***An Amazon Top 25 Bestseller*** A rebellious princess. A cursed rogue. A forbidden love that will bring a kingdom to its knees. As niece of the king, Elise Lysander cares about two sneaking into gambling dens, and avoiding an advantageous marriage at all costs.
When her uncle holds the life of her deathly-ill father over her head, reluctantly, Elise puts her fate into the hands of Legion Grey, the handsome and mysterious dowry negotiator. He may be arrogant and infuriating, but soon Legion incites a blistering, forbidden passion she can’t ignore.
As their attraction grows, so do the attacks from black-eyed people, a cursed enemy who is more beast than man, and rumors of fae returning for the crown they believe was stolen from them long ago.
After a bloody coup upends the kingdom, Elise flees with Legion, but nothing is as it seems. The man she allowed into her heart reveals his own secret plans with the return of magic—and he has every intention of using Elise to see them through.
With war between magic and mortal on the horizon, Elise must pick a side to protect her kingdom. Does she stand with her people who stole the throne? Or with a man who lied his way into her heart and whose secret past could bring her destruction?
Vikings meet fairy tales in this enemies-to-lovers, forbidden love dark fantasy romance.This omnibus contains the first three books in the Broken Kingdoms series, Curse of Shadows and Thorns, Court of Ice and Ash, and Crown of Blood and Ruin.
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.
This is a bundle of the first three books in LJ Andrews' The Broken Kingdom Series. It starts with 'Curse of Shadows and Thorns' then the second book is 'Court of Ash and Ice' then the last book is 'Crown of Blood and Ruin'. Elise Lysander, niece of the King, named after her grandfather King Eli, who conquered the Ettan's and established her family's Timorian rule here, is about to be told who to marry. Her uncle has decided to hand her fate to a marriage negotiator who will pick her match for her. But as she gets to know this man, Herr Legion Gray, she starts to feel an undeniable attraction. When a coup comes against her uncle she puts her trust in Legion and flees the chaos. With a war on the horizon Elise must decide does she stand with her blood of the rightful people of the land.
spoilers
I find it really hard to judge a book when its actually three books cause theres so many highs and lows, three endings of sorts, but when reading this one book just seamlessly moved from it to the next that if there wasn't pages saying book two I could have just thought it was another chapter. It was constant flowing action and pace. I feel in love with the characters, I was rooting for everyone to get their happily ever afters, though because im so contrary I found it too cutsie that all but Ari found perfect matches. Maybe if I hadn't read it all in one go I would have enjoyed everyone getting their HEAs more because it wouldn't have felt like bam everyone gets it.
One thing that I felt didnt need to be done was the crown passing down, I guess it probably will make sense for the progression of the series over all, but it felt forced and didnt make sense, especially if SOl had been training for that position his whole life and he seems to have come out of being a captive for ages okay, he isn't acting damaged to the degree of non functioning.
Elise was a good main character, she was written with faults that she didnt act woe is me about. She was imperfect, she had stupid naive moments. She stumbles and makes mistakes, but she has a great moral compass and pushes through for what she knows is right. She is kinda a shitty person for going with the flow with how Ettans were treated. The whole oh well at least I don't treat them like that, but its set up well that she had no power to change things, until suddenly there was nothing to hold her against.
3.5 *reread!!! This trilogy was a great setup for the series and world building. I will say the couple was sweet and you get all the best traits from the MMC. Protective, will burn the world down for her, etc. You also get a strong FMC who is no damsel in distress and takes the reins of the kingdom while the MMC is otherwise occupied (held hostage). I just wish there was more angst/longing. I feel like their relationship didn't go that deep. But I'm also comparing it to the others like Kase/Malin and Ari/Saga who stole my heart.
The side characters in this book though are possibly my favorites. I love them so much and am so invested in their lives. I need novellas on every single one of them. Ugh Sol/Tor have my heart. Halvar/Kari and Hagan/Herja are all so special.
-the chosen one -strong fmc -touch her and die -forced proximity -virgin h (experienced H, didn't come off as a playboy but the man is centuries old lol) -trilogy of interconnected series -fae romantasy
I enjoyed these books and how I was so easily able to go from book 1 to 2 and then 3. The story was engaging and while a few things I figured out there was plenty I did not. The “I won’t admit Im in love with you and will push you away to keep you safe” part was a bit aggravating at times. Having said that, the fact that close friends were basically saying how stupid it was made it more bearable. Even still the love story, similar to Beauty and the Beast, together with the larger conflict made for a compelling read.
Overall, a great read and I am already also enjoying the next trilogy within this series.
This set within the overall series absolutely sold me on committing to all the books. I read this after reading the Ever Seas books and I loved getting the stories of characters I was so curious about.
I'm tapping out after the first of the three in this set. It started out as a tenuous 4 stars but swiftly dropped to 2.5 as the writing and plot got worse.
Anyone who's read the first book of this series knows that you need the box set because you just absolutely cannot immediately pick up the next book straight away. These books are so addictive that you want to read them all immediately. I cannot recommend LJ's writing enough. These stories are so incredible. The way LJ captures such spectacular, diverse emotions and brings to life such a brilliant world of fantasy like nothing else! They are amazing!!!!
Curse of Shadows and Thorns - 4.0 Forced Proximity Forbidden Romance Romantasy Viking Vibes Slow Burn
Accepting her fate Elise reluctantly starts the matchmaking process for her family with the help of Legion, a merchant hoping to gain favor with the crown. But Elise isn't the quiet and pliant girl that her family hopes her to be. Going through the motions of finding a suitor her attentions begin to go to the very many who is helping her find a match. His attention and hands also finding Elise to be irresistible. Though there is more to Legion and help crew that meets the eye. Slowly truths come out and is magic uncovered.
Court of Ice and Ash - 4.0 After the reveal that happened at the end of the first book. I dived into this one hoping for the best for Valen and Elise. Only to be annoyed at Valen for being a stubborn fool. Love him but boy does he have a thick skull when it comes to protecting the one he loves. During this book there is a lot of character development for Elise. Going from a girl who is being sold to the highest bidder from the first book to the woman willing to defend the people from the cruelty of the crown. Elise's loyalty to Valen is commendable and she would do anything for him, like risking herself for someone that she knew he cared about. Having to work together again, though he's reluctant there are just some things you can't fight. When something happens to the ones you love your only choice is to hold on to it and fight for it with everything you have.
Crown of Blood and Ruin - 4.5 "Cut me and I bleed for her."
Everything that Valen does it to protect the people he loves. His family, his friends and his wife. The queen he would bow too. The rebellion against false king begins to ramp up so do tensions, loyalties and answers get revealed. Elise to loose the family she had to gain a family not of blow but of comradery.
As we get to the final battle, so much gives way that I had to pick my jaw up off the floor because things were coming to light that I didn't think was possible, maybe a little far fetched but either way it was good. This was a satisfying conclusion to the Valen and Elise's story. I am interested to see what the other stories have in store.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A great start to the Broken Kingdoms series- this collection of books 1-3 is the battle for the Northwestern Kingdom now known as Etta.
Elise, an outspoken niece to the human king, has had her hand put up for marriage. All bids are negotiated through the mysterious trader, Legion Grey- a handsome and enigmatic man that Elise us drawn to.
Unfortunately, Legion isn’t allowed to put forth his own name- but that doesn’t stop him from sly flirtations and secret kisses.
The kingdom is a powder keg as dissidents wanting the kingdom back under the rule of the Night Folk- the fae magic users who had rule snatched from them in a bloody war. Standing against the king is the bloodthirsty man known as the Wraith. The Night Folk rebels are boiling over to end their lives of servitude and incarceration when a coup leaves the king dead and his young son (Elise’s cousin) now crowned.
When Elise unwittingly tangles with the Wraith little does she know that everything will change towards putting this second-status princess on the throne alongside a fae with ties to the original ruling family.
Sweeping tale of romance, anarchy, war, magic and swordplay that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
OKAY, LJ! You have outdone yourself with this one! The action, the *updated* spice, and the character development—yes, yes, YES! From the very first page, this series had me completely captivated with its fast-paced action, swoony romance, and those jaw-dropping twists that had me saying, “Just one more chapter” (spoiler: it was never just one).
Valen and Elise’s story? *Absolute chef’s kiss.* Their dynamic is everything—intense and filled with moments that made my heart race. The banter? Loved it. The devotion? swoon worthy! And let’s talk about those fight scenes—every moment felt cinematic, keeping me on edge while rooting for these characters with my whole heart.
And, HELLO! Who is this Nightrender character?? I am *officially* obsessed and will be diving into the next book IMMEDIATELY because I need answers.
LJ Andrews has once again crafted a world that feels so immersive, with characters I can’t get enough of and a story that left me craving more. If you love action-packed fantasy, sweet romance, and twists that keep you guessing, this book is an absolute must-read!
I am glad that Elise became a good fighter because of Halvar’s help, and there was constant mention of his help and his skills helping her. Some FMC will just have this crazy good fighting ability but no back story so I’m glad that was clear.
The final battle was amazing. Did I want Jarl to die a more horrible death ? Yes. That part I was left wanting.
I liked when the parents and siblings all passed the crown down to Valen. That was sweet. And the earth and fates showed its beauty in agreement.
Only thing I still can’t get over is how Valen and Elise have this undying love for each other but CONSTANTLY throw themselves into the fight and fire, cornering themselves and getting captured constantly. I would go into a chapter saying “Ohp I bet they’re gonna get captured or offer themselves up” and that was true.
Where is this “4 queens” storyline going to end up? Also is Nightrender AKA Kase my new “shadow daddy” character , the new Xaden haha!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was a 3 book series..like that the story for Elise and Valen “ended” here. Elise showed moments of TSTL and I almost quit reading, I guess I got frustrated with her blind eye to things that Ari did to Valen, Hal and Tor…with all her sneaking out to spar, she was a crappy fighter, it was not until later that she actually learned…she had really no skills until last book. Even then they were kind of weak. Her only claim to fame was the cause of Valen’s curse to be broke by taking a sword meant for her…everyone around Elise had skills except her..
Elise and legion have quickly become one of my favorite couples! the love story, the battles, the reunited family, absolutely everything about these books were amazing!!! the writer absolutely draws you in and doesn't let go! I'm sad to see their story end but excited to dive into Kase's story! I never want this series to end! I absolutely loved the ever king and this series absolutely did not disappoint either!!! L. J. Andrews had quickly became a favorite author of mine! I will recommend these books to absolutely anyone and everyone!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Had no clue if this series would be appealing or not. But wow - I was in hook, line & sinker. Fast paced, multi layered action and storyline. Elise and Valen endure a demanding, multi-faceted journey with a goal to unite their respective kingdoms. That’s a hugely simplistic definer of this series. All I can say, once you start reading their journey, you’ll have an extremely difficult time putting the book aside. Starting the second series now by this author and hoping for the same excellent writing, ideas and challenges!!!
I quite enjoyed the weaving of this story which encompasses a Viking like culture with magic. The non- magical heroine was fiercely loving and committed to merging the two societies of the magical and non- magical. Romance, intrigue and battles ensue with a HEA ending. I am glad there are 9 books in this series and look forward to some cross over characters and plots.
This series was hard to get into at first. A lot of the terms are not explained and should have a glossary but it was not super hard to figure out (ex: turns = years I think) but the story is decent. I wasn’t going to continue the series but I changed my mind at the end of book 3. All in all, I can’t say that I loved it but I enjoyed it.
What can I say with no spoilers? This epic book spanning 3 books in total was a ride! With battles fought, curses brought to light and broken. Friends lost. Enemies buried. I absolutely enjoyed watching Valen and Elise grow in to their destiny. Another easy 5 stars.
A wonderful premise with an excellent execution of it! Just to put into a little context, I opened it for a couple of chapters. Now I’ve finished this is 2 days wondering wth happened but don’t regret it at all. Great mmc and fmc with fab and strong side characters. A lot of twists and turns and the villian, you really don’t like. Perfik lol
This was a wonderful series, a world to escape into and great book friends to be made. If you’re looking for a book with twisted paths of fate, betrayal, fights and love this is it.
I really enjoyed this read of all 3 Broken Kingdoms books in one. It's a viking based tale of Fate or Choices. It has a HeA, which is greatly deserved. There is some spice. I recommend it.
I found parts of this book quite hard to follow and the relationships lacked depth. I love her later books but I was hoping I would get some of the in depth relationships as shown in Livia’s story. I did enjoy her parents backstory but it didn’t make me feel connected to the characters as much.
The beginning was a slow start but once you get your characters and the world they live in straight, it is never ending. Ravishing story and hard to stop reading it. Worth the adventure.
The amount of plot twists was insane and I loved how it wasn’t extremely spicy I felt like it was the perfect amount. The only reason for 4 stars is because there was so many times if they just communicated they would have been fine.
I should’ve kept a running tally of how many times these people got captured and rescued or came back from the dead. Really more of a 3.5, but better than the last beauty and the beast retelling that I read.
I loved Elise and her man so so much! All 3 books were 5 stars for me and had me hooked. Wonderful, unique Romantasy series filled with plot twists and turns. It gives Vikings when they went to England but with fae. Love love loved
I really enjoyed this series. I loved the main character right from the start and the story and world building make you want to learn more. So glad for all the spin offs