The Melody of Three

by S.D. Reeves

Sorcerer Christaan De Rein's return to Liverpool does not go well, starting with the fact that his trusted apprentice, Higgins, dies on the way. Then again, Higgins dies a lot. Of course, Rein doesn't expect to be welcomed with open arms after being banished for nine years, but a cryptic summons from The Musician herself cannot go unanswered.

But when Rein arrives all is in chaos. People with fairy blood are turning up dead. The Forum Magicae is undone and the Curators sieged.

And in another world altogether, where Earth is just a legend, a girl named Niena and a cursed lyre hold the key to saving both realms. Or destroying them.

Genres: Fantasy

334 pages, Paperback

Published December 2, 2019

About the author

Stephen Reeves was born in 1980 in Huntsville, Alabama. He currently resides in Switzerland with an undetermined number of cats greater than zero, and a propensity for nonsense. On those cold nights where the wind steams off snowbanks, he is known to write award-winning fantasy novels. And curse his wife's cold feet.

Reviews

[Stjepan Cobets · Rating 4 out of 5]

My rating 4.1

The beginning of the steampunk fantasy trilogy "The Melody of Three (Ever Charm Trilogy # 1)" by S.D. Reeves is a solid novel with an interesting story and worlds through which the story runs. In the book, I like the worlds of steampunk and fantasy that are connected throughout the story. The story itself is a bit slower at first and it took me a long time to connect with the characters, but as I read further it got better and better. The characterization of the characters is very good, but at the very beginning of the book, I had to concentrate extremely because the story follows several events at the same time. One thing is for sure, you can expect various upheavals and surprises in the book. Now a little about the story: Sorcerer Christaan De Rein's returns to Liverpool after nine years of exile, but right at the beginning of his return his spirit assistant Higgins dies. This is not a problem because he dies often. Christiaan will soon find himself in problems he could not even dream of, and his life and the lives of everyone around him will hang on a thin thread. Betrayal, intrigue, and the struggle for control of the connected worlds are in full swing, and Christaan will find himself at the very center of a war of good and evil. One thing is for sure he will have to use all his magical knowledge to save his life. I would recommend the book to fans of steampunk, fantasy, and imaginative adventures and action.

[Gary Stringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free ePub copy of "The Melody of Three" by S.D.Reeves in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the first book of the Evercharm trilogy, which contains some fascinating worldbuilding, and a plot that centres around the Evercharm - an instrument capable of making and unmaking worlds. The concept is original, using a mix of high fantasy and urban fantasy in an alternative Earth. The characters are well-drawn and distinctive.

The prose style felt a little odd, for me. I'm not against present tense when it serves a purpose, but if there was such a purpose, I'm afraid it escaped me. Anyone who enjoys long, complex descriptions in intricate detail will find much to enjoy, here. Sadly, I prefer a story that gives only the broad brushstrokes and moves on at a pace. I'm also not a fan of poetry, which plays a signifcant role, here.

I persevered with this book and I'm glad I did, as I felt it started to move better in the later chapters, and there was certainly much to admire here. The universe it occupies is original and the story multi-layered, if a little difficult to follow at times.

In general, although my instinct is telling me to give this 3 stars, I am aware that most of my difficulties with this book are purely a matter of personal taste, so a more objective rating would be 4 stars. Therefore, I propose to split the difference and give ★★★½

A good read, just not quite my thing.

[Alex Canna · Rating 4 out of 5]

SD Reeves has a wonderful gift for metaphor with which he immerses us in a magical take on olden-day Liverpool’s seamy side. Reading ‘The Melody of Three’ is like being in a complex escape dream, where you don’t know where you’re going or why, you just have to get away from one bad thing after another but you don’t really want to wake up either because the journey is just too absorbing.
Unfortunately, after a while I was exhausted from the sheer overwhelming richness of the experience, but still hadn’t figured out what was actually going on.
In the end, this book has all the ingredients of something great, but is just too demanding of the reader (speaking for myself here). With more signposting, less present-tense intensity and abstract description, and a more visible plotline, it would work a storm though.
Difficult one to score, but I'm giving it 4 stars because I really enjoyed it until it wore me out.

[Katie P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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I accepted this book review request in May and have just now gotten to it due to blog tour commitments (or over commitments), a promotion at work, and some other life things that have gotten in the way. I shouldn't have waited so long, but also I was 'sleeping' on this one! What a fantastic beginning to a trilogy! I love the mashup of magic and clockwork which created a vivid steampunk world!

Christiaan is such a witty and wry character, something I absolutely enjoy in fiction. His assistant, Higgins is a delectable character as well! I found that all of the characters, main or side, were well developed and thoroughly fleshed out. I didn't have to suspend belief to believe that they were indeed real and were indeed a bit loony. This book is jam packed with magic, fantasy elements, and a ton of steampunk! I've read a few works of clockwork literature, but this one is smashing. Some works only grasp at what a clockwork novel could be, but this fully explores it!

I agree with other reviewers, it takes the author about 1/4 of the book to really hit their stride with the narrative. I didn't mind this at all actually, because the overall plot and story development was so well done! I am very glad that this is the first book in a trilogy from S. D. Reeves because I need the next book as soon as possible. I picked up on the influences from classical and more modern fantasy authors and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment I spent with this book.

Thank you to author S. D. Reeves for sending a review request to me! I fully appreciate your work and am so glad you gave my blog the opportunity to read such a great work! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[June Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great fantasy/steampunk outing with complex world building and intriguing characters. The author does not spell everything out directly, so its up to the reader to tease out the complexities of the three worlds that the characters navigate - this is a plus, as it adds to the air of mystery. The characters are three dimensional - each of the main protoganists have their flaws (Christiaan and Sethlan in particular) and I loved the take on Tatiana and Oberon. The other aspect of the book I particularly liked was the humour - generally very dry and very clever - and the references to literature, such as the gothic novels of Radcliffe. The only stumbing block for me was that at times it was hard to follow the action - for example, in the early chapters when Christiaan (Inspector Rein) finds the dead artisans, I just couldn't 'see' this. Similarly, in the early chapters I was confused as to where the elves (Sethlan and his brother) were and what they were doing. Overall however an intriguing read and I look forward to the second book.

[Loralee · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Melody of Three was a well woven mix of steampunk and fantasy. I appreciate the author’s ability to plot the story, and weave all the characters at last together. At the beginning, it took me some effort to get into the story. The author does a great job in describing details, but sometimes that makes the story tunnel visioned. I could see much of what was going on, but the why, the bigger picture look a longer time coming than I would have preferred. Having said that though, the story is extremely enjoyable, frightening, exciting, funny, etc. I do have to say that I had a hard time liking the characters. I really did like Higgins, though. He was my favorite character.

I think people who enjoy steampunk, fantasy, mystery, and/or a combination of the three, would enjoy this story.

[Darrell Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melody of Three has a lot to like.
This is the second S. D. Reeves' books I've read and he certainly has a gift for making realistic feeling characters in surrealist settings. The descriptions were vivid and detailed but not overdone. The thing that stood out in this one was the dark atmosphere of the book which added to the steampunk feel. That dark atmosphere really added to the sense of peril as Sorcerer Christaan De Rein has to deal with the twists and turns while teasing out the secrets of the three worlds.
Overall a very solid steampunk/fantasy/action read.

[Dorothy Mbori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read

This was a challenging book for me. I struggled with it in the beginning, but the story picked up in the later chapters. I found it hard to follow what was going on and had to go back a few times to reacquaint myself with the story. I enjoyed the descriptions in the book. It helped me visualize the story. The book was interesting and had some entertaining parts but I couldn't find a character that I could connect with. The writing style was different than what I am used to. It read more like poetry. Though not my preferred style of writing for the books I read, I'm sure people who like that style of writing would enjoy it immensely. I would recommend for people who enjoy a mix fantasy and mystery in their stories.

[I.M. Redwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book covers can change your mood when you start reading a book, and this one surely does, a nice depiction of what is about to come in this story: fantasy and mysticism.

The worldbuilding in this book can only be described as excellent: it is vast, interesting, clear and carefully considered; together it makes you want to know more about Fairhome. Mixing Earth with a fantasy world gets tricky sometimes, but the author did a great job to pull this all together.

When it comes to the set of characters this book is not disappointing either, as well as the dialogues, which were fresh and flowed well.

Surely a powerful first installment for a a promising series.

[Angela Panayotopulos · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a charming, whimsical cover! It reminded me of old-timey covers of fantasy classics, the sort of precious fantastical illustrations you don't often come across in newer literature. The prose of the narrative seems to mimic this, to an extent. While whimsical and almost lyrical at times, it's a bit overwrought with descriptions and convoluted -- sometimes, almost prosaic -- sentences, which weigh down the story and slow the pace. But the visualizations are there and help illustrate the fascinating world Reeves builds, and the details certainly make the settings more atmospheric and evocative. I enjoyed the italicized internal monologue of the characters, which often added humor and a more conversational flair to the text. Sometimes these characters also spoke aloud to themselves, though, which felt redundant.



The storyline is sound, the dialogues are well-crafted and plausible, and the fusing of the real-world settings (e.g. Liverpool) and the fantastical is thoughtfully done. The choice of using present tense throughout the majority of the novel surprised me, as it's a technique typically used for shorter works of fiction, and I wonder what the story gained from this -- it's too long a tale for the present tense to really instill a sense of urgency or tension, and we don't need everything to be broadcasted as "it's happening NOW" -- and am curious how differently everything would read (and if it would indeed make for a smoother read) in the more commonly used past tense.



As a side note, I really loved this sweet description of an otherworldly library: "A great dome supported by two immense trees, one silver, one gold, sprout. Where their foliage should be, there are instead books upon branches laid out as shelves. And as many of those as there might be knots in the wood, or dreams of children." Somebody should seriously construct this! :)



3.5 stars, rounded to 4.

[Billy Buttons · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Melody of Three (Evercharm Trilogy, Book 1),
Author: S D Reeves

Star Rating: 3.5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 7/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 7/10
Cover: 6/10
Of the 16 readers:
11 would read another book by this author.
7 thought the cover was good or excellent.
8 felt it was easy to follow.
11 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 10 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers,6 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
10 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
11 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers’ Comments
‘This is an exciting, fun fantasy story. I liked how the author described the setting. I also like the characters. De Rein is the best. But there is so much going on, it’s hard to stay on top of everything. I got rather confused in parts. Also, I don’t think everything was concluded. Finally, I think the cover lacks a strong, central image.’ Female reader, aged 15
‘There are many excellent parts to this story. The author puts in a little humour here and there and there are a lot of twists to the plot. The only problem is the author is trying to do too much in too few words. In a way, this story could have been told over two or three books. I just felt it was an information overload and very difficult to keep on top of who was who and so many sub-plots. If you like complex fantasy adventure, thoughtfully written, this is for you. If you like things simple, it’s probably not.’ Male reader, aged 16
‘This is a fab start to a trilogy. It took me a bit of time to get into it but, after approx. 1/3, I loved it! Exciting plot, lots of magical fantasy, and cleverly constructed characters. Higgins is by far the most fascinating. Develop that character more! There’s a lot up in the air at the end of this book. The author has a big job on to bring it all together.’ Female reader, aged 17

To Sum It Up:
‘A cleverly plotted fantasy adventure, thoughtfully written.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards

[Gordon Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

The element that stands out the most as you begin reading this book is the poetic nature of the writing. Description predominates, both of visuals and of actions, a micro-delineation of the smallest of details. Sometimes to a fault, especially when the author does not back away and show us the bigger picture, either of the action or the setting.

So reading the first half of this book is like viewing the world through a tunnel. Places, people, actions and motivation are all described in intense detail, but never do we stand back far enough to know where we are, where we are going, or why. The result is a mosaic of strong sights, feelings, and actions with no connection to each other. When you come to the surface of meaning, it could be the present, or a flashback, or both happening at once.

In reading on, we must assume that at some point this gestalt is all going to come into focus and the whole will be greater than the sum of its parts.

Finally, about halfway through the book, the author stops playing word games and lets the story take over. From that point on the action increases in speed and clarity, the characters develop and the conflicts twist and intersect in a satisfying dance.

Another point of stylistic interest is the variety in tone, depending on the characters. Inspector Rein and his assistant maintain a droll half-serious humour typical of Steampunk. The elves and fey are more Epic Fantasy in style. When these characters intersect, the author opts for a grittier realism. One complaint; since the concept of “melody” is important to the story, I wish the poetry paid more attention to melodious rhythms. It tends to be a bit prosaic and choppy.

All of this combines to create a fascinating universe for the captivating characters and the threads of plotline that wander through it.

An entertaining read if you don’t mind wading through the frills.

[Andrew Gracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Melody of Three by S.D. Reeves is a dark fantasy following the story of Inspector Rein and others as they traverse a twisted dystopia of Liverpool, a place filled with ghouls and monsters. It is the first of the Evercharm series. For the most part the plot is engaging and the characters are interesting, but my enjoyment was hindered by the writing style, which is a little too convoluted.

Reeves does an outstanding job with atmosphere. That introduction to Liverpool with its dark alleyways and fetid streets is sublime. As we go on we are treated to some more fantastic descriptions, but it is a shame it takes so long to get there. There is so much detail cramped into each paragraph that it holds up the plot and makes things rather slow-going and difficult to follow. I found myself scanning the upcoming pages to see when things would get going again. I also feel that the early part is lacking a bit of context: names and events are mentioned without much explanation, making things a little confusing.

I really enjoyed the action scenes as Inspector Reins has to fight off numerous monsters or work his way out of dangerous situations. They are heart-thumping in all the right ways. I also enjoyed the use of metaphor throughout, although some worked better than others (I particularly like one at the docks, ‘Recoats spill from their bellies like blood from a gaping wound’).

The book is excellent on a whole but I think the author tries too hard to make us see his vision, rather than letting us construct the ideas ourselves. A lot of it is not needed: we are already there and on the same page. Saying that, I can hardly preach as I am guilty of exactly the same thing in my writing.

[Katie Blythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I was contacted by the author to receive a free copy of the book for an honest review*

3 1/2*

For the most part their are a lot of things that I liked about this book, but their are a lot of things that I did not like also. I very much enjoyed the characters and I enjoyed their banters back-and-forth. It felt fun and whimsical at times and it was very well done. However I did not enjoy the action scenes. There were a lot of grand scale action moments to depict a wild adventure or moments to try to act suspenseful but I just didn’t enjoy them. I’m not sure if it was the writing style or if it was just my depictions of it, but I had a hard time imagining them. They would go on for quite a while and I’d start to lose focus or not understand what was going on, but I’d continue reading just to see if I’d end up liking it. Unfortunately I didn’t, except for a rare few one on one fights that occurred. Once the characters go to where they needed to be, or once they stopped for a while then I’d start to get back into the story and enjoy it again. If it would have only happened once, I obviously would have just moved on but it seemed to be consistent each and every time. I had felt weird that it happened and looked at other reviews and it seems that I wasn’t the only one who had that way of thinking. I think it was probably just trying a bit too hard to be whimsical, or was doing too much and things weren’t unfortunately explained as well as they could have been. Overall I did enjoy this. I’m not sure if it is for everyone but I would recommend reading a bit of it and seeing if you like it.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Review

The author does an amazing job of creating a vast, complex, and engaging mythology that fans of the fantasy genre will absolutely love. The established world in this novel pairs greatly with the characters that bring humor, engagement, and heart to the story overall.

The author’s greatest strength lies within the atmosphere and setting of the narrative, with each chapter eloquently painting a picture of each location of the narrative. From the busy streets and gloom of Liverpool to the reality-bending realm of Fairhome, the author really does an excellent job of putting readers into the worlds of this magical novel. The only critic would be that so much emphasis is made on setting and description that sometimes the novel is slow-paced, but the powerful narrative helps to balance this out overall.

The Verdict

A lengthy, powerful narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seat as they dive headfirst into this brand new narrative, author S.D. Reeves novel “The Melody of Three”, the first in the Evercharm Trilogy, is a must-read dark fantasy novel that perfectly sets up a brand new series. An open-ended final chapter leaves readers wanting more, perfectly setting up this ever-growing narrative. Be sure to grab your copy today!

[S.D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Melody of Three starts off with a bang. Inspector/Sorcerer Christaan De Rein is engaged in a murder investigation. People of magic are dying. Tragically his trusted helper dies as well but Rein isn't too concerned. It's not the first time his assistant has died. Nor will it be the last. This opening scene hooked me—melding mystery, fantasy, and magic.

Temporarily without his "Watson," Rein must forge on by himself and as a result, much of what follows in the first half of the book is descriptive. While these descriptions are wonderfully crafted, they somewhat get in the way of the actual story. I kept reading because I was impressed with the author's unique use of language. For me, a little less description, a little more dialogue in the first half of the story would have gone a long way.

In the second half of the story, the reader finally learns what is at stake if Rein fails. At this point, I was hooked for a second time. Everything grew more exciting. More dangerous. More urgent. And I couldn't put the book down. I came away a satisfied reader who will pick up another book by this author.

[Ben McQueeney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished the "The Melody of Three" by S.D.Reeves the overwhelming feeling I get from this book is one of High Fantasy with a generous splash of Steampunk. I don’t usually get on that well with steampunk but on this occasion, I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. I think I’ll check to see how much a pair of those steampunk goggles would cost me.

Anyway, the world the author has created is very good. The descriptions and the way most scenes are incredibly vivid appeals to me massively as a reader. Little extra bits that add to the dialogue and the inner thoughts of the characters I especially appreciated. “The Fairhome is not only a place but a state of mind.” Sticks out.

I also loved the banter between Christiaan and Higgins. However, all the characters seemed natural and engaging.

The latter half of the book becomes quicker paced and keeps you turning the pages. This is a book I would recommend for any fantasy fan.

[Country Mama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a great fantasy series y'all! This is a fantastic new series to me. The author really knows how to pull a reader into the books so they can read about fantasy.
This is the second book in the Evercharm series and is what is known as a steampunk adventure/fantasy book. That was intriguing to me as a reader. I haven't read too many steampunk books and am always looking for some great novels in that genre. The worldbuilding is on par with some of the greatest fantasy writers. The Evercharm is an instrument that makes and can unmake or destroy worlds, which was also appealing for readers.
If you also love poetry, like myself, you will love this book as poetry is a lovely change to add into a story. That cover is also clever and very enticing for the readers, I loved it!
There are so many characters in this book. Christiaan is a great character and I love his sidekick Higgins. I will say as a reader you need to read about a quarter of this book before you see much happening overall. But keep reading it is definitely worth the read y'all!

[Prashanti Talluri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Profound fantasy book full of eclectic prose
Culsan and Sethlan, the Elves from planet Verdu, surrounded by the Elfsea, are after the Evercharm, a tool of the Gods. Using a stormy whirl of a portal as means of transportation between worlds, they kill Fairy-bloods working on part of a fairy tale, weaving their magic for a bigger purpose.
Leon, the writer with his novel, a sculptor and the singer are the first to be sacrificed. Their end goal is the hunt for a Fairy lord and a girl named Niena, who plays the Evercharm. But Elvs cannot stay for long in Hearth inside Fairhome, where she resides. Fairhome, ruled by the Curatorium is the remnant of the origin before the split into two worlds.

Inspector Rein belongs to the Princeps Inspectorum, an age-old guild, commanded by the Custodians and Curators. He returns to Liverpool after a nine year-long exile along with his undead assistant, Higgins, who has to be brought back to life repeatedly. He must face unknown, ghoulish enemies and slippery dimensions in a race against time.
Though this book was abstruse at first, I savoured every page once I acclimatized to it.

[Michael Dane · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, this was the first novel I have read that is in present tense. At first, it was a little unusual to read, but as the story progressed, I found I actually liked it as it added a different element to story telling.

The story is filled with action from the get go. Rein, a sorcerer, returns to Liverpool to discover it has fallen into chaos. Along with his constantly-dying apprentice (I liked this!), Higgins, set about to restore peace.

Though this is a long story, it will keep you interested throughout it all. The use of plot twists are well thought out and have a good impact on the story.

If you are looking for a new fantasy novel with a unique spin on the genre, I recommend reading The Melody of Three.

[Augusta Broers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Melody of Three is set in a fantasy world where fairytales are alive. Nienia, Oberon’s fairy granddaughter possesses the unique gift of playing the Evercharm – an enchanted instrument that can shape the very fabric of the worlds to her will. So, it’s no wonder that Elves and humans alike are engaged in a race to find the supposedly lost instrument. Niena’s story is featured in Curses of Scale from the same author – so, I’d recommend starting there to get a better grasp of the story.
When Inspector Rein and his apprentice Higgings are called back to Liverpool by the Curatorium – the Artisans who watch over the Construct that powers their magic – he is led into a trap that wiped out the Curators and almost costs him his life. That event, and his ability to hear the magical Chords prompt him to conduct his own investigation. Soon, he realizes that he is not only a hunter but prey as well. If he wants to save the world from Elves’ dominion, he must remain careful, as the line between ally and enemy further blurs with each step.
The story is imaginative, and the world-building is interesting – that would be a premise for a wonderful read. However – and it is where personal preferences are showing – I couldn’t quite immerse myself into the story, distracted as I was by the frequent flowery descriptions and interjected thoughts. I prefer more straightforward storytelling.
I can imagine that the author’s talent for wording and evoking images is appealing to most, though, it’s why I think this book earned a solid 4 stars.

[alejandra ivanez · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars really
I thought I was going to enjoy this book more to be quite honest. It does have a fast pace, which I like, but the whole story felt a bit choppy to me in the sense that the story felt like it was in pieces. I felt like I was jumping back and forth a lot and somehow missed things - which is my fault, not the story or authors fault.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing epic fantasy that takes you on an unforgettable adventure filled with magic and mystery. I really enjoyed the unique concept. It was different and exciting.

[Deepi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book "The Melody of Three" by S.D.Reeves is a first book in the Evercharm Trilogy. It is a Fantasy book where two elves were after the Evercharm-the instrument by which worlds can be made Or unmade- which can be played by Niena who is a granddaughter of Oberon, a Lord of the Fairies. Inspector Rein who return to Liverpool after 9 years tries to safeguard Niena and the Evercharm along with his apprentice Higgins.

I love the whole concept of the book which is different from any other books. The first few chapters were dry and loaded with lots of descriptions which I don't like and it drains the interest of reading further. That doesn't mean I don't like descriptions but there were a lot and I felt like it affected the story. The character Rein's thoughts were irritating as many chapters move on with only he talking to himself.

The story was alternating between Inspector Rein, Elves and Niena. Niena's side of the story was interesting than Rein's part which I liked. The world-building was good and like I said before it was different. I don't feel connected to any of the characters. Last few chapters were interesting and reveal many secrets. The climax was smooth and I liked it but it was not a cliffhanger as I expected it to be. Overall, it is an okish read.

[S. Jeyran Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

The melody of three is an urban fantasy story about a sorcerer called De Rein. He travels back to Liverpool after an absence of 9 years only to find things worse than when he left. Rein has an apprentice, Higgins, who dies a lot. The Musician has summoned Rein back, and things are a bit chaotic when he arrives. As Rein tries to get his head around things, there is more chaos happening in another realm.


The story was action-packed, filled with fantasy and contemporary style paranormal storytelling. The descriptive nature of the literature added to the imaginative style of the plot and made it a fascinating read.



The book is the first of a trilogy where the storyline expands in this tale. It had me wonder how the sequels were going to carry on as there were many sideline stories where the author could have taken it further.

[Stephanie Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Inspector Rein returns to Liverpool after being banished for nearly a decade, the worlds are in chaos. Fairies are dying. Ghouls are running rampant. It's up to Rein and his assistant Higgins (who has a habit of dying) to fix the mess that has been made. Meanwhile, Niena discovers a missing lyre that could be the key to salvation.

Action-packed and full of gorgeous imagery, The Melody of Three is a complex story that sets the stage for the Evercharm trilogy. Both intense and slightly terrifying at times, this is a fascinating, multi-layered story with loads of twists and turns and intriguing characters that beg to be written about further. The mystical settings and magical antics create a truly unique world in which the actions of these multi-faceted characters take place.

This is an engaging novel that is sure to intrigue fans of fantasy.

[S.D. Reeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a note. While I appreciate folks' opinions, and typically do not respond to reviews (good or bad), I think it is silly to tag authors with a one star simply because they are loosely-associated with someone else whom they have a disagreement with. In my case, I don't know the situation. I don't read every post by folks on twitter, as I have thousands and thousands of followers and people whom I follow. There is no way I can research every person, all their posts and what not, for all things that someone may find offensive. And even then that is something between that person, and the author.

I suppose it is moot. The only thing I ask is to please reconsider reviewing a book you have not read. Rather, judge it on its merits.

[B.J. Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE MELODY OF THREE is a "steampunk" story with fantastical elements, at least that's what I'm calling it. Sincerely speaking, I needed to go through many chapters before I became engrossed in the characters and storyline of the narrative. Although I'm not a fan of Terry Pratchett, I did notice a Terry Pratchett aura, which would appeal to them. Still, THE MELODY OF THREE was a good book all around. S.D. Reeves, the author, has a natural gift for world-building and providing intricate descriptions. Sorcerer Christaan De Rein, the protagonist, is a fascinating character who I'm sure would appeal to fantasy readers.

There are narrative problems in THE MELODY OF THREE, but if you examine it too carefully, you can find faults in any work. However, none of these shortcomings detracted from how much I enjoyed reading the book.

Overall, THE MELODY OF THREE is an imaginative fantasy tale that will appeal to a wide spectrum of readers. ╌★★★★✰