What do you think?
Rate this book
Stonegate #2
Heir of Twisted Lies
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.
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.
499 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 24, 2026
655 people are currently reading
21323 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Andrews
72 books7,391 followersLJ Andrews is a USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy romance. She mystically brings to life worlds of dark Nordic and Viking myths bound by conflicts that bring together impassioned heroes and heroines.
In her non-author moments, she is courageously corralling her four children to the myriad of life activities that involves, along with spending time with her favorite hero, her husband. Add two high maintenance dogs and a sassy conure to the mix and that sums it up. LJ Andrews thrives spending time in the Rocky Mountains where she lives in Utah.
source: Amazon
In her non-author moments, she is courageously corralling her four children to the myriad of life activities that involves, along with spending time with her favorite hero, her husband. Add two high maintenance dogs and a sassy conure to the mix and that sums it up. LJ Andrews thrives spending time in the Rocky Mountains where she lives in Utah.
source: Amazon
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 915 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️ 5 STARS! ⭐️ JUST AS GOOD AS THE FIRST!
This is just one of those dark romantasy romance book that you can get lost in because its just so amazing.
My hunter. My protector. My lover.
My LIAR.
Roark is brutal. He kills any man that hurts Lyra or crosses any line with her. He's our beautiful, feral, maddeningly POSSESSIVE villain. He's perfect for Lyra in every way and the tension, chemistry and romance dynamics are deliciously explored here--L.J. Andrews never rushes, but gives the reader exactly what dark romantasy promises--the blood and gore, softness and tension--you just have to experience this duology because no words can describe how exciting it is. The story is a perfect balance of tender moments, battle scenes and epic journeys. I feel like this needs to come to screen adaptation because it has this cinematic vibe that is too good to miss.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, LJ Andrews for sending me this eARC.
Publication date: March 24, 2026
This is just one of those dark romantasy romance book that you can get lost in because its just so amazing.
My hunter. My protector. My lover.
My LIAR.
Roark is brutal. He kills any man that hurts Lyra or crosses any line with her. He's our beautiful, feral, maddeningly POSSESSIVE villain. He's perfect for Lyra in every way and the tension, chemistry and romance dynamics are deliciously explored here--L.J. Andrews never rushes, but gives the reader exactly what dark romantasy promises--the blood and gore, softness and tension--you just have to experience this duology because no words can describe how exciting it is. The story is a perfect balance of tender moments, battle scenes and epic journeys. I feel like this needs to come to screen adaptation because it has this cinematic vibe that is too good to miss.
Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley Publishing Group and the author, LJ Andrews for sending me this eARC.
Publication date: March 24, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
”It was all for Lyra. A woman I was meant to despise, a woman who destroyed me, both edges of my soul, and I never desired to heal from her ruin.”
words can’t describe how much i love Roark as an mmc, i could not get enough of him and Lyra. there was so much going on in this book, a perfect mix of bittersweet moments and battle scenes. Fadey was getting on my last nerve the whole time and i didn’t know how to feel about Elisabet, but i didn’t doubt that underneath it all she did love her son. the romance.. the scene with Skul Drek while Roark watched??!!!! i’m deceased right now.
”All of him. He was giving me everything. I would never tire of all that he was. Monster, hunter, protector, lover— I wanted it all.”
i also really love Thane, he’s such a cinnamon roll but also has the perfect blend of sarcasm and dependability as a leader. i would give anything for a spin off focusing on him, i’m also so happy for Emi and Yrsa. Kael was going THROUGH IT, i thought what the author decided to do with his character was very interesting too. don’t even get me started on the wolves.. i really don’t have any complaints about the conclusion to this series. I’m already missing this characters, highly recommend!
⇲ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Berkley Publishing for the arc, all opinions are my own.
words can’t describe how much i love Roark as an mmc, i could not get enough of him and Lyra. there was so much going on in this book, a perfect mix of bittersweet moments and battle scenes. Fadey was getting on my last nerve the whole time and i didn’t know how to feel about Elisabet, but i didn’t doubt that underneath it all she did love her son. the romance.. the scene with Skul Drek while Roark watched??!!!! i’m deceased right now.
”All of him. He was giving me everything. I would never tire of all that he was. Monster, hunter, protector, lover— I wanted it all.”
i also really love Thane, he’s such a cinnamon roll but also has the perfect blend of sarcasm and dependability as a leader. i would give anything for a spin off focusing on him, i’m also so happy for Emi and Yrsa. Kael was going THROUGH IT, i thought what the author decided to do with his character was very interesting too. don’t even get me started on the wolves.. i really don’t have any complaints about the conclusion to this series. I’m already missing this characters, highly recommend!
⇲ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and Berkley Publishing for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars
Such a great sequel.
The first book was a slower start for me that I had some issues with, but this sequel hit the ground running and didn't stop.
All the characters in this are super entertaining and the storyline was really engaging.
My only complaint was the gravity of the story. Something bad would happen, it would get immediately solved, over and over. So some things seemed too easy but I guess it also allowed the story to flow pretty well.
Definitely recommend for romantasy lovers ❤️🔥
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
Such a great sequel.
The first book was a slower start for me that I had some issues with, but this sequel hit the ground running and didn't stop.
All the characters in this are super entertaining and the storyline was really engaging.
My only complaint was the gravity of the story. Something bad would happen, it would get immediately solved, over and over. So some things seemed too easy but I guess it also allowed the story to flow pretty well.
Definitely recommend for romantasy lovers ❤️🔥
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for this arc in exchange for an honest review!
April 27, 2026
Andrews is one of my favorite writers. Her writing style is what I enjoy most, but that’s not all; she has a beautiful craft for creating sophisticated characters, rich worlds, and well-structured stories and narratives. I usually don’t enjoy slow-paced books, but Andrews more than makes up for that.
Heir of Twisted Lies, I believe, was a bit weaker than the first book in the series in terms of the plot. There were times when I wanted the story to move forward faster, as some interactions became a bit tiresome. Andrews also borrowed a few elements that are becoming repetitive in today’s fantasy books, which is one of the reasons I believe this work was weaker compared to her previous ones.
Other than that, I truly enjoyed the book. Thane was my favorite character, and the addition of new, very interesting characters also greatly enhanced the story.
I will definitely be waiting for her next books.
Heir of Twisted Lies, I believe, was a bit weaker than the first book in the series in terms of the plot. There were times when I wanted the story to move forward faster, as some interactions became a bit tiresome. Andrews also borrowed a few elements that are becoming repetitive in today’s fantasy books, which is one of the reasons I believe this work was weaker compared to her previous ones.
Other than that, I truly enjoyed the book. Thane was my favorite character, and the addition of new, very interesting characters also greatly enhanced the story.
I will definitely be waiting for her next books.
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!
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!
May 9, 2026
✩ 2.75 stars ✩
What to Expect:
➼ Rebuilding Trust
➼ Morally Gray Characters
➼ Blood Magic
➼ New Characters/Powers Introduced
➼ Quest to find the Wanderer’s Bones
➼ Mute MMC
➼ Sign Language Rep
➼ Viking Inspired
➼ Narrated by Will Thorne & Lindsey Dorcus
➼ Dual Narration
Second book syndrome strikes again! It’s always extra disappointing when you feel this way reading a duology. 😔 It’s getting to a point where I’m almost afraid to read the second book in a series honestly…
I absolutely loved the first book. The tension and build up between the characters was so well done and I was very impressed by how well the author wrote the MMC’s dialogue considering he was mute and used a form of sign language to communicate. The FMC’s almost innate understanding of him made their connection feel incredibly strong and I was literally eating it up.
The cliffhanger ending left the story in a very interesting place which had me fully expecting this to be a 5 star read. What we got instead was lots of trust issues and insecurities followed by a very quick 180 after a pretty simple apology. From there I felt like the story really dove head first into their powers and the magic system, which was all frankly very off putting to me. I really struggle with the concept of blood magic in general. It just feels very dark and sinister to me, so it was hard to fully see them as the good guys at times.
All the Skul Drek stuff was also really weird in my opinion. It’s one thing for a character to have shadow magic but Skul Drek felt like an entirely different being living inside of Roark. I get that he was supposed to be the other side of his soul, but the way it was written made it feel like two people and I was not a fan. He gave me the heebie jeebies most of the time and I found it really strange that he was clearly meant to be an erotic addition to the story.
I have fomo, so it’s hard to skip popular books, but I really need to convince myself to skip any other Viking inspired books in future. They just aren’t for me! I guess I’m going to round up…
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Second books have been failing me lately, but I really don’t think this one will! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram ✩ Tiktok
What to Expect:
➼ Rebuilding Trust
➼ Morally Gray Characters
➼ Blood Magic
➼ New Characters/Powers Introduced
➼ Quest to find the Wanderer’s Bones
➼ Mute MMC
➼ Sign Language Rep
➼ Viking Inspired
➼ Narrated by Will Thorne & Lindsey Dorcus
➼ Dual Narration
Second book syndrome strikes again! It’s always extra disappointing when you feel this way reading a duology. 😔 It’s getting to a point where I’m almost afraid to read the second book in a series honestly…
I absolutely loved the first book. The tension and build up between the characters was so well done and I was very impressed by how well the author wrote the MMC’s dialogue considering he was mute and used a form of sign language to communicate. The FMC’s almost innate understanding of him made their connection feel incredibly strong and I was literally eating it up.
The cliffhanger ending left the story in a very interesting place which had me fully expecting this to be a 5 star read. What we got instead was lots of trust issues and insecurities followed by a very quick 180 after a pretty simple apology. From there I felt like the story really dove head first into their powers and the magic system, which was all frankly very off putting to me. I really struggle with the concept of blood magic in general. It just feels very dark and sinister to me, so it was hard to fully see them as the good guys at times.
All the Skul Drek stuff was also really weird in my opinion. It’s one thing for a character to have shadow magic but Skul Drek felt like an entirely different being living inside of Roark. I get that he was supposed to be the other side of his soul, but the way it was written made it feel like two people and I was not a fan. He gave me the heebie jeebies most of the time and I found it really strange that he was clearly meant to be an erotic addition to the story.
I have fomo, so it’s hard to skip popular books, but I really need to convince myself to skip any other Viking inspired books in future. They just aren’t for me! I guess I’m going to round up…
✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼ ҉ ✼
Pre-read: Second books have been failing me lately, but I really don’t think this one will! 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
≪ ◦ ❖ ◦ ≫
Connect with me on Instagram ✩ Tiktok
March 24, 2026
Release Day!
“Want. Need. Desire. Mine. Now, where was my melder?”
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
As always LJ Andrew’s writing is so fluid and easy to read. You can always count on the romantic one liners! I always have so much fun highlighting and tabbing her books. I loved that we got Skul Drek POV in this. His protective, possessiveness was everything! The bonds and magic lore was so unique and different from a lot of Romantasy which is what made this so captivating and intriguing.
It did seem to be missing some of the tension and build like the first book had. Everything seemed to happen to effortlessly maybe? I was hoping for a-little more groveling with the big betrayal at the end of book one. Also with all of the new characters being introduced I felt like I needed more time to develop with their place in the story. However, I do get that this was a duology and you have to keep things moving forward with the storyline and plot.
All in all this was very unique and fun and I’m super interested to see what this author brings us next! ♥️
Always a big thank you to NetGalley and publishing for this ARC read opportunity! 😘
“Want. Need. Desire. Mine. Now, where was my melder?”
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
As always LJ Andrew’s writing is so fluid and easy to read. You can always count on the romantic one liners! I always have so much fun highlighting and tabbing her books. I loved that we got Skul Drek POV in this. His protective, possessiveness was everything! The bonds and magic lore was so unique and different from a lot of Romantasy which is what made this so captivating and intriguing.
It did seem to be missing some of the tension and build like the first book had. Everything seemed to happen to effortlessly maybe? I was hoping for a-little more groveling with the big betrayal at the end of book one. Also with all of the new characters being introduced I felt like I needed more time to develop with their place in the story. However, I do get that this was a duology and you have to keep things moving forward with the storyline and plot.
All in all this was very unique and fun and I’m super interested to see what this author brings us next! ♥️
Always a big thank you to NetGalley and publishing for this ARC read opportunity! 😘
March 15, 2026
A phenomenal conclusion to one of my favorite dark fantasy romance duologies of all time. I devoured this book in less than 2 days.
📖 Early Reader Review 📖
🗓️ Pub date: March 24, 2026
⚔️ Dark fantasy romance
⚔️ 1st person POV
⚔️ Villain gets the girl
⚔️ Found family
⚔️ Political intrigue
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Broken Souls and Bones is one of my favorite reads of 2025, so I went into this book with extremely high hopes and expectations. I was HOOKED from start to finish. LJ Andrews’ writing is addictive.
I love everything about this duology—the magic system is unique, the romance is PERFECTION, the characters are multi-dimensional, the found family is fantastic, and the story was interesting and captivating. LJ Andrews writes deeply flawed but lovable characters. I'm obsessed with all of them (that includes every side character).
I need to take a second to really talk about the romance in this book and duology. It hits SO HARD. I love that they both found so much self love and acceptance in one another. Yes, he may be the villain but he's her villain 😭😤 also, the shadows?! We were truly fed this book, and the multi-POV added so much depth to both characters.
Was this a super action-packed, fast-paced sequel? No, but I love that LJ Andrews took the time to really dive further into the political dynamics, relationships, lore, and introduction of new characters. The last 25% of this book was insanity (in the best way) and finished super strong.
Even though this is a completed duology, LJ Andrews introduced so many lovable characters that it will be super easy for her to add to this series and focus on different character's love stories. I can't wait.
A sincere thank you to Berkley Romance and Ace Books for gifting me a finished copy ahead of its release.
📖 Early Reader Review 📖
🗓️ Pub date: March 24, 2026
⚔️ Dark fantasy romance
⚔️ 1st person POV
⚔️ Villain gets the girl
⚔️ Found family
⚔️ Political intrigue
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Broken Souls and Bones is one of my favorite reads of 2025, so I went into this book with extremely high hopes and expectations. I was HOOKED from start to finish. LJ Andrews’ writing is addictive.
I love everything about this duology—the magic system is unique, the romance is PERFECTION, the characters are multi-dimensional, the found family is fantastic, and the story was interesting and captivating. LJ Andrews writes deeply flawed but lovable characters. I'm obsessed with all of them (that includes every side character).
I need to take a second to really talk about the romance in this book and duology. It hits SO HARD. I love that they both found so much self love and acceptance in one another. Yes, he may be the villain but he's her villain 😭😤 also, the shadows?! We were truly fed this book, and the multi-POV added so much depth to both characters.
Was this a super action-packed, fast-paced sequel? No, but I love that LJ Andrews took the time to really dive further into the political dynamics, relationships, lore, and introduction of new characters. The last 25% of this book was insanity (in the best way) and finished super strong.
Even though this is a completed duology, LJ Andrews introduced so many lovable characters that it will be super easy for her to add to this series and focus on different character's love stories. I can't wait.
A sincere thank you to Berkley Romance and Ace Books for gifting me a finished copy ahead of its release.
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.
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.
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.
April 9, 2026
Rating: 2.5 if I’m being kind.
That was it? Is this supposed to be the grand conclusion? Because everything about this felt like it suffered from the classical middle-book syndrome.
I liked the first book, my biggest complaint were that I didn’t enjoy the male narrator for the audio version, so I chose to read the e-book this time. But that left me with other problems.
I loved that the author included a recap chapter, that should be a standard to every single book in a series. But then the pacing was dreadful, and given that I physically read this time around, that became more prominent.
A lot of time and effort was put into the world building and magic system, which I appreciate, but it came at the expense of the pacing, because it felt like nothing happened for the majority of the book.
I also thought that there would be more groveling from Roark after the end of the first book, but that was also resolved very quickly.
I was under the impression that this was at least a trilogy, but then the “grand finale” happened and that just felt so anticlimactic. All that buildup and then instead of going out with a bang, it was more like a whimper.
That was it? Is this supposed to be the grand conclusion? Because everything about this felt like it suffered from the classical middle-book syndrome.
I liked the first book, my biggest complaint were that I didn’t enjoy the male narrator for the audio version, so I chose to read the e-book this time. But that left me with other problems.
I loved that the author included a recap chapter, that should be a standard to every single book in a series. But then the pacing was dreadful, and given that I physically read this time around, that became more prominent.
A lot of time and effort was put into the world building and magic system, which I appreciate, but it came at the expense of the pacing, because it felt like nothing happened for the majority of the book.
I also thought that there would be more groveling from Roark after the end of the first book, but that was also resolved very quickly.
I was under the impression that this was at least a trilogy, but then the “grand finale” happened and that just felt so anticlimactic. All that buildup and then instead of going out with a bang, it was more like a whimper.
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!
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!
April 13, 2026
I had pretty high hopes for this after devouring Broken Souls and Bones, and while this did deliver, I didn't feel the same spark. BUT, I still had a really great time!
I binged the first 40% in one sitting and I probably could've finished it in two but life kept getting in the way. The writing is concise and easy to read, and the plot is quick moving without much extra fluff, making it a fast-paced and exciting read. The world-building is easy to grasp without dumps or intricate long-winded explanations.
Heir of Twisted Lies barely lets up—the mystery, dread, tension and looming battle kept me on the edge of my seat. Also the romance, spice and found family is chef's kiss. The new characters and dynamics were super fun and only added to the wholesomeness already present amongst the characters in this world.
My favourite thing about this book, though, was the magic. It's so fascinating and still feels unique, especially with how everything connected in the end. At first, I felt like things lined up a little too well with a lot of aspects in the book, but I was able to justify it since it was literally prophesied, so that helped! I also feel like I can't not mention Roark's shadow counterpart. I was totally captivated every time he appeared with his haunting and unsettling aura and incredible power that he displayed, in many ways... 😏
Overall, this was a satisfying and fun conclusion to the duology! This world and these characters are breath of fresh air when it comes to romantasy. Highly recommend for a fast-paced and entertaining read.
-
Obsessed with this cover! I can't wait 🤭
I binged the first 40% in one sitting and I probably could've finished it in two but life kept getting in the way. The writing is concise and easy to read, and the plot is quick moving without much extra fluff, making it a fast-paced and exciting read. The world-building is easy to grasp without dumps or intricate long-winded explanations.
Heir of Twisted Lies barely lets up—the mystery, dread, tension and looming battle kept me on the edge of my seat. Also the romance, spice and found family is chef's kiss. The new characters and dynamics were super fun and only added to the wholesomeness already present amongst the characters in this world.
My favourite thing about this book, though, was the magic. It's so fascinating and still feels unique, especially with how everything connected in the end. At first, I felt like things lined up a little too well with a lot of aspects in the book, but I was able to justify it since it was literally prophesied, so that helped! I also feel like I can't not mention Roark's shadow counterpart. I was totally captivated every time he appeared with his haunting and unsettling aura and incredible power that he displayed, in many ways... 😏
Overall, this was a satisfying and fun conclusion to the duology! This world and these characters are breath of fresh air when it comes to romantasy. Highly recommend for a fast-paced and entertaining read.
-
Obsessed with this cover! I can't wait 🤭
April 27, 2026
[Thank you Ace for the free advance review copy.]
*marks out favorite LJ Andrews couple and adds Roark and Lyra*
(feeling like a MAJOR traitor to Kase and Malin at the moment)
I read When Fate is Cruel right before I picked up this book. It is a novella, and part 2 gives you a glimpse at Roark and Lyra’s childhood and scenes that shaped the current story. I strongly feel that reading it is a MUST because I was so emotionally invested going in. By the time I picked up Heir of Twisted Lies all I cared about was that Roark and Lyra burned the world down and all those who wronged them.
I am happy to report THE BOOK DELIVERED. This book was immersive, addicting and HOT HOT HOT.
Heir of Twisted Lies was a dark, shadowy, gory good time full of unexpected friendships, droolworthy body worshiping, and tear jerking puzzle pieces. I loved every minute of it. I am so excited for everyone else to see the secrets and new relationships LJ unveils.
*marks out favorite LJ Andrews couple and adds Roark and Lyra*
(feeling like a MAJOR traitor to Kase and Malin at the moment)
I read When Fate is Cruel right before I picked up this book. It is a novella, and part 2 gives you a glimpse at Roark and Lyra’s childhood and scenes that shaped the current story. I strongly feel that reading it is a MUST because I was so emotionally invested going in. By the time I picked up Heir of Twisted Lies all I cared about was that Roark and Lyra burned the world down and all those who wronged them.
I am happy to report THE BOOK DELIVERED. This book was immersive, addicting and HOT HOT HOT.
Heir of Twisted Lies was a dark, shadowy, gory good time full of unexpected friendships, droolworthy body worshiping, and tear jerking puzzle pieces. I loved every minute of it. I am so excited for everyone else to see the secrets and new relationships LJ unveils.
February 28, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC for this book releasing March 2026.
This is the follow up to Broken Souls and Bones, and picks right up after the big plot twist/cliffhanger.
Lyra no longer knows who to trust. Framed for killing a king, her lover turns out to also be the dark assassin she’s been running from and she’s captured and on the way towards Draven. Roark ended up having a split soul and he is also Skul Drek - on top of that, he is the long lost prince of Draven. So, Lyra feels betrayed. But she can’t denies she still loves him. As they go to this new kingdom, Lyra is immediately hated because of her magic as a melder. Immediately her life is in danger, subject to politics and councils. She meets the Queen - Roark’s mother - and they learn more about the past that started the whole chain reaction of conflict and war when Lyra and Roark were only children. As tensions rise and new enemies emerge, Lyra must decide who she is fighting for, and if her bond with Roark is salvageable now that she knows his dark side as well.
I preferred the first book. I found the pacing in this one to be too drawn out for me, and it was dragging. I started skimming a bit around 55%. I like the representation of having a mute MMC, and the split soul - duality was an interesting touch. I just didn’t feel as drawn in with this book as the first, but I’m glad to get to the conclusion of it all.
This is the follow up to Broken Souls and Bones, and picks right up after the big plot twist/cliffhanger.
Lyra no longer knows who to trust. Framed for killing a king, her lover turns out to also be the dark assassin she’s been running from and she’s captured and on the way towards Draven. Roark ended up having a split soul and he is also Skul Drek - on top of that, he is the long lost prince of Draven. So, Lyra feels betrayed. But she can’t denies she still loves him. As they go to this new kingdom, Lyra is immediately hated because of her magic as a melder. Immediately her life is in danger, subject to politics and councils. She meets the Queen - Roark’s mother - and they learn more about the past that started the whole chain reaction of conflict and war when Lyra and Roark were only children. As tensions rise and new enemies emerge, Lyra must decide who she is fighting for, and if her bond with Roark is salvageable now that she knows his dark side as well.
I preferred the first book. I found the pacing in this one to be too drawn out for me, and it was dragging. I started skimming a bit around 55%. I like the representation of having a mute MMC, and the split soul - duality was an interesting touch. I just didn’t feel as drawn in with this book as the first, but I’m glad to get to the conclusion of it all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2026
Less than a week until publication!! My review is below :)
What an excellent conclusion to this story. Everything wrapped up so well. This is such a unique magic system and the stakes revolving around the magic system were interesting. I loved getting to the point where everything started to unravel and we learn about the past and how it impacted the present and future. I never knew what was coming next and I loved the journey.
We finally get the interactions between kingdoms!!! The new POV in this book was incredible and really enhanced what we knew from book one. We got more of the relationship and bond between Lyra and Roark of course and I love them together. Roark is such a protective MMC that he can do no wrong in my eyes. I love that Lyra fought for her heart but retained the stubborn fierceness that I loved about her character. I would be remiss though if I didn’t mention that my favorite part was the found family, because it highlighted so well the impact the bonds that go beyond blood throughout the entire book. Overall, I highly recommend this book and book one.
~I received this eARC free from NetGalley. Thank you to Berkley/Ace and LJ Andrews! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given ~
What an excellent conclusion to this story. Everything wrapped up so well. This is such a unique magic system and the stakes revolving around the magic system were interesting. I loved getting to the point where everything started to unravel and we learn about the past and how it impacted the present and future. I never knew what was coming next and I loved the journey.
We finally get the interactions between kingdoms!!! The new POV in this book was incredible and really enhanced what we knew from book one. We got more of the relationship and bond between Lyra and Roark of course and I love them together. Roark is such a protective MMC that he can do no wrong in my eyes. I love that Lyra fought for her heart but retained the stubborn fierceness that I loved about her character. I would be remiss though if I didn’t mention that my favorite part was the found family, because it highlighted so well the impact the bonds that go beyond blood throughout the entire book. Overall, I highly recommend this book and book one.
~I received this eARC free from NetGalley. Thank you to Berkley/Ace and LJ Andrews! My opinions are my own and voluntarily given ~
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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.
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.
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
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
March 24, 2026
LJ Andrews once again delivers.
This final installment perfectly ties together the duology, bringing Roarke and Lyra’s story to a deeply satisfying close. We rejoin them as they journey to Dravenmoor, Roarke’s homeland, where he must answer to the Queen and council for the events of the first book. What unfolds is a path layered in tension, reckoning, and transformation.
As they travel, their relationship deepens in a way that feels both raw and earned. There is chaos and beauty in their connection…hard edges softened by quiet, intimate moments. They are as fierce as they are fragile, and that duality makes every interaction compelling.
The Norse-inspired magic system really shines, weaving together blood, bone, and soul magic into something vivid and haunting. It adds richness and danger to the world, elevating the stakes at every turn. Lyra, in particular, undergoes a powerful evolution, her growth into a formidable FMC is both believable and inspiring.
The supporting cast brings depth and heart, delivering a strong sense of found family that balances the darker tones of the story. Across the Stonegate series, Andrews masterfully explores the power of bonds, what we are willing to sacrifice, destroy, and become for the people we love.
If you’re a dark romantasy reader who craves:
• First-person, multi-POV storytelling
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Forbidden love and forced proximity
• Unique, immersive magic systems
• Found family dynamics
• Shadowy intrigue and “touch her and 💀’’ energy
…then this series belongs on your shelf.
LJ Andrews remains an auto-buy author for me, and this latest release stands among her best.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
*Side note: In my humble opinion… we absolutely need a Thane spin-off. Immediately. K, thanks!
This final installment perfectly ties together the duology, bringing Roarke and Lyra’s story to a deeply satisfying close. We rejoin them as they journey to Dravenmoor, Roarke’s homeland, where he must answer to the Queen and council for the events of the first book. What unfolds is a path layered in tension, reckoning, and transformation.
As they travel, their relationship deepens in a way that feels both raw and earned. There is chaos and beauty in their connection…hard edges softened by quiet, intimate moments. They are as fierce as they are fragile, and that duality makes every interaction compelling.
The Norse-inspired magic system really shines, weaving together blood, bone, and soul magic into something vivid and haunting. It adds richness and danger to the world, elevating the stakes at every turn. Lyra, in particular, undergoes a powerful evolution, her growth into a formidable FMC is both believable and inspiring.
The supporting cast brings depth and heart, delivering a strong sense of found family that balances the darker tones of the story. Across the Stonegate series, Andrews masterfully explores the power of bonds, what we are willing to sacrifice, destroy, and become for the people we love.
If you’re a dark romantasy reader who craves:
• First-person, multi-POV storytelling
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Forbidden love and forced proximity
• Unique, immersive magic systems
• Found family dynamics
• Shadowy intrigue and “touch her and 💀’’ energy
…then this series belongs on your shelf.
LJ Andrews remains an auto-buy author for me, and this latest release stands among her best.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
*Side note: In my humble opinion… we absolutely need a Thane spin-off. Immediately. K, thanks!
May 3, 2026
Heir of Twisted Lies is an imperfect sequel to the Stonegate duology. While fun and fast-paced it also felt a bit chaotic.
In this sequel, we see Lyra, Roark, and their friends battle against the malevolent melder Fadey. There's a few revelations, but nothing shocking or groundbreaking here. Still, I enjoyed this end to the duology.
Lyra and Thane see the most character development. It's interesting to see her grapple with her darker inclinations. Thanes friendship with Roark is a highlight still in this found family.
The pacing felt very uneven; the first half of the book is much slower paced than the last half, where it feels the ending is thrown at you relatively quickly. Not only does it feel a bit rushed, but the last few chapters are utter chaos. That being said, I really enjoyed the ending after the final battle. Everything wraps up exceedingly well.
Problems aside, this was still a fun romantasy. If you liked the first one you will like this one. Nothing ground breaking or particularly memorable but it is a good time while you're reading it.
In this sequel, we see Lyra, Roark, and their friends battle against the malevolent melder Fadey. There's a few revelations, but nothing shocking or groundbreaking here. Still, I enjoyed this end to the duology.
Lyra and Thane see the most character development. It's interesting to see her grapple with her darker inclinations. Thanes friendship with Roark is a highlight still in this found family.
The pacing felt very uneven; the first half of the book is much slower paced than the last half, where it feels the ending is thrown at you relatively quickly. Not only does it feel a bit rushed, but the last few chapters are utter chaos. That being said, I really enjoyed the ending after the final battle. Everything wraps up exceedingly well.
Problems aside, this was still a fun romantasy. If you liked the first one you will like this one. Nothing ground breaking or particularly memorable but it is a good time while you're reading it.
April 12, 2026
yeah I should’ve dnf’d this unfortunately. the same thing happened in both books but just in a different setting. I wasn’t connected to the characters nor wanted to root for them. the magic system got even more confusing I had a hard time following what was happening. sadly this wasn’t for me.
ty netgalley for the e-arc.
ty netgalley for the e-arc.
March 19, 2026
Going with 4.5!
“𝑩𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓, 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒔.”
God bless LJ for the recaps she gives at the start of her books.
This book feels like LJ pushes through a whole new boundary. The fights are more gruesome, the spice more steamy, the magic more unique, the found family and connection more heartfelt.
This author can truly do no wrong in my eyes! And she proves that to us time and time again with these incredible stories and couples. Every time I think I don’t have room to love a couple more, I end up finding the room. I especially love the dynamic of Roark and Lyra in this book. The dual pov really allows us to get a feel for the obsession they have for each other, and I love seeing how the complement one another. Roark gives Lyra some space to let her dark and vicious side out, while Lyra allows Roark to soften his edges.
-a divided soul
-soul bonds
-unique magic
-hunt for magical bones
-bonded wolves
-prophecy
I absolutely love the way she leaves the worlds “open” at the end of her books. She is so good at making us fall in love with all of these characters it is so exciting to guess who might get the spotlight in the coming books.
“𝑩𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒂𝒔 𝒎𝒚 𝒗𝒊𝒍𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒂𝒗𝒊𝒐𝒓, 𝒎𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒑𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒔.”
God bless LJ for the recaps she gives at the start of her books.
This book feels like LJ pushes through a whole new boundary. The fights are more gruesome, the spice more steamy, the magic more unique, the found family and connection more heartfelt.
This author can truly do no wrong in my eyes! And she proves that to us time and time again with these incredible stories and couples. Every time I think I don’t have room to love a couple more, I end up finding the room. I especially love the dynamic of Roark and Lyra in this book. The dual pov really allows us to get a feel for the obsession they have for each other, and I love seeing how the complement one another. Roark gives Lyra some space to let her dark and vicious side out, while Lyra allows Roark to soften his edges.
-a divided soul
-soul bonds
-unique magic
-hunt for magical bones
-bonded wolves
-prophecy
I absolutely love the way she leaves the worlds “open” at the end of her books. She is so good at making us fall in love with all of these characters it is so exciting to guess who might get the spotlight in the coming books.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you PRH audio for the free audiobook + Berkley publishing for the gifted e-arc 🫶
4.5⭐️
💭: This was a great conclusion to the duology! It picks up right where book 1 leaves off, and it’s pretty fast paced all the way through! I really enjoyed the magic system in this duology. I found it very unique and refreshing. I continued to enjoy the relationship between the FMC and MMC. I think the fact that the MMC speaks using sign language made their connection even better! Their communication seemed so much more intentional and intimate. The book continues with the political scheming and definitely throws a few curve balls. I enjoyed seeing the meaning of the prophecy unfold. I was very satisfied with how the story concludes!
🎧: this is dual narration by Lindsey Dorcus and Will Thorne and it’s fantastic! I love their accents and they both do their respective male/female voices so well. I would definitely recommend the audio. It helped me learn how to pronounce some of the words in the book.
4.5⭐️
💭: This was a great conclusion to the duology! It picks up right where book 1 leaves off, and it’s pretty fast paced all the way through! I really enjoyed the magic system in this duology. I found it very unique and refreshing. I continued to enjoy the relationship between the FMC and MMC. I think the fact that the MMC speaks using sign language made their connection even better! Their communication seemed so much more intentional and intimate. The book continues with the political scheming and definitely throws a few curve balls. I enjoyed seeing the meaning of the prophecy unfold. I was very satisfied with how the story concludes!
🎧: this is dual narration by Lindsey Dorcus and Will Thorne and it’s fantastic! I love their accents and they both do their respective male/female voices so well. I would definitely recommend the audio. It helped me learn how to pronounce some of the words in the book.
April 14, 2026
I liked this book a little less than the first one but it is still such an addictive and fast paced story filled with so many twists and turns. The magic system was one of my favorite parts especially the bone magic because I have never read anything like it before. The found family trope is done so beautifully here and I genuinely love every single side character.
Really hoping Thane gets his own book!
And I am not even going to talk about Roark. He cannot speak and uses gestures to communicate but the MY WIFE and touch her and die energy is on a completely different level. I am obsessed 🖤
Really hoping Thane gets his own book!
And I am not even going to talk about Roark. He cannot speak and uses gestures to communicate but the MY WIFE and touch her and die energy is on a completely different level. I am obsessed 🖤
April 4, 2026
Sometimes there is just not enough story to tell for more than one book.
February 15, 2026
Heir of Twisted Lies is everything I want in a dark romantasy finale and somehow, it still left me wishing this duology never had to end. Roark Ashwood may have just claimed permanent residency as my newest book boyfriend. His darkness isn’t softened or excused, it’s embraced. He is broody, morally gray, and deliciously villainous in the most addicting way. What makes his character even more powerful is that he’s mute, communicating through ‘hand speak.’ How one word repeated three times (TAP TAP TAP) could leave the reader swooning can only be explained by L.J. Andrews brilliant writing. She writes these moments with such vivid emotional clarity that you can feel every word he doesn’t speak. The tension, the longing, the intimacy between Roark and Lyra is magnetic, built as much through silence as it is through action. Lyra is equally compelling. She’s strong without being loud, introverted, and shaped by social anxiety, but none of those traits are treated as weaknesses. Instead, they sharpen her resilience and deepen her strength. Watching her accept not only her own darkness but Roark’s as well was one of the most satisfying emotional arcs in the story. The Viking-inspired world and Norse mythology elements create a rich, immersive backdrop, paired with a unique magic system that feels both fresh and intentional. Andrews masterfully layers in twists-some you slowly piece together alongside the characters, and others that hit with brutal precision. I loved how the breadcrumbs were there all along, making every betrayal and revelation feel earned and devastating in real time. The found family dynamic and final battle sequences were among my favorite parts of the book. The emotional stakes feel enormous, and every choice carries weight. And while I adore sprawling fantasy series, there’s something incredibly satisfying about a completed duology that delivers a full, impactful story without filler. This was dark, emotional, twisty, and deeply romantic in a way that lingers. Andrews continues to prove she excels at writing morally gray men, emotionally complex heroines, and love stories that thrive in the shadows. I didn’t want this story to end, and that might be the highest praise I can give. I received a complementary advanced review copy from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 27, 2026
"Why are you surprised my depravity worships you?"
4.5 stars of blood, death, and Sophie crying
Roark Ashwood. My hunter. My protector. My lover. My liar.
This was everything I wanted from book 2 in a duology. It was filled with tension, romance, action, heartbreak, and violence. Roark was just perfectly depraved in this one and I was living for it. I love him.
My ally. My protector. My villain.
We start right off where book 1 ended, which I won’t mention because it’s a big spoiler for book 1, but also, why are you reading this without having read book 1! I really love LJ’s writing and world-building. It was super immersive and well-explained. Roark and Lyra had great chemistry and passion, but stood as their own characters too.
"I do not know how much longer I can keep my darker soul at bay should anyone else disrespect you. Stay close."
There was phantom hands in this and I’m a sucker for a good phantom hand appearance. So the spice was spicing throughout the book
"With your bond, he will only see you. For in our darkest halves is where our obsession lies.”
I absolutely loved getting to meet Roark’s friends from when he was young, and to learn that they were learning hand speak for him!! And all the women fighters, who weren’t looked down on, I would love to see that more in books
Dedication: To anyone afraid to show their jagged edges. You brighten the night for those who see your darkness and love it anyway.
Thank you so much to Berkley Pub and the author for this ARC!
4.5 stars of blood, death, and Sophie crying
Roark Ashwood. My hunter. My protector. My lover. My liar.
This was everything I wanted from book 2 in a duology. It was filled with tension, romance, action, heartbreak, and violence. Roark was just perfectly depraved in this one and I was living for it. I love him.
My ally. My protector. My villain.
We start right off where book 1 ended, which I won’t mention because it’s a big spoiler for book 1, but also, why are you reading this without having read book 1! I really love LJ’s writing and world-building. It was super immersive and well-explained. Roark and Lyra had great chemistry and passion, but stood as their own characters too.
"I do not know how much longer I can keep my darker soul at bay should anyone else disrespect you. Stay close."
There was phantom hands in this and I’m a sucker for a good phantom hand appearance. So the spice was spicing throughout the book
"With your bond, he will only see you. For in our darkest halves is where our obsession lies.”
I absolutely loved getting to meet Roark’s friends from when he was young, and to learn that they were learning hand speak for him!! And all the women fighters, who weren’t looked down on, I would love to see that more in books
Dedication: To anyone afraid to show their jagged edges. You brighten the night for those who see your darkness and love it anyway.
Thank you so much to Berkley Pub and the author for this ARC!
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.
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.
March 31, 2026
There is something so special about found family when people should dislike one another because they are from opposing sides, yet they all love and support one another more than their blood family. I really enjoyed that aspect ❤️. And also mister spooky, shadowy "My Wife" Roark 🔥 I have to say, for a man who cannot speak he sure has lots of conversations 🙈
I really enjoyed this story. The final battle scene was intense, heartbreaking yet satisfying and the epilogue made me tear up. Beautifully done
I really enjoyed this story. The final battle scene was intense, heartbreaking yet satisfying and the epilogue made me tear up. Beautifully done
May 2, 2026
I didn't do a re-read, because I felt like I remembered everything well enough, but to my surprise there was actually a recap of Broken Souls and Bones in the beginning, but after reading the recap, I wanted to do a re-read, and not because it wasn't thorough, but it reminded me how much I loved the first book and I wanted to revisit it. But, I have like 500 books I want to read, so maybe another time I'll re-read the series.
Roark is so sweet. I really love him.
Roark is so sweet. I really love him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 915 reviews