What do you think?
Rate this book
The Broken Kingdoms #7
Den of Blades and Briars
She’s bound to serve her enemy for a hundred years. Now, she’s at risk of killing the man … or falling for him.
After she lands on the losing side of a war, Saga is sentenced to serve Ari Sekundär, the man she despises.
But when a botched assassination attempt puts Saga on the run with her reluctant master, they’re forced to work together to survive. Soon hate feels more like passion and disgust more like desire.
What Ari doesn't know is that falling in love with the enemy will have deadly consequences. But how can Saga tell him, if he ever gives his heart to her, it will unlock a hidden secret that can destroy the kingdom…and end her life.
The tale of the Swan Princess reimagined. This compelling New Adult Fantasy continues the bestselling world of the Broken Kingdoms as the first book in the Southern Kingdom. Welcome to a world filled with fae, Vikings, and spicy romance.
After she lands on the losing side of a war, Saga is sentenced to serve Ari Sekundär, the man she despises.
But when a botched assassination attempt puts Saga on the run with her reluctant master, they’re forced to work together to survive. Soon hate feels more like passion and disgust more like desire.
What Ari doesn't know is that falling in love with the enemy will have deadly consequences. But how can Saga tell him, if he ever gives his heart to her, it will unlock a hidden secret that can destroy the kingdom…and end her life.
The tale of the Swan Princess reimagined. This compelling New Adult Fantasy continues the bestselling world of the Broken Kingdoms as the first book in the Southern Kingdom. Welcome to a world filled with fae, Vikings, and spicy romance.
430 pages, ebook
Published February 21, 2023
2488 people are currently reading
21086 people want to read
About the author
L.J. Andrews
69 books6,936 followersWriting 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews
November 28, 2025
4.25 stars
I knew Ari was gonna be a 🔥 MMC and this book proved me right.
Ari and Saga were a pretty good match and made for a very entertaining read. Ari is one of the characters that delivers on being both goofy and ridiculous as well as vicious and dangerous, one of my favorite combos 👀 And Saga doesn't take his shit and also has so much backstory and emotional developments.
But I'm disappointed this storyline is only two books. I feel like this story has a lot of history and a lot of epic potential, more so than the first two stories, and we're only getting two books to explore it.
One of the other reasons I was really excited for this storyline was Saga being a warrior. The other two FMC's in this universe had to kind of slowly develop into some semblance of a fighter and even then they're not particularly skilled, so I was looking forward to an FMC that was a warrior badass, and that is not what was delivered here. It does seem like LJ is purposefully making her FMC's more of a damsel to start, and I'm not sure how I feel about that in these settings.
But regardless of that, I'm eating up these books like nobody's business ❤️
I knew Ari was gonna be a 🔥 MMC and this book proved me right.
Ari and Saga were a pretty good match and made for a very entertaining read. Ari is one of the characters that delivers on being both goofy and ridiculous as well as vicious and dangerous, one of my favorite combos 👀 And Saga doesn't take his shit and also has so much backstory and emotional developments.
But I'm disappointed this storyline is only two books. I feel like this story has a lot of history and a lot of epic potential, more so than the first two stories, and we're only getting two books to explore it.
One of the other reasons I was really excited for this storyline was Saga being a warrior. The other two FMC's in this universe had to kind of slowly develop into some semblance of a fighter and even then they're not particularly skilled, so I was looking forward to an FMC that was a warrior badass, and that is not what was delivered here. It does seem like LJ is purposefully making her FMC's more of a damsel to start, and I'm not sure how I feel about that in these settings.
But regardless of that, I'm eating up these books like nobody's business ❤️
March 2, 2023
First half of this review contains no spoilers!
I did not want this book to end! However truth be told I struggled a little at the start with Saga's storyline as I felt kind of clueless like I had missed some information somewhere, but I did not do a series reread prior to starting this like I usually would so I could easily be to blame. Despite this once things had been gone over in the book and I figured out the the gist of her relationship with the ex queen, I was so into it all.
Ari has always been one of my favorite characters of The Broken Kingdom series and I was concerned that the upgrade to MMC might ruin him, that he would become one note or annoying as I have seen in other series. Boy was I wrong. . He was his perfectly witty, petty and funny self but his internal monologue was a pleasant surprise and really deep, I also love the way he can go from joking to terrifying in 0.1 seconds.
"Remove your hands for the woman unless you wish to lose them" A voice broke the night. Dark. Dangerous. Familiar. "Although, I do have a thrilling desire to take them all the same. I find Cutting a blade through the knuckles to be particularly satisfying, but I hear it is quite painful. Shall we test the theory?"
I had mixed feelings going into this about Saga and was not sure I would like her, without ruining anything I loved her characters Journey and was totally won over by not only her but them as a couple.
"And now, Master, I plan to burn my ears off."
"At last, an activity we can enjoy together. I shall light the torch."
There was some great background characters, for example Gunner and Eryka with their awkward flirting was this totally a bonus I did not know I needed but honestly I cannot get enough of it. Overall L.J Andrews has managed to once again create a new set of lands, people and an interesting storyline whilst staying true to the existing characters.
Side note I made whilst reading - L.J Andrews is incredibly good at writing consistent characters, what I mean by this is that whilst they go on journeys and have great Characters Arcs, I have found she has never once fallen into the writing trap of a someone doing or saying something out of character. I think this is particularly note worthy in a series with a character list this big.
Book overall rating: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Ease of reading: 2/5 - To be expected with the new world building and magic system etc
Spice Rating: 1.5/5 - whilst I would not consider it spicy, I don't remember there being any spice in the previous books?
Tropes checks
✔️Curses
✔️Adversaries to lovers
✔️Love to kill and die for
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️(kinda) Forced marriage
✔️Touch her and die
✔️Fate/Changing Fate
The next part of this review contains spoilers
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
Charater review break down.
Saga AKA that sneaky little Raven thats been stalking Ari.
Okay so let start by saying I guessed in the previous book that she was the Raven, but I would be shocked if anyone was surprised by this reveal or if we were supposed to be as I thought it was fairly obvious. I wasn't sure what to make of the whole frozen heart 'doesn't have any emotions thing' at the start, but let me tell you I sooooooooo enjoyed reading about her heart slowly thawing almost without her noticing. I personally thought that whole heart thawing arc was done so well, I liked that it was done slowly but wasn't dragged out too much. Her backstory was super unexpected going in, and it was again well written and explained a lot about her characters way of thinking and actions.
Ari AKA a MMC so good we can forgive him for being blonde.
This man has saved basically every main character in this series at some point, not to mention was pretty much the reason Elise and Valen even had an army/rebellion too lead in the Northern books, all whilst providing the wittiest comedic relief in even the most dire circumstances. I was so concerned that he was going to get ruined in these Southern books, but I should have had more faith in this author. His ability to laugh and make jokes in one breath, and be an utterly terrifying Night Folk Viking Male in the next is 10/10.
😂 "You keep shouting my name!" I called to him. "As if it will convince me to stop and wait for you to kill me." 😂
🥵 I wanted nothing more than to learn who had put hands on her. I'd peel his skin from his body while I strung him from his ankles and watched him bleed as I fed him small chunks of his manhood, piece by piece. It didn't take much to dream up such violence. I'd done it before. 🥵
⚔️ "You harm royal dignitaries and warriors of Ettan Court, then you have called for war. A bold move since my people will sink your swamp into the bleeding sea." ⚔️
Gunner & Eryka
What a brilliant side couple. I loved them and their weird awkward flirting, I did not know I needed it but god I hope it carries on. Whilst I loved them, I am glad they were not the main couple.
Frey & Stieg
We didn't get to see a lot of them, but they were written consistent to previous books. I did really like the below scene of them basically scarying the crap out of the possessed guards by joking whilst being captives, and reminiscing on all their old tales of previously being captives.
Braken's court looked at Frey, Stieg, and me like we'd gone mad as we traveled up the peaks. We laughed, taunted, and shouted memories of times in Ruskig or Captivity that were equivalent to moments in our predicament. The lot of us, bound and dragged like goats, had lived lives in hiding, in war, in shackles of some kind.
The Blood Court - Special shout out to Gorm
These characters were an unexpected delight, I went into this thinking our main cast of side characters was going to be the Court of Hearts/Stars but we were granted an upgrade to the Blood Court. The all to brief time we spent with them was fantastic and I hope we get more in the next book, which it looks like we will. Gorm was particular highlight was his inability to understand people speaking figuratively.
Braken's eyes flashed with anger "I would hold your tongue"
"I cannot hold my tongue when it is in my mouth," Gorm said without a change in his tone.
"what I mean is if you know what is good for you, Lord Gorm, you will be silent."
"Silence does nothing for my well being, ill or good, High King. Silence is merely the absence of sound."
Ari & Saga Relationship review .
This was the perfect pace for me, I don't like an instant love but do not have the patience for a proper slow burn. I thought their initial petty retorts and games were great, straight off the bat him buying her a beautiful gown but putting in the thread that make her nose run was golden. However all throughout it was shown that whilst they had these sharp words and petty battles, they never actually caused each other harm and both would immediately stop if they saw the other was truely uncomfortably or hurt by it. I enjoyed their journey together and watching her heart thaw more, they may end up becoming my favorite main couple from the series if it carries on.
"You think to highly of yourself"
"I think of myself just the right amount." 😆
"I'd already made plans how I could use your funeral pyre to keep warm." Ari pressed a hand to his heart.
"You'd light a pyre for me? I'm touched. Truly." 🔥❤️🔥
"Who hurt you?" His voice was harsh and soft, calm and feral. "Don't lie to me" 😍
"What have I done to make you think these things of me sage? From the first day we met you've thought so little of me. Tell me what it is, so I may never do it again." - this one honestly broke me. 😭😭😭
He didn't pay any mind to Rune's blade aimed at the side of his neck once again, and was wholly focused on the guard who had me in his grip. "Take your hands off my wife. We will follow without incident, but if you touch her to the point of pain again, it will be the last thing you do. I am not a stranger to killing without a blade." 🥵
Overall I was once again reminded of why I fell in love with reading these, and why it is one of my favorite 'stumbled upon' series that seriously deserves a lot more recognition.
I did not want this book to end! However truth be told I struggled a little at the start with Saga's storyline as I felt kind of clueless like I had missed some information somewhere, but I did not do a series reread prior to starting this like I usually would so I could easily be to blame. Despite this once things had been gone over in the book and I figured out the the gist of her relationship with the ex queen, I was so into it all.
Ari has always been one of my favorite characters of The Broken Kingdom series and I was concerned that the upgrade to MMC might ruin him, that he would become one note or annoying as I have seen in other series. Boy was I wrong. . He was his perfectly witty, petty and funny self but his internal monologue was a pleasant surprise and really deep, I also love the way he can go from joking to terrifying in 0.1 seconds.
"Remove your hands for the woman unless you wish to lose them" A voice broke the night. Dark. Dangerous. Familiar. "Although, I do have a thrilling desire to take them all the same. I find Cutting a blade through the knuckles to be particularly satisfying, but I hear it is quite painful. Shall we test the theory?"
I had mixed feelings going into this about Saga and was not sure I would like her, without ruining anything I loved her characters Journey and was totally won over by not only her but them as a couple.
"And now, Master, I plan to burn my ears off."
"At last, an activity we can enjoy together. I shall light the torch."
There was some great background characters, for example Gunner and Eryka with their awkward flirting was this totally a bonus I did not know I needed but honestly I cannot get enough of it. Overall L.J Andrews has managed to once again create a new set of lands, people and an interesting storyline whilst staying true to the existing characters.
Side note I made whilst reading - L.J Andrews is incredibly good at writing consistent characters, what I mean by this is that whilst they go on journeys and have great Characters Arcs, I have found she has never once fallen into the writing trap of a someone doing or saying something out of character. I think this is particularly note worthy in a series with a character list this big.
Book overall rating: 4/5
Enjoyment: 4/5
Ease of reading: 2/5 - To be expected with the new world building and magic system etc
Spice Rating: 1.5/5 - whilst I would not consider it spicy, I don't remember there being any spice in the previous books?
Tropes checks
✔️Curses
✔️Adversaries to lovers
✔️Love to kill and die for
✔️Forced Proximity
✔️(kinda) Forced marriage
✔️Touch her and die
✔️Fate/Changing Fate
The next part of this review contains spoilers
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
⚔️
Charater review break down.
Saga AKA that sneaky little Raven thats been stalking Ari.
Okay so let start by saying I guessed in the previous book that she was the Raven, but I would be shocked if anyone was surprised by this reveal or if we were supposed to be as I thought it was fairly obvious. I wasn't sure what to make of the whole frozen heart 'doesn't have any emotions thing' at the start, but let me tell you I sooooooooo enjoyed reading about her heart slowly thawing almost without her noticing. I personally thought that whole heart thawing arc was done so well, I liked that it was done slowly but wasn't dragged out too much. Her backstory was super unexpected going in, and it was again well written and explained a lot about her characters way of thinking and actions.
Ari AKA a MMC so good we can forgive him for being blonde.
This man has saved basically every main character in this series at some point, not to mention was pretty much the reason Elise and Valen even had an army/rebellion too lead in the Northern books, all whilst providing the wittiest comedic relief in even the most dire circumstances. I was so concerned that he was going to get ruined in these Southern books, but I should have had more faith in this author. His ability to laugh and make jokes in one breath, and be an utterly terrifying Night Folk Viking Male in the next is 10/10.
😂 "You keep shouting my name!" I called to him. "As if it will convince me to stop and wait for you to kill me." 😂
🥵 I wanted nothing more than to learn who had put hands on her. I'd peel his skin from his body while I strung him from his ankles and watched him bleed as I fed him small chunks of his manhood, piece by piece. It didn't take much to dream up such violence. I'd done it before. 🥵
⚔️ "You harm royal dignitaries and warriors of Ettan Court, then you have called for war. A bold move since my people will sink your swamp into the bleeding sea." ⚔️
Gunner & Eryka
What a brilliant side couple. I loved them and their weird awkward flirting, I did not know I needed it but god I hope it carries on. Whilst I loved them, I am glad they were not the main couple.
Frey & Stieg
We didn't get to see a lot of them, but they were written consistent to previous books. I did really like the below scene of them basically scarying the crap out of the possessed guards by joking whilst being captives, and reminiscing on all their old tales of previously being captives.
Braken's court looked at Frey, Stieg, and me like we'd gone mad as we traveled up the peaks. We laughed, taunted, and shouted memories of times in Ruskig or Captivity that were equivalent to moments in our predicament. The lot of us, bound and dragged like goats, had lived lives in hiding, in war, in shackles of some kind.
The Blood Court - Special shout out to Gorm
These characters were an unexpected delight, I went into this thinking our main cast of side characters was going to be the Court of Hearts/Stars but we were granted an upgrade to the Blood Court. The all to brief time we spent with them was fantastic and I hope we get more in the next book, which it looks like we will. Gorm was particular highlight was his inability to understand people speaking figuratively.
Braken's eyes flashed with anger "I would hold your tongue"
"I cannot hold my tongue when it is in my mouth," Gorm said without a change in his tone.
"what I mean is if you know what is good for you, Lord Gorm, you will be silent."
"Silence does nothing for my well being, ill or good, High King. Silence is merely the absence of sound."
Ari & Saga Relationship review .
This was the perfect pace for me, I don't like an instant love but do not have the patience for a proper slow burn. I thought their initial petty retorts and games were great, straight off the bat him buying her a beautiful gown but putting in the thread that make her nose run was golden. However all throughout it was shown that whilst they had these sharp words and petty battles, they never actually caused each other harm and both would immediately stop if they saw the other was truely uncomfortably or hurt by it. I enjoyed their journey together and watching her heart thaw more, they may end up becoming my favorite main couple from the series if it carries on.
"You think to highly of yourself"
"I think of myself just the right amount." 😆
"I'd already made plans how I could use your funeral pyre to keep warm." Ari pressed a hand to his heart.
"You'd light a pyre for me? I'm touched. Truly." 🔥❤️🔥
"Who hurt you?" His voice was harsh and soft, calm and feral. "Don't lie to me" 😍
"What have I done to make you think these things of me sage? From the first day we met you've thought so little of me. Tell me what it is, so I may never do it again." - this one honestly broke me. 😭😭😭
He didn't pay any mind to Rune's blade aimed at the side of his neck once again, and was wholly focused on the guard who had me in his grip. "Take your hands off my wife. We will follow without incident, but if you touch her to the point of pain again, it will be the last thing you do. I am not a stranger to killing without a blade." 🥵
Overall I was once again reminded of why I fell in love with reading these, and why it is one of my favorite 'stumbled upon' series that seriously deserves a lot more recognition.
August 17, 2023
Thank you so much to L.J. Andrews for the ARC of this book. My first ever and it just happened to be one of my favorite series. I've been waiting for the 7th book ever since I binged the other 6 last year and it absolutely exceeded my hopes. This book brought out all of the emotions and I just could not put it down. Ari's story is so well done and who knew I'd actually come to love Saga. Her story is heart wrenching. And that ending! How are we supposed to wait for book 8. Also, just a thought, Cuyler should get a spin off series filled with lots of Gorm moments. The Blood Lord was probably my favorite character, aside from those we already knew and loved. This was a fantastic continuation to fascinating series and I cannot wait to see how the rest of the books play out.
November 16, 2024
In my review of book 1 in this series I said the series will most likely fall down around book 5-6. So tell me, why am I on book 7 and they just keep getting better and better? I absolutely adore Ari’s story and cried throughout huge chunks of this book. I’m so ready for the final 2 books to finish up this amazing world.
February 28, 2025
I was so happy to finally start Ari’s story!! He’s been a favorite character of mine since the beginning of the series. And although he is blonde, I am down bad for this man. He’s so funny and unserious like in previous books, but we get to know a much deeper side of him in this book. Also he is a consent KING!!!!
Saga also interested me in previous books bc I didn’t understand her actions and wanted to. She’s a very complex character with a lot of trauma. Her history is so intriguing, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the next book. She came off as cold and uncaring at first, but she’s just been through a lot and it all makes sense as you keep reading.
As usual with this series, the overarching plot is amazing. I love how the world manages to continue expanding 7 books in. I loved seeing the Blood Court, Serpent Court, and the Court of Hearts. The Southern Fae are really interesting. The found family in this series will forever be one of my favorites
Saga also interested me in previous books bc I didn’t understand her actions and wanted to. She’s a very complex character with a lot of trauma. Her history is so intriguing, and I can’t wait to see how it all plays out in the next book. She came off as cold and uncaring at first, but she’s just been through a lot and it all makes sense as you keep reading.
As usual with this series, the overarching plot is amazing. I love how the world manages to continue expanding 7 books in. I loved seeing the Blood Court, Serpent Court, and the Court of Hearts. The Southern Fae are really interesting. The found family in this series will forever be one of my favorites
February 13, 2023
"I promise, my sweet menace, someday I shall have you begging for me, one way or another." - Ari
This book is an easy 5 ⭐ for me!
I started reading my ARC at 9pm Saturday and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I mean that literally. I read until 5:10am. I finished the book in one sitting which I have only done once before.
This book does have trigger warnings as it's definitely the darkest and spiciest one yet!
There is nothing I didn't love! We continue to see the beautiful world of the Broken Kingdoms unfold and find out so much more about the overarching plot of the series! Saga and Ari's story is one of tragedy, healing, secrets, and passion! The witty banter between them and the way we can see through both of their eyes captures you and keeps you trapped never wanting to leave!
Some things you can look forward to in this Vikings meets Swan Lake retelling:
🐦⬛Enemies to lovers
🐦⬛One bed
🐦⬛Touch her and die
🐦⬛She's mine
🐦⬛Forced marriage
🐦⬛Curses
🐦⬛A love story to kill and die for
🐦⬛SPICE 🥵 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please make sure if you want to read this book that you read the first 6 so you can understand the story and enjoy learning about all of the other characters as well!
This book is an easy 5 ⭐ for me!
I started reading my ARC at 9pm Saturday and COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! I mean that literally. I read until 5:10am. I finished the book in one sitting which I have only done once before.
This book does have trigger warnings as it's definitely the darkest and spiciest one yet!
There is nothing I didn't love! We continue to see the beautiful world of the Broken Kingdoms unfold and find out so much more about the overarching plot of the series! Saga and Ari's story is one of tragedy, healing, secrets, and passion! The witty banter between them and the way we can see through both of their eyes captures you and keeps you trapped never wanting to leave!
Some things you can look forward to in this Vikings meets Swan Lake retelling:
🐦⬛Enemies to lovers
🐦⬛One bed
🐦⬛Touch her and die
🐦⬛She's mine
🐦⬛Forced marriage
🐦⬛Curses
🐦⬛A love story to kill and die for
🐦⬛SPICE 🥵 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Please make sure if you want to read this book that you read the first 6 so you can understand the story and enjoy learning about all of the other characters as well!
February 27, 2025
Love Ari, love getting a story for him, BUT…. HATED Saga through 60% of this book. Until the last part of the story, there wasn’t a single nice word that came out of her mouth! She was caustic, rude, often just plain cruel. She never apologizes when her words cut deeply and is so unlikable that I had trouble even wanting to continue. The reasons for her behavior come out as the book unfolds, but Ari’s background is also unfolding and it is just as horrific as hers and he hasn’t turned into the nasty, mean person she has become. She ruined much of the read for me.
BUT… by the end she has turned around enough that I guess I can stomach continuing. Actually, I can’t not. This story fits into the overall arc of the series so intricately that I must! Because, the series is truly one of the most addictive and engrossing i have read in a looong time.
BUT… by the end she has turned around enough that I guess I can stomach continuing. Actually, I can’t not. This story fits into the overall arc of the series so intricately that I must! Because, the series is truly one of the most addictive and engrossing i have read in a looong time.
June 9, 2025
LJ writes the most beautiful stories. I will accept 0 criticism on any of her books.
I have been obsessed with Ari since we first met him, he was just funny, yet sweet, and would do absolutely anything for those he cares for. So I NEEDED this story, it was everything I could have hoped for and so much more.
& Saga is perfect, don’t come for her, I too will protect her with everything in me.
This entire series is perfection and I cannot wait to start book 8, I am so close to finally reading The Ever King. 😂
If you love Vikings, romantasy, and the most delicious slow burn romances, start this series! Do NOT add it to your TBR! Go buy it now and read it right now. Trust me. 😘 it’s also on KU!
I have been obsessed with Ari since we first met him, he was just funny, yet sweet, and would do absolutely anything for those he cares for. So I NEEDED this story, it was everything I could have hoped for and so much more.
& Saga is perfect, don’t come for her, I too will protect her with everything in me.
This entire series is perfection and I cannot wait to start book 8, I am so close to finally reading The Ever King. 😂
If you love Vikings, romantasy, and the most delicious slow burn romances, start this series! Do NOT add it to your TBR! Go buy it now and read it right now. Trust me. 😘 it’s also on KU!
June 24, 2024
I always love her books and this is no different! A promising start to a new fairytale and I love the slow burn romance between Ari and Saga. They are different than I expected them to be and I’m intrigued to continue their story. The ending is more faced paced and sets up the next book nicely for some more action it seems!
December 13, 2024
I’ve never read a book series with this many books in and they keep getting better? Book 8 is by far my favorite and Ari is just such a well written character.
I think he is a brilliant side character and as a main character I loved getting to know him more. Saga was also wonderful. The world building is building and I love how the books keep connections from previous books!
I think he is a brilliant side character and as a main character I loved getting to know him more. Saga was also wonderful. The world building is building and I love how the books keep connections from previous books!
October 9, 2024
Omg. Omg. Omg. 😭😭 I love my resilient, Raven Queen Saga so much 🖤🐦⬛👑
April 16, 2025
Ari and Saga might just be my favorite. I just love a grumpy/sunshine enemies to lovers vibe 🥹😮💨
October 25, 2024
We are so back. I was a little worried after the first six that I wasn’t going to enjoy the last leg of the journey but I just needed a little break from fantasy. I love love love Ari and I think this will be a more intricate antagonist than the last books. Could be cool but also terries me for the ending
February 24, 2024
I’m loving this series
I’m enthralled with this series! And so glad to see one of my favorite characters, Ari get his queen. I can’t wait to see them save their kingdom. I’m loving this series and each kingdom is as magical as the next!
I’m enthralled with this series! And so glad to see one of my favorite characters, Ari get his queen. I can’t wait to see them save their kingdom. I’m loving this series and each kingdom is as magical as the next!
September 18, 2024
Ari and Sagas story. I can’t get enough of the characters in this story. I cried I laughed I got mad.
The story deals with dark themes. Ari is another one of my favorites . I can’t decide which MMC is my favorite from this entire series
The story deals with dark themes. Ari is another one of my favorites . I can’t decide which MMC is my favorite from this entire series
September 28, 2024
4.25 ⭐️
Okay so this one had a slow start. I did not love Saga at first. But holy hell, does it pick up. Lots of twists and turns in this one. And it’s so sad. My heart breaks for Ari’s past and Bracken 😭
Okay so this one had a slow start. I did not love Saga at first. But holy hell, does it pick up. Lots of twists and turns in this one. And it’s so sad. My heart breaks for Ari’s past and Bracken 😭
July 20, 2023
As always…deliciously good. I need the next one. NEED.
July 8, 2025
The moment Ari and Saga open up to eachother is one of my favorite moments in this series.
As a bonus the banter between the two is unmatched.
As a bonus the banter between the two is unmatched.
October 10, 2024
Absolutely loved the storyline and the plots
April 26, 2024
Honestly, this series is probably one of my faves. I have literally enjoyed every book.
While it was a little tough for me to get into Ari’s story (just like it was for me to get into Kase’s story) the end really had me rooting for my favorite ambassador. What I appreciate most is that while there is always a “couple” in this series, the past two really took a while for you to get them together, but I appreciate being able to explore that a bit earlier in this book.
Ari is charismatic and charming and I think that is different than Valen (aka Legion) and Kase, so that was interesting to see his depth behind the fun jokester facade that we see. He is always so confident but it’s so important to recognize his hidden traumas and the things that shaped him.
Not sure how I feel about Saga, she is still kinda meh to me, even after this book. But maybe we’ll get to see more of her powers in the next book which will endear me to her more.
I love the connections that the Broken Kingdom series has. I appreciate that you still get your beloved character mentions from the first six books. I just don’t think I could do it without a little Valen and Elise! But this series is truly enjoyable.
While it was a little tough for me to get into Ari’s story (just like it was for me to get into Kase’s story) the end really had me rooting for my favorite ambassador. What I appreciate most is that while there is always a “couple” in this series, the past two really took a while for you to get them together, but I appreciate being able to explore that a bit earlier in this book.
Ari is charismatic and charming and I think that is different than Valen (aka Legion) and Kase, so that was interesting to see his depth behind the fun jokester facade that we see. He is always so confident but it’s so important to recognize his hidden traumas and the things that shaped him.
Not sure how I feel about Saga, she is still kinda meh to me, even after this book. But maybe we’ll get to see more of her powers in the next book which will endear me to her more.
I love the connections that the Broken Kingdom series has. I appreciate that you still get your beloved character mentions from the first six books. I just don’t think I could do it without a little Valen and Elise! But this series is truly enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2025
4.5 stars
ok omg saga and ari were such a wild ride!!! i love them so much and tbh i wasn't expecting to love them this much as i do damn, i mean i love ari since the moment he appeared but i didn't really like saga but now?? saga i want to protect her and burn the world for the things she went through damn, she's so strong and tho all of these characters go through well, saga seriously went through hell and how ari just understands her and how deep down both of them complete each other and are so right for each other damn they started to care deeply and will burn the whole damn universe for each other and i love it!! all these characters could burn the world for their love ones and it's definitely one of my fave things about this series, the world building is fantastic and magical, the characters have growth and the writing and the action packed is addictive, ari and saga's book was a little bit more dark but them it was so interesting and what we learn about saga is amazing and can't wait to see how this ends but at the same time i only have two books left im going to miss them so much!!
ok omg saga and ari were such a wild ride!!! i love them so much and tbh i wasn't expecting to love them this much as i do damn, i mean i love ari since the moment he appeared but i didn't really like saga but now?? saga i want to protect her and burn the world for the things she went through damn, she's so strong and tho all of these characters go through well, saga seriously went through hell and how ari just understands her and how deep down both of them complete each other and are so right for each other damn they started to care deeply and will burn the whole damn universe for each other and i love it!! all these characters could burn the world for their love ones and it's definitely one of my fave things about this series, the world building is fantastic and magical, the characters have growth and the writing and the action packed is addictive, ari and saga's book was a little bit more dark but them it was so interesting and what we learn about saga is amazing and can't wait to see how this ends but at the same time i only have two books left im going to miss them so much!!
February 14, 2025
4.75⭐️
Damn here I was thinking that Kase and Malin will be my top tier couple but maybe Ari and Saga might take that mantle. The banter between these two was incredible. The story progression and the stakes felt so different to all the other books in the series. I enjoy how each little story is different. LJ does a great job at having so much story and character but everything feels fleshed out and full of emotion. I only have 2 books left in the series 😭😭😭.
Damn here I was thinking that Kase and Malin will be my top tier couple but maybe Ari and Saga might take that mantle. The banter between these two was incredible. The story progression and the stakes felt so different to all the other books in the series. I enjoy how each little story is different. LJ does a great job at having so much story and character but everything feels fleshed out and full of emotion. I only have 2 books left in the series 😭😭😭.
November 29, 2025
I have so many thoughts about this book
1. Maybe enemies to lovers just isn’t my cup of tea (I’ll get heat for that I know 😅) but I just can’t move past some of the mean words and hurtful actions as easy as others… 🤷♀️
2. Love the line about misunderstandings not being necessary when people can communicate like adults 👏
3. Saga 🥹 yas queen
1. Maybe enemies to lovers just isn’t my cup of tea (I’ll get heat for that I know 😅) but I just can’t move past some of the mean words and hurtful actions as easy as others… 🤷♀️
2. Love the line about misunderstandings not being necessary when people can communicate like adults 👏
3. Saga 🥹 yas queen
January 30, 2026
This series just keeps getting better. Enemies to lovers Ari and Saga were just chefs kiss as the last couple highlighted in this series. I love Ari’s character so much. I know I’m going to be sad when this series is over.
January 24, 2024
I've loved Ari since the beginning of this series and now getting his full history (sobbing just thinking about it) and relationship with Saga was soooooo worth the wait. The twists were clever, too.
November 16, 2025
It was obvious from earlier reads what Saga was able to do, however, her story was told in this book. I found her frustrating at times but Ari stole the show for me. Loved him from our first introduction and this book solidified the feeling. 4.5 Stars
September 8, 2025
Not my favorite, but still a good book. I like how they finally start tying things all together. But the whole Ari -Saga tale is a bit tiresome in my opinion. But I’m here for the ride and want to see what happens next!
September 4, 2023
I'm kinda bummed. I love this series and I love Ari. I knew he was hiding terrible secrets and I was excited about finally revealing them. But this story did not do him justice. His insta-love for Saga just didn't make sense. He truly hated her and was betrayed by her. It should have taken longer for him to let his guard down and fall for her. And Saga's reason for hating him was pretty pathetic. I get she was scared to feel again, but I'm still not impressed. There were also some pretty serious plot holes and inconsistencies about how much control Astrid really had on her and how much Saga was really compelled to keep a secret. The excuses in the book were pretty flimsy. And if you've made it this far in the series, you know that this author is an amazing writer. She's super talented, but this book felt lazy. I almost did not finish it when the rite was in place for them not to tell lies. Again, so much inconsistency and confusion. Could they tell an untruth if it was a joke? I still don't know because Saga would say they couldn't and then Ari was still able to say something obviously false (like an army being unable to get through her pillow wall). And then on the next page, we were supposed to believe they couldn't tell untrue jokes because that's what stopped them from saying certain things about each other and implied they really did care. It was infuriating. Thankfully it didn't last long. And if I can let go of my qualms with this book and just accept that they love each other now, hopefully I'll enjoy the next book more.
June 1, 2023
Den of Blades and Briar by LJ Andrews
“You get to play hero while I sit here on my sleeping ass.”
~~~
I won’t lie, in the beginning of the series, I thought Ari to be an asshole. Sometimes he still is. But he’s turned out to be that character where it’s “He’s our funny asshole. And what would we do without him?” I’ll tell you what you’ll do, but you’ll find out at the end of this book. Which better be on your TBR, but to read this one you gotta go all the way back to book 1, and ya better hurry cause book 8 be right around the corner.
The relationship between Saga and Ari was great, loved the banter, and the forced proximity. Then there was just the way their relationship moved throughout the book that was amazing. Let us not forget that LJ Andrews also does an amazing job with the spice in her books, and it’s just perfection for this writing everytime.
I loved the plotlines all coming together too in this book for the big reveal and ending in a cliffhanger that of course wants to plead for more. Which is what I am doing now, LJ, please! I need the last one! Please!!
“You get to play hero while I sit here on my sleeping ass.”
~~~
I won’t lie, in the beginning of the series, I thought Ari to be an asshole. Sometimes he still is. But he’s turned out to be that character where it’s “He’s our funny asshole. And what would we do without him?” I’ll tell you what you’ll do, but you’ll find out at the end of this book. Which better be on your TBR, but to read this one you gotta go all the way back to book 1, and ya better hurry cause book 8 be right around the corner.
The relationship between Saga and Ari was great, loved the banter, and the forced proximity. Then there was just the way their relationship moved throughout the book that was amazing. Let us not forget that LJ Andrews also does an amazing job with the spice in her books, and it’s just perfection for this writing everytime.
I loved the plotlines all coming together too in this book for the big reveal and ending in a cliffhanger that of course wants to plead for more. Which is what I am doing now, LJ, please! I need the last one! Please!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 570 reviews