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em_no_el30's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
cozy_gambit's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cpritchard's review against another edition
4.0
I love this series and was excited to receive an ARC of this book. I read the first two books over a year ago but was quickly able to follow along in book 3 without rereading the series. I enjoyed the Thief Kingdom world building and diving more into the thief king character’s. One thing that bothers me however is the love scene’s in this book. With all of the debauchery implied in this book, you would expect the love scenes to be more reflective and spicy. Honestly, that’s my only negative feedback for the book and the series. I’m not sure if this book concludes the series but I would certainly read another if it comes out.
julblackley's review against another edition
5.0
I love this series and this was a wonderful conclusion! It might be because I'm the oldest sibling, but I felt so much more connected to Arabessa and her story vs. the other sisters and their stories. I love the Thief Kingdom, I could read three more books set in this world. I highly recommend this book and series, now it's time for a reread!
bookaholic_abby's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book so much! E.J. Mellow really killed it with each of the 3 books in this series. The sisters all had their own quirks, struggles, and experiences that set them apart from each other and read like they had their own voices instead of feeling like more of the same thing.
This book in particular was so angsty I loved it! The struggles that Arabessa had to go through in her personal life and relationship with the MMC was the exact vibe that I wanted. I did get frustrated with her indecision at the beginning of the book but then circumstances changed that backed her hesitation and added foundation to the decisions she was making so that was forgivable.
Overall a really great read.
This book in particular was so angsty I loved it! The struggles that Arabessa had to go through in her personal life and relationship with the MMC was the exact vibe that I wanted. I did get frustrated with her indecision at the beginning of the book but then circumstances changed that backed her hesitation and added foundation to the decisions she was making so that was forgivable.
Overall a really great read.
jonkerkat's review against another edition
5.0
Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
5/5 stars
This book was one of my top anticipated reads for next year so I was thrilled to get an arc!! This book did not disappoint!! Arabessa and Zimri are childhood friends to lovers. I have loved to see their relationship develop in the other books and am so glad we finally got their story!! This story was a standalone but features characters from the first two books.
One of the authors best qualities is her world building. The Thief Kingdom is written so well and sounds absolutely decadent. I would love to visit it! I love how the Thief Kingdom embraced pain and pleasure.
Arabessa is a very well rounded main character. She embraces her insecurities and isn’t afraid to face her fears. I loved seeing her figure out what she wanted on her own. She was so tied to the Mousai in the other books it was nice to see her break away. I also really appreciated how refreshing it was that she voiced her fears and insecurities rather than hiding them away.
Zimri is a character that has always been in the background of the other books. I absolutely loved getting inside his head and seeing more of his magic!! I also love how understanding he was. He fought for what he wanted but understood those wants can change.
Overall this book was a top read for me this year!! The world and magic building were amazing and so detailed. I loved going on Arabessa’a journey and watching love triumph. My only complaint is that there isn’t more. I want more of the thief kingdom and more of Zimri and Arabessa (as well as the sisters!).
bibliobetty's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A fantastic conclusion to the Mousai trilogy. I genuinely enjoyed this third book and am not sure if I prefer this one or the second more. I really liked that while the setting and family ran through all three books, the vibes of the books themselves were all different. This one focused a lot more on micro dynamics and internal battles (as compared to the more mysterious 1st book and the more adventurous 3rd book). Definitely worth a read and I'll be keeping an eye out for the rest of the author's future catalogue!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Blood
Moderate: Self harm and Violence
Minor: Death of parent and Torture
nicoleproud's review against another edition
5.0
4.5
The final installment of this series follows the eldest daughter, Arabessa, the composer of the Mousai.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her story. I didn’t really like her in the short time she appeared in the other books but man oh man did her story surprise me! We get to see beneath her hard exterior to the selfless woman underneath. I felt really connected to her throughout this book: being the eldest and feeling like you have no choice but to do what’s best for your family. But her journey of breaking away from that and doing what SHE wanted, was really beautiful. I also reallllllly loved the dynamic between the sisters and father throughout this entire series as well. There is a lot of love between them all and we don’t see that a lot in fantasy series.
I also really like how we got to spend more time in the Thief Kingdom and learn more about the magic and how it’s somewhat of a sentient being in this realm. I said this in my first review but this series gives Dark Wonderland vibes and I love it!
This book also follows Zimri, Arabessa’s love interest and childhood friend. It was nice getting to know more about him but honestly I didn’t care much about his story. I was so invested in Arabessa that I just wanted to hurry and finish his chapters
The final installment of this series follows the eldest daughter, Arabessa, the composer of the Mousai.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from her story. I didn’t really like her in the short time she appeared in the other books but man oh man did her story surprise me! We get to see beneath her hard exterior to the selfless woman underneath. I felt really connected to her throughout this book: being the eldest and feeling like you have no choice but to do what’s best for your family. But her journey of breaking away from that and doing what SHE wanted, was really beautiful. I also reallllllly loved the dynamic between the sisters and father throughout this entire series as well. There is a lot of love between them all and we don’t see that a lot in fantasy series.
I also really like how we got to spend more time in the Thief Kingdom and learn more about the magic and how it’s somewhat of a sentient being in this realm. I said this in my first review but this series gives Dark Wonderland vibes and I love it!
This book also follows Zimri, Arabessa’s love interest and childhood friend. It was nice getting to know more about him but honestly I didn’t care much about his story. I was so invested in Arabessa that I just wanted to hurry and finish his chapters