I am in love with this book. A beautiful end to a beautiful series.

The writing style is flawless, the world building is incredible. I feel so strongly for every single character. While I have read a lot of fantasy, these feel so fresh and unique in my mind. The three sisters being such strong powerful women, and seeing their relationships not only with each other but with everyone else is absolutely incredible.

Sometimes I get lost in the world building of fantasy books, but this felt so real and vivid, and was so easy to understand and fall in love with.

I am absolutely gutted that this series is over, but I will never stop recommending these books.

Truly a work of art.

Such a great conclusion to a great series! So pleased Arabessa finally got her own book and now I'm just sad it's all over!

I have mixed feelings about this entry. It was so fun to dive deeper into the mysteries of the Thief Kingdom and how it functions. I loved the concept of magical competition and a fight essentially to the death to become the next king. I would have liked the competition to have been more elaborate or take more of center stage in the story.

The story was mostly centered around Arabessa and Zimri's love story, rightfully so, but at times was frustrating. If she would have just been honest, she could have saved them so much trouble. But that's the nature of the miscommunication in romance troupe. Her reasoning to take part in the competition wasn't fully believable to me. She was constantly stressed and tired of being the backbone of the Mousai and her family. Having people constantly rely on her and having to put her desires aside. Yet she decides to take on the responsibility of being the backbone of an entire Kingdom? It just seemed contradictory. I get it was finally a chance for her to look inside herself and decide for herself what she wanted, but her reasons didn't match.

As always, I loved Achak. They are by far my favorite character throughout the series. I would have liked to learn more about them and their origins. Maybe a prequel *wink wink.* The aesthetic of the Thief Kingdom was great, I enjoyed being there. Although, not my favorite installment, I do like where it concluded for all the characters. Niya and Alos for LIFE!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to re-enter the world of the Mousai.

I requested this book having never heard of it, and since reading the series I have seen this book EVERWHERE. I went back and read books 1 and 2 first, and i absolutely loved this whole story. It's so so deserving of the hype it's receiving.
The badass FMC Arabessa was strong, and charismatic, her journey and development through the books was excellent.
I loved the relationship and the chemistry between Arabessa and Zimri, I whole heartedly believed their love and connection.
The dynamic of the three sisters, i was a bit worried might feel a bit similar to other popular fantasy books based around 3 sisters, but it actually didn't at all. Their banter was excellent and at times quite funny.
I loved the world building/setting, as we finally really got to see the Thief Kingdom as the main setting in this book, and all its goings on, and of course its ruler Dolion.
This book made me laugh, made me cry, buy mostly it was an excellent end to a fantastic trilogy, with most ends and threads being tied up and finished. Can't wait to see more from EJ.

Before my review I would like to thank NetGalley for so kindly providing me with an ARC copy of this book! Also please be aware that as this is a review of the last book in a trilogy, some spoiler probably lie ahead.

The third and final installment in the Mousai series was a fitting finale for this trilogy. I gave me everything I wanted and handled my favorite tropes really well!
In this book we follow the two different main characters who also are the two main love interests, Arabessa Basette and Zimri D’enieu. They have loved each other for years but duty gets in the way of their ,til this day, secret relationship. The longing was so deadly sweet!
But this novel is not only that, it is also a story about self-growth and self-discovery. Being an older sister myself, I am not unfamiliar with the feelings Arabessa harbors through the book and it is so very important to understand that though you feel responsible for your siblings it is not your role to sacrifice yourself and your happiness for them.
Though I do wish there had been a little bit more angst and complications somehow —I do love a good cry— I was sucked into the story and could not put the book down.

E.J Mellow’s writing is what surprised me the most through this series as you can see that she makes an effort to make it lyrical and different and yet it still reads so easily!

I give this book a 4.5 stars !!

I definitely recommend this series to anyone interested in either the fantasy genre or the romance genre, this series is underrated and deserves more people knowing and reading it.

I look forward to seeing what the author will come up with next and seeing her growth through her next works.

Happy reading ! <3

Absolutely loved this series & the different dynamics of the sisters to how the author makes the writing flow to draw you into the Mousai's world. The second book was my favourite of all. The complex growth of Arrabessa in the final book leading to the conclusion of the sisters story was chef's kiss. I'm absolutely sad that I'm not going to be able to read more of the sisters adventures 😩💔 I need more lol. Absolute fantastic read to end the year & can't recommend it enough 🥰 !!

Thank you to the author & Netgalley for the arc it's appreciated

This is the third and final installment in the Mousai series, following a young woman torn between the man she loves and the kingdom she calls home.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Symphony for a Deadly Throne!

This is the final book in the Mousai series, it follows Arabessa and Zimri. While you can read these as a standalone, I highly suggest reading them in order.

I love this series and Symphony for a Deadly Throne is a great finale. While I didn't love this one as much as the first two, I think that most people will be satisfied with the ending. I was really looking forward to the romance in this one since it's hyped up so much in the other books. And I was definitely rooting for Arabessa and Zimri, but their romance wasn't as sweeping as the first two books in the trilogy. However, Mellow is a talented writer and I was invested in the plot so, it didn't bug me that much.

Overall, I highly recommend this series. It's definitely underrated.

I got the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book. I am so excited to share my thoughts with you and hope you give this book a try.
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This book continues with the Mousai story. This is the third book in the series, but it’s a standalone for the third sister. The oldest sister. She has been in love with her childhood friend and he her, but sharing that love with the world is not an easy task for her to do. She’s the oldest. She has responsibilities. She can’t have distractions. Along the way a new task tests everything she’s ever wanted. Will their love survive?
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This has got friends to lovers, some found family, and unexpected friendships. It’s got more magic, tricks, and action. I loved this story being the oldest of three myself. I felt a lot of her feelings at times. I absolutely loved Zimri, our MMC, in this story. Getting his POV was like the taste of chocolate melting in your mouth. He is still a stupid man at times, but I loved experiencing his story too. Both of them have journeys they need to work through, so getting to read them both was amazing. Also, there is some spice! This is definitely a slow burn, so there isn’t a ton. But when it arrives it will make you melt.
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“Interesting people do not come from easy living”

Arabessa glanced over to him, and he hated how soothing it was to meet her gaze. Home, his magic spun in his veins. We want to come home.

He kept his attention pinned to her, as though he was studying every outline to later recall, or perhaps to never forget.

Zimri placed his hands behind his head, stomach muscles stretching, biceps flexing; A pleased dark prince.

“Lie back, my love. I told you I will have you every way. This is merely the first course.”
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Now start this series or continue on with this book. You won’t regret it.

thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

this book made me want to start the series from the beginning and read it all over again. i think the plot developed incredibly well and came to a satisfying conclusion. the magic system was clever and the supporting characters are also very well crafted. it was a wild ride of adventure and emotions.

First let me start by saying that This is the third in the series and you really should read the first two books in the series to get the whole picture before you read this one.

Now, I was eagerly awaiting this installment because I've always wanted to know more about Arabella Bassette (the leader of the Mousai) and her relationship with Zimri, the Collector.

to me, it dragged. Trying not to give away spoilers, but I totally get the direction this final book went in because , it made so much sense if you read the first two books and know even a little about our two main characters. But I really hate when a female love interest has to give up something that is a part of her for her " happily ever after"

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

𝘚𝘺𝘮𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘺 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘈 𝘋𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘭𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘦 is the final installment in the 𝘔𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘢𝘪 series and follows the eldest sister, Arabessa's adventure.

- ~ -

Time for the coronation of the 𝘯𝘦𝘸 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘧 𝘒𝘪𝘯𝘨.
𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦 chosen contenders.
𝘖𝘯𝘦 ruler.
The 𝘨𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 game to test all their resolves.

The time has come for a grand but masked change of rulers. They'll have to fight and kill to survive. With secrets that could burn relationships and propositions made to gain all they desire, they'll learn to sacrifice and hold close to the families born and found.
- ~ -

The conclusion to the trilogy is quite peculiarly apposite.

Although I've taken no oath to not disclose what makes it so fitting, I will not reveal it so as to ensure you all enjoy the ending.

Since the series has come to an end, I can confidently say that my favourite aspect was how each character had an adventure perfectly suited to them. As in Larkyra's less thrill enducing one to compliment her soft(ish) nature and Niya's for her fiery nature and finally Arabessa's complicated one to cover how she proves time and time again she's a great leader.

And Zimri... my man is whipped for her. It's adorable and some scenes were heartbreaking but they've got each other's back and that's all that matters.

I hope the author continues to create similar fantasy novels because I'm addicted.

- ~ -

4.04 / 5✩

𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘔𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘭𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬, 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘐 𝘷𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘭𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥 & 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘥. 𝘈𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘮𝘺 𝘰𝘸𝘯.

Thank you to Net Galley and E.J. Mellow for providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I got the first book of this series through Amazon First Reads and I was hooked. I loved the first two books in this series. I was so excited to get an arc of this book to finish out the series.

The last Mousai sister where everything weighs/relies on her. Arabessa has to make a decision to go after her dream to rule or her love for Zimri.

This story almost felt like a coming of age story but in an adult setting. Where Arabessa leader of the Mousai controls and makes the decision for the sisters but as the other two sisters have new lives and new roles Arabessa is feeling left out. Finally having their story played out was a great conclusion to the series. This is a series I will re-read again and again.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a requested copy for review. All opinions are my own.

This was a fantastic conclusion to the Mousai trilogy. Arabessa and Zimri’s relationship has been simmering in the background and it finally boils over! There’s so much angst and heartache as they try to thread a delicate path between duty, responsibility, love, what they want, and what everyone else wants from them. There was so much tension and back and forth. Not to mention the high stakes as we’re on a tight timeline for what both Zimri and Arabessa are trying to accomplish.
It’s also really great to see the continued development of both Niya and Larkyra. Where we end the series is a satisfying conclusion for everyone involved. Highly recommend.

4.5 stars

'Arabessa realized then how painful it was to grow. To move forward into something new. How hard it could be to carve one's own path and who might be forced to be left behind in the process.'

This book surprised me. Five stars.

The writing is beautiful; lyrical and lush.
The characters are so true to themselves and I love their arcs and development. In the Thief Kingdom, everyone is morally grey which makes for such dynamic relationships.

Arabessa is the quintessential older sister - responsible, caring, selfless, putting the needs of her family ahead of her own. As an older sister myself, her story and inner monologues really connected with me.

One of my sneaky favorite characters was Kattiva! I prepared myself to hate her when I started the book but as her layers slowly fell away through the interactions with Zimri, I grew to respect and admire her.

Zimri. Oh Zimri. You gorgeous tortured soul. His interactions with Arabessa left me with butterflies in my stomach and tears in my eyes. I did not expect to be so emotionally affected by the anguish of these characters, and I am not a crier!

If you love...
- Morally grey characters
- Emotional devastation
- Magic & quests
- Friends-to-lovers (or... lovers-to-friends-to-lovers)
...then you'll love this book.

I haven't read the first two books in this series, but I will be doing so IMMEDIATELY. EJ Mellow is a new must-read author for me.

Highly recommend.

Song of the forever Rains was one of the first ARCs I read, and I just had to know how the Mousai series would end. I enjoyed this series very much. The Thief Kingdom is such an amazing world to get to know and the Bassettes are a fun group of sisters. Symphony for a Deadly Throne was a great read. I loved Arabessa's story, her struggle was by far the most interesting one of the three. This conclusion was the perfect ending to the series.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this a lot. I was so excited and this book did not disappoint. Their stroy and tension was better than i expected and this was a great ending to the series

Oh. My. Gosh!!! I have loved the Mousai since the first book, but this book was amazing. Arabessa and Zimri gave me everything I didn’t know I needed. This book left me both content with the Mousai’s ending but also craving more.

She could not show how broken she was, how her magic was ripping through her veins, demanding to hurt another as she hurt.
Arabessa was their leader.
Arabessa was their guide.
She could not be weak.
She could not crack.
Larkyra and Niya would not agree to perform unless they believed she was able.
She.
Was.
Fine.
She.
Was.
Strong.

This book was written for the eldest sisters - the ones who take on too much and receive too little support, the ones who have had to make sacrifices for their family that their siblings did not.

This book was written for me - I'm convinced of it. Arabessa's story and personality hit so close to home, I cried for almost this entire book. But rather than simply feeling sad, these tears felt healing and therapeutic in the way only select pieces of art can make you feel.

Overall, this was a stunning conclusion to the Mousai trilogy. I absolutely loved this world, the magic system and the family bonds. I can already tell this will probably be a comfort read for me in the future. If these books aren't on your radar, ads them now!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

💐Coming out February 14 2023💐

Thank you NetGalley for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

Overall:
4/5 ✰
3/5 🌶

Arabessa Bassette, Mousai's eldest member and leader, has spent her whole life attempting to live up to the standards she considers everyone expects of her. With her other two sisters enjoying their lives with their respective partners, the burden of responsibility falls even more heavily on her.
What Arabessa most craves is something —or better said— someone, she cannot have, and it comes in the shape of her childhood friend, Zimri D'Enieu. But her love for him is forbidden, and as much as she wants to be with him, another commitment, perhaps the most critical, lands on her shoulders. Arabessa has received an unexpected invitation to compete for the throne of the Thief King, which throws her into a deadly competition.

𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:

Much more action than in the last one.
The insight into Arabessa's thoughts was exceptionally helpful. Many aspects that I needed to fully understand in the previous two volumes were progressively resolved in this one.
After reading the first one, I requested more sorrow, and I got it on the second. Yet, I didn't expect to feel so much pain in this last book. I was in pain. I felt for them as if it were my own relationship.
The relationship between Zimri and Ara was fantastic. However, I can't even count the number of times I wanted to shout at them as they became further apart.