This third installment of the Mousai series was amazing! I have been looking forward to Arabessa and Zimri's story and EJ Mellow did not disappoint! We got a deep dive into the workings of the Thief Kingdom we have learned about in the previous two books. We meet new characters, while still getting to know old ones. All in all this was a wonderful conclusion to a very underrated series!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for this ar. 💚
3.5 rounded up to 4
Firstly, the writing. The best way to describe E.J. Mallows' writing style is wondrous and ensnaring. She clutched me, emotionally and mentally, with this bewildering, pain inducing finale. She filled her chapters with flowery and clever metaphors, put her characters through difficult situations and impossible decisions.

"You, Arabessa Bassette, have reigned over my heart since the first night I met you"
One of the many quotes I loved from these two. Their romance was so freaking painful I had to take a break for a day from reading it. I loved how precious they are to each other.

One of the greatest conflict throughout the series should've been not being able to separate Dolion's and thief king's actions. at one point in each books the thief king forced each daughter to do something she hated or was not comfortable with. Yet when he took their father's form everything went back to normal as if he didn't force shit on to them, which bothered me. there was no confrontations or emotional reckonings on that front. It was a huge missed opportunity.

Alas, this was a very pleasant series (except book 2, I pretend it doesn't exist) and I had a wonderful time with it.

I think that this book was the perfect ending to a fantastic trilogy. I loved Arabessa and her story was so beautiful. This book is amazing.

The day I found this series was one of the best days ever tbh. These sisters have stolen so much of my attention in such a short amount of time and I was sure that once I finished reading it, I would make it everyone else's problem until they read it too.

Symphony for a Deadly Throne was one of my highly anticipated for next year and when I saw the ARC listed to request, I needed to get my grubby little hands all over that.

Although the pacing of this was not like the ones before it, I still loved every minute of it. Finally reaching Ara and Zimri's story, I had no idea what to expect. I didn't let myself guess and just waited until we got there and I loved how different this one felt from the others. The story might change, the romance might be different, but the way the sisters love each other remains strong and true in each book and I love that it does not waver. They love each other with their whole person and it's really beautiful to read.

Beyond that, Ara and Zimri's romance, while not a surprise, was not so clear cut even with you knowing where it was going.

Overall, an excellent close to an amazing series. I can't wait to read more from the author.

This was a wonderful conclusion to the series! It might be because I'm the oldest sibling, but I felt so much more connected to Arabessa and her story vs. the other sisters and their stories. I love the Thief Kingdom, I could read three more books set in this world. I highly recommend this book and series, now it's time for a reread!

3.5⭐️

I enjoyed this book a lot, the writing and descriptions were good and the romance was the kind that felt classic, all-encompassing. It felt like this was the miscommunication trope (which it basically was) except slightly less annoying. But that was essentially the formation for the whole plot and I felt like it was lacking compared to the previous instalments.

I liked the relationship, though I felt like it only developed a small amount by the end (because the miscommunication resolved basically) and because there’s a background established between the two characters in the previous books, it felt like we skipped a lot of the initial tension we would see normally in a romance.

I enjoyed this, and it wasn’t bad by any means, but I’m not sure it was good either in terms of stakes, tension, or plot. The romance was very center stage for this instalment, and I don’t mind that normally but because it was essentially miscommunication for the whole thing it fell a little short.

The world E.J. Mellow has created in this story is engaging, intriguing, and absolutely mysterious! One always wants to know more, the twists and turns of this kingdom; the way she captivates her readers from the start of each new page is truly amazing! Much like those characters who visit this forbidden and sinful place-Mellow’s readers will always keep longing for more!

Mellow simply has us wrapped around her characters magical fingers—literally! Each sister in the Mousai wholeheartedly deserved their own book; there is growth, struggles, challenges, friendships, and such bonds that all deal with more than just romance formed in these stories; all readers will feel the emotions being pulled out of them because, yes, I physically cheered, gasped, and 100% cried in this book specifically more than the others. (Perhaps it is because I relate most to this Arabessa.) But the fact remains: all characters are worth wild and deserve each written page that was given to them!

The character development was there, the artistic and skillful words were there, the well developed plot was there, and most importantly—the magic was there!
There really is no other series like The Mousai.

Thank you SO much E.J. Mellow for such a breathtaking story and series!
And thank you to NetGalley for allowing me this opportunity to read this beautiful piece of work before it officially comes out in stores next year!

Really enjoyed this trilogy. Great characters and story lines. I enjoyed all 3 books but I think this one might be my favorite.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5 🌶️ 5/5 🤌🏾😏😀😳
Disclaimer: very slight spoilers. Thank youuu to NetGalley for giving this ARC, and this doesn’t influence my review. This book like the others in the series had a great cover, (it was a great honor in getting to visit the thief kingdom again, but ahead of the release date ;) )
First quote: “Arabessa Bassette knew the uselessness of screams.”
Tropes: childhood friends to, forbidden, fantasy romance, secret identities, angsty banter, unrequited, knife to throat
I believe Arabessa was my favorite sister and mousai, even though Niya’s love story was my favorite (as Arabessa’s was already started before the book). She had a no bs personality, and I loved the way the characters and their relationship to Arabessa was introduced. Also can we pls TALK about how hot the love interest was like 😀🤌🏾🤌🏾.
The depicted heartbreak brought tears to my eyes (I’m not kidding, like I was actually crying a little) as I’m kind of going through what arabessa went through in that aspect. This book had amazing plot twists and went over the dreadful life of the eldest child, which I personally relate to, (responsibilities, duties, EXPECTATIONS, being treated unfairly yet being loved, and a lot of heartbreaking choices conjoined with family loyalty). Overall, this is a must-read.

An enjoyable fantasy read for me that I picked up not realising the it was part of a series. As a standalone, it was a wonderful read and I intend to now go back and read the earlier books

Out of the series I think this may be my favorite. Each story is similar- following one of the sisters while she finds her place away from the family. This one goes a slightly different direction and makes the most sense to follow the other Mousai books.

I am so excited that I was able to read this book early and enjoy it because oh my goodness, I didn't know how badly I wanted the ending until I got it. I've been bouncing up and down with literal joy because after book one and two I needed to know what would happen to wrap up this amazing story.

I was not disappointed at all with book three. It hooked me right from where we left off and kept me anxiously flipping through the pages to the ending of this story. The final bit of development between the characters and their growth was *chefs kiss*. The lyrical way that E.J. writes made this book flow so beautifully and so easy to read.

The series itself was one I'll likely never forget and the main characters are ones I'll think about from time to time because they were unforgettable. Reading this series has been an absolute dream for me this year!

Thank you NetGalley for providing an ARC for an honest review.

I am obsessed with this book.

So much so that I want to go back and reread the entire series immediately. This is definitely the best book in the trilogy and I love that it was saved for last. It's such a strong finish and a beyond satisfactory conclusion for the Mousai sisters.

But the reasons why I enjoyed this more than the previous books is because of the characters. I related to Arabessa the most of the three sisters. I understand perfectly the extra responsibilities and pressures that fall on the oldest sibling, so her sense of duty is something I could empathise with. I was rooting for her the entire way. I also found the romance suiting my preferences more. I am extremely weak for childhood friends/sweetheart stories. The connection between Arabessa and Zimri made me so happy.

So it's no surprise this is my favourite book in the series. And this trilogy overall is perfect for readers looking for a nice, cosy fantasy story with strong females leads and exciting adventures. There is definitely enough time to pick up books #1 and #2 before this final installment comes out!

Thank you to E.J mellow, her team and net galley. Wow, what a final book to this trilogy. What a spicy friends to lover book!! As always E.J mellows writing paints the setting of a sister who wants more than just her duty, has passion and so much heart for what she loves. Arabessa is the final sister we get to meet and she is way more complex than just the maestro in this dark symphony. If you liked the two other books in the mousai series would highly recommend. Even as a stand alone, would be a great read. You will not be disappointed reading this.

Book 3 in the show stopping Mousai series. We're back in the throws of the thief kingdom, this time were following the leader of the Mousai. Arabessa Bassett. The eldest, the leader, the reserved controlled one who secretly burns with the desire to be her own person. Not to mention her up and down relation ship with, her childhood love and fathers right hand man: Zimiri. When an unexpected force vies for her fathers throne, Arabessa grapples with duty versus love.

A lovely, musical read. Mellow writes with a lyrical flare that holds your heart in her hands the whole way through. Zimiri and Arabessa's love story is beautiful and nearly perfect. They truly love and understand one another and the gentleness is just what you need in their world of deceit and treachery. 9/10 and everything I wanted it to be.

I have really loved this one. The writing was quite exceptional and story was mesmerising and beautiful. I really loved the MCs and the romance between them. Overall, a full 5 stars read.

I really like other books in the series (especially Book 2). But this one did not excite me. I like the FMC's story, but the romance is weak and a lost potential!

Symphony for a Deadly Throne is Arabessa’s story and the final book in the Mousai trilogy. Having read and loved the first two books about her sisters Larkyra and Niya, I was super excited to get ahold of an ARC for SYMPHONY.

Arabessa and Zimri both understand duty. They are both trusted by the king, Arabessa’s father, and will not risk jeopardizing that trust. This desire, along with the need to remain strong in a cutthroat kingdom, has them pushing each other away as much as pulling them together.

While I did enjoy this book, it wasn’t my favorite in the series. I found it difficult to remain engaged, especially at the beginning. I would definitely still recommend this series to everyone (book two is the best!!). Great for fans of The Bridge Kingdom.

Thanks @ejmellow for this ARC!

Each book in the Mousai trilogy functions as a unique book.
Here, we will have the story of Arabessa Bassette, the eldest sister and leader of the Mousai, an obedient daughter, responsible and zealous sister, and the one who always takes the altruistic path and assumes for herself all the obligations for her king and her family. Arabessa is the one who always does what she needs, but perhaps never what she really wants.
And everything is about to change when she decides to fight for the throne of the Kingdom of Thieves. However, more than being the new king, Arabessa will have to make both choices and sacrifices, and the price of forging her own path could cost her the love of the man she has loved since childhood.

Symphony for a Deadly Throne is seductive, charming, and absolutely gorgeous.
In this book, the world of Adilor turns old stories into nightmares, and we are swallowed up by this attractive, uncontrollable and hungry land.
In alternate chapters, we'll also learn about Zimri's story, and all the pain that coils around him like a thorny vine, as well as all the things that make his heart beat faster.
He and Arabessa were protagonists who had such challenging and definitive feelings, and I don't know if there's anything sweeter and more beautiful in literature - or in life.
This was a story full of beauty, which unnerves you and holds you in the same breath.
It's like groping between thorns at the same time that the same spark of hope that grows in the characters' chests is the one that swallows you whole.
This is definitely a book that consumes you, slides in and closes around you like a hug.

Books like these are what stars are made of.

P.S. We will never get enough of you, Achak.

This was not my favorite in the trilogy. I really wanted to love it be Arabessa and Zimri were ways relegated to the sidelines in the other stories, forced to be the ones that were good little thief kingdom soldiers.

Sadly, that characterization continues throughout the book. Meaning: duty before everything even if the emotional conflict should have provided more. so much goes on just in their heads and it was so repetitive. I love you! But the kingdom. you love me?! But your lifelong dream of owning shares of a shady club. There was no stakes, no depths to explore, nothing in the Fade, no real action andi really got tired of her gifts talking to her.

There was SO much potential, particularly given the tidbit of info about their mom and it could have taken a Caraval approach or the Cyren Queen route for a quest but it didn't.

I loved the other two entries into the series and know some people will adore this one. I just wanted more. And if there is another talking about their father, life in Jabari and everything pre his reign as Their King I know I'll read it.