Song of the Forever Rains: 1 (The Mousai) Paperback – 1 July 2021

I absolutely adored this book.I am a sucker for interesting magic systems and slow burn romances and this book had both in spades.Larkyra is one of 3 sisters gifted with amazing magics that work in harmony with one another to please or maim their intended audience. By day they are princesses of Jabari, doted on by their father, and by night they are the great Mousai, feared and loved by those of the Thief Kingdom. They find themselves entangled in the destiny of Lachlan, lorded over by the putrid Duke Hayzar and his handsome, but troubled, step-son Darius.This was a very enjoyable book that made me laugh, and brought me close to tears more than once. The characters are loveable and well fleshed out, and the writing was just perfect. The chemistry and tension between Darius and Larkyra had me almost shouting at the book, willing them to just kiss one another already (which doesn't happen until past the 80% mark!).A very surprising read, as I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I wasn't disappointed.

This is a sweet romance set in a fantasy setting with a feisty, heroine and a tortured hero but I really wanted to learn more about the world and the Thief King and his kingdom.Larkyra is one of the Mousai, a trio of sorceresses, who just happens to be sisters. The Mousai helps the Thief King reign over his kingdom where magic exists hidden away from the rest of the world. Larkyra power lies in her voice, and she can slay monsters with her voice but this is a gift she uses sparingly. On becoming an adult, she is given an assignment to pose as the Duke of Lachlan's potential bride to stop him stealing drugs from the Thief Kingdom then using this to fuel his magic and abuse his tenants. But of course, her mission is complicated by her growing attraction to the tortured ( literally) Darius who happens to be the Duke's stepson.There are vivid descriptions that bring the world of Aadilor to life- I loved the description of the thief kingdom as seen through Darius's eyes when he visits the land for the first time. I was really intrigued by the premise of the weather being permanently stormy and grey in Lachlan as a result of the Duke's sadness. The story is told from both Larkyra's and Darius's viewpoint, so there we know straight away Darius is a good man, who cares deeply for his people and is horribly abused by his uncle instead of having to wait several hundred pages for the Larkyra to find out. The romance between Darius and Larkyra is sweet but runs a predictable course and in my view is the main focus of the story rather than part of it. The Duke is an unpleasant villain and truly creepy leaving me genuinely feeling sad for Darius and the awful childhood that he had.If you wanted a book with a strong romance in a fantasy setting with interesting characters then this is a perfect book for you. But if like me you wanted more fantasy and more action, then you may be disappointed. I really wanted to learn more about the Thief King and his Kingdom- how did he manage to create an invisible kingdom, why is it invisible and more about the people who live there but most of the book was set outside of the Thief Kingdom. I was expecting a lot more intrigue and ninja action from Larkyra and her sisters especially as Larkya was sent to spy on the Duke.4 stars, this book wasn’t for me but I’m sure other people will love it.

After being bored of reading weighty tomes filled with 300 names to remember and more subplots than a soap opera, this was just a delightful, charming and straightforward bit of fun. Well written, unpredictable, it builds a world and characters that feel a little more fleshed out and interesting than the average fantasy novel. Can’t wait to read the next.

Song of the Forever Rains is a fabulously creative novel with a world that is filled with wonder. Descriptions of setting and place are truly vivid and inspiring. The story is a good length too and nicely sets up the series. It is let down perhaps by the hollow villain. The antagonists are caricatures that we rarely see much of and when we do, it's cliche. Sections were omitted which I feel could have added to the portrayal of the villain, and it certainly lacked a rationale as to why they are the way they are. More could have been done with the Thief king too. I thought the Thief King was going to be someone else and was a bit disappointed when it wasn't. While, the interaction and dialogue between the protagonist and lover was realistic and accurate, the dialogue between the sisters, I feel was meant to be banterous and sisterly but came across annoying and pedantic (maybe that was intentional and those with sisters can relate?). The weather phenomenon plaguing the Lachlan kingdom was also inexplicable. SotFR therefore, is a good YA Novel but is missing something to elevate it to an exceptional story.

Strong female lead, magic, romance, sibling rivalry & humour, and a bit of mystery? If these are your cup, I would recommend reading. Easy to follow, decent if you've been in a reading slump. Off to download the next book.

Oh I loved this book, the worlds are stunning, the characters are utterly charming, strong and intriguing. Plenty of family banter and and can’t wait to read the next one.

Just finished The Mousai Trilogy by E.J. Mellow.Highly recommend! First time reading anything by this author. Brilliant world-building, original, complex believable characters, lovely touch of humour, and beautifully gothic.Only downside is I wouldn't mind more books...

Started a little slow for me but really enjoyed it in the end, i wish i could give half star reviews as i want to rate it 4.5 stars, looking forward to book 2