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.

I want to thank NetGalley again for this ARC, it was my first ever and seeing it for the first time made my heart burst in happiness and made me forget I had to check on the water and it kind of made a mess BUT it was worth it so, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!! It made me the happiest person ever<3

Here it is the long waited book of Arabessa Bassette and Zimri D’enieu. Their story is PERFECT, PERFECT, PERFECT and PERFECT!! Did I say perfect? Because if not then, yes, it is perfect. One of the things that made them perfect was the way their relationship starts and develops. It was smart to have them get into a relationship the way they did, I really don’t want to make spoilers and that is the reason for the cryptic talking but yes, I loved their relationship. It was so sweet and it made butterflies flutter in my belly, their moments together, either talking, fighting or just being in each other’s company made me smile, everything happens in a page I get that but the chemistry between this two is undeniable.

“You, Arabessa are the most interesting creature I have yet met as well as the most contrary. It’s thoroughly enjoyable to watch you smile but know that you’re actually quite outraged. Or see you paste on an expression of indifference when nothing but the sweetest scent of joy lifts from you. You see”-he leaned forward conspiratorially-“you may not share your thoughts, but feel tem you certainly so, and loudly”

Now, moving forward. For those that have read Song of the forever Rains and Dance of a burning Sea, reading this book is going to be one of the most amazing closures for all of these characters. There is tragedy, love, loss, hope, secrets revealed, personal struggles a lot of them if I may add and battles won and lost. For those that haven’t read any previous book and this one calls to you then it’s okay as well because it is so well written that you can jump into it and have no problem understanding things. Of course, it is way better to know the endless jests between the sisters regarding Zimri but still, you can enjoy it. I loved that balance and it needs to be pointed out.

So, from the very beginning of the book there is mystery and secrets. One of the things I loved was the knowing of how long the secrets needed to stay secret from us the readers, meaning, they are not extented to the point of me saying “this is exhausting”. The writer hooked me from the very first chapters and didn’t let go until the very end. Another bonus point is that the book focuses on their characters, what do I mean by this? These two characters –Zimri and Arabessa- have a lot of duties, a lot of things to work out and the book has an excellent balance between their personal issues and their struggles as a couple because man, they HURT a lot in this book and I was hurting right there with them, so their individual problems never felt apart from the things they needed to work out together as well, the balance was great. Also, the book has this interesting scenes where whoever is narrating the chapter is describing debauchery –because we are talking about the Thief kingdom- and people having sexual encounters is kind of normal BUT the great thing about it is that it isn’t written to seduce or provoke, it is a fact, this kingdom is made to enclose this type of things and it’s as normal here as drinking water, so when a characters is describing thieving, torture, sex, murder or things like that, it is made in a way that makes us readers realize it is part of the world. It was really smart to be honest. don’t do any of these things at home or anywhere else

You have to be in control, Arabessa, he had said. It is not you in those moments. Not your feelings, not your wants. It is your people’s wants. Your kingdom’s feelings. You must make personal sacrifices every day. Every grain fall you wear a crown.

Another thing that I liked a lot about this book is that we now have the chance to get to know the Thief kingdom and its workings. In the other two books we have glimpses of it but they focus on the outside world but here? Here we get to visit a lot of places inside the kingdom and know how Dolion –the thief king- rules. I was angry at some point let me tell you because Dolion was making Arabessa do things that had me gritting my teeth BUT it also showed how he struggles with his role as king and the lack of balance the throne has when it comes to him ruling over his own daughters so I kind of felt bad for him as well.

“They are Bassettes, and Bassettes have greatness within even without the lost gods’ gifts”.
Zimri watched Niya and Larkyra slip from their seats to go to their father. They wrapped themselves around his large form. Dolion held them in return, not attempting to wipe free the tears escaping down his cheek.

This book focuses on Zimri and Arabessa’s relationship even though when they are facing a lot of internal and external struggles, it still has them –as a couple- in the spotlight. That makes the book so much simpler but not in a bad way. That fact made me eat the book whole, I had no problem understanding their fears, needs, dreams, desires or burdens because it is exactly what E.J Mellow focused on. This book doesn’t deal with a war or destruction, or houses fighting for power, let me tell you this kingdom has that in a grip, in control, so we don’t have to worry about that. What I worried about was Zimri and Arabessa’s hearts because they were SUFFERING. I loved Zimri here, I finally got to know more of him and there is not one single part of him I didn’t love, the same with Arabessa. As the writer, I’m a younger sister and reading about the obligations Arabessa has a big sister was and is a wow fro me. Their decisions –good or bad- let them to be in the right place at the right time at the end and I ENJOYED the ride, I mean, I was CRYING at the end and tears for characters are the best sign the book is great.

Also, the writing style E.J has here is marvelous. I LOVED the old type of talking and thinking, it doesn’t feel forced or awkward and of course it adds to the story because of how she describes these places are. Also, loved how the main characters are more than their magic, we have seen that in a lot of books but I loved she added that here. The sisters and every MC don’t just have their magic to defend themselves, they are trained to be smart, to fight with weapons, to outmatch their enemies no matter their size so reading how Arabessa was hella smart was the best.

There was only two things that bug me while reading –one more than the other- there was a lot of repeated sentences in this book, too many really. For some cases I understood the need to repeat some part of the book but in other was –in my opinion- not necessary and the other was the flashbacks. I was desperate to know what was going on when I had a sudden flashback, in some of them it was my desperation to know what was going on but some of them were right next to each other, they were more than okay but to close to one another.

So, of you haven’t read this trilogy you can start know and add them to your tbr, they are worth it, promise<3
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4382923797?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

5/5 stars

This book was one of my top anticipated reads for next year so I was thrilled to get an arc!! This book did not disappoint!! Arabessa and Zimri are childhood friends to lovers. I have loved to see their relationship develop in the other books and am so glad we finally got their story!! This story was a standalone but features characters from the first two books.

One of the authors best qualities is her world building. The Thief Kingdom is written so well and sounds absolutely decadent. I would love to visit it! I love how the Thief Kingdom embraced pain and pleasure.

Arabessa is a very well rounded main character. She embraces her insecurities and isn’t afraid to face her fears. I loved seeing her figure out what she wanted on her own. She was so tied to the Mousai in the other books it was nice to see her break away. I also really appreciated how refreshing it was that she voiced her fears and insecurities rather than hiding them away.

Zimri is a character that has always been in the background of the other books. I absolutely loved getting inside his head and seeing more of his magic!! I also love how understanding he was. He fought for what he wanted but understood those wants can change.

Overall this book was a top read for me this year!! The world and magic building were amazing and so detailed. I loved going on Arabessa’a journey and watching love triumph. My only complaint is that there isn’t more. I want more of the thief kingdom and more of Zimri and Arabessa (as well as the sisters!).