Heir of Twisted Lies by LJ Andrews

A fierce and emotionally consuming romantasy finale that delivers on every level.

Heir of Twisted Lies is my top read of 2026 so far and one of my most anticipated fantasy romance releases of the year. It delivered in every way that mattered to me as a reader. Choosing a favorite between the two books in this duology feels impossible, and honestly, I don’t want to.

One of the first things I appreciated was the recap at the beginning. It brought me right back into this world without missing a beat and grounded me in everything that made Broken Souls and Bones so memorable before the story moves forward.

This sequel feels sharper and more emotionally consuming from the start. And this version of Roark and Lyra? Unhinged in the best way.

No Line They Won’t Cross

There’s a ferocity to their love that defines this book. They promise each other there is no line they won’t cross—and the story fully commits to that idea. Roark’s darker half, Skul Drek, steps fully into the light, sharpening every choice he makes and adding a dangerous edge to his devotion. Their connection shifts from fragile trust into something more deliberate. They choose each other again and again, even when the truth between them is complicated and shaped by betrayal. Watching them fight for each other while carrying that weight creates an emotional tension that never lets up.

Dravenmoor and Rising Stakes

The expansion into Dravenmoor adds depth to the world and raises the stakes across the kingdoms. The new characters fit seamlessly into the story and heighten the political tension. Alliances shift. Secrets come to light. Long-held truths unravel. The magic system continues to stand out as one of the most unique elements of the series, evolving in ways that feel expansive while still grounded in the rules Andrews has built.

And Thane returning? One of my favorite moments. He brings just enough humor to break through the intensity, and I would absolutely read a spinoff centered on him.

What I loved most, though, is how everything comes back to Lyra and Roark. Their story is messy and deeply emotional, but it never loses its core. Every choice circles back to them and the bond they refuse to break.

And that ending? Completely satisfying. It delivers the kind of emotional payoff this duology has been building toward from the start. They earn their HEA, and it feels every bit as hard-fought as it should.

If you’re looking for a romantasy duology with high emotional stakes and a romance that doesn’t play it safe, this is one to add to your TBR.

Heir of Twisted Lies is available now. Grab your copy HERE or request it from your local library.

Want more from LJ Andrews? Listen to our Author Spotlight for Broken Souls and Bones, where we dive into the world, characters, and inspiration behind the series.