Venture into the enchanting world of The Broken Kingdoms, where forbidden love, ancient curses, and Viking-inspired magic collide in a spellbinding fantasy romance saga! Written by USA Today bestselling author LJ Andrews, this nine-book series kicks off with Curse of Shadows and Thorns, pulling readers into a richly crafted world of rebellion, destiny, and heart-pounding romance. If you’re craving a tale that blends Beauty and the Beast with gritty political intrigue, The Broken Kingdoms is your next obsession.
Centered on Princess Elise, a rebellious royal who’d rather sneak into gambling dens than play the perfect princess, and Legion Grey, a mysterious dowry negotiator with secrets that could topple kingdoms, the series weaves a tapestry of love and betrayal. With its lush world-building and morally gray characters, it’s no wonder fans can’t get enough of Andrews’ Nordic-inspired epic.
How The Broken Kingdoms Began
LJ Andrews, a Utah-based author with a knack for dark romantasy, drew inspiration for The Broken Kingdoms from her Scandinavian heritage and a fascination with Norse mythology. Initially self-published in 2021 with Curse of Shadows and Thorns, the series grew from a reimagined Beauty and the Beast tale into a sprawling saga spanning four kingdoms. Andrews’ pivot from her earlier dystopian series, The Awakened, to this magical world was fueled by a desire to craft a grittier, more magical narrative, complete with fae, Vikings, and epic love stories. Her dedication to refining her craft during a publishing hiatus in 2019 paid off, as the series quickly gained a devoted following.
The Heart of The Broken Kingdoms
The series unfolds across nine books, each diving into different kingdoms and couples, with interconnected stories that reward reading in order. Curse of Shadows and Thorns introduces Elise and Legion, whose forbidden romance sparks a rebellion against a brutal king. Court of Ice and Ash deepens their saga, revealing Legion’s cursed past as a lost fae prince, while Crown of Blood and Ruin delivers an epic climax to their fight for the throne. Later, Night of Masks and Knives shifts to the Eastern Kingdom, blending Cinderella vibes with a gritty tale of Malin, a memory thief, and Kase, her lost love turned ruthless Nightrender.
Themes of love, betrayal, and redemption pulse through the series, set against a backdrop of Fury and Mesmer magic systems. Andrews’ Viking-inspired settings, from the icy Northern Kingdom to the fae-filled Southern Kingdom, brim with vivid detail, while her enemies-to-lovers arcs and found-family dynamics keep readers hooked. The series’ spice level ramps up after the first book, earning a 17+ recommendation for its steamy romance and intense battles.
Why The Broken Kingdoms Resonates
The Broken Kingdoms has carved a niche in the romantasy genre, captivating readers with its blend of folklore retellings—Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Swan Princess, and Phantom of the Opera—and Nordic flair. Fans on platforms like Reddit praise its immersive world-building and emotional depth, with many devouring all nine books in weeks. Andrews’ recent deal with Berkley to expand the series’ spin-off, The Ever Seas, signals its growing influence. Its appeal lies in its ability to balance heart-wrenching romance with high-stakes adventure, making it a must-read for romantasy lovers.
- Publication Start: 2021
- Books: 9, plus a novella, Fated Bones
- Key Themes: Forbidden love, curses, rebellion
- Setting: Four Viking-inspired kingdoms
Ready to lose yourself in a world of magic and passion? Grab Curse of Shadows and Thorns and dive into The Broken Kingdoms’ unforgettable romantasy adventure!