The cast of characters is fantastic, the relationships and dynamics between them not necessarily what you might expect, but still so good. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, unsure of what is going to happen next. The world Mellow creates – the dynamics and the discovery you make as the reader are so wonderfully done. Maybe even a bit Crimson Peak-esque in terms of atmosphere. A little like the feeling The Others with Nicole Kidman elicits.

I didn’t expect to get some gothic, dark vibes from it. I also just had no expectations for what could possible happen in this book. Also, it was gaining a bit of traction on BookTok, and they’ve led me astray before. While I was excited because I’d read some of Mellow’s books before, I was also wary. I had very few expectations going into this book. It felt wholly unique and new and I’m going to be raving about this for a long time. I fell absolutely in love with the world, the atmosphere and the characters. Mellow’s works before – and this blew me away. I had no expectations going in – apart from I’ve read some of E.J. I thoroughly loved this book and I’m anxiously anticipating the next one. I listened to the audiobook via Audible and omfg stop sleeping on this book. Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where lords and ladies can be murderers and thieves, and the most alluring notes are often the deadliest. Larkyra and Darius must learn to trust each other if there is to be any hope of saving the people of Lachlan-and themselves. Soon she suspects Darius has his own motivations for ridding Lachlan of the corrupt duke. But her plans grow complicated when she finds herself drawn to Lord Darius Mekenna, Lachlan’s rightful heir. Eager to prove herself, Larkyra accepts by posing as the duke’s potential bride. 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.

Larkyra Bassette may be the youngest of the Mousai, but when she sings her voice has the power to slay monsters. There, the mysterious Thief King reigns supreme with the help of the Mousai, a trio of revered and feared sorceresses. Many whisper of its existence, but few have found this place, where magic and pleasure abound. The Thief Kingdom is a place hidden within the world of Aadlior. 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.

Song of the forever rains book 2