89.
125 reviews10 followers
October 28, 2025
This book is perfect. No notes. Infinity stars. ✨

𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙧𝙠 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖 𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚, 𝙘𝙧𝙪𝙚𝙡, 𝙘𝙤𝙡𝙙, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙪𝙨. 𝙏𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙜𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙡𝙚, 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙫𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙢𝙮 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.

Roark is top tier book husband material guys. He’s up in the top 3. Maybe top 2. Slade who? Idk anymore. This book changed my brain chemistry.

“𝙁𝙤𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡. 𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙖𝙡𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨.”

The passion between him and Lyra is so strong, which makes the spicy scenes just as tension filled as book 1 and oh soooo HOT. I lost the ability to speak words after one in particular. I adore them and their relationship. The way they keep choosing each other. Loving ALL parts of each other. Never shying away from the rougher edges and darker parts of the other. Its relationship goals. They are mommy and daddy now and I won’t be taking questions about that.

𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙮 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙡.

The found family is the BEST damn found family I have ever read! This group of misfits will literally sacrifice their souls for each other and it’s truly the most heartwarming thing to watch. I want to be in their group. I was smiling and tearing up so many times.

The plot and expansion on the magic system is impeccable!!! The plot twists were TWISTING! Ahhhh I don’t even know what to say because I don’t want to spoil anything but it’s amazing. The conclusion to the story is so satisfying and perfect! I truly loved every second I got to spend in this world with these characters and I’m sad it’s over! LJ Andrews has solidly established herself as Queen with this one!
Profile Image for Natalie Hopkins.
92 reviews31 followers
November 6, 2025
Thank you Berkeley and LJ Andrews and NetGalley for letting me read an ARC of this book. Let me start off by saying I love LJ Andrews and will read anything she writes.

This was the perfect end to the duology. Lyra and Roark are couple goals. My man Roark will unalive anyone who dares to slight his woman. He is the ultimate touch her and die and LJ Andrews is the queen of writing that.

Another thing that LJ Andrews does perfectly is write amazing side characters. I loved all the new characters we met in this book. They all their own personality and motivations. I just want to read more about them and their adventures.
Profile Image for Andi.
267 reviews26 followers
November 24, 2025
⭐⭐⭐.5 | 3.5 stars rounded up

Like the first book, this was a very fun, entertaining read. I loved the world that LJ Andrews has created in this series and appreciated how it expands in Heir of Twisted Lies.

Unfortunately, this book felt very rushed to me. The pacing was inconsistent and the plot needed slightly higher stakes in my opinion. Additionally, it felt like none of the characters really had the chance to develop the depth of relationship I hoped for. It also felt like most characters were largely two dimensional to me.

I think big fans of romantasy will enjoy this!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for the ARC.
Profile Image for Rochelle ♡.
447 reviews359 followers
Want to read
November 16, 2025
˖⁺‧₊♡ pre-read review ⋙
i am so excited to read heir of twisted lies, an anticipated read and sequel on my list—especially following on from that jaw-dropping ending in broken souls and bones. i said i was going to be feral waiting for this book and i feel like i have been!

a massive thank you to l.j. andrews and ace for the gifted e-arc.

follow me on: instagram
Profile Image for Zoë.
136 reviews4 followers
November 30, 2025
RTC a week before publication per publisher request :)

~I received this eARC free from NetGalley. Thank you to Berkley/Ace and LJ Andrews! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given ~
Profile Image for Clara (bookish_clara).
404 reviews23 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 31, 2025
4.5⭐

Another masterpiece by one of my auto buy authors, LJ again delivers on an amazing conclusion to Roark and Lyra's story. There is just something about LJs writing that captures your attention from the very first page and this sequel was action packed, thrilling and emotional from start to finish.

The devotion that Roark has for Lyra is unmatched. LJ knows how to write the perfect MMC he's brutal and bloodthirsty but also has another side to him that is loving and tender and the found family is always one of my favourite aspects of an LJ book. The Pacing for this sequel was so well done and the further plot development was executed perfectly.

I'm really hoping that there is more to come from this world as I would love to see more about a certain character.

Thank you so much to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review before publication. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,291 reviews282 followers
November 13, 2025
Absolutely one of the best books in the romantasy market this year! This second in the Stonegate duology is absolutely un-put-downable. To the point I almost missed a very important meeting because the queen had just taken Lyra into the woods and I could NOT just leave her there! That’s how submersed one becomes within the pages of this story.

From the first page, the reader is hooked. Lyra finds herself among a people who truly hate her with every cell in their beings, and is wary of trusting Roark after all the revelations that hit her at once. Luckily the wariness doesn’t last long and soon they are fighting together against all odds, not knowing who and what to trust. The writing is layered, the plot and pace smooth and creative, the characters are nuanced, the twists and turns are surprising and creative, and the ending? Absolute perfection. It’s a fabulous ride of a read, for sure. And, truly worth the rare five star rating.
Profile Image for Brittany |planted.library.
249 reviews12 followers
November 23, 2025
I have never felt more angry at a book being over. I would read 8 books in this series, because 2 books isn’t enough. I honestly spent the last quarter of the book with my hand on my forehead because I was stressing.

But this was just incredible, a work of art. It was fast paced, full of action, mystery, secrets and it picked up exactly where Broken Souls and Bones left off. I honestly loved every single minute of it, and even maybe shed some tears, and also had to fan myself a few times iykyk.

I seriously love our shadow daddy Roark (Xaden who?), Skul Drek (can we talk hot and possevie) and our girl Lyra. And let’s not forget the rest of the gang, and our new additions.

If LJ could continue to write more in this world, with more of this magic system it would be much appreciated.
Profile Image for Meg (fantasybook.adventurer).
413 reviews42 followers
November 28, 2025
✨Heir of Twisted Lies✨

Once again, LJ doesn’t fail me. She is an author I know will always take me on an incredible and unique journey, dance me through delicious and tantalizing romances, and serve me a platter of found family and banter better than most.

HOTL is the sequel and finale of LJ’s newest series, Stonegate, and begins right where we left off after book 1. We follow a dual POV and it is FANTASTIC. We get an extended found family, new bonds, greater world building, and more lore throughout these pages. Betrayals and traitors are everywhere; assassinations around every corner; the enemies are DEVIOUS. The stakes are a steady medium in that it’s many moments of suspense and nail-biting throughout versus one big climax. I was continuously drawn in, terrified, eased, swooning, sweating, and gasping. I felt like it was a great ebb and flow. I also enjoyed getting to see all these new faces from Roark’s first half of life as well as the darker edges of some of our favorite characters.

Roark and Lyra are another couple from LJ that will be a steadfast fave. Their communication, loyalty, honesty, and unconditional love was just so beautiful. Equally so from our found family. She knows how to write an infamous cast. And the language barrier and SL Rep is still so well done. Oh, and the spice was spicin’ 👩‍🍳💋. I would definitely read this series again! Same as her others. 🥰

Tropes you may find in HOTL are forced proximity, unique soul bonds, banter, medium to medium high spice, found family, “my wife”, plot twists, hidden identities, 🔥 the world for her, touch him/her and ☠️, unique magics, Vikings, deeper world and character building.

It is such a complete honor to continue to be on LJ’s ST. Thank you to her, NG, and ACE Berkeley for this gifted arc. I am so excited for what’s next.
Profile Image for Brandi Smallwood  Uncaged Reads.
119 reviews6 followers
October 14, 2025
LJ Andrews proves once again why she is a definitive voice in fantasy romance. Heir of Twisted Lies is more than just a continuation of the saga; it’s an emotional siege that solidifies her mastery of complex world-building and visceral character development. This installment immediately draws you back into the high-stakes journey of Lyra and Roark, forcing them to navigate the fallout of devastating perceived betrayals by both Roark and Emi. Lyra’s focus shifts to survival as she battles the rampant corruption among the crowns of Stigandr, all of whom are relentlessly fighting to either claim or destroy her.
The most compelling aspect of this series is the world-building, which feels less like reading a book and more like watching a cinematic, darkly painted epic. Andrews has ingeniously created a twisted Norse-flavored realm where the warrior afterlife in Salur looms large, giving the narrative a relentless, epic scope. Her descriptive prose is so immersive that you lose track of time, fully pulled into the political scheming and treacherous beauty of this environment.
Andrews brings back a cast of characters we love and hate with equal fervor, each one expertly crafted with personality and depth. However, it is the secondary players who often steal the show. Elisabet remains the deliciously complex wildcard—a study in calculated deception whose motives are layered and impossible to predict. She is cunning, secretive, and utterly captivating, a character whose moves keep both the protagonists and the reader perpetually in the dark.
Heir of Twisted Lies is a phenomenal continuation for anyone dedicated to this series. It delivers gut-wrenching emotional arcs, satisfying political intrigue, and a world rich with unique, warrior-centric lore. Prepare to be consumed by the unforgiving realms of Stigandr; this is a must-read that deserves a spot at the very top of your TBR pile. Set a reminder on your calendar for March 24, 2026!!

+++I have received this eARC in an exchange for an honest review+++

I want to thank @netgalley @authorljandrews @berkleypub and @penguinrandomhouse for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

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Profile Image for Tahls.
161 reviews100 followers
Want to read
August 27, 2025
Obsessed with this cover! I can't wait 🤭
Profile Image for Erin (erinsreadingroom).
189 reviews178 followers
October 28, 2025
☆ 4 stars

"I loved Roark Ashwood. Secrets and curses, violence and danger, I loved, I craved, I wanted."


📖 𝐩𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 512 pages
👤 𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: L.J. Andrews
🏢 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫: Berkley Publishing House, Ace
📅 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: 24 March 2026

What you can expect:
— Adult Dark Fantasy Romance
— First Person X Multi POV
— Enemies-To-Lovers
— Unique Magic System (Blood, Bone & Soul)
— Non-Speaking MMC X Sign Language Rep
— Forbidden Love
— Shadow 'Play'
— Found Family
— Morally Grey Characters
— Touch Her And Die
— Villain Gets The Girl
— Prophecies & Political Intrigue


𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Heir of Twisted Lies is the second instalment in the Stonegate duology by author L.J. Andrews. I'll be an L.J. Andrews fan until the day that I meet the Otherworld and I have had the most wonderful experience getting to explore a new world through the mind of the author. This book takes us even further into the established world as hidden identities are revealed with betrayal and distrust taking root throughout our main cast of characters. The magical system that takes place throughout this series is (in my opinion) Andrew's most complex yet with it's dark, gritty and intricate nature. I'm a huge visual reader and I admit at times I did struggle to picture the events throughout both books due to its complexity, but at the same time I can recognise and respect the care that the author has put into establishing the magic system and in making it as seamless for the reader as possible. The pacing of the story felt consistent and steady throughout with plot continuation being a clear priority from beginning to end. Everything about this author's narrative voice feels atmospheric and unfaltering as we, the reader, are guided towards the bittersweet end with the right balance of magic, mystery and intrigue. Heir of Twisted Lies was a struggle to put down with the wide array of unspoken truths and shocking twists left me ensnared into the story with no character being left unscathed. The tumultuous tale that we stumble down is full of exploration that deepens the already established emotional found family ties whilst opening the door to new connections, a thrilling cast of characters and an immersive storyline that will leave you vying for more. I will always recommend Andrews as a writer and this series instalment will be no different.

𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭:
Heir of Twisted Lies wastes no time as the plot continues almost immediately where the previous instalment, Broken Souls and Bones, concludes with. Lines has been drawn in the (metaphorical) sand with distrust and betrayal clouding the judgement of our two main characters as hidden truths are finally forced into the light of day. Lyra Bien finds herself once again on enemy territory surrounded by a community of people that would rather see her dead as she is forced to reluctantly accept the protection of the man she had once thought she could trust with her heart. I loved how the plot allowed us to delve deeper into the emotional complexities and vulnerabilities of both Lyra and Roark as they both begin to learn just how vitally the past and the present will collide. I had a lot of fun leaving Stonegate with the fight for survival finding us venturing further into Draven and Unfettered territory as worlds collide and discoveries are made. I found it really interesting to learn about the Draven Kingdom as a whole after being told in the entirety of book one that they were the undisputed enemy. It was unsurprising to learn how biased the narrative can be and being granted the realisation that there's always more than one side to every tale. Something I had been initially excited to learn more about and being unfortunately left feeling disappointed with was my hope to delve deeper into the fara wolves and the special bonds that they forge with Dravens when they are younger. I've been really intrigued by this concept after the moment Roark shares with the fara wolf in book one, and ultimately I was slightly underwhelmed as I found this aspect to feel underdeveloped. There were several moments throughout the story that I expected to learn more but instead this factor was glossed over outside of the Draven's whose craft directly correlates to the wolves. I was definitely a little sad about this as their presence becomes more interactive in the budding war for the Wanderer's bones, but ultimately this is just my personal preference which didn't hold a direct impact on the plot itself. The plot was well-paced with the focus being on forging political alliances and discovering the truth behind the several sub-plots that have been in development from the very beginning. The stakes continue to increase as times goes on and I can say that whilst I did anticipate and expect some of the events throughout the book, the author still managed to catch me by complete surprise on occasion which made for a more thrilling read. The plot concludes on a satisfactory note whilst leaving the reader yearning for more books through a different point-of-view and the potential expansion of the world.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬:
Lyra Bien has been such an incredible character to follow throughout her journey of self-discovery as she better learns how to wield the power that exists within her veins responsibly and the vastness of her own potential. Lyra continues to grow in strength throughout the book as she addresses the conflict directed towards her with the confidence and self-assuredness that she struggled to grasp at the beginning of her story. One thing I can always trust in the author to do is to write strong-willed and empowered heroines that are as fierce and foreboding as their male counterparts. It's refreshing to see women encouraged towards their full potential whilst also retaining high positions of political power within the world. Lyra's growth is apparent and I adored getting to witness her acceptance of both her soft, caring side alongside her ruthless and sometimes bloodthirsty nature. No singular character within this world is inherently 'good' and it has been an exciting process getting to explore a character like Lyra who wants to do the right thing whilst constantly being faced with the temptation of the darkness. Her struggles felt raw and relatable to me as a reader and it is the complexities of her nature that makes Lyra such an intriguing point-of-view to follow. I wanted to give this wonderful woman a hug on several occasions throughout this book as she never seemed to receive any form of reprieve or break. The intensity of events and emotional moments were seemingly never-ending and I felt immense pride for Lyra's refusal to give up no matter how dire the circumstances became. It has been a wonderful journey getting to follow this strong woman on her path towards living the life she should always have had, and I couldn't be happier with the conclusion to Lyra's journey after all that she has overcome.

Roark Ashwood had stolen my heart with ease in the first book and has continued to hold it within his grasp in the continuation of his journey. I personally found Roark to feel consistent as a character who has stayed true to himself from the very beginning after enduring horrific trauma and tragedy as a child. His experiences have moulded Roark into the man that we meet so it's understandable to me that there is very little need for character evolvement as he is already unapologetic in who he is. Something I loved getting to see him come to better terms with is the reality of his split soul and what that means for him. It broke my heart to witness Roark continue to worry over the perception of his loved ones now that his secret has been unveiled. It's common knowledge at this point that whilst he may gladly become a monster in pursuit the protection and safety of the people he most cares about, he still never wants them to see him as a monster. I loved getting to see his character fully embrace the darkness that exists within his soul and the often gruesome manner that he approached making a point to his enemies. His devotion and confidence as a partner constantly left me wanting to swoon just as much as his dark, possessive and unforgiving side. Roark is a reckoning on the battlefield and I felt like I was in a constant state of awe at the way that he approached a fight with nothing but self-assuredness and confidence. I adored getting to see his character reacquaint with his place alongside the Dravens as he made it clear that his lack of presence makes him no less their prince. Roark doesn't take any chances and is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals and ensure the woman he loves is at his side whole and happy as he does. It has been such a wonder to follow the journey of a non-speaking main character as every word expressed has felt all the more impactful and purposeful. I didn't think Andrews could write a more bloodthirsty character after Erik Bloodsinger until she set out to prove me wrong with Roark Ashwood. I've had the best time getting to follow him on his journey, and there's no denying that I'm utterly devastated to have reached the end of this tale.

Something I adored in Heir of Twisted Lies was the introduction of more side characters that had me seriously questioning my trust in judgement. I couldn't decipher who could be allocated as a true friend or foe until the story continued to progress, but this was part of the fun for me. I loved the continuation of the 'found family' theme and how the new characters all come together to fulfil their intended role. My only disappointment is that I feel like we missed out on a lot of moments between Lyra and Roark with their original companions from Stonegate as the intensity of the plot increased. The bonds forged in the first book were a huge highlight for me, so in a sense I feel like the presence of those bonds were sacrificed in lieu of the new characters and the role they all had to play in the upcoming conflict. I wished we could have witnessed more one-on-one tender moments between Lyra, Roark, Kael, Thane, Emi and Yrsa but ultimately... that's just my personal preference and something that I had been anticipating.

𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭:
The romantic development between Lyra and Roark had me on the edge of my seat from the very first scene in Heir of Twisted Lies as they have both found themselves on uneven footing after the revelation of secrets and betrayal. I was really nervous about how both characters would manage to come back from all that had happened but in ultimately in queen L.J. Andrews we trust as she continues to show the strength that can come with forgiveness. There's just something so special about the bond between Roark and Lyra as they continue to choose one another in spite of their soul bond as it becomes clear how little impact it holds on their connection. It's very clear to the reader that both characters would continue to choose one another no matter what their circumstances are and regardless to what outside forces try to keep them apart. They continually prove what true acceptance looks like without judgement or fear as they fully embrace everything that they stand for. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The light and the dark. Roark and Lyra love each other wholly without restraint and it was empowering to witness the depths that they were willing to sink to in defence of each other. Their love is volatile and fierce. Gentle and understanding. To go against Lyra and Roark was to risk meeting Salur and I had the best experience getting to witness both characters fight for the life that they yearned for without faltering. They are truly one of the most fearsome couples that I have ever read about and there's no denying that they have truly earned the life that we see them living by the end of this story. Lyra and Roark had me feeling so many emotions at the same time and I just know that I will cherish their love story for a very long time.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬:
At it's core, the Stonegate series is an intricately crafted tale about the power of bonds and the depths that our cast of characters are willing to lower themselves to in pursuit of their goals. Friendship, family and love. Allies and enemies. It's these bonds that keep us all connected and there's no denying the power that these threads hold upon our lives as connection and rejection lay at the heart of it all. Heir of Twisted Lies was such a wonderful continuation of this world as we are granted the opportunity to explore the land further with new connections being established amidst a rising threat. I absolutely adored the addition of the new cast and the change in setting that helped keep the story feeling fresh whilst also driving the plot forward. I feel bereft at the prospect at being forced to say goodbye to the world as I believe there is so much discovery yet to be made, however if this is indeed the end then I leave these characters with a sense of contempt and acceptance. It has been a wonder to join them on this journey, and I look forward to see what comes next for this author.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲.
Profile Image for Courtney.
90 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
Wow. What a satisfying journey. L. J. Andrews continues to create realms that are filled to the brim with satisfaction.

This book was absolutely stunning. The pacing of this book was addictive. It picks up immediately after the first in the series and just lures you into this journey. I couldn’t believe how much L. J. Andrews was able to weave into this book and to end it with such a satisfying conclusion. She covers everything you hoped and then opened the realm of souls to everything we also desired.

Lyra and Roark are easily loved as our main characters. I appreciate that this book addressed some of their plot points from the first one, but really allowed us as readers to also just enjoy their love. The journey and balance of their souls was beyond satisfying. The side characters also brought so much heart and depth to the story because they felt vital to the growth of the plot and the main characters. Thane would never accept being a side character, however, he is willing to expand that category to accommodate more characters without the book just adding to add, everyone and everything felt very purposeful.

The world expansion in this also gave an atmospheric energy because it did feel different than her other books and gave it their unique edge. For example, the magic system in this world continues to feel refreshing and how the characters interact with their magic and the magic of others did not feel overdone.

This book was a full delight and I hope there are side stories, or bonus chapters, to continue in this realm.
Profile Image for Emily.
2 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2025
After that ending of Broken Souls and Bones I couldn’t wait to read Heir of Twisted Lies.

What you can expect from this dark fantasy romance with multiple first-person POVs is a unique magic system with crafters of blood, bone and soul, morally gray characters, enemies to lovers, forbidden love, found family and of course, touch her and die.

The story thankfully picks up right where it left off in Broken Souls and Bones. Roark continues to be dark, brooding, protective, and possessive, all while recalling more and more of his past and the sacrifices made on his behalf. At the same time, Lyra uncovers the truth of who she is, where she came from, and learns to accept the gifts that brings. Their story is one of acceptance, devotion and smoldering passion; they've chosen one another and no one will keep them apart.

New characters emerge to join the fight and weave seamlessly into the story. They enrich an already complex magical world and provide depth, humor and another view into the backstories of Roark and Lyra. I would love to see bonus chapters including these characters and their stories!

Andrews has described this world as her "most brutal and gruesome” and she’s not wrong. This is a world with dangerous magic that causes physical and emotional pain and has serious consequences where power corrupts, but is also full of banter, laughter and heartwarming connections between characters, not to mention plenty of swoon worthy moments. Roark and Skul Drek, wow, just wow.

Ultimately, this is a story of accepting one’s own darkness and finding the people who will see us and love us through all of it, the good and bad.

Thank you LJ Andrews, the publisher and NetGalley for an eARC to read and review prior to the release.
Profile Image for Joy Metzger.
126 reviews4 followers
December 10, 2025
A satisfying ending to an excellent series. I’m so glad this turned out to be a duology because I don’t know that I could have endured the wait for a third book. I would say the pacing is a little slower in this one compared to the first but somehow I was still panicked on edge with every new challenge they faced. One huge plot twist that I definitely saw coming and another I absolutely did not. Again, my favorite part of this series were Lyra’s found family- I’m rooting for Kael and Brynn 😭

I’m a huge fan of Viking violence and the final battle disappoint. Ingir and Fadey both absolutely deserved that brutal ending.

Thank you to Net Galley and Berkeley Publishing for the advanced copy! Heir of Twisted Lies will be available March 24, 2026.
Profile Image for Sierra.
54 reviews
October 17, 2025
LJ Andrews can do no wrong in my eyes. I loved this book even more than the first one. I feel so invested in the lives and stories of not only Lyra and Roark but all their friends and family. Give me a found family every time, and I'm going to eat it up! Also, that scene (iykyk) will continue to live rent-free in my head 🥵.
This story kept me hooked from beginning to end despite the twists being a little predictable because I loved each character and how she really paints a picture of connection built between them. Overall, I enjoyed this story so much.

Thanks so much for LJ Andrews and Netgalley for this eARC. I am beyond grateful to have gotten early access to a book written by one of my favorite authors.
Profile Image for realms.of.romantasy (Cara B).
183 reviews28 followers
October 13, 2025
This book gets ♾️⭐️ from me!
But for the sake of the true rating system, this is unequivocally a 5⭐️ read!!

My gods, what spell-craft has LJ stitched within the words of this book that kept me utterly glued to my kindle! The Heir of Twisted Lies had me in a complete chokehold. I absolutely could not put this book down and thoroughly devoured it in no time! I mean, who actually needs to eat and sleep 😂

This book is addictive and magnificently written! The world LJ created is vividly detailed, vicious and full of upheaval over one silver eyed girl. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what would happen next. The heart pounding action never stopped. The immersive and brutal battle scenes left me on the edge of my seat with my pulse racing and breathless. The unique and layered magic system LJ created in this story is deeply rooted in centuries of history.

These characters are so exquisitely crafted. The devotion between the MCs just bleeds from the pages. The bond they share is so beautiful and wholly unbreakable. The supporting cast of characters are no less important to the story. Together they formed the most unique found family that are loyal to the end, despite perceived betrayal.

I really don’t want to give too many spoilers as we’ve a long way to go before this book reaches the world. Let me just say, be prepared for the most fantastical and wild ride. I know the story of Lyra, Roark and their merry gang will live in my head and heart for some time to come. I wouldn’t want it any other way as that is the truest testament of an extraordinary story!

I want to say a huge THANK YOU to Berkeley, Ace Books, NetGalley and LJ Andrews for the incredible opportunity of reading this very early advanced copy!
Profile Image for Alexis.
113 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2025
I always know when picking up an LJ Andrews book that I'm going to get fantastic characters and a plot I love. Broken Souls and Bones was no exception to that when I read it earlier this year and Heir of Twisted Lies built upon that even more.

From page 1 the plot plays out at a steady pace, but the last quarter of the book is really where the action is. There are some big revelations, sweet romance, battles, and some emotional farewells. I flew through those last chapters.

I love that throughout the book we see all sides to Roark openly for the first time and the Skul Drek POV chapters are an excellent detail that really added dimension to his character. I also found it very enjoyable to see Lyra embrace the darker side of her desires and lean into them as a means to save her people and strengthen her relationship with Roark.

My only "wish" is that there was some more time (maybe another book) to flush everything out and give more time to digest and connect with all the details that came with this book. Not only are we really diving into Craft (magic) while the plot is reaching its crescendo, but we are also meeting a whole new clan and getting deeper into their history and how it ties into the characters we already know. I really liked or (appropriately) hated the new characters we meet but I felt I didn't have enough time with them to be wholly impacted by their stories. Maybe as LJ continues to expand upon her worlds we'll see some crossovers that will satisfy this itch for me? A girl can hope.

Profile Image for Kianna.
204 reviews
December 12, 2025
This duology finds its conclusion in this book, one filled with secrets, betrayals, and new alliances. The largest difference in this book is by far the setting, taking place in a completely different kingdom for most of the book. The storyline continues to proceed right where it left off, exploring the tension between unlikely groups of people and essentially cascading into a quest to find more information and hopefully a magical item that may just help our hero accomplish what they need to.

This book was just so fun! I gave the first book a lovely 5 stars and while I don't think this one was as strong, it explored the magic system much more which I was thrilled about. The pacing in this book wasn't that different from the first book, it was quite a bit slower and then began to ramp up until the end. This made it feel like a longer read but also allowed the plot to unfold very naturally. Lyra is certainly one of my favorite characters Andrews has written thus far. She is incredibly loyal and resourceful, learning to forge her own path through challenges and meet them head on. This book was a great conclusion to this story, albeit a bit abrupt, and while I do think the pacing detracted from the experience a bit, I wouldn't have traded the extra information about the magic of this world for a faster pace!

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for L. Duggs (duggintoreading).
132 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
December 13, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing, and LJ Andrews for the opportunity to read this eARC. The following review and thoughts are my own:

***Please be warned that there may be spoilers for Book One, Broken Souls and Bones, in my review. Proceed with caution if you have not read Book One yet***

Heir of Twisted lies follows Lyra as she reels from Roark's betrayal and the revelation of his connection to the feared Skul Drek. Will she be able to look beyond Roark's lies in order to work together to find the Wanderer's soul bones before the enemy does?

I have loved all of LJ Andrews writing and the main characters that she has created in this duology are no exception. Roark is a top tier book boyfriend and the unique world and magical system she has created in this series is engaging.

With so many characters introduced in this story, my investment wasn't as high as I wanted it to be. It left me hoping that maybe we haven't left this world yet, and there is more to come following other characters.

All in all it was a solid 4 star read and I would return to this world again!

Read Heir of Twisted Lies (make sure to start with Broken Souls and Bones) if you like:
-viking/Norse mythology inspired
-touch her and die (and your soul will cease to exist too)
-found family
-unique magical systems
-high stakes quest
-hand to hand combat battles

Happy Reading!
Profile Image for Ashley.
115 reviews6 followers
November 8, 2025
After the ending of Broken Souls and Bones, I truly didn’t know what to expect going into this one… but it was beyond anything I could’ve imagined. LJ Andrews took this story to a whole new level. Making it darker, deeper, and so full of emotion that I didn’t want to put it down (spoiler alert - I didn’t and finished it in under 24 hours).

Being beyond Stonegate this time made everything feel so much riskier. The danger, the magic, the unknown. Every other chapter seemed to reveal a new surprise and some of the twists completely caught me off guard because I truly wasn’t expecting it.

Lyra and Roark don’t have an easy journey. They stumble, they doubt, and they’re tested again and again by each other and everyone around them but somehow, through all of it, they find a way to get through it. Their story is messy, raw and so dark but also beautiful and full of heart.

This sequel was everything I hoped for and so much more. The writing, the emotion, the way it all came together.

Thank you so much to Ace books for the eARC!
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