Game of Hate and Lies

The Broken Kingdoms #5

by L.J. Andrews

When wicked men first took the boy she loved, she was a child.
Now they’ve taken him again, but this time…she’s a queen.

For weeks, Malin plotted and schemed with the kingdom’s cruelest crooks, the Nightrender and the Guild of Kryv, to infiltrate a wicked masquerade.

They survived. They escaped. Most of them.

To the underbelly of the kingdom, the Nightrender never made it out of his own scheme. To Malin, he’s only Kase, the man who owns her heart, and who is once again a prisoner of their enemies. Malin and the Kryv will stop at nothing until he’s free. Even if it means claiming her birthright to a throne that brings death and war.

But when they discover Kase has been locked in a cruel spell, Malin must find a way to steal his new twisted memories before he is lost to them for good.

The only trouble is when Kase looks at Malin, all he sees is an enemy with a death sentence.



Return to the vicious world of the Eastern Kingdom. Part Viking, part Cinderella, the battle continues with more schemes, romance, and epic adventure.

*This book includes steamy romantic scenes and is suitable for readers 17+*

Genres: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance, Fae, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Audiobook

380 pages, ebook

First published June 30, 2022

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

[Matea ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WE HAVE A 5 ⭐ READ IN THIS SERIES!!!

Oh myyyy… this was PERFECT!!! 😭✨ I genuinely feel like I read this at exactly the right time in my life because it hit me so, so deeply. This book is SO emotional — I was on the verge of tears for almost the entire read. The intensity of the feelings it pulled out of me??? I was WRECKED. My heart shattered and wept more times than I can even count. Absolute emotional rollercoaster. 🎢💔

I can literally see how LJ Andrews’s writing keeps getting better and better, leveling up with every book, and honestly? This felt like it’s reaching that The Ever King level of EPIC. The growth??? We love to see it!!!

Malin and Kase being separated after the previous book? PAIN. The things that are done to Kase??? I cannot even begin to process it.

And Malin… oh Malin. I fully expected her rage to burn the world to ashes. I thought she’d scorch the ground everyone walked on. And the fact that we didn’t get that — and I wasn’t disappointed in the slightest — tells you EVERYTHING. Instead, she turned to scheming, thieving, planning, cunning moves. She got strategic. She got dangerous. It was SUCH a page-turner. I was genuinely hooked. You can feel her desperation growing in every single chapter, tightening around your chest. And when it finally overwhelms her? The way she risks her own life with such grace to get Kase back to her — back to Kryv — I was SO touched. 😭



MIND YOU — they don’t reunite until around the 70% mark!!! They are separated for most of the book. And usually I HATE that trope with every fiber of my being… but this??? This was done SO WELL. It made the reunion that much more powerful.

Kase… my shadow daddy of LJ Andrews’ world. 🖤 I won’t spoil anything, but he is not himself in this book. Watching him fight through every step, questioning everything he believed to be true because his heart was pulling him in another direction — it was HEART-WRENCHING. My man was battling duty on every single page. Even when his mind was lost, his heart never forgot Malin. He might not remember her name… but his heart SURE did. Tell me why that destroys me like this??? 😭



And when they finally reunite at that 70% mark??? IT WAS EVERYTHING. The love. The passion. The collision of duty and devotion. STANDING OVATION. 👏👏👏

AND CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE VOWS?!?!?! VOWS. ON. PAGE. IN A ROMANTASY. I was SHOCKED. I’m so used to that happening off-page that when it didn’t I was literally like — oh??? OH??? You INVITED me to your vows??? What an HONOR. I felt privileged. I felt blessed. I ascended. 😭✨



The next book is supposedly about the fight for the kingdom… but honestly? It’s about to be MY fight for sanity because how am I supposed to survive after this emotional devastation???

Five stars. No notes. I am unwell. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

_________________________
preread
You probably saw my update about Tor and Sol, but that cliffhanger was cruel - AND I AM NOT A PATIENT WOMAN!! 😭

[✨⚡ Kelcey (felinebooktrovert) ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

My path had been designed to love Malin Strom. She fit my darkness too perfectly, it was not possible our souls had not been predestined to unite as one.

4.5 stars

Best. One. Yet.

This was a great sequel that handled the separation better than expected, though LJ has handled these types of situations better than a lot of books imo.

I enjoyed Malin way more this time around and as always, Kase. Is. FIRE.

I just wished it was a little longer and there was more action, but I was gripped from page 1 and so excited to start the next one.

[Laura ☾ · Rating 3 out of 5]

I feel like this suffered from middle book syndrome a bit. It was still a good book and I still love Malin and Kase, but I hope the next one picks up a bit!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“This is the price of loving someone. One day you could lose them.”

This book started with one of my most annoying tropes to ever arise in a fantasy book. But god damn I loved the ride.

[Sid · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad not to die for felt a tad drawn out but I’m looking forward to the interactions which will be taking place in the next book

[Lena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I love this series and I can’t believe it took me so long to circle back around to it. This book starts off where the previous book ended. Kase was taken by Ivar and his memories have been altered, so he sees Malin and the Kryv as enemies.
I loved how Malin really took center stage in this book. She was no damsel in distress and was actually the one saving Kase’s ass. She was so utterly devoted to Kase and never gave up on him. We love a strong, badass FMC!! Kase was obviously different in this book since his memories were altered by Ivar, but I loved how his love for Malin never truly faded. Kase is the definition of “I would burn the world down for you.”
I think my favorite part of this series is the politics, and I’m so excited to see how the other kingdoms/rulers come into play. Especially Elise and Valen bc I MISS THEM!!!

[trashsock · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5 stars for daddy kase 🤭🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

[TJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to an absolutely addicting series. This book takes a turn and focuses on a completely new hero and heroine/love story (Kase - or the Nightrender - a secondary character in the previous books, and Malin, a completely new character) and it looks to be just as nail-biting as the last!

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was originally posted on Cocktails and Books

Kase's curse killed me but I knew Malin and team would figure out how to break it and get Kase back. Malin’s team solidified behind her, including House Strom. I loved that.  She always thought it was just Hagan who loved her but she discovered just how wrong she was.   I can’t wait until the Strom family grows even more!! Come on, October!!

[Corinne · Rating 4 out of 5]

These characters though 🥹🥹🥹💙💙💙😭😭😭

[Brenna Mobley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game of Hate and Lies - LJ Andrews
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice : 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹

Tropes :
🐦‍⬛ dark fantasy romance
🌹 Cinderella inspired
🐦‍⬛ breaking magical spells
🌹 love conquers all
🐦‍⬛ guild of thieves
🌹 unique magic system
🐦‍⬛ everyone is morally grey

🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹

Review:
I am so glad that I read this series after it was completed because if I had to have waited between finished the last book and started this one it would have sent me on a mental spiral. The cliffhanger at the end of the last book and the first like half of this book hurt so good. We get to delve deeper into the lore of the Eastern Kingdom, the fate that is presented to both Malin and Kase, and so many more schemes from the Kryv and Falkyns. Having to watch Kase suffer through the ordeal of this book was gut wrenching, but watching everyone he swears he doesn’t care about fight to the end 😉 for him was one of my favorite things. We also get to see Ari and some of our favorite Night Folk warriors, and get a little introduction to some of the Southern Fae from the Southern Kingdom books. This one might just be my favorite book in the series. I’ll just never get over Kase and Malin. At the end of this book we get to see some familiar faces as the guild of thieves prepare to take control of the Black Palace at long last.

🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹🐦‍⬛🌹





After the ending of night of masks and knives I flew through the first part of this book. I loooved this one. It was so emotional and also set up a lot more connections for the rest of the series by letting us see some familiar faces. And that ending? YES. Running to my shelves to pick up the next book.

Also, I’m calling it now. While I loved Valen and Elise, I think Kase and Malin will be my favorites of this series.

[Anna Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

rescue mission x forgotten memories x lost queens

After the cliffhanger of the last book I jumped right into GoFaL because I needed answers! I was itching for their reunion the entire time but enjoyed Kase seeing all his friends and side-eyeing everyone while they were just waiting for him to remember. It added a surprisingly light hearted note to the book. I will say, I was so focused on the mission to get him back that I forgot the rest of the plot and the end of a book felt like a whole different world lol

read this if you’re in the mood for….
- rescue missions
- lost queen and her rebellion
- forgotten memories
- reunions
- found family

Overall I enjoyed this book even though I struggled following the overarching plot/significance for the trilogy. Did I love that she was fighting for him and ready to do anything? Yes. But, I felt like I was reading for those moments and not the full story. I’m excited to see the characters from the first trilogy join in for the next book!

Here are a few of my favorite things…
- the vows. So sweet.
- the internal dialogue over the necklace
- his friends teasing him but he has no idea lol a great moment for the reader

I would recommend!

[Jessie McCarty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word (I mean, bleeding gods) this was my favorite yet out of the series. I DEVOURED this one and was on the edge of my seat the entire time.

The amount of badass and swoon worthy quotes 😮‍💨 I was highlighting up a storm.

The found family made me feel all warm and fuzzy multiple times.

And the love between Kase and Malin 🥹 I just can’t. Your honor I love them.

Best of all— THAT ENDING! Literal chills and couldn’t help but smile all by myself in bed. When I tell you the giddiness I feel going into the next book.

[Nicole Bax · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, I think this is the BEST book in the series. I was kinda iffy after finishing book 4, since it didn’t get very good until the end, but this was excellent from start to finish. I am loving how everything from the previous books, and stories, is coming together now, and I am excited to see where this all leads us.

[Joanne Leddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in this fantasy series!

[Rachel Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Game of Hate and Lies might be the most emotionally devastating so far in the Broken Kingdoms world! It ripped my heart to pieces multiple times and multiple ways, from beginning to end! Of course, there was also immense joy and relief, and a giant dose of excitement by the end! At the end of the last book, Kase was taken by Ivar and had his memories corrupted. Now, he thinks he has always been loyal to the Black Palace and Ivar specifically, and that Mal is a traitor and a thief he must kill. Mal is heartbroken when she finds out, but decides she will do whatever it takes to get Kase back. The Kryv and Falkyns work together as one to slowly break through the magic holding Kase hostage, trying to beat the clock before his true and false memories clash in a battle that will leave Kase lost forever.

Here’s the thing: I hate the trope of a lover loosing their memory of the other. I’ve always despised it. Something about it just rubs me the wrong way. BUT, this, I LOVED. It was beautifully done and wasn’t done in a way that made the person seem too different. Kase was clearly still Kase, and his memories and especially his feelings for Mal were fighting hard against the corrupted memories. There was also no time lapse, the gang was immediately on the case and determined to get him back. I really enjoyed the storyline honestly, which shocked me! So it turns out I can enjoy this trope after all! It gave us the opportunity for some really emotional moments. The first set of them being the two groups working to save Kase, and all their moments among each other while they worked this. Mal, of course, the most emotional as she broke down and fretted or lost her patience in various moments. But there was also everyone’s interactions with Kase himself.

In order to break through to him, they had to get close to him, and they set up various opportunities for him to see familiar faces, hear familiar names and sayings, or see familiar items. Kase could tell something was wrong with him, but he couldn’t remember he power even existed to do what was done to him. So these sly moments where they led him about were amazing. They were not only super creative and I loved watching them all play their parts, but the moments they spent with Kase were so emotional and heartbreaking. Especially Ash, Hanna, and Mal. The two children were so heartbroken and were only able to be straightforward with Kase about their pain. He couldn’t understand, but those moments all spoke to his heart and helped to break down the barriers bit by bit. But by far, Mal helped the most. The woman he loves was devoted to getting him back and did everything she could to get through to him. I cried for them both several times as each scene where he didn’t remember her just devastated us both!

When the time came to finally get Kase, things go wrong and a trap is set for them. Kase turns on Ivar until he uses his magic to bring him to heel, but the others refuse to let it happen. This scene was gut wrenching as Mal’s father sacrifices himself for the others, swearing to serve his queen and begging to be killed so Ivar can’t use his mesmer. His other adoptive son, Bard, sobs as he kills the man he always viewed as a father, the man who protected all the royal children, who protected Kase. It was so tragic and I want to cry just thinking about it! It does lead to them getting Kase back, and letting the others go free, however. When Mal brings Kase back to himself, they walk through their memories and it’s honestly so beautiful.

The entire experience ended up bringing them closer together. Kase’s walls have been obliterated, in truth, and now his emotions are there for anyone to see. Especially over Mal. He refuses to waste any more time, and proposes to her swiftly. It’s so beautiful, and their marriage increases both of their powers. Which is needed, since Kase remembers the hit on two little that Ivar’s wife wanted him to make. The mission to free them brings Dagny and Luca’s son back to them, along with the Princess Eryka from the South. An oracle who foresees their heartbreak when the mission goes badly and dear, sweet Vali is killed protecting Mal. I cried again! This book seriously killed me. So much heartbreak in one book! And Vali’s send off is so emotional and heartfelt. His absence leaves a hole in them all, and it’s hard to imagine them going on without him.

But Eryka also sees Mal needs to take the ring back and claim her throne, along with the fact that Gunnar will play a part in uniting the three kingdoms. Which, his uncle rules the North, his aunt will end up ruling the East, maybe he’ll marry Eryka and they’ll eventually take the throne in the South? Or he’ll be close to someone who does? I can clearly see it though! With Ivar promising a lordship to whoever kills Mal, no where is safe did them anymore. They need an army and have a small group, talented though they all are, they can’t stand against the entire kingdom. Thankfully, Gunnar decided to take matters into his own hands, calling Valen and Elise from the North. The ending where they show up and Elise calls from the ship for Kase to smile made me smile and cheer! It was so thrilling, especially after so much heartbreak and pain throughout this read, as much as I loved it—it was heavy! So this ending left me so enthused about where this goes next. Seeing Valen and Elise again, along with the read of the Northern Kingdom. Seeing just Ari earlier was a treat, but this is fabulous! And it promises that they are now going to war, and Mal will need to step up and take her throne as one of the four queens of fate!
I can’t wait!

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better with every book. I loved reading this next chapter of Malin and Kase’s story and further seeing how the kingdoms are becoming connected. The author does a great job of intertwining plots while multiplying the amount of characters we know and slowly building the world larger and larger.

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I was going to die while Kase had his memories altered and waiting for them to find a way to get him back, but it was well worth it in the end! I love seeing more of the other characters grow and show their strengths as well. And that ending has me needing to start the next book asap! I'm absolutely loving this series!

[Kayla Reesman · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far out of the Broken Kingdoms, this has been my favorite book. I laughed, cried, and fell in love with the Kryv. Many ups and downs, but the ending it what I prayed for. Can't wait to see where the story goes

[Rachel Abercrombie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, but I felt like it was kind of predictable. I am still very much enjoying to story and cannot wait to continue the story! On to book 6! Let the worlds collide!

[Christy Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series!!! I am NOT okay. Kase is hotter than ever. Stakes are as high as they can get. What is going to happen??? When the book ended I gasped and then collected myself to yell NO!!! This series is so much fun. I cannot wait to see what happens next!

[Grace Cameron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am obsessed with how all of these stories are interconnected. And that ending!?? 🥹🤭❤️‍🔥 the last 30% had me swooning and squealing.

[Tessa Saraceno · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of a middle build up book but still good, I’m excited to have the North back and the see where they are going with books 7-9

[Rae Douce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dropped a star for this one just because it took me ages to finish. I just became bored. Idk how to explain it. I definitely liked the first books in the series better. And ofc The Ever Seas series WAY better.

[Kristan Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Just really enjoying watching everything unfold.

[Makenna Michaelis · Rating 4 out of 5]

That ending 🔥

[Krissy · Rating 4 out of 5]

LJ Andrews handled the tropes in this book very well!

[Meghan Reedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was more a typical “second book.” Slower with character building, but still enjoyed it and loving this series!

[Alisha Brook · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars. Review to come.

[Ashley | A Pair of Readers · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series thus far. I loved the story that LJ Andrew weaves as Malin and gang try to rescue Kase. The plot keeps moving the characters show so much growth and power. I burned through this one so quickly. I am truly loving the continuation of Kase and Malin’s story.