When Fate is Cruel: A Short Story Collection

by L.J. Andrews

What if the villain in every tale is fate itselfWelcome to a special short story collection from the worlds of LJ Andrews.
Part 1: The Ever SeasErik Bloodsinger never wanted to live in a cruel kingdom that was desperate to shape their scarred, young king into someone ruthless.

But fate is cruel sometimes.

Perhaps vengeance for his fallen father is what drives the young Ever King, but there are secrets Bloodsinger and his crew keep in the shadows to survive the cruel twists of fate in the Ever Seas.

Enjoy the backstory of a boy king forced to bear the burden of a crown too soon. This story reveals events from the death of King Thorvald up to the days after the earth and sea fae war.

See more of Bloodsinger, Gavyn, Tidecaller, Heartwalker, Sewell, and even some secret allies in the mists of the sea and the lands where songbirds sing.
Part 2: Broken Souls and Bones
Roark Ashwood rose in power behind the walls of the royal fortress of Stonegate, even as an orphan from the enemy clan. He’s formidable, ruthless, and the only remnant of his lost voice is the scar across his neck.

But what vicious twists of fate brought the Sentry of Stonegate to enemy gates? What was his life before he fell into silence and bloodlust?

Enjoy the backstory of Roark Ashwood in the months leading up to the melder raids that left him bleeding and dying at the gates of Stonegate, only to survive by the mercy of a mischievous prince.

Fall into the Realms of Stìgandr and the dark secrets of Roark Ashwood.

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Fae, Novella, Found Family, Pirates, Magic

222 pages, ebook

First published January 22, 2026

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Laura Jane ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Dedicated to those who think their sharper edges will never be loved.'

This book is broken into two short stories. The first follows Erik Bloodsinger from the Ever Seas Series and the second follows Roark Ashwood from the Stone Gate duology.

The Ever (Part one):
The Ever Seas is such a feel good fantasy series for me. I read Erik and Livias' duet in this series way back in March 2024 and I loved it. Going back through Erik's childhood was actually heartbreaking - from his story I knew it would be traumatic but damn my heart hurts for him and all he endured from such a young age.
Erik is one of my favorite kidnapping Kings of the Ever Seas - oh wait, he is the one and only. He truly deserves to be protected from day one. The last 7 chapters of this were my favourite coming from Eriks POV.
Also, loved how this was told through him sharing his past with Livia in their present day 🥹
I cannot wait to get Tait's book too! 'You're never going to touch him again.

Realms of Stìgandr (Part two):
I have to admit I wasn't obsessed with broken souls and bones but I did really enjoy Roark's character so I was looking forward to learning about his backstory. Honestly, I actually wasn’t expecting to enjoy this part as much as I did. It was really sweet to get Roark and Lyra meeting in the past but it was also so sad what he endured and sacrificed so young 🥺 it definitely offered great insight to follow into reading book 2 of this duet, if you were planning to pick it up.

Book is due out 22nd January 2026! I would highly recommend reading the Ever Seas (books 1 and 2) and Broken Souls and Bones first - or you will have spoilers and it honestly won't mean anything to you - you’ll just be reading random stuff you don’t understand. Overall I think if you enjoyed these books then this novella will definitely be a hit and is worth reading! Two good short stories, nothing life changing but a nice addition to these worlds!!

Thank you to LJ Andrews for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review 🤍

Please check content warnings before diving in!

[Sophie (lambsbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Ever

“I want every cruel and ugly truth, Serpent.”

4.75 stars

The boy complied and let his eyes close. In his dreams he only released a few whimpers, a few silent tears.

This book really said “I’ll live up to my name.”

I for sure cried in the first 10%. Phew.

This was such a great backstory for both Erik and Tait (for Tait’s upcoming book, The Stolen Crown, which I can't wait), and poor Erik made me want to cry the whole time, like, what an upbringing!! I absolutely hated his father (I was raging reading about him) and all the, omg, the torture he went through so young. Guys, what?? I’m crying.

I’m still sad I haven’t gotten around to reading the other books, set before the Ever series, with Livia’s parents (and more), and this made me want to read it even more (even though I said the same thing when I read The Ever King, Queen, and Mist Thief. But I have started buying them!). Honestly, I’m just a bucket of lies. I will read them eventually, and then I will reread all of the others too lmao

Anyway, this was such a great short story to fill the backstory gap and see through a few POVs what happened to Erik as a child, then as a teen.

Realms of Stigandr

4.75 stars

For the silver-eyed melder girl, I’d do every cruel act to keep her.

Backstory for our fav, silent MMC with a morally grey complex?? Yes. This one does have major spoilers for Broken Souls and Bones, so don’t be reading this without having read that one, and I am so glad that I have an ARC of Heir of Twisted Lies because between the cliffhanger in Broken Souls and Bones and this one, I am immediately jumping into that one next! I loved seeing little Roark and his brother, which was just so fucking sad

Sometimes what is best for the ones we love is to let them go.

I don’t have anything to say except FATE IS CRUEL. This backstory was everything I wanted it to be and more.

Thank you SO MUCH to the author and The Realm Studios for this eARC and PR Box!! I died when it arrived, I can tell you that much lmao

[⋆˚ Belinda ˚⋆ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Perfect 🤩

Before diving into this book of two novellas, make sure you’ve read The Ever King (Ever Seas Series) and Broken Souls and Bones (Stonegate Series) by L.J. Andrews first—they set the stage perfectly and you don’t want spoilers.

Part 1: Erik’s story broke me. We finally get a front-row seat to how the bright, big-hearted child heir becomes the cold, vengeful King of the Ever Kingdom. The story of his imprisonment with Steig and the events that shaped him was heartbreaking and powerful.

Part 2: Roark’s past… and the night he first met Lyra (oh my heart!). This glimpse into his childhood adds so much depth to a character I already love.

Both novellas pull back the curtain on these amazing characters and make you feel every ounce of their pain and resilience.

Thank you for the eARC—I adored returning to these worlds and can’t wait to see what’s next in the Ever Kingdom and Stígandr realms.

[Cassie Nosko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much LJ Andrews for providing me with the opportunity to read this book in advanced 🥹 This earc was devoured!

In this short story/novella we get an in-depth look at the past of both MMCs from The Ever Seas (Erik) and Roark from Broken Souls and Bones!

‼️ I would strongly recommend reading The Ever Seas & Broken Souls and Bones first before devouring this short story/novella ‼️

This short story/ novella gutted me in the best way possible. First we start off with Erik; we get a deep look into his past as a child and everything he endured. My heart shattered all over again for him!

Next we have Roark... Roark Roark Roark I could just read about him all day everyday 🤤

This book was jam packed with emotions and a definite must read if you are a fan of LJ Andrews!

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me tell you that When Fate is Cruel by LJ Andrews is a set of two novellas. One from The Ever Seas World and the other from the Stonegate world.

While you can read it by itself the author is practically begging you to read The Ever King and Broken Souls and Bones before the relevant novella as they are prequel stories for our MMCs and will spoil the main stories for you.

✨️Now to the important stuff....

This book was quite literally everything I wanted it to be. Roark's story was so sad and beautiful and I loved it.

BUT the star of the show for me was Erik's backstory.

Listen, I already read all of the books in this world. (They're some of my favorite books). I know very well what happened to our beloved Bloodsinger and Heartwalker, and somehow, this still broke my heart.

I'm telling you right now.... you don't hate the adults who raised Erik and Tait enough. Their stories are absolutely devastating.

The fact that they could possibly bounce back from everything they went through is amazing.

Aside from hurting my soul, this book did two things:

1. It made me even more excited for the Stolen Crown

&

2. It made me so much more hopeful that LJ Andrews might someday give us a story about Stieg 🤞

Thank you so much for an e-arc of this book!

[Thenerdypsych · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautiful and heartbreaking.

The first part of the novella throws you into The Ever, shining a light on the depravity that created The Serpent. Nearly every adult in Erik's childhood took advantage of his kind heart and attempted to smother every ounce of goodness within him. Fortunately, compassion prevails as a girl with a storybook shows him that The Songbird and The Serpent don't have to be enemies. I loved reading about the first time they met despite the horrors he experienced in the lead up to it.

The second part of the novella picks up right where we left off in Broken Souls and Bones. Lyra despising Roark for all of the secrets he kept from her. As Roark realises the only way forward is to tell her everything, he reflects on how their paths first crossed more than a decade ago. As the secret second heir of the Draven, pre-teen Roark desired glory and to prove himself to his clan. When the melder is located and his clan makes moves to eradicate her before falling into the enemy's hands, Roark decides he wants to be the one to send her to Salur to prove his worth. What he doesn't predict, is that the melder girl is his. Through a series of devastating events, the girl is lost, his brother is gone, and he is mutilated before being sent into the enemies hands. I am sooo excited for Heir of Twisted Lies now that Lyra knows everything and Roark is out for revenge against those who separated them all those years ago.

Reading this felt like reading Assassin's Blade. I knew some of what happened to make Erik and Roark so broken, but reading it retrospectively was incredibly emotional.

✨Thank you LJ for trusting me with an early copy, it was excellent. My views are my own ✨

[Andrea Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARC review. I want to thank LJ Andrews for allowing me the chance to read this book ahead of release day!

Bloodsinger’s background is heartbreaking at best. He never knew what true kindness and love was like from an older male family member. It is hard to ensure you are The King your people need if you are groomed from birth.

Roark was..arrogant at best! He truly wanted to step up for his people but was too young to understand he was not ready for that kind of responsibility yet. With his brother so willing to show him the way and love him through his stubbornness he was able to save his melder.

I loved getting both of their backstories and just want to live in the magical world itself. Maybe not be royal since the drama is on a 10 at all times but be in the friendship circle that is loyal to a fault.

[Rachel (rachelsreadingromance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to LJ Andrews for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. Loved it! 4.5 stars

IMPORTANT: Before reading this book, you need to read The Ever King (The Ever Seas series) and Broken Souls and Bones (Stonegate series) to avoid major spoilers. This novella includes backstories for each book’s male protagonist.

🖤Part 1: Erik’s backstory🖤
Erik has been my book boyfriend since The Ever King, and his traumatic backstory only made me love him even more. 🥹 It was heartbreaking to witness the abuse and manipulation he endured at such a young age. The novella features younger versions of familiar characters, but my favorite was Erik’s cousin, Tait Heartwalker. Seeing their complicated relationship and Tait’s own troubled childhood sets us up for the next book in the series, The Stolen Crown.

💙Part 2: Roark’s backstory💙
Roark’s story is beautifully written and provides additional insight into the months leading up to the search for the young melder. Experiencing a younger, overly confident, 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 version of Roark was a highlight. We also get a more detailed account of his first interactions with Lyra. This story left me with lingering questions that I cannot wait to find out answers to in the next book.

[Erin | the.gremlin.reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Fate Is Cruel by LJ Andrews is a novella in two parts and must be read after The Ever King and Broken Souls and Bones in order be understood. I can’t stress this enough! These are prequel novellas providing insightful backstories for our MMCs. Both contain spoilers and will come across as fragmented if not read in the proper order.

That being said — I’ll take any excuse to spend time revisiting the worlds (and men) that LJ’s written! Roark stole the show for me, though. I’m not sure if it’s because of my upcoming ARC for Heir of Twisted Lies but the insights, while heartbreaking, felt profound and useful.

When Fate is Cruel releases January 22nd, 2026 and is perfect for fans of The Ever Seas and Stonegate that are happy to eat up whatever LJ feeds us. It’s a quick read that further reveals the many layers and pains of Erik Bloodsinger and Roark Ashwood 🖤

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I am so grateful to have been issued an eARC for When Fate is Cruel! Thank you to LJ Andrews for providing me with this opportunity; I don’t think I could ever get enough of these worlds and characters.

The Broken Kingdoms and Ever Seas series are amongst my all time favourites. Given this novella is split into two, I paused midway to read Broken Souls and Bones (which I also loved). I was SO excited to dive back in and read some back story into Erik and Roark.

Part 1: Erik
This one dug deep and had me tearing up before the prologue had finished. The background and insight into events that took place in The Broken Kingdoms and prior to The Ever King were a very welcome addition to the existing storyline.

Part 2: Roark
Again, an emotional glimpse into the backstory of a young Roark. I feel this was a necessary addition to the main storyline and would implore readers to read this novella following Broken Souls and Bones and prior to Heir of Twisted Lies (once it is released) to add depth to the characters and a glimpse of life in Dravenmoor.

I loved this novella - it is a must read for anyone who has loved other works by LJ Andrews.

[Courtney Toolson · Rating 5 out of 5]

eARC reader:
Oh Erik & Roark, getting a glimpse into their childhoods has made the Ever King and BSAB series that much more enjoyable. 🌊 🦴

This novella added to the glimpse of their relationships and childhoods we got to see in their books. I ache for them 😫

I would highly recommend this as a read before Ever King and Broken Souls & Bone!!! If you want your heart broken over and over then read it!!!

[Rachel Geers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great for fans of the Ever Seas series and Stonegate Series. I got an ARC of it and loved it. LJ Andrews's books never disappoint. Before reading this, make sure you read Broken Souls and Bones and The Ever King and The Ever Queen. This book gives great insight on the childhoods of both Erik and Roark, both with their own struggles and tragedies.

[Gabby (La Romantica) · Rating 5 out of 5]

LJ Andrews has permanently embedded herself into my soul with her worlds and refuses to let go and honestly? I’m not fighting it. I fell headfirst in love with Erik Bloodsinger and Roark Ashwood, and I have not been the same since.

So when LJ announced we’d be journeying back into the Ever, I was THRILLED… and wow, what a journey it was. Getting their backstories, seeing how everything truly transpired, was absolutely heartbreaking yet so brilliant.

Before you dive into When Fate Is Cruel, I am BEGGING you please read The Ever King, The Ever Queen, and Broken Souls & Bones first. Yes, there will be spoilers if you don’t, and yes, you need the full emotional impact. Trust me on this.

I will forever scream about these characters, this world, and this journey. Fall in love with them the way I did it will absolutely ruin you in the best possible way.

#theeverking #ljandrews #enemiestolovers #darkfantasyromance

[Suz Park · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2/5 ⭐️, 0/5 🌶️, 0.2/5 💧

🌊 Prequel to Ever Seas Duology & Broken Souls and Bones
🌊 Complex Magic & Political Intrigue
🌊 Multiple POV

Note Regarding Reading Order: it’s important that you’ve already read the Ever King, Ever Queen, and Broken Souls and Bones before reading this novella.

If you’ve read these books, you’re already invested in reading what happened to our favorite damaged MMCs. This provided incredible insight and the prequel for the Serpent was even more heartbreaking than I was expecting - in the very best way!

I loved this so much, and I’d actually argue reading the Broken Kingdoms series would benefit you the most. I haven’t read them and often I thought there were characters and situations that I would be better prepared for if I had read them.

This is a wonderful teaser for future books while also igniting the want to reread the others.

[Natalie Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book comprises two short novellas, one about Erik from The Ever King and the other about Roark from Broken Souls and Bones. It provides background information on both characters, shedding light on the reasons behind their actions in their respective books. Both men have tragic childhoods, but Erik’s was undoubtedly more devastating and depressing. I wholeheartedly recommend reading anything written by LJ Andrews. I thoroughly enjoyed gaining insights into two of my favorite morally ambiguous characters who would go to great lengths for their women. I highly suggest reading both series before delving into the novellas.

[Brenna Popejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book broke me in all the best ways. I loved The Ever Seas and Broken Souls and Bones so much already but now I love them even more!

The short stories about Erik and Roark's past did such an amazing job of giving an even better understanding to who they are and made me somehow love them even more.

You definitely need to read The Ever King, The Ever Queen, and Broken Souls and Bones before reading this though. Otherwise there will be a lot of spoilers and it won't pack the same punch.

Thank you LJ Andrews for the ARC!

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew this would be a 5 star read before picking it up because I am in love with both the Ever Seas and Stonegate series, but what I didn’t expect was how heartbreaking this would be. Two stories with two MMC’s forced to grow up too soon and earning scars from years of cruelty and betrayals.

[Desiree Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my heart! I cannot wait to read Roark’s next book and now i wanna reread the ever king 😍😍😍

[ciana · Rating 3 out of 5]

my shayla’s :(

[Shelby Hebing · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 ⭐️

I received a copy of this novella as an ARC from the author, having loving the MMCs of The Ever Seas (Erik) and Broken Souls & Bones (Roark). Both novellas were captivating and brought me right back into the worlds from these series.

Many books withhold the backstory of their MMCs but it’s so refreshing to learn more about these males. I fully believe it helps not only develop them as characters but increases the reader’s love and understanding of who they are.

I absolutely recommend reading these back stories but only after reading at least book 1 of each series to preserve the reading experience 🫶🏼

[Rochelle ♡]

feeling forever grateful to have received an opportunity to not just read this in advance, but to have been selected to receive a pr package, too! full rtc

a massive thank you to l.j. andrews for the gifted arc.

follow me on: instagram

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading this collection of short stories about Erik and Roark in childhood. To be honest, parts of these stories are utterly heartbreaking and make you hate the “adults” in charge of these sweet children. Nivek and Tait stole the show for me- I really loved getting to read more about them. Overall I think this collection is an amazing addition to both series and takes the reader back to where we all wish to return after finishing a series that we loved!! Disclaimer you have to have read both the Ever Seas and book 1, Broken Souls and Bones of LJs newest series!

[Meg (fantasybook.adventurer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨When Fate is Cruel✨

From the freakin start, LJ had me hooked: bringing me back into a world I will always love, drawing up memories of my first time reading The Ever series, and making me swoon so happily with two of my favorite characters. The way LJ began these two pieces within was so lovely and I loved that we glimpsed the “current” before diving into the past.

In this collection where we learn the history of both Erik and Roark, LJ leads us seamlessly through these memories from other POVs as well are our MMCs. We get to witness the darkness that made them and see how, even against all attempts to destroy them, both of these men fought to maintain their kindness and compassion.

This novella certainly amps of the feelings we get during reading LJ’s Ever Seas and Stonegate series. If you love a good backstory, you’ll love this! And the cameos from some of our favorite characters made it even better! AND we get some info leading us into LJ’s next Ever Seas, book 4, The Stolen Crown. AND AND we get new info that will really boost the reveals come Heir of Twisted Lies!!

As always LJ never disappoints. She is an auto-read/auto-buy author and it’s always a delight to immerse myself in her worlds! Thank you for this gifted arc. It’s such an honor to be on your ST!

[Brandi Smallwood Uncaged Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beware…if you haven’t read The Ever Seas series and Broken Souls and Bones then this review may potentially have spoilers. If you have read these books, please read on!

If LJ Andrews' goal was to make us cry, then she has undeniably succeeded. WOW! Before the novella even started, she had me tearing up with the powerful dedication that shows her love for her wicked darlings.

“Dedicated to those who think their sharper edges will never be loved. Let’s prove you wrong, shall we?”

This collection is a masterful pairing of two distinct short stories, each one serving as an essential bridge novella within its separate, compelling series.

Part I: The Serpent’s Origin (Erik Bloodsinger)
Bridge between The Ever Seas and The Stolen Crown.
We are immediately drawn into the interconnected Ever Seas and Broken Kingdoms realms for a story that is at once sea-worthy and wicked. Anytime I get to spend with Erik Bloodsinger is time well spent, but this chapter is sure to break your heart in the best possible way.
This story delivers the perspective we never knew we needed: learning how the Serpent came to be the man and King he is today, and all those that molded him into their vision of a tyrant king. In addition to getting Erik’s POV from childhood to present, this novella perfectly sets the stage for the next book, The Stolen Crown, allowing us to dive deeper into the tragically wretched and tormented life of King Erik’s cousin, Tait. As always, LJ is consistently amazing with her world-building and character development. To be able to make readers cry over fantasy characters is truly a gift, and I’m so grateful to have been given just a little more time in the Ever and the Earth realms with all my favorites.

Part II: Fractured Devotion(Roark and Lyra)
Bridge between Broken Souls and Bones and The Heir of Twisted Lies.
Next, we shift entirely to the realms of Stígandr and head back in time to the dark Viking Romantasy setting when a young Roark accidentally meets his soul bond, Lyra. Here, we learn the depth of Roark's devotion and unwavering loyalty despite his dark history and difficult circumstances. Roark sought his brother Nivek’s help with saving Lyra. He idolized Nivek, seeing him as a hero and role model. Roark was certain he would help. This bond sets a powerful precedent for his character. The story reveals the incredible lengths Roark went to try and protect Lyra, even as children.
And then there is Prince Thane. Roark’s intentions may have been duplicitous, but his loyalty towards Thane was set in stone from the moment Roark awoke from his injury. This story provides crucial background, and readers will surely crave more about Roark and Thane's intense relationship in the upcoming The Heir of Twisted Lies, releasing on March 24, 2026.

Final Verdict
When Fate is Cruel is a vital addition for any fan of LJ Andrews' work, offering essential emotional context and backstory for two major ongoing arcs. It’s a beautifully written exploration of the trauma that shapes kings and the unexpected bonds that forge warriors. It proves that even the darkest of morally gray men have a heart that beats for someone with a ferocity so bright, it threatens to blind.

Rating: 5/5 Stars
When Fate is Cruel releases on January 22, 2026!

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

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

[Rubi · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is knows this entire book contains SPOILERS for 3 of LJ Andrews series. But just in case......SPOIL ALERT BELOW⚠️

SO HAPPY LJ Andrews gave us these 2 novellas 😍
As someone who read The Broken Kingdoms before The Ever Seas, I already had some background into Erik's childhood and capture by earth fae. But this was different. We get to see inside Erik's head and not only his but father and a few other characters that were involved in his life as a child.
Didnt know I could hate Erik's father and uncle even more but I do.....what they did to those boys was unforgivable 😡
My heart broke for lil Tait 🥺
Seeing Erik's go from an innocent child to one aiming to be as cruel as his uncle just made me upset but it explains a lot of the psychological toll his uncle and father played on his mind and what he thought a powerful King should be. Perfect segue way into The Ever Seas!
I always hated how he tried to turn Livia against her parents and how much he fought against the Fae that saved him. But this novella gives good insight into WHY he was so hellbent on that path until a songbird opened his heart to a different path 🥹

I also LOVED getting that detailed backstory on Roark's first meeting with Lyra! I absolutely hate Roark's mother but it was fascinating to see him as a little and how he wanted to make his family proud.
I loved his brother and that bond they shared. We get detailed answers as to why Roark cant speak and how he ended up where he is at the beginning of Broken Souls and Bones.....
It was so gutwrenching 😭
"Don't make her forget me." 🥺😭
That scene will live rent free in my head for a while 💔
These novellas are spoilers so suggest reading the series first. For Broken Souls and Bones this is technically a short prequel and should be read first chronologically but dont recommend it, as it does spoil the plot for the book. Definitely will be reading this again first tho when I do my BSAB rereads 🤭 haha

[Maddy Freitas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing from L.J could possibly be less than 5 stars. This novella or whatever you call a short story collection with two morally grey/black men was everything you could possibly want. And it releases on my birthday! 🎂

Erik's story:

This was devastatingly perfect. We all wanted the backstory of our Serpent, and this delivered. I'm on L.J's Street Team and part of Sigur Haven, and get her newsletters, so I've had some snippets and bonus scenes where Erik and Liv are concerned, but this backstory is absolute perfection. We know Erik was forced to be brutal and raised in anything but love, but I wasn't expecting this cruelty he faced at such a young age. It explains his behavior in The Ever Seas and part of The Broken Kingdoms, and also shows how much more meaningful his connection with Livia was. It was like stepping into the Ever Seas again and being part of it.

Roark's story:

Admittedly, BS&B is not at the level that TBK and Ever Seas are in my heart, but I do love Roark as our mute, morally black, spike her enemies heads on sticks kind of MMC. Reading this short story really made me want to go back and reread BS&B, so I downloaded the audiobook 😃 I'm especially excited for a reread since I get an ARC of book 2!! Roark's story was brutal and there's no way I can forgive his people for what they did to a young boy even if they thought it will help in the long run...he deserves better and now I finally feel that connection between him and Lyra...I just felt like something was missing in BS&B but now it's whole.

For more book recs and ratings, follow me on IG, TikTok, TOME, Fable, Goodreads and Threads all under the username @bookishsirensong Let's be friends!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 Stars
First, thank you so much to L.J. Andrews for eARC!
This was so emotional and beautifully written. I DEVOURED it. It’s a novella made up of two short stories featuring the tortured heroes from The Ever King and Broken Souls and Bones. I loved getting a glimpse at their childhoods and the events that made two of my favorite MMCs into the men they are. I HIGHLY recommend reading The Ever Seas and Broken Souls and Bones before reading this to avoid spoilers but if you’ve read those, this is a must read.

Part one follows Erik Bloodsinger. I enjoyed getting a deeper look into Erik’s past before he met his Songbird. We previously learned some of what happened in his past but I loved seeing it firsthand. My heart broke all over again for Erik and all he endured. As a bonus, we get to learn a little more about Tait as well and I can’t wait for his book later this year.

Part two follows Roark Ashwood and picks up where Broken Souls and Bones left off as he prepares to tell Lyra about his past. Roark’s story has me even more excited for Heir of Twisted Lies. His story is devastating, especially the events the led him to Stonegate but I loved reading about him meeting Lyra for the first time. I could honestly read about him all day.

If you haven’t read either series, now is the perfect time to start with book 4 of The Ever Seas releasing in October and book 2 of the Stonegate series releasing in March. Trust me, you won’t regret it! These books are epic 🩵

[Dani Fusaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Leave me in ruins, I no longer care, as long as it is you.”

This collection of novellas was everything I was hoping it would be! It follows the backstories of Erik Bloodsinger from The Ever King and Roark Ashwood from Broken Souls and Bones. Definitely read those books prior to this one though!

I thought I hated Erik’s father and uncle before, but oh my lorddddd do I hate them now. Erik’s and Tait’s stories were utterly heart-breaking. I loved getting a glimpse of their past though and I’m even more excited for The Stolen Crown in late 2026.

Roark’s story was also devastating. His past is full of trauma and heartache and this one broke my heart as well. I’m so glad I got that insight into past though because I can’t wait to immediately dive into Heir of Twisted Lies.

Overall, I highly recommend reading this if you love their worlds! It enhances their journeys and I loved getting to know their characters even more.

Thank you to LJ Andrews for the e-ARC!

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t realize how badly I needed this novella.

LJ Andrews has me so invested in both of these series that I cannot get enough.

Erik’s novella had me in tears, several times. Having read about his journey in the Broken Kingdom and in the Ever Seas, this filled in several gaps, but it just made me love him more. To know what his character has overcome, even though it is hinted, and then to get the true depths of it here… my heart. This was such a nice coming together of the stories, and it just makes me eager for Tait’s story in The Stolen Crown.

Roark’s was just as heartbreaking and intriguing. I liked learning more about his past and his relationship with his family, particularly his brother who has an air of mystery to it. It really gives the depth of where his character struggles with the different sides of him and how his love and connection with Lyra truly transcends.

It’s a perfect addition to both realms.

[Carrie · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Ever Seas Novella: 1 star.

DNF page 11. Sadly I didn't like it. To me this fell right into the "I hate this, why are we here? Should just have left it alone" category which is why I generally dislike novellas in established worlds with established characters. I was bored, didn't care after the pov switch so I stopped reading. Am I missing out on something? Did it get better? Probably, but we should have started with straight up new stuff and not the dad's pov for why we have to get rid of the mom. I read the three books out so I can imagine how that went just fine and ended up bored when the story should have been pulling me in.



The Other Series Whose Name I Cannot Recall Right Now: unrated

I read the first few paragraphs and was like "wait a minute, wasn't that book one's heroines name? Yes, yes it is" and I felt like the potential spoilers mentioned could be huge since I haven't had a chance to try that book yet. So I DNFed it for now.