This book was super easy to read and I really enjoyed it! With that, Larkyra's story remains my favorite of the trilogy. Maybe it's due to the fact that I am the youngest of my sisters, but Ara's story didn't feel quite that compelling.

The various obstacles that she and Zimri face throughout the book didn't evoke that much suspense. I think the story would've been improved if there was more emphasis on the trials that Ara had to complete. I love a deadly competition within a story but the trials she experienced go by very quickly and ultimately didn't seem to affect her all that much. Maybe it would've been even more suspenseful if Zimri was one of her competitors. We don't get to know the other competitors as well, so it really doesn't feel like she's competing against anyone.

Zimri's story was not that important. I really love him and am glad to hear from his POV in this book, but the personal growth he experienced seemed very easy for him.

Overall I really love this trilogy, however this is my least favorite of the three.

Oh my goodness. Words cannot properly express how much I love the world that EJ Mellow has created. The Mousai sisters are among my favorite characters. So interesting and unique. This book follows the last sister, Arabessa. There are so many secrets, twists and turns, betrayals, angst, longing, and of course love. I am sad to see this world come to a close, but it wrapped up perfectly. I will forever read anything that EJ Mellow writes.

My heart is full and broken at the same time. I have loved this series and the journey EJ Mellow has taken us on. There is so much character development in this book. While you can read them as stand alones, to appreciate the growth of the sisters I recommend reading them in order. Arabessa is such a strong character and only gets stronger throughout the story. I really loved that she went through her own tests to figure out what she wanted out of life. As an eldest sister I really related to her. The only reason this read isn’t 5 stars is simply a preference. I just didn’t like the romance in this one as much. I’m excited for what else this author has in store!

Wow, wow, wow!
I was struggling when trying to figure out how to type up this review. Mainly because I loved it so much and couldn't find the right words to do this book justice.

If you know me at all, you know how much I adore the Mousai series by EJ Mellow. Symphony For A Deadly Throne is the 3rd book in this standalone series and I must say it lived up to my expectations. Perfection!!!! Although book 2 is my favorite overall, this book was easily just as great. How is this series so underrated?!

This book is all about the oldest sister Arabessa and her father's right hand man, the amazingly handsome Zimri. Arabessa is struggling to find balance between the love of her life and the duty to her family's kingdom. The way Arabessa and Zimri are emotionally involved had me in a chokehold! I love that we also get to see more of the Thief Kingdom.

Symphony For A Deadly Throne gives you the deadliest & fiercest women while giving you that cozy and dark fantasy mixture that EJ Mellow writes so well. It gives you tragedy, heartbreak, struggles between love and duty, friends to lovers, childhood sweethearts and of course magic!

E.J. Mellow finishes their riveting trilogy with Symphony for a Deadly Throne, and I could not be more pleased with its beautiful conclusion, but was so sorry to see it end. The characters. The storytelling. The CHEMISTRY. As an oldest daughter myself, Arabessa’s character was one I could identify with heavily and root for endlessly. This will be a re read VERY soon, such a wonderful trilogy I cannot wait to revisit for years to come.

Thank you NetGalley for this wonderful ARC!

I absolutely loved this one.i first got the first book a few years ago and I was so excited at the opportunity to read this one from net galley.

A BIG thank you to Netgalley and Montlake for the ARC of Symphony for a Deadly Throne.

I have had the first two books of the Mousai series ready to read on my KIndle for a good while and receiving access to the final installment was the prompt I needed to dive in. There's nothing worse than a long wait to see how great characters' stories end! This month, I have read all three books back-to-back and have to say, the final tale is a little underwhelming.

All three books are a touch predictable on the romantic side but the characters of books one and two are well-matched and their joint adventures are riveting and exciting. The world of Aadilor and the hidden world of the Thief Kingdom are beautifully written. I love the relationship between the sisters across all three books and I was rooting for them all in their romantic liaisons. Except Arabessa! She is an excellent MC and it's easy to empathise with her difficulties and her struggle to stay true to herself, her family and her king. Such a strong, brave character deserves far better than the selfish, man-child that is Zimri! I found him quite tedious and disappointingly bland in comparison to Arabessa.

I also thought that the challenge should've taken more of a front seat in the story, each element lasted barely a few pages. and could've been so much more. The main storyline seemed to be Arabessa and Zimri arguing and making up on repeat. I would've preferred more adventure

Mismatched relationship aside, it was interesting to learn more about the kingdom and its inner workings, the world building is still on point, favourite characters from previous books such as Achak and the Thief King are back and we learn quite a bit more about the inner workings of Macabris. Overall, a 3/5 star read.

”Though you might not believe me, I yearn to love you with everything that burns inside my heart instead of only what I can manage to hold in one hand.”

What a beautiful and fitting conclusion to this massively underrated trilogy!

The Bassette sisters lead a life of many secrets and many faces - they act as mischievous thieves, refined ladies, and vengeful sorceresses by turns. The only constant in their lives is their devotion to each other and to their beloved father Dolion Bassette - a man of many secrets himself.

But things are changing for Arabessa, Niya, and Larkyra. Their father has made a decision that will change their everyday lives forever...and Niya and Larkyra are already starting to pull away and build families of their own. All this leaves Arabessa, the eldest and leader of the trio, adrift and reevaluating her own choices.

For years, Arabessa’s childhood friend Zimri has made no secret of his feelings for her - but her sense of duty to the kingdom and to her family kept her from fully embracing a life with him. But now, an impossible choice forces Zimri to decide between marrying Arabessa, and achieving his lifelong goals. Will her self-sacrifice force him to choose wrong and keep them apart forever?

As an eldest sibling as well, it’s easy for me to relate to Arabessa’s character arc…especially as The Responsible One™️ in the family whom everyone else always leans on. She has to learn how to set boundaries for herself, while also relinquishing control and trusting those she loves to make their own decisions.

This trilogy is such a hidden gem - from the well-crafted worlds of Jabari and the Thief Kingdom, to the incredibly creative magic system, to the unique storylines for each sister that perfectly reflect their individual personalities and struggles. Many, many thanks to NetGalley, Montlake, and EJ Mellow for an ARC of this final volume in exchange for my honest thoughts!!

Unfortunately I just tried to read the first book in this series and had to DNF. I found it to be a little monotonous and too young for me. So Unfortunately I will not be continuing this series or reading this one.

I was able to get an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I really wanted to like this book, I loved the first book in the series. But I could not focus on this one. The storyline just didn’t work for me.

Pros: still great writing, and world building
Con: Just. It for me.

Love this third and final book in the Mousai series. Just like the other two, I couldn’t put it down. The world created is so different from other fantasy novels I’ve read. I love the characters and the story. Beautifully written. I look forward to reading more from E.J.Mellow.

Barrier of entry to be a thief king is disappointingly low. The romance could’ve benefited from more of a back story. Same critique as previous books - overall concept is interesting but nothing was fleshed out well. What should be sacred was not executed well and all problems were solved without consequences.

I had no idea this was part of a series when I picked it up (thanks to NetGalley for early access), but it’s so wonderfully written that one can still enjoy the story without the previous books. Although now I need to go back and read them! Throughout this story, you are left on the edge of your seat as you read, wondering if the two main characters, who are clearly in love, will find their way back to one another as they sort out their paths in life. Arabessa, the perfectionist who is constantly caring for her sisters and father, struggles to choose things for herself. When she’s faced with the opportunity to claim something for herself, which comes at a great cost, will she take it? And what does it mean for those she loves? Zimri, right hand to the King (Arabessa’s father) and great love of Arabessa, struggles to find a way to reclaim his family’s legacy, but the only viable way he sees means losing the one he loves; what can he do? Especially when Arabessa always keeps him at arm’s length because of duty? Such a good read! Pick it up and read it - you won’t regret it! My only critique is that I wish there were more romance scenes, but that’s a personal preference.

The Mousai series is really a favorite series. Alas, this one is now over, you know this feeling of no, this is the end, I want more, here, this is exactly what I felt. I really hooked up with the different characters in this series.
Each book follows the story of the three sisters and it must be said that the author’s pen makes the books devour themselves very easily. And I know what I’m talking about, being French, it’s not always easy to read a book in English quickly enough, but that’s not the case for this series.

"Arabessa, you are the most interesting creature I have ever met and the most contrary. It is very nice to see you smile, but know that you are really outraged. Or seeing you stick to an expression of indifference when nothing but the sweetest smell of joy rises from you. You see, he leaned forward conspiring, "you may not share your thoughts, but you certainly feel that way, and loudly."
I enjoyed seeing the three sisters together again during this work, the intrigues were well conducted, the romance was present, but did not take precedence over the story.

"You must have control," he said, "Arabessa. It is not you at those moments." These are not your feelings, these are not your desires. These are the desires of your people. These are the feelings of your kingdom. You have to make personal sacrifices every day. Every grain falls and you wear a crown.

Zimri’s endless love, choices, sacrifices of hope all intertwined in a well-crafted story that demand more.

"These are Bassettes, and the Bassettes have an inner greatness, even without the gifts of the lost gods".

Zimri watched Niya and Larkyra slide from their seats to their father. They wrapped themselves around his great form. Dolion held them in return, not trying to erase the tears that flowed down his cheek.

Here is an end as I expected. A real good time a work more than perfect .

I am forever grateful, with all of my heart, to Netgalley and Montlake publisher this eARC ♥️
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This book wrecked my heart, put all the pieces together, only to shatter it again. But thankfully the ending gave me remedy. I'm going to go straight to my review cause I have a lot to say!

My thoughts/review:
- I am very interested in zimri's magic where he can sense and smell emotions which is a very novel aspect in magical elements, and I applaud the author for thinking this.
- The pacing is super fast, packed and fitted with perfect choices of words that clearly described the plot, emotions, actions, etc..
- I absoluteltly adore the revealation of secrets upon secrets, and how no one can actually tell the whole truth without consequences. It makes the angst more intense.
- Love how each character has their own agenda/mission/goals to reach despite thinking and loving each other. How they became selfless for each other, sacrifices everything for the sake of seeing the ones you love flourish despite not having them. It was pure torment!
- I also love how they actually not dropping their chance to grow as a person just for the sake of 'love' but instead, flourish as a better-self.
- The dual povs between zimri and arabessa is very clear. I can detect easily which character is which by the tone set in the povs. Readers can know more about each person and build up empathy towards them. Instead of judging, I could placed see myself trying to be in their shoes and understand the choices they made.
- There is more at stake in this third installment and again, this book isnt centered on 'love', but more towards choices, responsibilities and chasing your goals.
- Definitely love how the author played with senses (hear, sound, smell feelings) instead of just giving us plain emotions, the writer creates novelty in these magical story. Lyrical, vibrant and imaginative writings makes me want to devour the book in one sitting, and i did!
- Both main characters went through so much, especially Arabessa. The things she had to do, needed to do, the sacrifices she made just so she could hold responsibilities, it left a terrible wound. Between needs and wants, both struggles to meet their ends as they stuck with shouldering responsibility. So, either they choose or lose it altogether.
- Despite the dilemma and distress, I feel both needed the growth to be the best version of themselves, and this book delivers exactly that.
- Did this book has pain? Capital YES. Full of pain. Oh how my heart aches for both of them. So close yet so far. I need more tissues if I were to reread this book. However, I would love to see more on the trials she had to face. Maybe if it were prolonged or focuses more on that path i would totally gibe this book a solid 5 star.
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'If there was a way to still convince you to say yes, I would hunt it down'
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'If there was a way I could agree, I would hunt it down'
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The angst!
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'i would suffer the fate of my own mind than from the decisions of another'
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- And lastly i want to mention that kattiva is such a sweet person! She's like an intake of fresh air when you have been breathing smoke. I felt the genuine platonic friendship between her and zimri. Its nice to see zimri has got another friend besides the Bassettes. Overall, 4.5⭐ from me.

At this point it comes as no surprise that I love Mellow's writing. I haven’t been able to find anyone who can pull me in the way she does. I swear I could lose myself in her grocery list.

I am so so so happy that I was able to get the 3rd book in this series. I happened upon E.J. Mellow by chance through an author event, and I feel like I needed this series so much. I have loved the Mousai women and thoroughly enjoyed watching their development through the series. They feel like they could be your friends/sisters they are so well developed and lifelike. The world-building and descriptions are very vivid and make you feel like you are there right along with them. I must say I am sad that I won't get to continue to walk in their world but I will be doing a reread of the whole series again soon.

I do not want to give any spoilers, so I am trying to be vague for those who have not picked up the series yet. To convey how much I loved this series I have purchased the ebook and physical book for myself and gifted the first 2 in the series to 3 other people who also enjoyed them.

Thank you, E.J. Mellow and NetGalley for letting me get an ARC so I would not have to suffer and wait for the release in February 2023.

A fantastic ending to a bloody brilliant series. Very gripping from the start, and I loved how it was all wrapped up. Can’t recommend this enough!

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.