Song of the Forever Rains

Mellow (The Animal Under the Fur) opens her Mousai series with an underwhelming romantic fantasy. Within the country of Aadilor there are whispers of a hidden city full of magic and sin called the Thief Kingdom. The powerful Thief King rules this realm with the help of his daughters, the Mousai, a trio of fearsome sorceresses. The youngest of the Mousai is 19-year-old Larkyra Bassette, whose magic manifests through song and whose voice has the power to heal and destroy. When the corrupt Duke of Lachlan falls under suspicion of smuggling poison out of the Thief Kingdom, Larkyra jumps at the opportunity to investigate as her first solo mission. She poses as a prospective bride for the duke—but her subterfuge unravels when she falls for Lord Darius Mekenna, Lachlan’s heir. In order to save Lachlan’s people from his abuse, the pair must overcome their personal demons and learn to trust each other. Mellow’s exciting premise is hampered by the protagonists’ lukewarm chemistry and the odd, halting pacing of their growing feelings. Fantasy fans will also be disappointed by the lack of worldbuilding, which leaves many questions about the Thief Kingdom unanswered. Only die-hard Mellow fans should check this one out. [em]Agent: Aimee Ashcraft, Brower Literary. (June) [/em]