Curse of Shadows and Thorns

The Broken Kingdoms, Book 1

By: LJ Andrews

Narrated by: Stina Nielsen

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 things: 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 dangers: 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?

Filled with luscious world building, banter-filled romance, and epic battles, Curse of Shadows and Thorns is the first book in The Broken Kingdoms series.

©2022 LJ Andrews (P)2022 Podium Audio

I loved this…with mixed feelings

First, let me say that I loved this book. The reason for that may be heavily influenced by two things: (1) it was narrated by Stina Nielsen, who I love, and (2) its plot and characters are VERY similar to the From Blood and Ashes series by Jennifer Armentrout…which was also narrated by Stina Nielsen. You have to wonder at the coincidence. Not to say that the book doesn’t have its own merit…it’s definitely shaping up to be an outstanding series. It’s just that I wonder how much of my feelings about it are influenced by its similarity to a series I’m crazy about. I am glad that she decided not to voice Legion and Casteel similarly to keep some kind of separation. As much as I love Stina, I may not be able to wait for the next audiobooks since the ebooks are ready and waiting :)

Great fantasy.

I enjoyed the escape. Just my cup of beast. Sometimes you need a familiar storyline with new, well worn characters.

Great story

I was enthralled and just couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait for book two so please hurry.

A little predictable

Overall a pretty good story. You could guess where the story was going but it was written well. I love the narrator. It reminded me of the From Blood and Ash Series.

From a fan of “From Blood and Ash”

This was story was not bad. I did have to rewind a few time because it dragged in some spots and I lost interest, but I did want to get the full experience from this book. It wasn’t bad. I am still interested and will get the next book. Hopefully there will be more grabbing action. Because I am such a fan of the Blood and Ash series by J. Armentrout I have a love of this type of fiction. The book is very, very similar to Poppy and Casteel love story but has just enough difference to keep you guessing. I seen a tic toc where this author said the spice will grow gradually as the books progress and I’m here for that lol on to the next book.

instant Fan!!!!!

Legion Grey :
"Would you agree it’s a rather ridiculous rule? Ridiculous rules are truly asking to be broken.”
"All of this is what you deserve in a match. And I wish, by the gods, I wish I could give it to you.”
"I ask how I am to give you to some fool because I do not know how. How am I to accomplish anything I set out to do here when my heart burns to have you for myself.”
"I mean this, Elise. Gods, remember I meant every word.”
🥀🌹🥀🌹🥀
My Review :
Let’s Go Northern Kingdom Part 1
I absolutely loved this story! The world building, character development, and twists were so intriguing that I couldn't stop listening! I do wish that we had some of Legion's POV and it was on the vanilla side but I devoured this book wanting to know what happened next. I love Legion, Elise & Halvar! The ending was a shock but that only made me want to get the next book. which I did immediately.......my new favorite series and author.
Let's get into the next broken kingdoms book.
way to go LJ Andrews, beautifully done.
Stina did a wonderful job with narration
🥀🌹🥀🌹🥀

Easy read and entertaining!

I thought this was a great read, great adventure, love story is kinda average. Not enough “drama” but gonna keep with the series!! I loved the ending

Great story! Worth a read

Kept me engaged the entire time! Narrator did a fantastic job or character voices! Highly recommended

Very good

I was entertained throughout the whole book. I also loved the narrator, she was amazing and made the story come to alive!

Amazing book and performance!

I loved this story! And this narrator!! Well written, captivating characters, awesome set ups, and the narrator was emotional interesting and wonderful.