Review – Symphony for a Deadly Throne (The Mousai, Book 3) by E.J. Mellow (4.5/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Length: 405 pages
Publisher: Montlake
Release Date: February 14, 2023
ASIN: B09J4QW99V
Stand Alone or Series: 3rd book in The Mousai series
Source: Borrowed ebook from Kindle Unlimited
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
“Within the world of Aadilor sits the hidden Thief Kingdom, a land overflowing with magic and mayhem. There the Mousai, a trio of deadly sorceresses, serve the reclusive Thief King, delivering punishment and pleasure to the masses.
Arabessa Bassette is the leader of the Mousai, conducting their powerful gifts with unyielding precision. But behind her mask of control burns a desire to forge her own path—along with a tumultuous relationship with Zimri D’Enieu, her father’s right hand and the man who’s held her heart since they were children. When an unexpected invitation to vie for the Thief King’s throne pulls her into a deadly competition, Arabessa’s composure cracks as she finds herself with an impossible choice—give up her greatest love or her greatest ambition.
But sacrifices loom large in the Thief Kingdom, for the quest for power always comes at a price. With her and Zimri’s future hanging in the balance, Arabessa must decide if she’s willing to pay it.
Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where love is found between cracks and the most mesmerizing symphonies carry lethal notes. Dare to play?”
Series Info/Source: This is third and final book in the Mousai series. I borrowed this ebook through Kindle Unlimited.
Thoughts: I thought this was the best book of the Mousai series. I really enjoyed Arabessa as a character and thought her relationship with Zimri was well done. I also loved how Arabessa’s story ties in with the larger issues happening in the Thief Kingdom.
This is Arabessa and Zimri’s book. Both of them have huge responsibilities in the Thief Kingdom and a deep love for each other. When opportunities present themselves for both Arabessa and Zimri to finally accomplish their ultimate dreams they need to take a close look at things. Do they choose their own separate dreams and paths? Or do they choose to try and make a true relationship out of the love they have hidden for so long?
We spend almost all of this novel in the Thief Kingdom rather than in the larger world of Aadilor. I loved this because in the previous two books the time in the Thief Kingdom was so brief. Zimri and Arabessa have been two of the more reserved characters in the previous books, so I loved getting to know them better. They are the responsible ones, who do what needs to be done to keep things running smoothly for everyone else. I loved seeing them try to navigate their responsibilities and find a way to make a true relationship work as well. I think I enjoyed the chemistry between Arabessa and Zimri the most of all the couple featured in this series.
I also continue to really love the relationship between the Thief King and his Mousai; they have a harsh and complicated role in the world and I loved seeing the love and humor they have for each other as a family within these roles. It’s really well done and I really love reading about it.
Lastly, I continue to enjoy the beautiful writing style here. This is a glittering and magical read, but it also has harsh edges and humor. It is very well-balanced and I breezed right through it while enjoying every moment of it.
My Summary (4.5/5): Overall I thought this was the strongest book in The Mousai series. I loved the Bassette family and their tight-knit, humorous relationship with each other throughout this series. I thoroughly enjoyed Arabessa and Zimri as well. This series makes me want to check out other series by Mellow. I would recommend to those who enjoy a magical dark fantasy with some romance throughout.
