Review: Song of the Forever Rains (Mousai #1) by E.J. Mellow

 

Song of the Forever Rains

(Mousai #1)

by E.J. Mellow

July 1, 2021

424 pages

Goodreads Summary:

From the award-winning author of the Dreamland series comes a new dark romantic fantasy about a young woman finding hope in her powers of destruction.

The Thief Kingdom is a place hidden within the world of Aadlior. Many whisper of its existence, but few have found this place, where magic and pleasure abound. There, the mysterious Thief King reigns supreme with the help of the Mousai, a trio of revered and feared sorceresses.

Larkyra Bassette may be the youngest of the Mousai, but when she sings her voice has the power to slay monsters. When it’s discovered the Duke of Lachlan is siphoning a poisonous drug from the Thief Kingdom and using it to abuse his tenants, Larkyra is offered her first solo mission to stop the duke. Eager to prove herself, Larkyra accepts by posing as the duke’s potential bride. But her plans grow complicated when she finds herself drawn to Lord Darius Mekenna, Lachlan’s rightful heir. Soon she suspects Darius has his own motivations for ridding Lachlan of the corrupt duke. Larkyra and Darius must learn to trust each other if there is to be any hope of saving the people of Lachlan—and themselves.

Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where lords and ladies can be murderers and thieves, and the most alluring notes are often the deadliest. Dare to listen?

Review

I had a feeling I would love Song of the Forever Rains and I was not wrong. The world pulled me in while the characters kept me absorbed in the story. The action and banter were very fun.

The world in Song of the Forever Rains stood out- not overly complicated yet full of intrigue and mystery. The Thief Kingdom was particularly alluring. Its morally questionable existence contrasted heavily with its ruler's secret benevolence. The magic system could be better defined but nevertheless I found it interesting.

I loved the strong bond between Larkyra and her older sisters. With their powerful magic, they're known as the Mousai. The sisters get into some dicey situations but they always had each others' backs. When things aren't as serious, their conversations made me roll with laughter. So adorable to see them mercilessly but also good-naturedly goad and tease each other. Especially when it came to their romantic lives ;)

Consider me a Larkyra fan. Despite being the youngest, Larkyra was always patient and logical. "...if things do not go the way first planned, then perhaps the deviated path is the one always meant to be taken." (p. 299) She had certain insecurities but she tried her hardest not to let them affect her and her work. Both brave, tenacious, compassionate and surprisingly flirty, Larkyra and Darius suited each other. Their bit of romance was simultaneously cute and sexy.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Song of the Forever Rains. The foreshadowing for the next book has me pumped. And having seen the title and matching cover, I desperately need the next Mousai story in my hands!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and not affected in any way. Any quotes included in my review were taken from the copy I received.