Book Review: When Fate is Cruel by LJ Andrews

Book Review: When Fate is Cruel by LJ Andrews

Genre: Romantasy

Length: 222 pages

Book features two novellas based in different worlds created by the author.

Currently available on Kindle Unlimited.

Releases January 22, 2026

Buy on Amazon

What is it?

When Fate is Cruel is the newest book by LJ Andrews featuring two novellas. One from her Ever Seas World. One from her Stonegate world. These novellas are independent from each other- the stories do not interlap and are related in no way. So, you do not have to read both.

It is important to note that these novellas contain spoilers for both of their main series. It is not recommended to read these novellas unless you have already read the first book of the related book series.

*** This is a fantasy romance book intended for adults. It may not be suitable for all readers. Be sure to check the trigger warnings provided by the author to determine if the book is a good fit for you.

The Ever Seas is an ongoing series of books by author LJ Andrews. Currently, there are three books available; The Ever King, The Ever Queen and the Mist Thief. Book four, The Stolen Crown, was delayed because the previously independently published series was picked up by a traditional publisher. It is set to release in October of this year.

The Ever Seas is a second generation series. The first generation series, The Broken Kingdoms, is a completed nine book series currently available on kindle unlimited.

The Ever Seas follows Livia Ferus and Erik Bloodsinger after Livia is stolen by Erik Bloodsinger and taken to his kingdom under the sea as an act of vengeance against her father- an enemy king. It is set in a world where vikings, pirates, and fae collide.

The Stonegate Series is the first traditionally published work by author LJ Andrews. It is set in a gory, Viking-inspired world. The Stonegate Series is a duology with the second and final book releasing in April of this year. The first book, Broken Souls and Bones, is already available.

The first book, Broken Souls and Bones follows Lyra and Roark. She’s in hiding because of her highly sought after and persecuted form of magic. He’s charged with bringing her to his king.

A novella is essentially a short story. It is usually 200 pages or less. Because novellas are short, they are often very fast-paced and plot driven rather than character driven.

Usually, novellas take place in familiar worlds to the readers or follow beloved characters, so there is no need for extensive world building or character introduction.

Official Blurb

Part 1: The Ever Seas

Erik Bloodsinger never wanted to live in a cruel kingdom that was desperate to shape their scarred, young king into someone ruthless.

But fate is cruel sometimes.

Perhaps vengeance for his fallen father is what drives the young Ever King, but there are secrets Bloodsinger and his crew keep in the shadows to survive the cruel twists of fate in the Ever Seas.

Enjoy the backstory of a boy king forced to bear the burden of a crown too soon. This story reveals events from the death of King Thorvald up to the days after the earth and sea fae war.

See more of Bloodsinger, Gavyn, Tidecaller, Heartwalker, Sewell, and even some secret allies in the mists of the sea and the lands where songbirds sing.

Part 2: Broken Souls and Bones

Roark Ashwood rose in power behind the walls of the royal fortress of Stonegate, even as an orphan from the enemy clan. He’s formidable, ruthless, and the only remnant of his lost voice is the scar across his neck.

But what vicious twists of fate brought the Sentry of Stonegate to enemy gates? What was his life before he fell into silence and bloodlust?

Enjoy the backstory of Roark Ashwood in the months leading up to the melder raids that left him bleeding and dying at the gates of Stonegate, only to survive by the mercy of a mischievous prince.

Fall into the Realms of Stìgandr and the dark secrets of Roark Ashwood.

What I did/did not like?

I really loved this set of novellas. I am a huge LJ Andrews fan and have read almost all of her books. I am constantly amazed with how much thought she has put into every one of her characters and how expansive her Ever Seas world has become.

This novella was everything I wanted it to be. Having read all of the books available for these two series, and being familiar with the character’s history, I was not expecting to have an emotional reaction to these novellas. In fact, I was worried it might be boring because the author has already told us about the terrible things that happened to the male main characters in both of these series. However, being told what happened, and experiencing them in unrelenting detail are two very different things.

Let’s start with Roark’s novella- The Stonegate novella. Roark’s novella expands on how he lost his voice, his history with Lyra, and how his soul was split. It was heart-breaking and beautiful.

However, The Ever Seas is one of my favorite books series and, as such, its section stole the show! As I’ve already said, I have read every book in this world. I know very well what happened to Erik Bloodsinger and his cousin Tait Heartwalker. Even so, it had a profound emotional impact on me. This novella completely shattered my heart (in the best of ways of course). I’m telling you right now, if you’ve read The Ever Seas or The Broken Kingdoms, you do not hate the adults who raised these men enough.

Is it spicy?

Yes. There is one spicy chapter at the very beginning of the book that is easily skipped if that is your preference.

Loved this book?

Be sure to check out Lj Andrews’ other book series; The Broken Kingdoms (available on Kindle Unlimited) and The Ever Seas

Want more books set in viking inspired worlds?

Be sure to check out The Road of Bones by Demi Winters and A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L Jensen

Want more books about pirates?

Be sure to check out A Wraith Beneath the Tides by Emilia Jae and Of the Stars and Sea by Brianna Remus